Moving tips
Twenty years of moves, distilled. Most of the stress in a move comes from three or four decisions made in the week beforehand.
Before you book
- Choose your date carefully. The first two and last two days of the month are the crunch — book those weeks ahead, or move mid-month and pay less.
- Book the service elevator at both buildings in advance. This is the single most common cause of a delayed move day.
- Start packing well before you think you need to. Everyone underestimates the kitchen.
Packing
- Get your supplies first: boxes in a few sizes, packing tape, wardrobe boxes, wrapping paper, tissue paper, zip-lock bags, markers and scissors.
- Work one room at a time, and label every box with the room and its contents.
- Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or tissue paper, and mark those boxes clearly.
- Keep boxes light enough to lift. Heavy items on the bottom, light items on top.
- Don’t tape wooden drawers shut — the tape can damage the finish.
- Roll carpets and rugs and secure them with tape.
- Tape lids on liquids, seal them in a plastic bag, and stand them upright in a carton.
Furniture and appliances
- Disassemble anything too bulky to move in one piece. Put the bolts and nuts in a plastic bag and tape it to the furniture.
- When taking beds apart, tape the frames together so nothing goes missing.
- Defrost the fridge and freezer the night before.
- Have your washer, dryer, fridge and stove serviced by a licensed professional before they’re moved.
Don’t put these on the truck
- Flammable items. We can’t legally carry them.
- Gasoline and oil — drain lawnmowers and other machinery first.
- Important documents, jewellery, money, artwork and home videos. Pack these separately and carry them yourself.