Should you help your movers?

When it comes to hiring movers for your relocation, that may be the smartest approach you can take. Sure, it costs money, but the benefits that come with professional help are worth every cent. Nevertheless, you might ask yourself – should you help your movers? Even though they are hired to do all the heavy lifting, you might feel that you need to help as much as you can.

The goal of this article is to show you when you should, and when you should not help out. Let’s begin!

Important things to know

I cannot stress enough the importance of hiring a professional moving company. Relocation will go smooth and quick. When you hire movers, you should be aware of all the benefits they bring to the table:

professional, trained employees
quick and quality service
additional services, like storage units, shipping assistance, vehicle renting, etc.
movers remove stress from the picture
they always deliver on time

It is also crucial to understand that movers have a working system. They know exactly what needs to be done, and in what way. With that in mind, if you do decide to help them, it should be done in a proper way. The goal is to do everything as quickly as possible but keeping the quality of the service on a high level. Do not be in their way, and create an even bigger project for them.

A drawing of a hand sticking out of a box, holding a lightbulb.

There is a number of great ideas that should help you assist your movers with relocation.

Furthermore, movers are responsible for packing your belongings. Helping them in this process is not always advised. If you pack some of your stuff before they arrive, that might be below their standards. In the end, there might even be an issue if some of the stuff gets damaged.

With all that has been said, how can you help your movers without being in the way?

Prepare appliances

The first thing you can do to make things easier for your movers is to prepare appliances. That means, unplug all the cables, clean everything that needs to be cleaned. If you have original packaging, have it close by, they might want to use it. Leaving that for the moving day might create delays. Furthermore, if you feel that you are behind schedule, you might try to do it quicker, and end up damaging TV, or something else.

Also, if there is anything that needs to be disassembled, also do it before they arrive. Not only will you save time, but you will also release them from the duty of trying to figure out how it’s done.

Disassemble furniture and other belongings

Whether it is for relocation or for storing your antique furniture and other items, it is crucial to disassemble them before movers arrive. Some people decide to hire professionals for that as well, but it can be done from your end if you want.

Also, if you have other items, like a bicycle, make sure to prepare it for the move. If you don’t have any other means of transportation, you can simply disassemble it, and then assemble after the move.

A drawing of people climbing a mountain by holding hands together.

If you join forces with your movers, the entire relocation will be quick and smooth.

Remove everything from the wall

Another way to help your movers is to remove everything from walls. If you have paintings or other accessories, it would be smart to take them off gradually. You don’t have to do that all in one day. It is also smart to start making piles, for easier packing. Group all paintings in one spot.

Preparing the bedroom

Packing your bedroom can be a tedious job. Furthermore, that is a private place. With that in mind, remove all of your personal belongings, fold the sheets, and strip your mattresses. Your movers will appreciate it if everything is ready for packing.

Clean the refrigerator

Moving a refrigerator can be simple if you do the right steps. First of all, remove all the food. Then, defrost the fridge, and clean it thoroughly. All refrigerators have compartments inside. You can take them out, and also remove any glass panels that may slide. It is possible that those parts get damaged during the move, so it is smart to let the movers pack them separately. Finally, you can tape the fridge door, or it might get open during a bumpy ride.

Preparing the cabinetry

You can apply the same principle to your cabinetry. After you empty everything out, clean it, and tape all the doors. That is the best way to protect drawers, closets, and anything else that may open during the ride. You can also break down all shelves by removing pannels and disassembling them.

A shelve filled with books and figurines.

When the moving day comes, it is not smart to have all of your books and items on shelves. Better remove them upfront.

What to do with a lawnmower or a blower?

If you have a lawnmower or a blower, remember to clean them and drain all the gasoline. Movers cannot transport gas, because that is a safety hazard. Another thing you can do is remove all movable or sharp parts. A lawnmower is not shaped for packing, so you should do everything you can to make that process easier.

Categorize your belongings

When movers arrive, your belongings should already be prepared for packing. While they can help you pack everything, they should not organize your stuff. For that reason, it is better to have all of your items organized and grouped. That way, movers can start packing right away.

A no-touch area

Another reason why the movers shouldn’t organize your belongings for packing is that they don’t know what you want packed. You must have some personal belongings or some stuff that will go with you in the car. That is why it is good to have a dedicated area in the house where you can move everything that should not be packed by movers.

If they have to ask you every five minutes whether they should pack something or not, the entire process can stretch out for a long time.

Movers will appreciate your help

I hope that this article solves the puzzle of whether you should help your movers or not. It is positive that they will appreciate all the help they can get. Ultimately, the goal is to finish relocation as quickly as possible, and without any errors or mistakes. Just follow these simple pieces of advice, and you should be good to go. Good luck!

Moving Insurance in Canada – what you need to know

Moving house can be very expensive. And if you are buying a new house at the same time, you probably don’t want any additional costs. Wondering whether or not you should opt for moving insurance is a natural thing to do. To make the decision, you need to know all the details about it, so you are aware of its benefits, but also its costs. Here’s everything you need to know about moving insurance in Canada.

Do I really need moving insurance?

Well, depending on how important your items are, moving insurance can be very helpful if anything happens. And accidents do happen, even to the best moving companies. That’s why is much better to be secure and take the insurance if you can afford it at the moment of the move. This way, you’ll make sure that your belongings are protected during transport, and in case any damage happens, it will be covered by the insurance company. So, to protect your moving budget, invest a bit more into the moving insurance and have one less of all the moving headaches.

a broken plate is covered by moving insurance in Canada

What are my options when it comes to moving insurance in Canada?

There are generally three options to choose from when we talk about moving insurance in Canada. Depending on the value of your items and your budget, you can pick the most suitable solution.

Option one: released liability

The most affordable (actually, free of charge) option is the one that is already included in the moving services you pay. The released value protection type of moving insurance gives you a certain amount of compensation, not the whole sum. Actually, they will pay $0.60 per pound for items, which is not covering the full market value of your belongings. It is based on the weight of the product, which can be a lot less than the product’s value. Also, the sum is even lower when the move is local – $0.30 per pound.

Option two: Full-Value Protection

Full-value protection is a lot different from the previous option in many ways. Firstly, this type of moving insurance in Canada protects the full value of your items, which means that you can get the exact amount of money as the real value of the lost/broken item. Also, there are other solutions, too – your item can be fixed, or substituted with the exact/similar one. The cost of this insurance runs from $8-12 per pound.

Option three – third party insurance

This type of insurance will cover the items that have an extraordinary value, as well as the damage that happened due to natural disasters. The items of extraordinary value have to be officially appraised and included in the Bill of Landing, too.

Can I pack the insured items?

No. All the items that are covered by the Released Liability and FVP insurance, need to be packed by the moving company. Also, these items need to be unpacked in the same way as well. The reason for that is the moving companies will make sure your items are packed professionally and with proper packing supplies.

On the other hand, DIY packing is not secure enough, especially if you are not experienced or skilled. It’s one of the disadvantages of not hiring a moving company you shouldn’t forget.

Do I have a time limit to file a claim?

Yes. Generally, if you need to file a claim for damaged items, be sure to do it within the 60 days of your moving day. Also, be sure to check your insurance contract, since some companies have different time frames. Our advice is to check the items as soon as you move in and file a claim if necessary immediately after you notice something is damaged or missing. The safest thing is to pick reliable movers who can help you with situations like this. Be sure to learn how to recognize trustworthy moving professionals with ease and avoid any unnecessary problems.

What happens if one item of a set is damaged?

If one item of a set is lost or broken, it’s not the whole set that will be evaluated. Actually, you will be compensated for only the one item that is lost.

How to calculate the value of the items?

This is one of the main puzzles when it comes to moving insurance in Canada. People don’t know what’s the value of their items and entire rooms, so they don’t know what to expect when the time comes to file a claim. To know what is the worth of your items, you need to be prepared in advance. Firstly, if you have an estimate of the weight of your items, you can do some basic calculations for each room. And then, compare the value of the room by checking the items in them. Also, the Internet can be of great help here, too. You can browse the net for the value of specific items. Look them up on sites like Amazon, eBay, etc. and see if there are same or at least similar items you can compare your belongings to.

Can I lose coverage because of a change in moving dates?

Well, yes. When it comes to moving insurance in Canada, you need to be very careful with the dates listed in your insurance policy. This means that any change in moving dates can affect your moving insurance and leave your items uncovered. The changes in moving dates can happen for several reasons:

extreme weather delays
dropping keys on a different day
closing dates changes
the moving the company itself can postpone the delivery of your items for various reasons.

If any of these happens, be sure to update your policy right away. Contact the insurance company and let them know. Even a day or two can make a huge change and leave you without compensation in case of damage or loss.

Knowing everything about moving insurance in Canada and reading your policy carefully will make sure you have an easy and safe move. Moving an entire home is never easy and cheap, so you need to take care of all the safety bits to avoid additional costs and problems.

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Author’s bio

Mary Wilkins is a teacher who loves spending time outdoors with kids. She also writes blogs on different topics and spends time on social networks searching for everyday tips and inspiration.

How to pack your clothes for moving day

Moving takes a lot of time, and a significant portion of that time needs to be dedicated to packing. When it’s time to pack your clothes, you’ll see that packing clothes comes with its own set of challenges. You’ll need to avoid wrinkles on your clothes, you’ll need to avoid stains, and you’ll also need to do what you can so that unpacking later on isn’t too hard. One of the disadvantages of not hiring a moving company is that packing will be a lot harder to do. However, if you have plenty of time on your hands, with some effort, you’ll be able to handle packing by yourself.

Be kind and donate your unneeded clothes to charity.

Which clothes to pack?

Before you pack your clothes, you’ll first need to decide what to pack. Some clothes that you own you’ll probably never need. We all have a lot of clothes that we’re sorry to get rid of, even though we have outgrown them, they went out of fashion, or there’s a third, equally good reason why we won’t wear them again. Instead of taking such clothes with you, it’s best to somehow get rid of them. There are three convenient ways to do that: you can donate them, you can sell them (online, in vintage shops, or by organizing a garage sale – if you have enough time to do so), or you can simply throw them away.

Then, there are also clothes that you’ll be wearing on the moving day. Apart from having comfortable clothes ready to wear, you should also be prepared for bad weather. So, for example, don’t pack some of the clothes that you’ll be needing if there’s rain on the moving day.

How to sort your clothes?

Once you have decided what to pack, it’s time to move on to the next phase. Probably the most important of all the clothes-related packing tips is to group your clothes in such a way that they will be much easier to unpack once the move is over. There are several criteria by which you can group your clothes.

If the weather is warm, you won’t need your winter clothes right away.

You can do it based on the season. That way, you’ll be able to easily unpack the clothes that you’ll need right away. If it’s currently summer, you’d be able to postpone unpacking your winter jackets and clothes until later.
If you want to avoid wrinkles, you’ll also need to pack your clothes based on their material. Clothes made of cotton and natural fabrics will need to be placed on hangers, and then in a clothing bag. Otherwise, they’re bound to get wrinkled, due to the physical properties of these materials. If you have woolen clothes, you might need a few boxes just for this kind of clothes. As a rule, you’ll need a lot of space for woolen clothes. Finally, group synthetic and polyester clothes together, as they are generally very wrinkle-resistant.
Another way to group your clothes is based on the time when you will need them. Namely, pack the clothes you’ll need right away together. Usually, that’ll be less formal clothing, which brings us to…
Pack your clothes based on their formality level. Place formal clothes in their moving containers and less formal clothes in other containers.

How to pack your clothes?

There are a few ways to transport your clothes to your new home. Each of them comes with its own specific set of advantages and disadvantages, so choose carefully based on your situation.

Pack your clothes in cardboard boxes, just like the man in this picture did.

Cardboard boxes are still the most popular choice.

Pack your clothes in cardboard moving boxes. Moving boxes are very handy, as they can be easily labeled based on the criteria we’ve discussed in the previous section of this article. Doing so will make the day after much easier to handle. You’ll just need to have a few things in mind. First of all, you should use a magic marker to write the labels, and you should then protect the labels with tape. That way, your labels won’t get damaged or completely disappear during transportation. Also, always check if the box is too heavy. If it is, it might break, which certainly won’t be good for your clothes that were stored inside. The drawback to cardboard boxes, unfortunately, is that clothes might easily become wrinkled.
Instead of regular cardboard boxes, you can use wardrobe boxes. While they are more expensive (you can usually get cardboard boxes for free), wardrobe boxes are great at keeping your clothes crease-free. They are also very convenient – just take the clothes that were hanging in your closet and place them on a similar rod inside the wardrobe box.
Luggage and suitcases are also great for shipping your clothes. You’ll know exactly where your clothes are, and your clothes will be safe from any harm. Unfortunately, you probably don’t have a whole lot of suitcases. And the ones you do have, you’ll probably want to use for something else (especially wheeled suitcases, which are useful for transporting heavier items). So, you’ll need to decide by yourself whether you’ll be using luggage for transporting your clothes or boxes will have to do.
Then, you also have the option to pack your clothes by using vacuum or garbage bags. These are useful as they will protect your clothes from stains. However, they are also prone to easily getting ripped and they generally offer little protection from damage. What’s more, the attempts to put a few packed vacuum/garbage bags on top of each other are usually very frustrating, as these bags are very slippery.
If you have any shoeboxes, we advise packing shoes there so that the rest of your clothes doesn’t get dirty. If you don’t have any shoeboxes, then make sure that your shoes are clean. Also, it’s a good idea to fill the shoes with paper, so that their form remains intact during shipping. Apart from shoes, you should take proper care of hats, too. If you want to avoid them becoming bent, hats will need to be stored in their own large boxes.

Disadvantages of not hiring a moving company

When considering the relocation options, there is always the big question, should you hire a moving company or not? You can find advantages and disadvantages in both cases. However, today I wish to talk about what are the disadvantages of not hiring a moving company. While a DIY move has many perks, I always suggest quality movers, for multiple reasons.

Disadvantages of not hiring a moving company

As someone who moved more than once, I must say that I enjoy the advantages of a moving company. My first relocation was a DIY move, and I did struggle with a lot of things. My primary concern was the lack of time. I didn’t really know what tasks require the most attention, but somehow I pulled it through.

Taught by the previous experience, I hired a moving company for my next move. I had a lovely time with bestcanadianmovers.com, and I decided to share my positive experience. I realize there are many people having the same struggle, so I wish to help everyone by offering a few pieces of advice!

It seems like you are always in a hurry

A girl sitting at her desk and biting a pencil

There is no reason to feel stressed when moving, movers will deal with the problems for you

The most obvious of all the disadvantages of not hiring a moving company is that it feels like you are always in a hurry. A task after task keeps coming with tremendous speed, and it feels like everything is on your back. Being behind schedule creates that feeling of unease, and it leads to many problems.

The stress level is high

With everything happening around you, your stress levels will rise. Not having a professional by your side means you have to think about every little detail. There are a lot of things that could go wrong, and if there is no one to give you advice and moving tips or suggest a better approach to a specific situation, you might crack under pressure. Sure, it doesn’t happen all the time, but it is something that you must have in mind.

You have to arrange everything

I hate to repeat myself, but it is essential that you understand that everything will be on your back. You pay all the expenses, arrange a date, find a vehicle, pack. It gets even trickier if you are selling the place and buying or renting a new apartment. Finally, there comes unpacking. If you are moving on your own, there is no time to rest.

You have less time to relax

A relocation doesn’t have to be something tedious and exhausting. If you are moving across the country, you can actually use this opportunity to enjoy the landscape and make it a fun time. However, if you are moving on your own, you’ll have no time to think about fun. You will be preoccupied with every little detail.

One of the disadvantages of not hiring movers is that you’ll constantly have to check if you are on schedule

Moving costs money

I understand we are talking about the disadvantages of not hiring a moving company, but I have to allocate a couple of minutes to make something crystal clear. Yes, moving costs money. You probably went online, visited a bunch of websites, checked out the prices and decided it is too complicated to go with the movers. And, it will be much cheaper! That is true, but there is a reason why movers cost money. The help and the professional service that you buy is worth every penny, it will make your life much easier!

Furthermore, if you are having doubts when deciding which moving company to choose, that shouldn’t discourage you. A website like usamovingreviews.com offers detailed reviews of some of the best movers in the US. Use them to your advantage and find the best movers for your needs!

Packing is tough

If you are still unclear whether you should hire a moving company or not, let’s talk a bit more about what you’re missing. Have you ever packed for a relocation? It is much different than going on a vacation. Moving your entire household requires precise organization and it is time-consuming. Furthermore, you’ll have to invest in quality packing materials. I won’t even start discussing how it feels to move furniture and heavy appliances on your own.

One of the disadvantages of not hiring a moving company is that you don’t get professional packing services. That was my favorite part when I relocated with movers. They came, packed everything, loaded it onto the truck, and unloaded my belongings after the move.

Do you need storage?

Not hiring movers means you’ll miss the chance to use their storage units. Having storage during a move can be so beneficial, for multiple reasons. You have extra space to keep your stuff if needed. Also, if you have stuff that you still don’t know what to do with, keeping them in storage until you decide is a fantastic option.

People holding each other’s wrists to form a circle

Having a helping hand is much appreciated when moving

Moving estimate

One of the more useful services that a moving company provides is a free moving estimate. They will tell you what is the size of your move, and help you picked the right-sized moving truck. If you do this by yourself, chances are you’ll rent a larger or a smaller truck than you actually need. If you rent a smaller one, you have to move your belongings in two takes or suffer a delay while waiting for a larger one. On another hand, if you hire a larger truck than you need, you are spending a lot of money for nothing.

It is time to decide!

There you have it! If you take into consideration all the disadvantages of not hiring a moving company, the choice becomes pretty clear. However, I can understand that you might have a limited budget that dictates your options. However, it is crucial to know what are the advantages of having movers by your side. Maybe there are some services that you can afford that will make the move easier, and if that is the case, my work is done here!

How to move with pets

We all know that a single experience with relocation is more than enough to realize how complicated, stressful and challenging this process is. Unsurprisingly, it affects the whole family and each family member copes with the changes in a specific way. In our strivings to prepare our family for the big move the best we can, we sometimes forget to prepare our pets for the big event as well. So, what is the most effective and yet the least stressful strategy to move with pets? Here are some tips and hints on the subject.

Preparations to move with pets

When you have to move with pets, you need to add a considerable number of tasks to the standard moving checklist. Preparing your moving plan in writing and sticking to it is one of the approaches to move the stress out of moving that guarantees success. In addition, having enough time to orchestrate the whole process is also very important. Hence, start with the preparations well in advance and eliminate the potential problems.

Choose pet-friendly accommodation for your new home

As soon as your decision to move is made final, start the search for a pet-friendly new home. Should you choose to live in an apartment in a building, check whether there are any restrictions concerning pets. On the other hand, if you opt for a new house, the most reasonable choice is the one with a decent backyard. The adaptation to the new environment can be a real hardship for both people and their pets. Try your best to make this period least harsh on your animal friends.

A visit to your vet is a must prior to the move with pets

Once you decide it is the right time to say goodbye to your current home, take your pet to the vet to make sure it is healthy and ready to move. This visit is beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, you will know that your beloved pet can handle travel without any major difficulties. Secondly, you can get the necessary medications and prescriptions for the first period at the new address. Finally, you can possibly obtain recommendations for a new experienced and respectable vet in your new city of residence.

Prepare appropriate travel crates to move with pets safely

It is essential to keep your pets safe while traveling to your new home. Furthermore, it will give you a perfect opportunity to concentrate on the road and avoid getting distracted. So, providing a travel crate of the appropriate size is the top priority. Also, to make the time in the crate least stressful to your pet, start applying crate training techniques at least a month before the moving date. This way, the chances of having unpleasant surprises during the move are the slightest.

Pack the items your pet will need during the travel

Moving headaches are very often caused by packing. Both suitable packing techniques and the space you need for your items seem to be the problem. Moreover, when you move with pets, you have to focus not to forget packing their essentials box as well. Pack everything you think your pet might need during the travel. Most often, these items include enough food, a lot of water, some medications, a favorite toy, and a blanket. Should something unexpected come up, you will be prepared to handle these inconveniences promptly.

Search for the most convenient route to your new home location

If you move with pets and you still want to drive to your new home, conducting research to find the most convenient route to your new home location is a must. Understandably, moving locally won’t be too challenging. On the other hand, when moving long distance, it would be sensible to explore some of the popular routes for your cross country relocation. These are convenient to use, but they might be crowded during the peak-season.

When you move with pets, don’t forget about the necessary paperwork

As one might expect, moving locally is considerably less difficult to organize and conduct. However, when moving across the state lines, you will have to prepare all the necessary documents to be able to take your pets across the borders. Each country has its own set of regulations on this point, but the most common compulsory documents include:

Vaccination record
The International Health Certificate
The printed health records – While these are not compulsory, they are highly recommended.
Microchipping and ID cards – These are very useful if lose your pet or it gets stolen. Having these means it will be much easier to reach your pet again.
A photograph of your pet – No country requires this in order to let your pet enter the country, but it will help you immensely if your pet gets lost.

How to arrange travel to your new home when moving with pets?

This mission is not that difficult as one might assume. The key is to stick to the everyday routine as much as possible. While traveling to your new home, frequent breaks are inevitable when you move with pets. They need fresh air and a chance to go for short walks in order to reduce anxiety. If they get restless during the drive, their favorite toy might help considerably. Generally, the rule of thumb everyone should apply in these circumstances is to respect your pet’s needs if you want to have a problem-free move.

Post relocation period – what now?

The period of adjustment is what both you and your pet will have to go through. As you probably know, moving does not end when your belongings are safe and sound at the new address. It ends the moment you recognize the need to call your new place of residence a home. When you move with pets, things are not much different. They need their standard everyday routine to feel secure and happy. Explore the new neighborhood together. Hopefully, there will be a nice, green park which is likely to become your favorite spot. Should you approach the whole adventure with enthusiasm, your move will be a joyous, life-changing event.

Packing tips for your next move!

When thinking about moving, packing doesn’t really come to mind first. This is true when you are moving for the first time, and did not get to experience the chaos that packing is. The process is long and strenuous, and it will probably take up most of your time. This is because many things go into it. You will need to think about what to pack, then find the appropriate room to pack it. You need to get the packing supplies and finally pack everything. Add to that the worry about whether your stuff will survive the move, and you have your hands full! Luckily, Best Canadian Movers are here to help you with it! Careful planning your household packing process will help you significantly! Find out how to do it in this article!

Create a plan for your household packing process

What is the first thing that you need when you want to organize your household packing process? If you said a packing plan – then you are correct! It’s a great idea to sit down and jot on paper how you want your packing to go. This will help you follow through everything you need. It will also stop you from forgetting something while packing, and you can prepare for the future steps while doing the previous ones. In this way, you will not only save yourself time, but you will also reduce your stress level. You will know exactly how much time you have left for something, so you will be able to speed up or slow down as necessary.

Then, you will want to start gathering your supplies. First, you should consider using apps that are changing the moving industry – many of these can help you during the household packing process as well! Then, you need to get moving boxes. And even though you might be tempted to go for a number of the same-sized ones, it will be a smarter idea to pick boxes of different sizes. This way, you will have a variety of options to pick from – depending on the items you will be packing

After that, all you need to pick are some packing materials. Get some padding supplies and bubble wrap, as well as some nice packing paper. You will also need some newspaper and scissors, as well as markers and tape. When getting the tape, don’t think about saving money too much. Instead, buy a high-quality tape. It is the thing that will make a difference between your things falling out of the boxes and staying in them.

Pack suitcases for your family

The next thing you want to do is pack suitcases for each of your household members. These may be the only items you will have with you during your move, so think carefully about them. Include a personal-sized bar of soap and toothbrushes, towels and razors (as needed), as well as some clothes which each person feels comfortable wearing. You should plan to pack for a couple of days, so include two complete changes of clothes.

If you are traveling with kids, then remember to pack their favorite toys or safety blankets in their suitcase. In case they get too anxious, this will soothe them. All of these suitcases (or boxes) need to be put somewhere safe, so our moving services don’t pick them up when collecting your items. Then, when the moving day arrives, you mustn’t forget to toss them in the car with you!

Set up an area for your household packing process

When you are packing your home, it’s very important that you designate a special area for it. It needs to be wide and open. Not only will you drop a lot of items and packing materials there, but you also need to be able to move around it – and pack your stuff. This area will also be useful in protecting you from losing anything important. Whenever you are looking for something related to packing – you can search in this area.

When actually packing your boxes, you should go room by room. Don’t pack the boxes by their use, or the materials they are made of. This will only make your household packing process take more time. Instead, put everything from the living room (that you are moving) to the designated area, and start packing. After you are done, seal the box and label it with the room name, then move on to the next box.

This is a great tip – and it will be beneficial when unpacking your home. Movers will simply put each box in the room it belongs to. All you will need to do is start unpacking box by box, and bringing life to your new home. What’s more, this method will also help you locate your items. If you need something during the moving process, simply find it in the boxes from its room.

Conclusion

To conclude, packing doesn’t need to be scary. You can simply divide it into separate steps:

First, create a plan for your household packing process. Write everything down – from what you are packing and the materials you will need, to the actual packing schedule. Do your best to follow this plan.
Then, get the packing supplies you need for your packing.
Never forget to pack travel suitcases for each family member. These are a necessity, especially during long moves.
Finally, designate an area in your house for packing, and start the process.

By following these steps, you are streamlining the household packing process. Remember, if at any time you feel overwhelmed with it, you can contact us. We will take care of your packing while you do other chores – or rest!

Moving Yourself? Better Safe Than Sorry!

“Hey…I can do my own moving. No problem! What’s the worst that could happen?” Well, a strained back, slipped disc, broken fingers, pulled ligaments, and assorted bumps and bruises to start. Moving requires the constant lifting and carrying off heavy objects for an extended period of time. This is the very definition of the word. The description of moving should be enough to tell you that there is some inherent danger involved in the practice. Lifting objects that are too heavy; slippery floors; precarious trips down the stairs; hazardous items; increasing fatigue; poorly packed items falling over in trucks; there are an infinite number of ways to be injured while moving. But, year after year, people try and save a few bucks with do-it-yourself moving. If you insist on moving yourself, at least be careful.→

Fragile & Dangerous- Moving Kitchenware

When packing for a move, you need to give special consideration to two kinds of items: breakables and hazardous things. Can you guess which room in your house is going to give the most trouble when moving? The kitchen! To start, a fully-stocked kitchen is going to be full of hundreds of items that need to be packed individually and carefully. It is no problem to throw armfuls of clothes in a suitcase at a time; books can be tossed in boxes without worry of serious damage. Just try doing that with your grandmother’s China bowls. Aside from the sheer quantity of items, many kitchen items are breakable and need to be handled with care. On the other hand, poorly packed kitchen knives can be dangerous during a move.→

Leave No Mess Behind – Why Leaving Your Old House in Good Shape Matters to You

Moving – there is always SO MUCH to worry about. Is everything packed properly? Will the movers be on time? Will the new place be ready? Where will the children stay during the move? Are we forgetting anything? At least you don’t have to worry about the state of the house that you are LEAVING behind? After all, that is the problem of the new owners, right? Wrong! How you leave your previous home is very important. Important enough to have possible financial and legal ramifications that can come back to haunt you like a ghost. Let’s talk about how to leave a house after you leave and why you should do so.

Check your purchase agreement again. You may find that you are obligated to clean up the home before you completely leave. Failing to do so could lead to a lawsuit or other issues. While it is unlikely that you would find yourself in court for failing to sweep up, why take that chance? Many home purchasers will expect the home to be “broom clean” when they take possession of a property. “Broom clean” simply means that the home has been cleared of all belongings and garbage and that the floors have been swept (or carpets have been vacuumed). Doing this simple task will fulfill your end of most purchase agreements. It is always a good idea to maintain a decent relationship with the new owners of your previous home. Maybe packages meant for your family will still be delivered to your old home; or perhaps you forgot something in the basement or garage. The new owners will be more inclined to help out if they are happy with the condition of the home when you left it. Finally, leaving a home in a clean state after moving is common decency. Nobody wants to go through all the trouble of packing and moving only to find a big mess once they get to their final destination. A little effort will go a long way.

So, what do you have to do to leave a home in “broom clean” condition? As it turns out, not a lot! It does not have to be a roof-to-basement scrub-down; just the basics:

Clear the entire house (including walls) of all personal property. If they didn’t buy it, don’t leave it!
Take out all the garbage.
Vacuum the floors and carpets.
Scrub the tubs, sinks, and bathrooms.
Wipe down the cabinets, cupboards and counters (watch for errant food particles).
Clean all the appliances that come with the house.

Understandably, you may not be in the mood to do any cleaning after a tough day of moving. Consider hiring a cleaning company to do it for you. Your moving company should be able to recommend one.

Looking for more tips and help with your move? Talk to us at Best Canadian Movers. With over 20 years of providing moving and storage services in Burlington and Toronto, Best Canadian Movers will help you with your moving and storage needs for every step of the way. Fully licensed, bonded, and insured, you will always feel that you property is being treated with the respect it deserves. Take a look around at our site for our services, testimonials, and some helpful moving tips Contact us today!

Best Canadian Movers is a fully licensed, bonded and insured moving company and our staff is well trained in the art of moving and to be tentative to your needs. Our fleet of moving trucks undergo inspection prior to every move and we not only meet, but exceed all necessary insurance requirements.

Moving Homes – A Child’s Perspective

Moving homes is a stressful time for all of us. The whole process of seeking and purchasing a home is mentally draining enough but, actually relocating from one home to another is a tribulation. From packing your valuables to loading a truck to creating a new floor plan, there are so many things to worry about. Setting up life in a new city is also challenging when you have to worry about new schools and a new routine. It can all be very daunting but, in the end, you will survive; we are adults and can handle this kind of challenge. But, how about the children? Are they emotionally equipped for a move? In the chaos of moving, we often forget how a relocation may be impacting the lives of our children. Still developing as people, a simple house move can be more disruptive and traumatic to children than we realize. Luckily, you can be there to help guide them through this new experience in their lives by addressing their needs.

So, what are some of the things that children will be facing during a big move (depending on their age)?

Pre-schoolers: They will usually be very curious and interested in the whole process. Being different and unusual, they will have a lot of questions about the move and why things are happening. They understand the move, but will not necessarily comprehend the implications. Pre-schoolers usually have fewer attachments and connections to the previous home, so they are not usually upset to be leaving. There may be some anxiety once they settle into the new home. Young children love to be involved in things, so give them a task that is appropriate to their abilities such as packing a small box of their favourite toys or organizing their clothing by colour. If possible, bring them to the new house before you move so it will be familiar to them when the day arrives.

School-aged children: They will offer more of a challenge when moving homes. They understand the implications and the reasons, but may not entirely accept them. They may act out in aggressive and passive-aggressive ways. The biggest concern that children at this age will have is changing schools. Most of their social network will be attached to their school. Changing will likely mean having to adopt a new group of friends, which is not always easy. To ease them into the change, bring your child to the school before the actual move so they can get a feel of the physical property and sense of the atmosphere of the school. There is debate on whether it is better to change schools in the middle of the year or over the summer. If it is an option, see what your child would prefer.

Teenagers: They will usually be the strongest opponents of the move, especially if they need to change schools. Friends and social groups are often the most important things to a teenager. The loss of this and the possibility of having to start over can cause them to flat-out rebel against you. The best thing you can do in this case is to listen to their concerns and try to address them. Treat them like an adult whose opinion counts. They will still be upset, but may at least feel better.

In between packing and working with your children, you will have a lot on your plate. Make sure to hire a good moving services company to make your life easier. At Best Canadian Movers, we offer over two decades of professional and courteous service in Ontario. Contact us today. You handle your family; we will handle the move.

Moving in the Summer – How to Do It Right

It makes sense that summer is one of the more popular times to move in Canada. The kids are out of school; the home buyer’s market heats up with the weather; there is no snow or ice to contend with; and being in the outdoors is pleasant when the temperature is averaging 24 degrees. However, moving in the summer can still be fraught with pitfalls if you do not take it seriously. You still have to consider the heat, dehydration, and your valuables. Hiring a solid moving company is always a good start. Follow our tips and your summer move can be exactly what you want it to be!

Beat the Heat

The summer heat is going to be your biggest challenge. The temperatures can soar over 30 degrees on a hot day; with the humidity, any physical activity is going to be hard. Dress appropriately (shorts and t-shirts are fine, but no sandals); don’t overexert yourself; take breaks in the shade or cool areas. Become familiar with the symptoms of heat stroke and keep an eye on others. Consider starting your move early in the morning before the temperature begins to rise.

Drink Water

This tip is important enough to get its own entry. The importance of hydrating cannot be overstated. Have plenty of cold water on hand and always be sure to keep drinking during the move. Stick with water. Juice, pop, coffee, and alcohol will not hydrate you; in fact, they can have the opposite effect. Don’t forget water for your movers, too.

Plan Ahead

Don’t wait until the last minute, call a moving company months before the move and start making a plan. There are many arrangements and things that will need to be considered. The earlier you start, the more prepared you will be when unexpected things pop up.

Sensitive Items

Watch out for some of your more heat-sensitive goods. Electronics, paintings, books, and pictures should not be left in direct sunlight or in hot places. When planning ahead, consider some of your more heat-sensitive belongings. Don’t forget your pets! They don’t like the heat either.

Hire Professionals

Moving houses is a tough job, especially in the summer. If things don’t go right, it can be a frustrating and an expensive ordeal. Why not leave it to the professionals? With Best Canadian Movers, you will get a team of experienced professional movers who will treat you and your belongings with respect and courtesy. With over two decades of experience, Best Canadian Movers has seen it all from the hottest summer days to the most frigid winter ones. We are a fully licensed, bonded and an insured moving company. Contact us for any of your moving needs.

Can’t Move It? Then Store It!

One thing that we learn about ourselves when moving is how much stuff we really have. Christmas gifts, birthday presents, vacation souvenirs, impulse buys – it all accumulates and we don’t notice until it is time to pack it all up and then carry it somewhere else. But, taking everything when you move is not always an immediate option so, what do you do? Store it!

There are many different reasons why you might find yourself in need of some storage services while moving. Some people are not even aware of how much stuff they have in their possession. When things are spread over the house and stored in off-to-the-side places (basements, garages, attics), it is easy to lose track. Then, after everything is gathered together, they realize that they may have a volume problem. Relocating is a stressful and busy time; putting some of your items into storage will cut down on the volume that needs to be brought to the new home and ease some of that stress. Space may also be an issue in the new home. If your new home is slightly smaller or has less room to store items, a storage space can solve that problem. Storing your items will also give you time if you want to re-imagine your living space and need a holding place until it is finished. Finally, some people look at moving as an opportunity to de-clutter, but they need time to go through everything to decide what they want to sell, keep, or throw away. A storage space is perfect for that.
If you are going to use storage, do it the right way. You don’t want to leave your belongs in some random leaky garage that belongs to your friend’s uncle. Here are a few tips to remember when looking for a good storage spot:

Go Professional
- Some of your friends may offer to keep your belongings in their spaces at a “great” price. Avoid it. What happens if your items are damaged? Will they compensate you? What if you have a fall out? It is always best to avoid mixing business and friendship. A professional storage facility will have the knowledge, responsibility, and background to keep your items safe. Many moving companies will also provide storage services. Always ask.
Get Insurance
- A good storage facility is usually safe and will protect your items from damage and theft. Nonetheless, it is always a good idea to protect yourself with insurance.
Organize
- You will make your life much easier if you take the time to sort through your items before you store them and categorize them. Labels can be your best friend in a storage space. You will be happy you did so when you need to find something.
Protect Your Belongings
- A good storage facility will offer some degree of protection. You should still make the effort to wrap and protect your items in strong containers and bags. These small steps will protect them from moisture and dust.

Make your move as painless as possible by using good, reputable movers. Best Canadian Movers is a family owned and operated moving company that services Toronto, Burlington, and the GTA. We have over two decades of experience in moving and storing items. Our storage services can handle commercial and residential storage needs on either a short or long term basis. We offer reasonable prices and promotions. Contact us to find out how we can handle your moving and storing needs.

Tips to Make Moving In and Unpacking Easy

A lot of attention gets paid to the moving out and packing process when you move. You research moving companies that service where you live in the greater Toronto area, select the best movers that fit your needs, book your moving date and then start figuring out the best way to pack all your items. But what happens once the boxes are packed and the moving company has loaded every last item into the truck?

Having a plan for moving in and unpacking is also really important. Moving can be an emotional experience and you want to focus on keeping things stress free and easy once the moving company has deposited the last box in your new space.

Best Canadian Movers offers our best tips to help moving in and unpacking a happy time:

Pack a weekender bag containing essentials – pajamas, toothbrush, two changes of clothes, electronic devices and chargers, all personal documents, etc. Do this for each member of the family (including pets – bowls, leashes, a few toys) so that you don’t stress about finding what you immediately need right off the bat.
Pack items you will need first in clear bins so you can find them easily and unpack them first. Cleaning supplies and essential items like tools to open all your boxes, hand soap, paper towel, toilet paper and garbage bags should be included.
If you can, show up to your new place early and clean (at least the kitchen and bathrooms) or have cleaners go in before moving day.
Take a photo of your electronics before you disassemble and pack everything so that you know how everything was hooked up. This will make unpacking and moving in electronics a quick and less painful process! But you might want to wait to hook up the television until most boxes are unpacked or it may only serve as a distraction during your work!
If possible, order groceries using a delivery service to be delivered late in the day on the day you are moving in and unpacking. Not having to go to the grocery store will take one big thing off your to do list and make sure that there are drinks and food for you and anyone helping you unpack.
A top priority should be to unpack and set up your sleeping areas with fresh, clean sheets. You will want to fall into bed after a very busy day and won’t want to be setting up your bed at ten o’clock at night! Use clear plastic bags for each set of fresh linens so you can easily know what set goes with what bed.
Unpack the kitchen after tending to the beds. A majority of your boxes will be kitchen related so it will make you feel like you are making progress and you will have space to eat!
Flatten and break down boxes as you go. This will help ensure you don’t miss anything when unpacking and helps to clear space.

Settling into a new space can be overwhelming, but we know that these tips will help. Best Canadian Movers is a family owned and operated moving company committed to providing affordable moving service in Toronto, Mississauga, Burlington, Oakville and the rest of the GTA. Contact us today for your free moving quote.