March 2020 - Vancouver in the Box

Our Packing Standards

Coronavirus hasn’t changed how we work, but it has emphasized the standards we have upheld at “Vancouver In The Box” for a decade.

1. Packing with cardboard boxes

Since our first day in the packing business, it’s been our role to bring new cardboard boxes to our clients.

We never transfer boxes from house to house. Not only because of the coronavirus – but also to avoid bringing bugs or pet hair into a new home. Bugs can live inside cardboard boxes and they can be difficult to discover.

2. Packing with reusable plastic boxes

When using reusable boxes we work with suppliers to make sure that every box is clean and sanitized.

Our suppliers remove any trash left in boxes, spray them with compressed air to get rid of dust, and wipe them down with biodegradable, non-toxic cleaner and sanitizer, both inside and out.

3. Wrapping paper

Even before the coronavirus outbreak, we’ve never reused paper between jobs. We don’t think it’s right to re-use paper and potentially spread germs or dust from one house to another.

4. Personal protection

Our professional packers are all provided with disposable gloves for their own protection. These days, it’s mandatory to use disposable gloves. Our packers replace their gloves frequently throughout the workday.

Only healthy employees will enter your home. Because we work in people’s most personal spaces such as bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms, we make sure all of our employees stay home even if they have a simple cold. All sick employees are told to stay home and rest.

We pack – you relax.

Vancouver is full of free and green resources that can help you declutter before you start packing.

We always recommend that our clients make sure they take only what they want to a new home. In other words – it’s time to get rid of “stuff”.

One great thing about Vancouver is that the city has many eco-friendly resources to help you de-clutter for free, or almost free. With many of these services, you don’t even have to leave the house.

Here are our best green resources…

1. Throw a party

One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Start with a giveaway VIP party! Invite friends and family to pick through items you no longer need. Designate the day and time, and make it a fun event. Whatever is left can be donated or sold at a yard sale.

2. Donate without leaving the house

Get rid of clothing you haven’t worn for the last two years, extra toys and unwanted furniture. Once you have finished, call the Recycling BC hotline. They can tell you which organization will pick up donations from your door.
RCBC hotline: 604-7329253

3. Recycle

Have you ever wondered what to do with old electronics such as cell phones, printers, DVDs, batteries or other items you can’t leave in the “Blue Box”? Click here to learn where to recycle different materials.

4. Where to dispose of a mattress

Most organizations do not accept mattresses as a donation – either because of limited storage space or because they are afraid of bedbugs.

Burnaby will pick up large appliances and mattresses for free, you just need to let them know. Click here to learn more

If you are in another city you can arrange an affordable pick up with a non-profit organization. Click here for more details

5. Consign, auction, or sell online

There are some great consignment stores in Vancouver! Before you show up call to find out what they accept. Some stores only accept seasonal items or have an item minimum. Others may not be accepting new items. The good news is, if you manage to get in, you will get some money back.

If you choose to sell through an online platform remember to be patient. You will have to invest time talking to people and meeting with them.

Get rid of unwanted items, and make room for new things in your new home!