MOVING TIPS

Get Moving!

Get your move started with these great packing tips; find out what supplies you’ll need, types of boxes available and how to get organized. With the following guides and suggestions, you’ll find packing isn’t as hard as you first imagined.

​Common Sense Basic First Steps

  • Be safe, smart and efficient! If you’re doing your own packing, make sure you give yourself plenty of time; at least six weeks before your move date and plan carefully. Careful planning and packing will save you time
  • Most people wonder if they should purchase moving boxes or find some slightly-used from grocery stores or friends who’ve just recently moved. While grocery store boxes are free, they are designed for specific items being shipped in them. They do not have the structural integrity of professional moving boxes. You can sometimes purchase used moving boxes if they have not been damaged. Plastic bins also have structural integrity and can be used for packing
  • Packed boxes should weigh less than 50 pounds
  • Pack heavier items on the bottom
  • Stuff socks, scarves, pillowcases and other small fabric items in holes and crevices in boxes
  • Make sure all boxes can close properly and be sealed so the tops are flat. If you over-pack a box, you risk damage to the contents. Be sure to use adequate tape.
  • Label all boxes, and number or name the destination at the new location (Master bedroom, storage room, or Room #1, #2…)
  • Small or fragile items should be wrapped individually before placing into a larger box
  • When packing household liquids, be sure that they are sealed, and pack them in a sealable plastic container
  • Tape screws, bolts and other loose items to furniture if possible, or bag, label and keep separately in a box marked ‘Furniture Hardware’
  • Heavy-duty garbage bags can be used for packing linens, or other soft items such as stuffed toys
  • Keep items from the same room together as much as possible
  1. Have a garage sale
  2. Purchase moving boxes and packing supplies
  3. Make a list of all companies you will need to change your contact information with then do so
  4. Fill out change of address form (Canada Post)
  5. Ensure movers have all your destination details and include phone numbers and email addresses
  6. Close old utility accounts and set up new ones
  7. Start packing a few weeks in advance. This will ensure less stress as you prepare for your move
  8. Fill a box with essential items to unpack first at your new destination
  9. Clean all appliances 24 hours before your move date
  1. Keep phone connected, or keep your cell phone handy so you can be contacted if necessary
  2. Do a final walk-through to make sure nothing has been left behind before locking up
  3. Remember to turn off all the lights and turn down the thermostat
  4. Carry currency, jewelry, documents, and medications yourself
  5. Arrive at your new destination before the movers do, or have someone there to meet them
  6. Walk through your new residence to ensure all is ready for your items to be unloaded
  7. Check that utilities are working
  8. Give clear directions as to where you want item placed as they are unpacked from the truck
  9. Unpack essentials box, make beds, and unpack bathroom items
  10. Relax, order in dinner, and put your feet up. Smile…you’re home!

1 Bedroom Approx: 500 – 700 sq ft.
6 x 1.5 cube boxes, 10 x 2.0 cube boxes, 5 x 4.0 cube boxes, 1 x 6 cube box, 1 x China Box, 1 x wardrobe box with bar, 2 x roll of tape, 1 x 10 lbs. packing paper, 1 x felt Marker.

2 Bedroom Approx: 700 – 1,000 sq ft
.10 x 1.5 cube boxes, 12 x 2.0 cube boxes, 8 x 4.0 cube boxes, 2 x 6 cube boxes, 1 x China Box, 1 x wardrobe box with bar, 2 x roll of tape, 2 x 10 lbs. packing paper, 1 x felt Marker.

2 Bedroom + Den Approx: 1,000 – 1,500 sq ft.
15 x 1.5 cube boxes, 20 x 2.0 cube boxes, 12 x 4.0 cube boxes, 2 x 6 cube boxes, 1 x china box, 2 x wardrobe box with bar, 2 x roll of tape, 3 x 10 lb packing paper, 1 x felt Marker.

3 Bedroom House Approx: 1,500 – 2,500 sq ft.
15 x 1.5 cube boxes, 25 x 2.0 cube boxes, 15 x 4.0 cube boxes, 3 x 6 cube boxes, 2 x wardrobe box with bar, 2 x china box, 4 x roll of tape, 3 x 10 lb packing paper, 2 x felt Marker.

4 Bedroom House Approx: 2,500 – 3,500 sq ft.
15 x 1.5 cube boxes, 35 x 2.0 cube boxes, 20 x 4.0 cube boxes, 4 x 6 cube boxes, 2 x wardrobe box with bar, 2 x china box, 4 x roll of tape, 2 x 25 lbs. packing paper, 2 x felt Marker.

5 Bedroom House Approx: 3,500 sq ft.+
20 x 1.5 cube boxes, 40 x 2.0 cube boxes, 30 x 4.0 cube boxes, 5 x 6 cube boxes, 3 x wardrobe box with bar, 2 x china box, 5 x roll of tape, 2 x 25 lbs. packing paper, 2 x felt Marker.

1.5 Cube Box
16” x 12” x 12.5” – best used for CD’s, DVD’s, Videos, Video Games, Books

2 Cube Box
18” x 15” x 12.5” – best used for bathrooms, food, wrapped framed photos, everyday dishes and glassware

4 Cube Box
18” x 18” x 20” – best used for small appliances, gaming systems, toys, shoes, dry goods, sheets, clothes

6 Cube Box
22” x 22” x 21.5” – best used for bedding – duvets and converters, pillows, cushions

China Box
18” x 18” x 27” Double Walled – fine china, anything you want to be extra protected

Wardrobe Box (With Hanger Bar)
24” x 20” x 45” – can also be used without hanger

Picture/Mirror Boxes (use appropriate size box)

Dangerous Goods Rules

Any material that is flammable, corrosive or explosive is dangerous and illegal to move. If you have dangerous goods, call your local recycling pickup service, fire station or the closest EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) office to find out how you can properly dispose of these items. Or ask a neighbor or friend if they could use the item.

We Cannot Transport These Items

  • Acid
  • Darkroom Chemicals
  • Pesticides
  • Motor Oil
  • Gasoline
  • Charcoal
  • Lighter Fluid
  • Fertilizer
  • Paints
  • Car Batteries
  • Matches
  • Nail Polisher & Remover
  • Ammunition
  • Liquid Bleach
  • Aerosols
  • Kerosene
  • Pool Chemicals
  • Chemistry Sets
  • Fireworks
  • Paint Thinner
  • Batteries
  • Loaded Weapons
  • Weed Killer
  • Ammonia
  • Lamp Oil
  • Propane
  • Cleaning Fluid

Personal Items

You MAY consider transporting any or all of the following items yourself

  • Personal Files (marriage license, passport, birth certificate, wills, insurance papers)
  • Home Movies or Personal Video Tapes
  • Address Books
  • Flight TIckets
  • Financial Statements
  • Photos
  • Photo Albums
  • Car/House/Safety Box Keys
  • Deeds
  • Tax/School Records
  • Check Books
  • Jewelry
  • Collections (art, stamp)
  • Letters
  • Stocks
  • Computer Software/Back-ups
  • Medicine