Tips

Get yourself organized for a peaceful and exciting move...

1. Make a list.

Get a notebook for the job. Call moving companies in your area for estimates to compare prices. Clear clutter! Have a garage sale and/or give things away. Gather packing supplies and begin (that's the key word!) with items you will not need in the weeks leading up to the move. There are many good websites and books with detailed list of moving tips - from canceling utilities to dealing with pets and protecting your china. Do some research and have fun!

2. Label Label Label!

Label and number EVERY box. Be specific. Don't just put 'kitchen misc.', write 'Pots and Pans'. Number the list so you know how many boxes you have - was it 107 or 109? Include labeling needs like tape, black or even colour coded markers for the job. Pack as much as you can using boxes. This provides greater protection for your belongings and makes loading much easier.

3. Supplies. (Recommended List)

various sizes and lots of boxes
black and/or coloured markers
wide masking tape for labeling
newspaper/wrapping paper
cardboard/padding/bubble wrap
plastic sheets/tarp/blankets
box/shipping tape
scissors/pocket knife
small tool kit
sandwich bags (to hold appliance/furniture hardware)
gloves
garbage bags and containers

4. Wardrobe boxes.

These tall boxes are perfect for clothes that need to hang as well as bulky, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows, and stuffed animals. Pack these in large garbage bags taped closed. Don't make the boxes too heavy! No bowling balls, books or breakables. Fill some sturdy handled shopping bags with items like shoes, belts, sweaters and jeans to fill the bottoms, then add your hanging items packed tightly so they don't move around and fall off of the hangers.

5. Plan Ahead!

Start calling moving companies up to two months in advance to start pricing out your move and comparing services. Prepare your belongings by clearing up clutter and packing items you won't need in the time leading up to your move. Many companies will provide packing services or be happy to bring over packing supplies in the days before your move. The more prepared you are the smoother the your move will be.

6. Packing Tips.

  1. Pack as much as you can into boxes. This provides items greater protection and will make loading much easier. Unusually shaped items take up more space and make loading more difficult.
  2. Don't skimp on packing supplies. They are far cheaper than broken or damaged belongings.
  3. Don't stack dishes. Pack well-padded dishes upright like bookends. Don't forget to pad the bottom of the boxes well.
  4. Reinforce the bottom of all boxes with tape.
  5. Keep the weight of each box down to a manageable level.
  6. Pack heavy items, such as books, in smaller boxes.
  7. Pack stuffed animals in large garbage bags and tape closed.
  8. Leave lightweight linens and clothing in their drawers. Secure doors and drawers from opening during transit.
  9. Disassemble any items you can. Place wing nuts or screws in envelopes or plastic bags taped to the item they belong to.
  10. Wrap furniture with blankets, bubble wrap or secure padding. Do not use tape directly on wood or painted surfaces.
  11. Place sofa cushions and pillows in bags to use as pads or fillers in the trailer.
  12. If you are moving a piano, consider hiring a specialist to pack and load it.
  13. Remove all bulbs and shades from lamps. Pack in sturdy cartons labeled "fragile".
  14. Pack flat items on their edges. Wrap large mirrors or pictures by covering both sides with blankets or bubble wrap and heavy cardboard, then bind with tape.
  15. Original shipping boxes are best for electronic items. Immobilize moving parts and remove all detachable cables and wires. Tape electrical cords to back of appliance and wrap each piece with bubble wrap. Standard moving insurance often does not cover these items so check on your homeowner's policy or ask the mover's about extra value insurance.
  16. Lawn and Garage Items
    • Drain all gasoline and oil from lawn mowers, weed eaters, chain saws and other equipment. - Disconnect all batteries.
    • Empty propane tanks from barbecue grill and properly purge hose. Secure lid and immobilize moving parts.
    • Strap long garden tools together into a bundle.
    • Pack heavy power tools into small sturdy boxes and fill spaces with newspaper.
    • Poisonous, flammable and corrosive items cannot be shipped.

7. Be There.

Plan to attend your move! Movers will not enter premises or move items if the owner or an authorized representative is not present. Having an open and flexible schedule on the day of your move is recommended.

8. Pets.

Ease their stress and yours. Make arrangements for your pets (and children!) on moving day. Have a friend, family member or kennel agree to take care of them. If that is not possible, secure them in a comfortable area until the move is complete. Keep them company, watered and fed.

9. Access.

Nothing makes a good estimate go bad like access problems! If there are stairs, impossibly narrow bits, elevator or parking restrictions etc., it's best to let the company know when obtaining an estimate. Let landlords and neighbors know what you will be doing and when but keep scheduling as flexible as possible to allow for unexpected delays on either end of your move. Clear clutter and assure steps and walkways are solid and not slippery.

10. Delays.

Moving is often listed as one of the ten most stressful things in life. Dealing with weather, traffic, the inevitable mechanical difficulty, miscommunication or access problem, delays do occur. Having your schedule as open as possible for the day of moving and having your preparations complete will help. Stay in contact with your moving company if a delay does occur and trust that they are doing everything on their end to solve the issue and attend to your move.

11. Bumps and Bruises.

Moving things is inevitably going to cause a dent here and a scratch there. Pad things well, clear the way and hire a professional! Most companies offer free basic insurance that is industry standard and will include a deductible. For expensive items, electronics, pool tables, pianos, glass, marble, antiques etc. ask your company about coverage and consider purchasing extra insurance or see about having it included in your homeowners' plan.

12. Payment.

Check beforehand for the payment methods your company accepts and be prepared to pay before unloading. Many companies require cash or a pre-authourized credit card number. Request an invoice, a copy of the contract and of the companies terms and conditions.