At some point in our lives, almost everyone faces a residential move. Whether you’ve decided Real Pro Movers will do everything for you or you’ll do your own packing and we’ll do the moving, here are some tips about moving and packing that might help save you time, money, and a lot of stress.
Get Rid Of Stuff
Go through each room and be fierce! Focus on your fresh start in your new home – it will help you part with items might have a sentimental attachment but are no longer useful or add to the quality of your life. Once all the stuff that you’ve decided to donate, sell, and throw away has been removed from the rooms of your old home, you’re ready to DIY pack or have Vancouver movers pack for you.
Get The Moving Supplies You’ll Need
When it comes to Vancouver moving boxes, the main options are:
- Free cardboard boxes – good sources for free boxes are grocery stores, retail outlets, bookstores, restaurants, liquor stores, and warehouses
- Buying cardboard boxes – it might be worth the extra expense to know the box has never been used, which means it’s generally stronger and germ-free
- Renting plastic boxes – a good solution for long distance moves or if you want added protection because plastic boxes are stronger
You will require other packing and moving supplies such as tape, tape dispenser, box cutter, scissors, Sharpies, labels, rope, furniture blankets, shrink wrap, and bubble wrap. Make a list of all the moving supplies you’ll need: break it down into what you already have on hand and what you’ll need to buy. You’ll also need a basic toolkit for disassembling furniture.
Things Movers Won’t Pack
If you’ve hired a Vancouver moving company like Real Pro Movers to pack your belongings for you, we will only pack what will be loaded into the moving truck. There are certain items that cannot be transported. These types of items should be separated from your other belongings and removed before our team arrives on packing day.
Food: It is recommended that you don’t attempt to transport perishable food items either. Use up food in glass jars since they are prone to cracking, leaking, or developing mold. Most Vancouver movers will transport properly packed boxes of non-perishables such as cereal, dried pasta, dried fruits, and spices.
Hazardous materials: Items such as propane tanks, oxygen cylinders, matches, paint, paint thinner, and lighter fluid are examples of hazardous materials that shouldn’t go into the moving truck or be transported in your vehicle. Plan to purchase anything you need once you’ve moved into your new home.
Important documents and valuables: Some Vancouver movers will transport valuable items such as jewelry, coin and stamp collections, etc. and some don’t. The best policy is to take important documents and valuables with you, including deeds, birth certificates, passports, jewelry, etc.
If You’re Doing Your Own Packing
Pack boxes with lifting in mind – use small boxes for heavy items, large boxes for lighter items, and medium boxes for smaller sized appliances and clothing.
Label all boxes clearly. Use colour coded labels or moving tape to identify boxes by room. Write as much pertinent information on each label including a list of main items that are inside.
Moving into your new home is going to be chaotic enough. Pack a “first night” box to make the transition into your new place easier. These boxes should be labeled accordingly and loaded last on the moving truck. Typical items to be included in a first night box are:
- air mattresses – if you don’t have them already it might be worth the investment to purchase two or three for moving day, so that you don’t have to assemble beds when you’re tired and it’s the middle of the night
- blankets and pillows
- pajamas – at the end of a long moving day, you want to be as comfortable as possible
- toiletries – don’t forget bathroom essentials including toothpaste, tooth brushes, soap, shampoo, towels, and tissue
- non-perishable food items and plastic plates and utensils
- clothing for one to two days
- chargers for electronic devices
- first aid kit including any personal medications
- if you have a pet, they’ll need their leash, collar, and food
No packing on moving day – have all boxes packed, labeled and ready to go the night before.
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