5 tips to help you prepare for your move

Moving can be one of the most stressful experiences a family can endure. Soon enough, you will have to figure out how to pack and move all of your personal belongings in an organized and timely fashion. Luckily, We’ve rounded up expert-approved tips to keep you sane and well prepared during the big day. Sit back,  grab a snack and dive right into the tips for a smooth and stress-free move.

Tip #1. Get organized.

Whether it’s your first move or one of many, organization is a key factor in a smooth and peaceful move. Everything must be organized and ready to go for the movers to do their job in a timely and strategic manner. We recommend a checklist in which you follow up to several months or weeks before the big day. With a checklist, you set up goals in which you expect to have certain rooms prepared and packed before the day to avoid last-minute stressful and disorganized preparation. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to begin the process of your change of address with Canada Post and the government to prevent any loss or misplaced mail. We recommend doing your change of address for your hydro, bank, government, internet provider up to two months before your move to avoid any misunderstandings and headaches.

Tip #2. Moving strategy.

On the big day, emotions and stress are running high so planning the move weeks is the best strategy for a safe and risk-free move. There are many questions you must ask yourself in preparing for the big day. Can I just rent a truck and ask friends to help? Or should I hire a moving company with professionals who are trained and experienced in moving heavy and fragile furniture like West Island Movers? If it’s a short distance, small move you can always rent a truck and huddle up some friends for a day, however, we highly recommend hiring a moving company for the day to prevent any unwanted and unexpected obstacles. Moving companies are equipped with highly trained professionals who are equipped for all obstacles that we can expect with a move. They are trained in handling fragile, large and bulky objects that we expect to get from point A to B with no harm or damage. Using friends may be a cheaper alternative but due to the lack of training and experience in this field, there will always be a risk and obstacles that may occur throughout your already stressful day.

Tip #3. Label your boxes.

Labelling of boxes is one of the most important and crucial factors in an organized and efficient move. It will not only save you time on the big day but as well as the days after when you will be anxious to get settled into your new environment and proceed back to your normal routine. You don’t need to add much description. All you need to justify is the content within the box, whether it’s fragile or heavy and the location you wish the movers to unload them upon arrival. That will save you and your movers time and avoid any confusion or time wasted. If you prefer not to write on the boxes, you can always consider a colour coding system in which you inform the movers on the day of the move. The golden rule: The heavier the item, the smaller the box! It’s much easier to carry heavier items when they’re in smaller boxes.

Tip #4. Pack a bag of necessities for each family member.

Depending on how big the move, at the end of the day you may be exhausted and unwilling to begin the process of unpacking. If that is the case, we recommend packing a small bag that you can carry on your person on the day of the move that is equipped with the necessities you would need until the unpacking process begins. Consider adding a change of clothes, bathroom necessities and something to keep you occupied until you are settled back into your environment surrounded by your personal belongings.

Tip #5. Be Careful with breakables

While movers are professionally trained in the careful handling of your items during the process of your move, unfortunately, it doesn’t come with the capability of mind reading. With that being said, it is extremely important to label or inform the movers of any fragile valuables and furniture that you wish handled with extra care and precision. Ensure that you pack breakables and fragile objects with more protection as even in boxes they aren’t always safe. You can always do so by putting packing paper around each of them as you pack your dishes, then wrap bundles of 5 or 6 together with more paper. And use plenty of bunched-up paper as padding above and below. With paper in between, cups and bowls can always be put inside each other and wrapped in a bundle of three or four. Pack them all in boxes with a dish barrel. Don’t forget to label the fragile boxes to allow the safe transportation of your valuables.

Don’t let the challenges of moving to frighten you. it won’t be a nightmare as long as you keep up with the organization and proper communication with the movers on the day of. You’ll be well on your way to an easy and organized moving day as long as you don’t leave it last minute. I hope these moving tips are helpful to you.