Packing Tips and Tricks for Moving
Clients in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary & throughout Canada
We have tons of tips to help facilitate your move. Learn more about…
Packing preparation
What to do 2-4 weeks before moving day
What to do 1-2 weeks before moving day
What to do in the last week before your moving day
What to do the day before your move
What to know when you arrive at your new location
Packing Preparation
We want you to have the most efficient packing preparation process possible.
We want you to have the most efficient packing preparation process possible.
Packing takes time. Start early so that there is no last-minute panic when the movers arrive.
Proper moving boxes are recommended but are not required. Any good, strong box that can properly close and be sealed will work fine. Do not use open-top boxes unless absolutely necessary.
Pack one room at a time, if possible. Start with items that you use the least.
Write down a list of everything you are packing. Also, take note of which item is in which box. Do not write what each box contains on its exterior, rather document your goods on a separate paper. The driver will do his own inventory listing on moving day.
Make sure there are no air pockets in the moving boxes. Use soft items, such as linens, dishtowels and even some old clothing to fill the boxes. This is an inexpensive, eco-friendly alternative to paper.
Use bubble wrap or newspaper when packing fragile items. However, newsprint may smudge, so use newspaper selectively. Clean paper can be used in place of newspaper if necessary. Boxes should bear clear instructions if necessary, like ‘fragile’ or ‘this end up’ labels. Do not mark all boxes as ‘fragile,’ as this will make it very hard for the driver to decipher more fragile than less fragile items. Remember, we’ll treat all your belongings with care!
Tape the bottom of the box securely so that it doesn’t give way.
Never fill a box so fully that it becomes unsafe for you to lift. Spread your heaviest items over a few boxes. Balance boxes with lighter items like towels or soft toys. Make sure to pack the lighter items on top. Our crews are strong but they still have backs!
Make sure filing cabinets and dressers are empty. This will make the pieces lighter to move and reduce the chance of damage to the inside of the pieces.
Do not pack unnecessary liquids! Pack all liquids in one or two boxes and label them clearly as “fluids” and “this end up” to avoid spillage. Don’t forget to line the box with a plastic bag and ensure that all caps are tightly fastened to avoid leaks. Close up the bag and secure bottles upright with rags or old towels. It will be less expensive to buy new cleaners at the new home than to buy new furniture if the liquids spill.
Whenever possible, pack boxes at waist level to avoid back strain.
Always put lampshades in boxes. Remove light bulbs from all lamps.
2-4 Weeks before Moving Day
At this point, we encourage you to decide what you are going to take to your new home. Go through your storage areas and get rid of unnecessary items. A great way to downsize is to find a local charity, women’s shelter or Salvation Army location. Don’t be wasteful at this point, be giving.
Pack your items from least to most important.
Make sure to leave hand tools and cleaning supplies as the last items you pack.
Remove the propane tank and charcoal from barbecue.
Drain fuel and oil from all motorized tools and leave the fuel cap off until moving day.
Remove curtains and blinds that will be moved.
Have grandfather clocks and appliances serviced for moving.
Roll up and tape or tie rugs and carpets.
Use mirror boxes or bulk cardboard to pack all pictures and mirror.
1-2 Weeks before Moving Day
At this point in your moving preparation, we suggest you follow the simple steps below to make sure your local, long distance or international move is on track.
Start packing unimportant goods. Pack up seasonal clothing, unused sporting equipment, camping gear and the like. Dismantle swing-sets and home gyms.
Arrange transportation for pets and motor vehicles.
Reserve an elevator and parking if necessary.
Don’t forget to collect the items you’ve lent your friend, family and neighbours.
Last Week before Moving Day
We suggest that you follow the steps below in the final week before your move to Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary or anywhere else throughout Canada and the United States!
Pack your items from least to most important.
Make sure to leave hand tools and cleaning supplies as the last items you pack.
Remove the propane tank and charcoal from barbecue.
Drain fuel and oil from all motorized tools and leave the fuel cap off until moving day.
Remove curtains and blinds that will be moved.
Have grandfather clocks and appliances serviced for moving.
Roll up and tape or tie rugs and carpets.
Use mirror boxes or bulk cardboard to pack all pictures and mirror.
The Day before Your Moving Day
We want your move to go perfectly! Follow the advice below to ensure your moving day goes off without a hitch.
Remember that it may be necessary to put your dresser on end. If there are items in the dresser, make sure they are light and are not fragile.
Pack necessary clothing and toiletry in suitcases.
Defrost and clean your fridges and freezers.
Try to eat or give away as much frozen food as possible, especially if you are moving long distance.
Disconnect computers and stereo systems. Labelling the wires with masking tape will make reconnection easier at your new home.
Water your plants. They should be moist but not wet for moving day. If you are moving long distance, it is best to give away live plants. They do not travel well. If you are shipping plants, do so in open top boxes or wardrobe containers. Also place a bag around the pot, so if the soil is moist, it will not seep on to furniture items.
Break down furniture if possible. Remove legs from tables and sofas. Remove all shelves from cabinets. Secure drawers and cabinet doors.
Keep all fasteners and small parts separate.
Make every attempt to pack your television and computer monitors in their original boxes.
By the day before your move, your packing should be about 99% complete.
Your Moving Day
Our professional Canadian movers have compiled the following suggestions for the day of your move.
Make sure the movers will have truck parking as close as possible to your door.
Get an elevator key from your building manager if necessary.
Disconnect appliances that will be moved.
Planning on using an item as soon as you get to your new location? Pack this item last.. Mark the boxes that contain these items with the label “open first.”
Make sure that the movers will have a clear path to all furniture throughout your house. Stack boxes against the walls, not on top of furniture.
Make sure that any items that you will be taking yourself are clearly marked and put aside.
If possible, send pets and young children to friends or neighbours’ homes so they will not be in the way of the move.
In most cases, it is not necessary for you to remain at your home during the entire move. Please inform the movers if you will be leaving early.
At Your New Home
Your move is over! Follow the steps below to ensure that your unpacking process is as stress-free as the move itself!
If possible, send pets and young children to friends or neighbours’ homes.
Make sure you know beforehand where large or heavy furniture is going to be placed. This way the movers will not be moving larger, heavier items more than necessary.
If several boxes will be going to one room (i.e. the kitchen or your office), set aside an area to stack them.
Try to leave cupboards and surfaces bare to make unpacking easier.
Remember, refrigerators and freezers will need to remain unplugged for a minimum of one hour after they have been moved.
Enjoy the first few days in your new home by giving yourself time to unpack.
Print these tips to help make your move as stress-free and easygoing as possible!
