Your Moving Tips & Resources

With lots of planning and a competent Toronto mover like Planned Directions, moving can be a breeze…well, almost. Our extensive years in the business, have proven time and time again that successful moves are carefully planned.

To help you breeze through your move with Planned Directions, here are our best tips:

1. Make a List

Be sure to write everything down.  Before you start packing even one box, make a list where you’ll input your box numbers and contents. Create a ‘Moving’ folder or binder where you’ll keep all things moving related including your list. Label every box you pack with a number and note content on your list. When describing box contents be very specific. “Everyday dishes” is better than “misc. kitchen”. This list will become your inventory list for your movers.

1. Get Plenty of Supplies

Let’s repeat. Get plenty of supplies if you are packing the items yourself.  Very often people underestimate the supplies required to pack a move.  It’s always better to have extras on hand and return them if you don’t need them. LOTS of boxes, strong packing tape, unprinted newspaper, packing paper or bubble wrap to cushion your breakables. All available from Planned Directions.

1. Utilize Wardrobe Boxes

Wardrobe boxes are a must for clothes that need to remain hanging. They are also perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows, and blankets. Use them too for closet storage boxes, shoe boxes, and other bulky items, large baskets, toys or gift wrap tubes. Remember not to make the boxes too heavy to lift.

1. Keep things together

It’s a good practice to keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, extension cords with appliances and so on. Keep picture hooks with pictures, shelf brackets with a bookcase, a special wrench and bolts with the wall unit.  Small, loose parts can be attached to the item they belong to with tape or placed in small envelopes. Keep larger corresponding items (such as a cable TV cord) in resealable bags, and tape these to the underside or back of the item.  It’s your responsibility to keep things together.

1. Pack ahead

Packing ahead is not only wise but will save you time and dollars in the long run. If you are moving in the summer pack your winter stuff ahead of time.  If you have several items like radios or television sets decide how many will get used for the rest of the time and pack the rest. Pare down cooking utensils and food supplies to bare essentials. Always, always – pack heavy items in small boxes and light items in larger boxes.

1. Utilize your luggage

Even for local moves fill up the space in your luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods. You’ll be able to quickly spot your Gucci suitcase holding your shoes.

1. Keep your valuables safe

   It’s a wise idea to keep your valuable possessions such as your jewellery or stamp and coin collection with you. Be sure to check your homeowner’s insurance to see how you are covered during the move.  If you need additional insurance talk to Planned Directions. Find out what paperwork (receipts, appraisals, and photos) you might need to file a claim in case of loss.

2. Keep important documents with you. Better yet scan them onto a CD

Keep your important ‘can’t live without’ papers on you or on a CD. It’s a very good idea (even if you’re not moving) to scan all your important documents i.e your birth certificates, passport, SIN, citizenship certificates, school records, mover estimates, new job contacts, utility company numbers, recent bank records, current bills, phone lists, closing papers, realtor info etc. Don’t leave these with the mover or in a box to be moved. Keep them with you!

1. Personal boxes

Get personal bins or brightly colored tote boxes for each person in the family.  Fill them with their special items that they’ll need to use right away in the new home.  It could be a set of extra clothes, sheets, towels, nightlights, cosmetics, toiletries, medications etc.

1. Leave your contact info with your movers

Before your movers leave for your new destination be sure to pass on a phone number and an alternate contact where you can be reached. This is extremely important and should not be overlooked.