Category: moving tips

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.

Trying to get packed up for a move is hard enough, but when you’re trying to do it in a hurry it can be extra stressful. Whatever the reason for the quick move, it’s essential that you still get everything packed carefully so your belongings are safe and secure. 

Here are a few tips and guidelines to make sure you handle packing for your move as efficiently as possible:

1. Leave it to the pros — One of the easiest ways to ensure your packing is handled quickly and safely is to hire a professional moving team. Movers do this for a living and know how to get in, get you packed up, and get you on your way as quickly as possible. If you can, give serious consideration to hiring pros to pack you up.
2. Don’t pack everything — This may seem counterintuitive, but one of the best tips we can give you is to reduce the amount of packing you have to do. To do this, you need to do a fast spring cleaning of all your belongings. Throw out anything you don’t need or want. If possible, donate it to a local charity so you’re reducing the amount that you have to pack. This is especially true when it comes to the kitchen. There’s no point in packing up a lot of food items for transit. Donate the unopened items to your local food pantry. Toss the opened items out and start fresh when you move into your new location.
3. Pack an essentials bag — Before you start packing your other belongings, put together an essentials bag. This will include all the things you can’t live without for a few days. For instance, you’ll definitely want a couple of days’ clothing as well as your medicines and toiletries that you will need. Also, throw in your chargers for items like your phone or laptop as well as any paperwork that you might need for the move. If you have kids, do the same for them and include a few favorite toys and a book or video to keep them occupied during the move.
4. Don’t empty your drawers — If you have a large dresser, don’t empty out the drawers and try packing the individual items. Instead, just leave everything in the drawers and use them as makeshift packing boxes to carry the items to your new location. You can even cover these in packing cling wrap to help keep everything bundled together nicely.
5. Don’t try to sort things out — Another big packing tip would be to not try to sort items when you’re boxing them up. The goal here is to just get everything into a box as quickly as possible. If you are trying to pack up a bedroom, for instance, just start putting everything into boxes. Don’t worry about sorting out whose clothes belong to who or putting some order or organization to the boxes. This is going to mean a little more work when you unpack and try to organize your new home, but it does mean you can get packed quicker in your old location. Also, as you pack these items, make sure you go room-by-room. If you bounce around from one room to another, you’re going to slow yourself down. 
   

   If You Have to Move Quickly, These Tips Will Ensure You Get Everything Packed in Time

   Moving is done best when you have the time to plan it out and organize yourself. However, if this isn’t possible, then you can always make use of these helpful tips to ensure that your quick move is as efficient as possible

   You’ve found the moving company with over 40 years of experience, BBB-accredited and certified in Canada!

   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.

   
   

If you’re a seasoned mover who has hopped from place to place in your life, then you probably already have it down to a science. But you also know that a simple move across town is completely different than trying to move all your belongings out of one province and into another. Here are a few tips for those considering such a move and a handy checklist that will help you keep things organized without losing your sanity.

Before you make your move, you need to consider if the new province you are moving into is within your budget. Some provinces have higher expenses than others. Vancouver, for instance, has a higher rate than cities in Quebec or British Columbia. 

When you’re moving, there are three main areas that you want to focus on:

• Housing
• Transportation
• Living Expenses

With these three, you should understand there is a connection between all of them. For instance, if you want to live close to work or shops, you’re going to pay more for your housing than you would if you lived far out in the suburbs or a less trendy neighborhood. 

The trade-off here is that you may not need a car because you can take public transit to get to your work or to do shopping. But if you live far out and pay less for a house or apartment, then you’re going to pay more for transportation. 

Sometimes they are not an even swap, so look at the expenses for your province and budget accordingly. The same is true with monthly living expenses. Research what you expect to pay for food, gas, utilities, and taxes in your new province before you make the leap.

What Should You Take Care of Before You Move?

There are several different groups and people you need to talk with before you make the big move. Be sure that you consider the following:

• School — First, if you’re a parent, talk with your child’s school. There may be paperwork you need to fill out to transfer your child to their new school.
• Utilities — Make sure you have the utilities cut off in your old apartment or home and set up for your new location. This may require paying new deposits, but it’s important to get this set up. While you’re at it, don’t forget to transfer your Internet and cable TV service so you’ll have it ready when you arrive in your new home.
• Doctor — Talk to your doctor and see if they have any recommendations for a new physician where you are moving. Also, make sure to get your prescriptions taken care of so you don’t run out of medicine a few days into your new home.
• Post Office — Turn in a change of address form so your mail doesn’t pile up at the old house. Also, inform all your creditors and any subscriptions about the new address to make sure your mail gets to you.

Who Can Help You with Your Move?

Here’s a quick checklist of resources you can use for getting information and transferring your services over to your new address:

 

• Health Services 
• Mail Services 
• Pensions 
• Taxes
• Veteran Services 
• Voter Registration 

If you’re moving to a new province, do your homework ahead of time and plan carefully for the move. You don’t want to be hit with unexpected expenditures nor do you want to be left out in the cold when it comes to your benefits and services.

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.

 

 

 

If you’ve ever talked to a friend or family member and told them that you plan to move, chances are you’ve probably gotten A LOT of unsolicited advice. It seems that it’s a topic on which everyone has an opinion, even if it may not be wholly accurate. 

One of the things that we’ve found over the years is how little people know about how to properly budget for a move. It’s a little more complex than one might think and there are a lot of different factors that go into determining your total moving costs. 

Here are items you need to consider when you budget for your move:

1. Estimate your “stuff” — The biggest determining factor for cost will be just how much you’re having moved. You can do this by hand if you want, going room by room and estimating how many boxes you think it will take for the small things. Then include how many large pieces (beds, washer, dryers, dressers, etc.) that you plan to move.  

A better move would be to use a moving cost calculator app that can help you estimate exactly how much you plan to move. Once you have an idea, talk with your professional movers about their rates. Some will charge by weight and others by the hour. Either way, the amount of “stuff” you plan to move will determine a large part of the cost.

2. Determine the time of year — Time is also a huge factor in moving costs. If you move in the spring or summer, you’ll be paying “prime” rates. However, if you can hold off your move until the fall or winter (usually from September to late February/early March), then the rates are greatly reduced. This is because more people want to move when the weather is nicer, and the demand causes the rates to go up.

3. And figure out the time of the week — The day of your move can also impact your cost. If you want to move on the weekend, you’ll probably see a slight increase because of a higher demand for professional movers and vans. But if you can take some time off from work in the middle of the week, you can save yourself a few dollars. (And those add up!)

4. Other factors — There are several other aspects that you should consider when budgeting your move. All of these will potentially impact the cost:

• Distance from your old home to your new (especially if your new home is in another city or province).
• If the movers have to take apart a bunch of furniture or other items, then this will add to the time it takes (and the total bill).
• Optional add-ons such as additional insurance will raise the cost of your move.

Moving Costs Are as Unique as Each Move

In Canada, it’s hard to pin down an average cost for a move. A small apartment may only take as little as $750 while a large home can cost upwards of $2500. It’s important to talk with your movers, get a quote upfront, and look closely at your contract to help determine the budget for your move.

Easily 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.

Most of us have gotten to be “old hands” at packing and getting things ready for the movers. But many people forget that not all of your belongings are inside of the house. Lots of folks have to scramble at the last minute to prepare their outdoor furniture and accessories because they simply forgot about them. 

Here are steps you can take for your next move to get your outdoor furniture ready for movers:

Examine All of Your Items 

One of the first things you want to do is to look over all of your outdoor furniture to find any damage. Because they’re exposed to the elements so much, many of these items tend to wear out faster than regular furniture. 

If a lawn chair is broken or a chair cushion has become mildewed, it’s best to toss it. If you don’t plan on throwing any of it out, make sure to take pictures of the items (especially of any worn spots). 

You may want to take pictures of your furniture before the move so you can feel confident when you unpack in your new home that all the furniture was packed with care and moved without any damage. 

Clean It  

Next, perform a deep cleaning on all of your outdoor furniture. If possible, throw your cushions and pillows into the washing machine to get rid of any traces of mold. 

Use soap and a good water sprayer/hose to clean off all of the furniture and larger items. As you do this, make sure you get rid of dirt and other trash that may have accumulated over time. 

Also, if you have furniture with hollow sections (such as tubing) make sure that you clear out any insects that may have decided to nest inside of them. You don’t want the movers picking up your outdoor chairs only to have a nest of wasps come flying out. 

Doing all of this not only keeps you and your movers safe, but it also means that you won’t be taking dirty items on the moving truck with you as these can get other items from inside the house dirty.

Break Down the Furniture (and other items too) 

If you’re paying professional movers according to how much space you use in the moving truck, you definitely want to pack everything as compactly as possible. For lawn furniture, take the items apart (as much as you can). To make it easier to reassemble the items later on, be sure to use heavy packing tape to tie them all together. 

Alternately, you can place everything (including the screws and bolts) into separate bags for easy assembly. Definitely don’t just throw it all together and hope it will make sense when you get to your new home. 

If you have a glass tabletop, wrap it in protective cushioning such as moving blankets. Lawn umbrellas should be closed and tied shut so that it doesn’t pop open in the truck. 

If you have lots of outdoor cushions and pillows (or other small items), you can save a lot of space with vacuum bags. Place the items inside of the bag and then use your vacuum cleaner to draw out the excess air. This makes it easier to stack the items up in the truck. 

Finally, if you have pool items (such as floats), pack these appropriately. Floats should be deflated, dried out, and then rolled up. (You can also use vacuum bags for this.) Pool chemicals should be packaged and properly labeled to prevent spills or leaks.

Outdoor Furniture Needs Special Care in Packing for a Move

If you’re hiring professional movers to pack up your items as well as move you, they should already be familiar with these tips and make the process smoother. But, if you are packing yourself so the pros can move you, then make sure to follow these so your move goes quickly.

Easily 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.

 

Hiring a professional moving company means that you can sit back and relax while someone else does the heavy lifting. But before the movers show up, there are a few things you need to know.

Think of this as a “mover’s wish list” they wish you knew. By being aware of these tips, you can actually make the moving process easier for everyone involved (including you!):

Communicate with your movers early — Most movers are used to just about anything you could possibly throw at them. However, they need to be prepared for certain things.

If you’re planning to move special items like a piano or highly-valuable collectibles, be sure to communicate that well ahead of moving day. It may be that they will need to bring special moving equipment or packing supplies for these kinds of items. If you don’t tell them, they’ll have to go back to headquarters to pick up the necessary supplies.

This will slow down your move (and possibly cost you more money if you are paying by the hour). As soon as you can, make a detailed list of “bulky items” like a piano, couches, refrigerators, washers/dryers, or similar items and provide this to your moving team so they can arrive on moving day fully prepared.

Clear them a path — One of the hardest aspects of a move for movers is getting a large truck as close to your house as possible. If you live in a gated community, make sure they have the access code to get in on moving day.

If you live in a neighborhood without yards or driveways (where you have to park on the street), save them a space near your property so they don’t have to park a block away. Otherwise, make sure that your yard is cleared for them with full access to your home, including the backyard and garage. It’s important that someone is at your new home to meet them and direct them where to put things.

Have everything ready to go on moving day — A professional moving company will be happy to pack your things for you. But if you decide to do the packing yourself, make sure it’s all done ahead of time.

Nothing’s worse for movers than trying to move items around while you’re still packing up. If you do the packing ahead of time, make sure you use strong boxes and packing tape so the boxes don’t rip or tear while moving. Keep heavy items separate so they aren’t back-breakers. (It’s never a good idea to pack all of your pots and pans into one large box).

Be there for the move, but relax — On moving day you need to be home so you can let the movers in, show them where everything is, and where it needs to go. But after that, you need to sit back and relax. The movers are professionals and know how to move your belongings. Allow them to do the job you hired them for.

Bottom Line: Moving Can Actually Be Enjoyable with the Right Help!
Hiring professional movers will ensure your moving day is less stressful for you and your family. But before you hire those movers, make sure you follow these tips. If you do, the day will run even smoother than you thought.
Easily 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.

It seems like every profession has its own lingo and jargon of terms, acronyms, and abbreviations they use regularly. But for the uninitiated, these terms can sometimes sound like gobbledygook.

So, it should come as no surprise that the moving industry has its own “language” as well. But it’s important when using professional movers to be familiar with all of these terms so you can understand what you’re being offered.

Here’s a list of the most common terms you should know before your next move:

Charge Terms

• Quote — This is an estimate of how much a move will cost you. It’s not a guarantee of the final bill and is usually determined after a walk-through of the home.

• Moving Cost — This is the basic cost of moving your belongings from your old house to your new house. It does not include special fees.

• Actual Charges — This is the grand total of all your charges (moving charge, accessorial charges, and miscellaneous charges).

• Accessorial Charges — This is a charge for services other than the move itself. This can include the packing and unpacking of goods and the installation and set-up of appliances or furniture.

• Bulky Item Charges — This is another additional charge that is required for moving oversized furniture considered “’bulky” and difficult to move. This can include pianos, refrigerators, pool tables, and the like.

• Elevator Charge — This is another additional charge used by some companies. It refers to extra fees when the movers must use an elevator to deliver your items.

• Flight Charge — This is another additional charge used by companies if they need to travel up multiple flights of stairs to deliver your belongings. It’s only charged if the movers have to actually go up and down the stairs (as opposed to using an elevator). It’s also not used if they only have to go up one flight of stairs (to the second floor).

• Line-haul Charges — When you move a short distance, the total cost is usually a flat-rate or hourly charge. For longer moves, the cost is calculated based on weight and mileage. This is referred to as a line-haul charge.

• Long Carry Charges — This is a charge that you really need to be wary of. It’s basically charged if they carry your possessions a really long distance. The problem here is that the definition of “long carry” is left up to the discretion of the movers.

• Peak Season Rate — Generally speaking, movers are most busy during the spring and summer (from May to September). Some companies may charge a higher rate to move during this time as it is the peak season.

Insurance Terms

• Insurance Adjuster — In the event that you have to file an insurance claim for lost or damaged items, the claim will be handled by an adjuster. It’s this person’s job to investigate and decide about the claim.

• Full-value Insurance — This is an optional insurance policy offered by movers. It will cover your belongings with full replacement costs and repair costs. It’s probably the most fully comprehensive insurance policy offered.

• Hazard Insurance — This is optional insurance that is meant to pay out if your belongings are damaged by disasters such as fire or flooding/water damage.

• High-value Articles — These are items that are generally worth more than $100 per pound. They may require extra insurance during a move and can include collectibles and antiques.

Abbreviations

• CAM — This stands for the Canadian Association of Movers, a professional organization that represents professional moving and storage companies. The association not only advocates for these companies but also provides leadership, consultation, technical advice, and research in this field.

• BOL — This stands for Bill of Lading and refers to a document that lists all of the items that have been taken on by the moving company and serves as the agreement between you and the company.

• PBO/PBC — PBO refers to items that are “Packed by Owner.” PBC refers to items that are “Packed by the Company (Movers).”

• OA/DA — These abbreviations are used in extremely long moves such as from one country to another. OA refers to “Origin Agent.” This is the company that handles the start of the moving process. DA refers to “Destination Agent.” This is the company that the OA delivers the belongings to so they can make the final delivery to the new home.

• PAD — This stands for “Preferred Arrival Date.” It’s the date that you want to have your items delivered.

• SIT — This stands for “Storage in Transit.” It refers to when you may need to store items temporarily until the new home is ready for the items to be delivered.

Now that you know some of the lingo, your next move should run a little easier. Be sure to read over your contract carefully and make sure you understand every term before you sign on the dotted line.

Easily 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.

One of the most nerve-wracking aspects of moving into a new home is that you always feel like you’re forgetting something. You have so much to do that you’re worried things will slip through the cracks. We want to help you prevent that from happening during your next move.

Here’s a run-down of items you need to take care of as you prepare to move:

 

• Clear your schedule — Once you have your moving day picked out, be sure to clear your schedule from work. Even if you’re moving on a weekend, you might want to take a day or two off to handle moving-related errands. 

 

• Research your moving options — Take a load off you physically and figuratively by hiring a professional mover. Research by looking at reviews and talking to the movers. Look for established moving companies that have been around a long time and have great reviews.  Once you’ve made your choice, book your moving company for the big day. 

 

• Change your address — You can change your mailing address online and redirect your mail using the mail forwarding tool from Canada Post. The process is simple, and the fee is the same as you pay when you go to a postal outlet to fill in a form. Cost varies based on where you move. Don’t forget your credit card companies. They will find you eventually! Finally, change your address with your employer.

 

• Get organized — There are lots of ways to get yourself organized for a move. Check out apps such as Move Advisor or Sortly. These can help you keep track of your boxes and other essentials during a move.

 

• Take care of the utilities — Before you move, set up the utilities (including cable and Internet) in your new home and turn them off in your old one.

 

• Get your supplies — Be sure you have plenty of supplies. We recommend professional moving boxes instead of recycled boxes from your local package shop or grocery store. These will hold up well, especially if you have heavy items to pack. Also, be sure to get bubble wrap or Styrofoam packing peanuts for your breakables and LOTS of tape.

 

• Clean house — Don’t clean up, clean the house out. Go room-by-room and place everything into three stacks: to pack, to donate, and to trash. The more stuff you can donate or throw out means the less stuff you will have to pack and move.

 

• Start packing — Remember when you’re packing up your rooms to follow a few basic rules. First, don’t overpack. It’s easier to move twenty small boxes than it is to move twenty-boxes worth of stuff all crammed into one oversized and heavy box. Also, be sure to properly wrap breakables so they’re cushioned in the box.

 

• Label your boxes appropriately — Be sure to label EVERYTHING. When you’re packing your kitchen, label the boxes as “Kitchen 1 of ____” and so on. That way, when you’re finished you can put the total number of boxes in the blank and know exactly how many boxes go in each room. This makes it really easy to figure out if you have all of your boxes in the right spot when you arrive at your new home.

 

• Pack an overnight bag — No matter how well you pack, it’s going to take a few days to get everything unpacked and put up. In the meantime, pack an overnight bag with a few day’s clothes, your medications and toiletries, and a few favorite toys for the kids. 

 

• Make needed repairs — Whether your old house is a rental or you own it, you’ll probably need to do “touch-ups” to the house before you leave. But you also need to walk through your new home and find everything that needs to be fixed before you move in. It’s a lot easier to paint a room or replace the flooring before you move all of your furniture in.

 

• Take precautions — Since COVID-19 is still a major factor worldwide, you need to take proper precautions. Have masks and hand sanitizer ready for moving day. Also, if you are using a moving company, ask them about how they are handling safety during the pandemic.

 

• Treat your movers — If you have people helping you, it’s nice to have something to show them they are appreciated. Bottled water and a supply of coffee and donuts are great moving treats. Also, be ready to spring for dinner for your friends who help with the unpacking process. 

 

Moving to a new home doesn’t have to be stressful. If you follow this checklist, you’ll be sure to hit all the important points and keep your move as hassle-free as possible.

Are you ready to find a BBB-accredited and certified moving company in Canada? 

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.