Category: moving tips

Moving furniture is an integral part of relocating, but it often comes with the risk of damaging your home. Whether you’re moving to a new house or simply rearranging, the importance of protecting your home cannot be overstated.

Scratched floors, dented walls, and strained backs are just a few of the potential pitfalls. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to ensure your home remains in pristine condition during your move.

Here Are 5 Steps to Take to Protect Your Home While Moving Furniture:

Plan Ahead

Before you lift a single piece of furniture, careful planning is essential. For bigger items and those that are oddly shaped, anticipate the route you’ll take. Look out for tight corners, narrow doorways, or other potential choke points. Having a Plan B is crucial if your original route proves treacherous.

Preparation

Clearing Pathways and Removing Obstacles

The road to a smooth move is literally a clear path. Remove rugs, decor, and any small obstacles that could interfere with moving larger items. Tripping over a small item can cause personal injury or damage to the furniture and home.

Measuring Doorways and Furniture Dimensions

Knowing the dimensions of your furniture and the doorways they must pass through will save you from last-minute adjustments. It will also save you from forceful shoving that can hurt your walls or the furniture itself.

Gathering Necessary Tools and Equipment

Arm yourself with the right tools. Rent or purchase furniture sliders, dollies, and straps. Having these on hand will make the entire process considerably safer and more manageable.

Furniture Protection

Using furniture sliders or gliders makes moving heavy objects across floors a breeze while minimizing scratches and scuffs. For extra protection, consider wrapping pieces in bubble wrap or old blankets.

Disassembling Furniture if Necessary

Take the time to disassemble furniture if it makes for safer transport. Removing legs from tables or separating bed frames are examples of how this step can prevent property damage and make moving more efficient.

Floor and Wall Protection

Using Furniture Pads or Blankets

Do not underestimate the value of old blankets or specialized furniture pads. Draped over banisters or taped to door frames, these can shield against scuffs and scratches.

Laying Down Protective Floor Coverings

Protective materials like cardboard or specialized floor protection can act as a shield for your flooring, absorbing the brunt of foot traffic and sliding furniture.

Installing Corner Guards to Prevent Wall Damage

These small investments pay off in preventing unsightly (and expensive) damage to wall corners — one of the most common casualties in moving furniture.

Lifting and Moving Techniques

Proper Lifting Techniques to Prevent Injuries

Always lift with your legs, not your back, and avoid twisting while holding heavy items. Use lifting straps for heavy burdens, as they assist in better weight distribution.

Teamwork and Communication During the Moving Process

Moving is a team effort. Maintain clear communication with helpers, calling out actions and obstacles to avoid mishaps.

Using Dollies or Hand Trucks for Heavy Items

These tools are indispensable for safely transporting hefty furniture and preventing floor damage. They allow for smooth movement and reduce physical strain.

Hire Experienced Professional Movers to Reduce Cost, Stress and Ensure Safety

Whether you’re an experienced pro or it’s your first time moving, taking the time to protect your home is well worth it. With thoughtful preparation and the right techniques, you can safeguard your home against relocation damage and keep your move worry-free. Remember, hiring professional movers isn’t admitting defeat—it’s a strategic move to ensure that your belongings, and your home, remain intact. And can save you money in the end!

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Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for many years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

 

Many of us have horror stories of trying to get friends to help us move from one single-person apartment to another. But when you’re moving a whole family from one location to another, your problems are multiplied, as is your anxiety level.

To prevent that anxiety and disaster from happening on your next move, it’s important to have a plan in place that you can check off as you go. With that in mind, we’ve created a checklist to help you prepare for a move that you will look forward to.

Here is the ultimate family moving checklist to help you with a smooth transition this year:

One Month (or more) Before Moving Day

• Hire a professional moving team and select the day you will move out of the old home and into the new house. (This will usually involve getting quotes from different movers and doing the proper research, so don’t leave this until the last minute!)
• Take care of your children’s needs. This means that you need to arrange for registering them in their new school (and transfer documents from the old one such as transcripts). 
• Talk to your children to make sure they understand what is happening. Many kids will be excited by the prospect of someplace new, but others may be afraid, especially if that is the only home they’ve ever known.
• Go through your home methodically and start sorting items into three piles—keep, trash, and donate. The less you must pack up and move, the better!
• Get supplies (boxes and tape) and start packing.

Three Weeks Before Moving Day

• If you’ve decided to go it alone and move by yourself, then you need to book a moving truck.
• Have your kids start to pack their belongings and help them with this process.
• Have a yard/garage sale. Get rid of as much unnecessary stuff (and pick up a few dollars) by selling the things you don’t want.
• Make sure you have prescriptions filled as there may be a bit of time as you move to your new home and get settled. 
• Find a doctor in the new area you are moving to. (Your current doctor may have suggestions on who to choose.) 
• If you have pets, decide how you plan to move them. (Usually, you will have to do this in your own vehicle since moving companies won’t transport animals.) 
• Finally, decide if you want to move your houseplants or if it would just make more sense to start fresh with your new home.

Two Weeks Before Moving Day

• Complete the moving paperwork. This means you need to complete the task of changing all your address change forms with governmental agencies, creditors, and the like. Don’t forget the change of address forms with the postal service. If you have any subscription services that deliver to your home, change these as well.
• Contact the utility company. Now is also the time to set up having your old utilities shut off and your new utilities turned on. Obviously, this won’t go into effect until the day of the move, but you do need to make the arrangements.
• Determine if you need your car shipped. If you are planning a long-distance move and own multiple vehicles, then you may need to hire a service to ship your cars.

One Week Before Moving Day

• Finish with the packing. This is the time to get everything you’ve held off from packing and get it ready for the move.
• Set aside the essentials. You need to set aside a bag for yourself and your kids for essential items. This should include a couple of days of clothing, toiletries/medicines, and electronic chargers. You should also include a toy or two for your child to make sure they are entertained as you move and get unpacked.

Moving Day

• Get a good night’s sleep as you need to be ready early in the morning.
• Get breakfast and coffee for the movers. Even a simple donut is a nice sign of appreciation. Also make sure you have cash on hand for a tip.
• It’s time for one last walk-through of the home. You may also need to do a final cleaning of the old house and a good scrubbing of the new house.

Planning Is the Secret to a Great Move

If you are thinking about a long-distance move with your family, then you really need to plan to prevent it from going poorly. Take the time to follow these steps and you will be amazed at how smoothly it goes. 

And, if you are looking for more great checklists that can make your move smoother, here are a few links to our previous checklists and guides you’ll find helpful:

• In-Town Moving Tips: Moving Across Town Checklist
• A Guide to Moving to a New Province: Checklist Provided
• Tips for Helping Your Elderly Parents Move
• Move Like the Pros

Use Experienced, Professional Movers Who Know Your Area

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Rain or shine, summer or fall, we’re there for you! Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

People, in record numbers, have decided to move to Canada in the past few years for a variety of reasons. In fact, 2021 saw over 400,000 moving to our great country with over half a million expected each year in the future. From the beauty of the natural environment to the booming economy and affordability, Canada is a great option for those looking to move their home and British Columbia is an especially beautiful province.

If you’re curious about what British Columbia has to offer for you and your family, here are a few reasons it is so popular:

• Stable Job Market
• High-Quality Education
• Cultural Diversity
• Outdoor Activity Opportunities
• Access to Quality Healthcare

Here are aspects of moving to BC you should consider or add to your checklist for a smooth move:

Immigration
If you’re a Canadian citizen, you can skip to the next step. For everyone needing to move here from another country, you need to sort this out first before you can take any further steps.

The first thing you will need to do is establish that you are moving to the country through one of the approved methods. For most people, the two most common methods are getting a job with a Canadian company or marrying a Canadian citizen. There are other methods, such as obtaining a startup visa or being nominated by a specific province based on your talents, education, and skill set.

Take Care of the Paperwork
Yes, there’s going to be a lot of paperwork involved in a move like this. This is a list of the top items you should take care of before or as you move to British Columbia:

• Fill out a change of address form with all your creditors and anyone else you plan to stay in touch with as well as the post office so they can forward your mail.
• Plan to have the utilities turned on in your new home. (And don’t forget the Internet.)
• Change your cell phone plan (if necessary).
• Get a Canadian driver’s license and register your vehicle.
• Sign up for a health care plan.

Hire Professional Movers
We can’t stress this one enough. There is a lot of paperwork and regulations involved in moving goods from one country to another. It’s best to leave this one up to the pros.

Find a professional moving company that can handle an international move. Also, if you are flying into Canada instead of driving in, you might want to consider finding a professional service that will move your vehicle for you. (And find out if there are any restrictions in your area for bringing in vehicles.)

Be Careful Before You Pack
Consider what you are packing for your move. As always, you want to make sure that your belongings are safely packed before you put them in the moving van. This is especially true for such a long move.

But you also need to make sure the items you are packing are legal. For instance, certain plants may not be able to come in because of potential pest infestations. Even certain pets may require quarantine once they come over.

And the transportation of prescription drugs, firearms, and explosives such as fireworks or ammunition is always considered a potential problem. So, make sure you check first before you put them on the truck.

Before You Move, Check Your Checklists
Canada is a beautiful place that is opening its arms to more and more visitors and immigrating residents every year. But it is important to make sure that you prepare yourself before you make that move. This isn’t going to be as simple as switching apartments across town. It will take some serious planning.

Check out our past blogs on a variety of topics, including these checklists you may find helpful:

• A Guide to Moving to a New Province: Checklist Provided
• Should I Hire a Vehicle Shipping Company in Canada?
• 6 Tips for Finding a Mover You Can Trust
• Questions to Ask Moving Companies for Your Upcoming Move in Canada

Save Yourself Time, Money, and Stress – Hire Experienced, Professional Movers

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Rain or shine, summer or fall, we’re there for you! Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

You’ve got your whole house packed up and ready to relocate to another part of Canada. But there is one more piece of the moving puzzle that you may not have thought about. How are you going to get your car across the country? Are you going to have to drive it yourself or should you consider hiring a company to ship your vehicle, so you don’t have to stress about it?

Here are aspects you need to think about when making the decision on whether to ship your vehicle:

 

• Cost — First, let’s talk about the massive cost that comes with trying to drive your car yourself across the country. Gas prices are nearing an all-time high and it is becoming more likely that those prices won’t be going down anytime soon. But there are more expenses involved. 

The drive time between Toronto and Vancouver, for instance, is around 50 hours, give or take. Obviously, no one is going to make this trip straight through. Even if you drove ten hours a day, this type of drive would take five days to finish. So, you must add in the extra expense of multiple nights of lodging along the way. 

And then there’s the food cost during that time as well. All of this will add up to an expensive trip which might be made more affordable (or at least comparable in cost) if you hire a vehicle shipping company.

• Safety — There’s another big reason why you might want to avoid such a long drive on your own and it has nothing to do with the cost. Safety is a huge factor. That much driving over several days can leave anyone exhausted and tired drivers make for unsafe drivers. You want to start your new life in your new home, and not have to deal with auto accidents or potential injuries from them.

• Vehicle Security — Another thing that comes from hiring a vehicle shipping company is that you don’t have to worry about whether your car will make it to your new home. If you drive your vehicle yourself, you may have to park it in unknown restaurant and hotel parking areas along the way making it a target for thieves. But with a shipping company, you know it is being cared for and protected and will make it safely to your new destination.

• Stress — Finally, one of the biggest concerns with any move is the amount of stress that it can cause. You already have to worry about finding a moving company, getting everything packed up, relocating all your stuff, and then unpacking it. But that doesn’t even include the other stresses like taking care of utilities and other paperwork. 

And none of that considers personal stresses between family members including whining kids wanting to know if you are there yet. Whatever you can do to reduce the stresses that are placed on you will be a welcome help. That’s where a vehicle moving service will be a smart move.

Save Yourself Time, Money, and Stress – Hire Experienced, Professional Movers for Your Car

Many people balk at the idea of turning over their move to a professional company, often citing the cost as the reason. But when you look at how much hiring professional movers can save you in terms of safety, security, and stress, then you know that it makes perfect sense. 

In fact, moving your own vehicle yourself may not exactly be as cheap as you might think when you consider the cost of gas, food, and lodging along the way. That’s why it’s a good idea to at least consider adding this as an item to your moving budget.

Use Experienced, Professional Movers Who Know Your Area

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Rain or shine, summer or fall, we’re there for you! Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

If you’ve just moved into your new forever home, you’re likely looking forward to spending the holidays with those you love in a perfect setting. You’re also getting ready for your first winter in that home. To do this, you need to make sure your home is winter-ready. We have a few tips to help you prepare your new home. 

Here’s what you need to know about getting your home ready for winter by focusing on key areas of your home:

• Your Heating System

One of the worst things you can have to happen during the first cold snap of the season is to have the heater go out. It’s a good idea before the temperatures dip to call an HVAC expert to do a service and check on your system. This is important, not just because of the need for a working heater, but also to protect your home. Dust and debris can clog up the heater, but they can also act as a potential fire hazard.

• Your Pipes

Besides your heating system going out and leaving you and your family cold, the next biggest concern is that your pipes will freeze up. The suggestion to leave a little trickle of water flowing through pipes is a good one. But you should also have your pipes inspected along with your hot water heater. Make repairs before the winter weather makes the pipes worse.

• Your Insulation

It’s a good idea to check the insulation in your attic to ensure that it can keep the cold air out and the warm air in. This is especially true if you have just moved in and aren’t sure about whether your home has draft spots or even when the insulation was last replaced. It doesn’t hurt to look around to ensure there are no pests living within the insulation as that can breed deadly toxins from droppings left behind.

• Your Chimney

A lot of people think that chimney sweepers are quaint historical figures out of Mary Poppins. But the reality is that a dirty, soot-filled chimney can lead to smoke and fire dangers when you light a fire. Wood-burning fireplaces are great to have, especially if there is a winter storm that knocks out power. But if you are going to have a fireplace, make sure that you get it cleaned and serviced before the winter weather comes around.

• Your Safety Monitors

Test your home’s safety monitors on a regular basis, especially when you first begin living in the home. Now is the time to replace the batteries in your home’s smoke detector, especially if you are planning to run a fire in the fireplace this winter. But you should also check your carbon monoxide monitor as well to keep you and your family safe.

• Your Windows and Doors

In a home, a lot of heat can be lost through poorly insulated doors and windows. While it would be great to install all new doors and windows that are more environmentally conscious and energy-efficient, that may not be practical. Instead, look to add weather-stripping where you can and insulate these entry points as much as possible. Your heating bill will thank you.

• Your Flooring

If your home has hardwood floors or tile, then you know that getting up in the morning can be painful when your bare feet hit those cold floors. Make your home a little cozier by adding thick rugs to your floor plan. 

• Your Wardrobe

Finally, make sure to get all those thick sweaters and heavy coats out of storage for the winter.  If you need to, clean out your storage and donate any winter clothes that you no longer need. There are plenty of less fortunate people in the area who could benefit from your gently worn coats and sweaters.

Enjoy Your New Home and the Cold Weather with These Tips

This winter, you can spend as much time as possible in the cozy confines of your home. You want to make sure that your home is safe – so be sure to inspect and check off these areas of your home. It’s the best way to ensure that your home stays warm, comfortable and safe this winter!

Move Without Worry or Stress. Hire Experienced Movers That Care.

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

When it comes time to pack up your home, every single item inside it comes with its problems and issues. From having to pack the most delicate fine crystal to moving a large couch, each item can be different in its own way. That is especially true of packing your clothes.

With that in mind, here are tips and tricks on how to prepare your wardrobe for your next move:

1 Clean Out the Closet — Any time you start to pack up for a move, we strongly encourage you to do a lot of spring cleaning. Rid yourself of items you don’t need.

This is especially true of clothes.

Go to the closet and start three stacks—keep, donate, and trash. If you haven’t worn an item in over a year, chances are you can toss it out.

Don’t hold on to those great jeans that you hope one day to be able to fit into. It’s time to let them go. If the items are too threadbare or ragged to donate, throw them in the trash and reduce your packing load.

2 Sort Your Clothes — Once you have rid yourself of unneeded items, it’s time to start sorting them further. There are two ways to do this. The first would be to sort them by the type of clothing. For instance, you can pack pants easier in one container and dresses in another. It also makes it more organized for when you unpack.

Another way to handle this is packing based on the clothing season. For instance, if you are moving in the spring, you can pack your winter and fall clothes separately as you aren’t going to need these items immediately after your move.

Another HUGE point here is to make sure that you label the boxes appropriately. If you are moving in the spring, label your winter clothes so you know not to start your unpacking with those items.

3 Pack Properly — If you have a lot of items that need to be hung up (such as suits or dresses), then you may want to invest in wardrobe moving boxes that can allow you to keep the items on a hanger as you move them. When it comes to clothes that you are folding up, you may already have a great packing tool at your disposal—luggage.

Suitcases are made to transport clothes from point A to point B, so you can pack your clothes in your suitcases and transport them without having to get extra boxes. Many movers will also swear by the trick of not unpacking your dressers. If possible, take out each drawer (with the clothes inside) and then wrap them with stretch wrap to keep the items from falling out. Now, you can stack the drawers in the moving truck and just pop them back in the dresser when you get to the new home (without having to unpack them).

4 Hire the Pros — Consider hiring professional movers to get you packed and moved properly. An experienced moving company has been helping people pack and move for years. So, use their expertise and have them help you pack your clothes properly so you can get them transported and unpack them efficiently.

Clothes Are Important in Your Move – Pack With Care

Your clothes are an important part of your personality and individuality. That’s why it’s a no-brainer that you would want to protect these items when you are moving and ensure you can quickly and efficiently unpack them. After all, no one wants to have to wear the same clothes day after day because you haven’t found the right box to unpack for your favorite shirt!

Use Experienced, Professional Movers Who Know Your Area

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Rain or shine, summer or fall, we’re there for you! Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

When it comes time to move into a new home, people often take a look around their living space with dread. They mentally calculate all the items they have to pack up and it becomes overwhelming to count it all. 

 

But then comes the really scary stuff—those items that are hard to move which fill you with fear. That’s why it’s so important to consider a professional moving company. Experienced movers know exactly how to move items carefully so that they don’t get damaged. 

Let’s look at the difficulties involved with the hardest items to move when relocating:

1. Antiques and Collectibles — Many of us have items that are priceless (at least to us) and if they were broken, we’d be devastated. Whether it’s an antique vase, an expensive collection of wines, or vintage comic books, each has its own issues. You have to consider how to wrap and package them, transport them, or store them so that they are safe from climate issues. That’s one reason why a professional moving company can be so important.

2. Major Appliances — Take a look around your house or apartment and list all the major appliances that will have to be moved—your refrigerator, your washer and dryer, and more. Now ask yourself how you are going to get these items out of your home and into your new place. Not only do many of these require special equipment to move them, but they are cumbersome making moving difficult. These items can be some of the toughest to squeeze through doors and may even require doors to be taken off the hinges to get them through a doorway.

3. Pianos — One of the biggest moving problems for homeowners is a piano. Whether it’s a small upright or a full grand piano, moving the item has multiple issues. First, any piano is going to be bulky and take up a lot of space on a moving truck. But it’s also an awkward size with weird weight distributions which can make it difficult to move. Worst of all, moving a piano incorrectly can cause serious damage to the interior working pieces and can ruin the sound it produces. It’s important that you get a professional mover to take care of this item.

4. Sports Equipment — We’re not talking about baseball bats or hockey sticks here. When it comes to sports and fitness, some people have invested thousands of dollars in exercise bikes, treadmills, rowing machines, and complex weight benches. Just like with a piano, improper moving can throw these out of sync and seriously damage them. In some cases, the damage could potentially make them worthless. That’s why extreme care needs to be taken when moving the equipment. (These are also difficult to move because many of them weigh more than even your average major appliance!)

5. Technology — A lot of people might think these are the easiest items to move. After all, we pack up our laptops and phones all the time to go to work or school. But if you’re taking items like computers, televisions, or printers on a long-distance move, this can be problematic. For instance, sometimes it’s necessary to keep items in storage until you can move them into the new location. Technology doesn’t respond well to heat and if your storage center isn’t climate controlled, you can end up ruining the equipment. Also, when you get to your new location, set-up can be a nightmare, especially if you just threw your wires and cords into a box.

Don’t Get Stuck on Moving Day with Hard and Heavy Items to Move

Moving is usually a hard experience. But if you have any of these items, then the process can be even more arduous. If at all possible, hiring professional movers can make these moves a lot easier for you. 

Use Experienced, Professional Movers Who Know Your Area
Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Rain or shine, we’re there for you! Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

Has this happened to you? You get a call from a friend you haven’t heard from in months and they have a request that they “hate to ask.” But the upshot is that they want you to help them move this weekend. 

While your brain turns over a list of a dozen excuses to get out of it, you probably also think back to when you have been in a similar situation. Basically, you can do it yourself, hire movers, or go with the cheapest option (in terms of time and money). Ask your friends to help. 

Here are the pros and cons of hiring friends to help you with your relocation:

Pros

• First, asking your friends to help with the move likely won’t cost you money. And if it does, they probably won’t cost as much as professional movers. Most friends (at least the good ones) will be willing to help move in return for some pizza or Chinese takeout and a couple of beers.

 

• Another reason you might want to consider this option is that you’ll get to spend more time with your friends. Sure, you’ll all be working hard. But there’s something about the company of good friends that will help that time pass quicker than trying to go it alone.

 

• Another unexpected consequence is that you tend to be safer when you have other people working with you. You are more likely to look out for the well-being of everyone so you won’t let anyone get hurt.

 

• Finally, this option also allows for flexible time scheduling. In fact, you work out the timing with your friends and not around some business’s plan.

Cons

• It can be hard to figure out exactly how many friends will show up and how many will say they have other plans.

 

• You may also not know what your friends will be willing to do when they get there. (Will they help with boxes or are they going to be willing to help move that giant sofa?)

 

• If something happens and one of your friends does get hurt, you’ll feel bad about that and it could end up hurting your friendship as well. (And, in some cases, insurance may have to get involved if they are hurt on your property.)

 

• When you’re moving heavy objects, tempers can run as high as the temperatures. This could lead to arguments and hurt feelings between you and your friends.

 

• You may find out you have a snooper in your friend group. Are you prepared to have all of your items looked at and fondled?

 

• When hiring professional movers, you know you’ll be out of your old place and in your new home in a day. Friends don’t usually have the same sense of urgency. 

 

• If a professional breaks something, their insurance will cover the item and replace it. But if your friend breaks something, there’s no coverage. You will simply have to hope that they will replace the item.

 

There Is a Cost to Having Friends Move You – Are You Prepared for That Expense?

Moving is hard enough. It’s important that you don’t let the stress and frustrations of moving get in the way of your friendships. Instead, know upfront what you’re getting into and how many movers you can count on for the big moving day. 

Using a professional moving crew will actually save you a lot in terms of sanity and help you spend time with your friends at your new place as you get settled in. It will also ensure that you don’t lose those friends over petty moving day arguments.

Use Experienced, Professional Movers Who Know Your Area

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Rain or shine, we’re there for you! Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

As you might guess, our moving company is presented with a lot of questions. Having been in the relocation business for over forty years, we have seen it all! Below are some of the most frequently asked moving questions with answers we hope you’ll find helpful.

Are moving companies members of a professional organization? 

If your moving company is legitimately operating in Canada (as opposed to a fly-by-night company), they should be members of the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). With this membership, the company agrees to abide by the regulations put forth by the CAM to protect customers and their belongings.

How much does a professional moving company cost? 

This is a hard one to answer because there are so many different factors that can affect the cost. Some moves are by the hour (usually for a short move) or by weight (for longer moves). Check out our detailed blog that can give you more specific information about the cost of a move. 

Is it possible to get a free in-home estimate? 

Absolutely. Contact us and we will send a customer service representative to inventory the items you want to be moved. Once we arrive, we’ll create a free estimate of how much we anticipate the move will cost. 

If you’d like to do this yourself, you can also use our Detailed Moving Estimate Form. During your in-home estimate, you can learn more about weight restrictions and other issues that may impact your move.

When can I schedule my move? 

Generally speaking, the earlier you plan your move, the better chances you will have to get your move scheduled exactly when you want. Overall, moving dates are based on availability. We recommend that you begin planning your move at least six to eight weeks before your anticipated move date.

When will my belongings be delivered? 

If you are scheduling a short-distance move, your belongings will be delivered that day. For long-distance moves, the representative will give you a detailed itinerary of when your items will be delivered.

Can I change my moving date? 

Sometimes, problems come up and we understand that. If your moving date changes, inform us as soon as possible to see if there are any scheduling conflicts that may prevent us from fulfilling the move.

Do you pack boxes, and will you provide the supplies for the move? 

Depending on your budget and needs, there are options. We can pack all of your items ourselves and then unpack them in your new home. This is a pricier option as it requires more crew members and more time.  Or we can simply pick up the boxes you have packed and then deliver them for you to unpack. Whether you plan to pack the boxes yourself or have us do this part, you can purchase boxes and other packing supplies directly from us.

Are there any items that you will not (or cannot) move? 

There are several types of items that we are forbidden by law to transport. For the most part, these include the following:

• Gases and chemical propellants
• Explosives and ammunition
• Flammable items
• Yard and gardening chemicals (such as fertilizers and pesticides)
• Household chemicals
• Corrosive items

For a more detailed list of what we can and cannot move, check out this blog post.

What about my plants and pets? 

Unfortunately, we cannot move your pet for you. And we recommend that you don’t have them in your home on moving day. Moving can be stressful and we don’t want your pets getting hurt or upset as we try to move heavy items. 

Also, with people coming in and out of the home, it’s possible that your pets may get loose, and we wouldn’t want that to happen. It’s probably a good idea to get them boarded for a day or so during the move. 

As for plants, we recommend that you transport those yourself in your vehicle. The temperature in moving vans may not be conducive for plants and we would not want to damage them during transit.

Are there any items I should move? 

We pride ourselves on caring for your items and doing our utmost to ensure they’re fully protected. However, there are some items you might want to consider moving, especially those that are priceless and irreplaceable such as family heirlooms. 

It’s important to talk to your customer service representative during the in-home estimate to determine if there are special considerations that the movers should be aware of or if there are certain items that we recommend you move in your private vehicle.

Have More Move Related Questions? 

If you have a question we didn’t cover in this blog or in one of our other blogs, we want to help by taking the mystery out of moving. Contact us so we can email or call you with answers to your short or long-distance moves.

The holidays are already stressful enough when it comes to buying presents, cleaning your house for visitors, and preparing all that food for the family. But if you throw in moving houses, then you can send your stress and anxiety levels into the stratosphere. 

It doesn’t have to be that way. We’re going to share some holiday-themed tips that will help you keep your stress levels lowered while you try to move into a new home this season.

4 Steps to Reducing Your Stress and Anxiety During a Holiday Move:

Get Santa’s Little Helpers

No, we don’t mean elves. But you do need to get yourself professionals who can really help you with this move. 

Nothing says lowered stress levels with a move quite like hiring an experienced, professional moving company to handle all your packing for you. Depending on your needs, you may hire movers that can box and pack all your belongings for you. Or you may only need movers to pick up the boxes you have packed and move around the heavy furniture and items. 

Regardless of your needs, you can know that professional movers will take care of your belongings and do everything in their power to make sure nothing is damaged. Movers are motivated to make your relocation as painless and stress-free as possible.

Make a List and Check It Twice

Here, you don’t have to check out who’s naughty or nice. But you should create a list of exactly what you need to do with each step of the move. 

Have a checklist of everything including switching over utilities, internet, and TV as well as what you need to pack. You can even use moving apps to help keep yourself organized. These apps can assist you to ensure everything gets packed and you can keep track of all your boxes to make sure nothing gets lost in the shuffle.

Pack Up Santa’s Bag

When Santa packs for Christmas Eve, he takes all the essential items to deliver. Well, that’s something that you need to do as well before your move! 

Pack a bag of essential items that you will need in your new home before you unpack your belongings. This should include a change of clothes (usually a couple of days’ worth), medicines, toiletries, and chargers for your cellphone, computer, or tablet. If you’re moving with small children, then you should definitely pack a toy or two to keep them entertained until you can get the rest of their stuff out of boxes.

Go Easy on the Decorations and Gifts

Finally, you want to keep this move as easy as possible. Before you move, make sure you don’t waste time putting up a lot of decorations. 

This will just be something that you have to take down and pack. Instead, plan on putting up the decorations in your new home when you get there. 

Also, you might want to keep your gift buying prior to the move to a minimum. It will be hard to pack these extra items, especially if you’re trying to keep them hidden from the other members of the household.

Holidays Are Stressful Enough, Give Yourself the Gift of Peace

This holiday season, be sure to make plans so that your move will be as easy and stressless as possible. By hiring professional movers, keeping yourself organized, and packing an essentials bag, you will anticipate many of the problems that occur and handle them up quickly so you can relax on moving day.

Use Experienced, Professional Movers Who Know Your Area
Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Rain or shine, we’re there for you! Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.