Moving tips

Make your move easier

Good prep is what really makes a move less stressful and way smoother.

Here's practical advice from a crew that has been moving people around Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island since 2002.

Weeks before

Plan ahead

Book earlyEnd of the month and summer weekends fill up fast. Get your estimate in as soon as you know your date.
Declutter firstMoving is a great time to declutter. Every item you sell, donate or toss before the move is one less thing to pack, carry and pay to move. We also offer disposal, recycling and charity runs. Before the move, we can help you get rid of unwanted items, so you’ll feel less overwhelmed on moving day.
Get expert help decidingWe’re very experienced at decluttering. We can help you decide what goes where: what to keep, what to donate, recycle or dispose of, and which charities and depots will take it and which won’t. That way your costs stay as low as possible.
Sort out parkingIf the truck will need street space, check with your city or municipality about a parking pass well ahead of time. Ask your building about loading zones and elevator bookings too.
Update your addressSet up mail forwarding, and let your bank, ICBC, utilities, internet provider and employer know your new address.
Gather suppliesSturdy boxes in a few sizes, packing tape, markers, packing paper and some old towels or blankets go a long way.

Packing

Want us to pack for you?We’re available for packing and unpacking too, especially the hard-to-pack items like the kitchen and anything fragile. Just mention it when you request your estimate.
Use proper moving boxesProper boxes in standard sizes are easier to dolly and stack, and there’s less chance of damage. Bags, bins with loose lids and odd-shaped boxes slow things down and are harder to load safely.
Heavy items in small boxesBooks, tools and dishes go in small boxes; light, bulky things like bedding go in big ones. Aim for boxes one person can lift comfortably.
Label by destination roomMark each box, and any loose furniture, with the room it’s going to at your new place, like “Kitchen” or “Bedroom 2”. Then we can put everything right where it belongs.
Label the side, not just the topAdd a quick list of contents, and write on the side of the box so it can be read when boxes are stacked.
Fill the gapsHalf-empty boxes crush when stacked. Fill spaces with towels, clothes or paper so nothing shifts.
Wrap fragile items one by onePlates go on their edge, not flat. Mark these boxes “Fragile” and “This side up”.
Bag the hardwareWhen you take furniture apart, put screws and bolts in a zip bag and tape it to the piece it came from.
Photograph your cablesSnap a picture of the back of your TV and computer before unplugging, so setup at the new place is easy.

Day before

Pack an essentials boxMedications, chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, toilet paper, snacks, basic tools and the kettle. Keep it with you.
Defrost the fridgeEmpty, unplug and defrost the fridge and freezer at least a day ahead, and dry them out.
Measure the big piecesMeasure large furniture and the doorways, stairs and hallways it has to fit through at both ends. Send us photos if anything looks tight.
Keep hazardous items off the truckPropane tanks, gasoline, paint thinner, cleaning chemicals and other flammables should not go in the truck. Ask us if you are not sure about something.
Pack and label everythingHave every box packed, taped, labelled and stacked before the crew arrives. Leave out only your moving-day essentials. Moves go faster, and cost less, when everything is ready to go.

Moving day

Keep valuables with youJewellery, important papers, passports, cash and keys should travel with you, not on the truck.
Clear the pathClear walkways, stairs and the driveway, and save a spot for the truck as close to the door as you can.
Plan for kids and petsHaving them with a friend or in a closed-off room keeps everyone safe and the move on schedule.
Do a final walkthroughCheck every closet, cupboard and drawer, the garage and the shed before you lock up.

Single items & Lower Mainland runs

Send a photo and measurementsFor a single item, a picture plus rough height, width and depth lets us give you a quick, accurate price.
Have it ready to goClear the path to the item and let us know about stairs, tight corners or parking at both ends.
Ask about our weekly tripWe go to the Lower Mainland every week, so one-off pieces like a marketplace find or a family heirloom can come along. Single items are welcome.

Tell us about your move and we'll get back to you with an estimate. Questions about any of these tips? Just call or text.