Questions & Tips










How and when do we pay Tartan Spaces?
We ask that 50% of the project cost is paid up front in order to confirm our crew. The final invoice is sent upon completion of the project and is due upon receipt. We prefer payment by e-transfer, but can accept Mastercard or Visa with a 4% fee (equal to what the bank charges us), cheque or cash.
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How does the process work?
Our process is straightforward and transparent.
We communicate via emails and a phone call to discuss the job parameters, then an onsite visit if required. We provide a detailed statement of work, complete with timing and deliverables that is part of the time and cost estimate.
Once reviewed and approved we move forward.
If the job changes significantly, we will revise the scope and estimate and communicate that as early as possible
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​​​What are move management and transition services?
Move Management is essentially an onsite project manager for your move. From packing to unpacking, sorting and encouraging organization before the move, and complete set -up at your new home, a Move Manager takes care of all the logistics of the day. Managers are responsible for the Move Team, the truck, the timing of loading and unloading, and any assembly required. Transition services is another term that is more specific to moving a senior to a care facility, whether a retirement home with some services, long term care, or secure dementia care. In a transition, there can be specific requirements or restrictions at the new residence: size and type of furniture required, safety and security of other residents, access timing and logistics procedures for admitting a new resident.
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Can you help us sell Grandpa’s treasures?
We are happy to list used furniture on Marketplace for sale as requested. The reality is over 90% furniture, collectables and décor are only worth a very small percentage of what was paid for them.
​What is the best way to prep for a move?
As you begin to pack, take the opportunity to decide if it is time to let some items go.
Some questions to ask:
- When is the last time you used this item?
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Do these clothes still fit?
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Do you even know what is in that box in the basement or storage unit?
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Are you ‘saving’ these items for someone else? Be realistic. Will your kids or grandkids want this used furniture? Has your basement become the hub for extended family storage?
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If you cannot access your items or have no idea what is in the boxes or bins that is filling up you space, you don’t own these items – they own you.
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What are some other moving details I should keep in mind?
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When you have secured your new home location, arrange for your mail to be forwarded. Now. Today. (I recommend forwarding mail for at least 6 months).
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Change your address with your bank and credit cards (usually online or by phone)
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Update Provincial Government ID – Driver’s license, Health Card
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Update address with the CRA, and Government of Canada benefits
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Change your utilities (cancel, forward, sign up with new suppliers perhaps) BEFORE you move.
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Change your address (and possibly coverage) with your auto and home insurance
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Do you have any packing tips?
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Take pictures of your electronics before you take them apart – you may think you will remember which cord goes where but you may not. I often label the connections with green tape (especially if the configuration is changing)
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LABEL EVERYTHING! The more information on a box or bin (about its contents) the better.
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An inventory list (number the boxes and overall contents) is great especially if you have to put items in storage
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Colour coding with sharpies or tape is also great for easy unloading and directing traffic to avoid having to move boxes more than once from room to room.
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Pack a DAY ONE Box. In this box, put the sheets for your beds, your medications, toiletries (soap, tooth brush, shampoo, a few towels), a change of clothes (or just your pjs) and your phone charger or laptop.
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Favourite Items for Seniors with Dementia or Memory Loss...
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Mabel’s Labels Senior Label Pack
Labels for moving a loved one into a residence:
This no-iron option is great for clothes, linen physical items, anything that could
‘go walking’.
Link to Mabel's Labels Senior Pack
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​CD Wall Player
If mom loves her music but struggles to make the CD player work, a CD Wall Player is a great option. It can be affixed to the wall, easy loaded from the front, and easy engaged by pulling the cord.
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Phones/Clocks/Remotes
There are a wide variety of phones, clocks, and tv remotes that are wonderful for seniors with memory or sight challenges.