It’s no secret that good preparation makes every move smoother, faster, and less stressful, and can save you money. The better your home is packed, the easier it is for movers to load and unload safely, ensuring your belongings arrive at your new place in perfect condition. Here are couple things that movers wish you pack before the big moving day.
After working with movers across Canada, especially here in Metro Vancouver, we’ve learned which items movers often find frustrating to handle when they’re left unpacked. Most of these are simply awkward or tricky to pack.
Here are the top 5 items’ movers wish you’d pack ahead of time and a few tips on how to do it right.
How to Prepare Your Lamps, Tools, and Plants for Moving
Lamps
Floor lamps, desk lamps, and delicate lamp shades can be challenging to move because of their size and materials. How to pack them properly:
- Disassemble the lamp by removing the shade and bulb.
- Pack all lamp shades together in one box, never with sharp items that could puncture or tear the fabric.
- Wrap and pack any glass shades separately.
- Place bulbs, rods, and small lamp parts in a labeled box so they’re easy to find and reassemble later.
Garden Tools
Long-handled tools like rakes, shovels, and brooms may seem simple to move, but they’re often heavy, dirty, or awkward to load.
Tip: Bundle tools of similar lengths together with tape or rope and place them in a tall, narrow box if possible. Wipe off any dirt to avoid mess and damage inside the moving truck.
Oddly Shaped Toys
Large or irregularly shaped toys (think play kitchens, tricycles, or dollhouses) are hard to stack in a truck and take up a lot of space when they are left as is.
Tip: Disassemble what you can and pack small parts or accessories in boxes. Most of the large toys can easily fit at the bottom of a wardrobe box. One large toy in a wardrobe box will leave room to hang clothes. Or you can dedicate a wardrobe for toys only.
Heavy Planters and Plants
If you’re moving plants or large pots, a little preparation goes a long way.
Tip: Avoid watering your plants for at least 36 hours before the move, dry soil is much lighter and easier to carry. Remove excess dirt if possible.
Pillows and Puffy Lightweight Items
While it’s tempting to toss soft items like pillows and blankets into bags, too many bags can make loading tricky. Movers can’t stack them efficiently, and it takes more time to fit them safely into the truck.
Tip: It’s fine to bag a few puffy or lightweight items but try to keep most of your belongings in boxes. If you are moving locally in BC or across Canada – you can always place the pillows in an empty dresser, that won’t affect the weight and won’t move in the dresser.
How Vancouver In The Box Makes Moving Easier
A little extra effort before moving day can make a huge difference for you and your movers. Square boxes are easier to stack, and take less time (and money). Boxes protect your items better and make the most of your truck space.
And of course, if you’d rather skip the packing altogether, Vancouver In The Box can handle it for you. Our team packs your entire home safely and efficiently, often in just a few hours, so you can relax and focus on settling in. Contact us today for packing your items that movers won’t pack.
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