Moving Tips

If you were to take a poll of anyone who has ever had to pack up for a move and ask them which room was the toughest, the answer would probably be universal:  the kitchen!  Kitchen moves are incredibly difficult because you have large items like appliances that will require heavy lifting and you also have small delicate items like dishes and fine china.  But at the end of the day, the bottom line is that you’re still going to have to pack it all up.  So how do you do just that without driving yourself crazy?  Here are tips that will help you make your next kitchen move a smooth one (http://www.moving.com/tips/all-in-one-guide-to-packing-your-kitchen/ ).

Appliances

The key to packing appliances like your toaster, blender, or microwave, is to find a box that fits.  One of the best recommendations is actually to hold onto the original boxes (just throw them in the attic) and then bring them out when you move.  Another thing you’ll want to do is make sure that you tape the owner’s manual to the appliance.  That way, you can be sure to be able to put it back together correctly when you get to your new home.

 

Cutlery/Silverware

For these, you’re talking about having dozens of potentially sharp items rattling around in a box.  One way to keep them all together is to bind them with rubber bands and put them in a small box so that the types of silverware stay connected.  Another idea is to use your silver drawer divider.  If you have a removable divider that sorts your silverware into separate compartments, simply take this out and wrap it with clingy plastic wrap. Then place this into a box to prevent it from getting damaged and when you unpack you just have to remove the wrap and slide the container into your drawer.

 

Food

The best advice for moving food and food-related items like spices is to get rid of as much as possible.  If you have stuff stuck in the fridge or pantry that is old and past the expiration date, then dump it.  For the food you’re keeping, use small tote bags like they have at grocery stores.  These have a handle that’s easy to carry and you can even get “cooler” tote bags that will keep your frozen items cold like an ice cooler.

 

Glasses, Mugs, and Dishes

This one is a more delicate operation than some of the others.  First, you don’t have to use expensive packing materials like bubble wrap.  Instead, you can kill two birds with one stone by wrapping your fragile items with t-shirts and towels.  (After all, you’re going to have to pack these up anyway.)  Next, be sure to stack the items as neatly as possible instead of just cramming them in.  Finally, be sure to label the box as “Fragile” so that you don’t end up tossing it around during the move.

 

Pots and Pans

For these items, you’re going to be really happy if you have a set of pots that can stack easily, one inside the other.  If that’s the case, find a box big enough for the largest pot and then stack them inside of each other and simply place them in a box that is heavily wrapped with packing tape.  (The last thing you want is for the box to break and all your pots to drop on your foot.)  If you can’t stack them, be sure to use a box that is big enough, but don’t overdo it.  One giant crate sized box may be simpler to pack, but it won’t do you any good if you can’t lift it off the ground.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this article and we’ve got plenty more you may enjoy here:

• Timeline for a low stress move
• True Cost Analysis Between Hiring Movers or DIY Move
• Overlooked Moving Essentials

If you are looking for a safe and reliable moving company post Covid-19 closures – contact us for a FREE virtual moving quote.

 

 

Are you looking to move? Currently, 2,581,079 people call Vancouver BC home.  Are you searching for a moving company to suit your needs but aren’t sure what to look for?

In this article, check out this essential guide on how to compare moving companies to find the best option for you. Read on to explore these tips that’ll make the moving process that much easier!

Why Should You Hire a Moving Company? 

It’s best to hire a professional moving company that has been efficiently moving items for years. If you decide to hire a mover, make sure you know all the facts about that company.

1. Ask Friends

Are you moving to a new home? When doing a comparison of the best moving companies in Canada, you can start by asking your friends and family for mover recommendations. They might have experience with movers, and tell you whether the experience was good or bad.

2. Ask Companies for Moving Quotes

When you have a list of movers you’d like to compare, you can call around and ask for quotes. While price can be a deciding factor, always make sure to choose a quality mover over a less expensive option.

For example, you might have one company come in with a lower quote, but what services do they offer? Are they offering a lower rate since they don’t have extra supplies such as properly serviced vehicles? Or perhaps they don’t offer supplies such as stair runners or moving dollies. While you may be saving a bit on money, nobody wants their moving day to last any longer than it has to. Little extras such as moving dollies, truck lifts and stair runners save time (and money in the long run) – and more often than not, it’s worth it to pay for a mover who will get your items from point A to point B quicker.

3. Ask About Mover’s Insurance

Ask moving companies in Canada for proof of their mover’s insurance. While someone down the road could offer the best price, do they have active mover’s insurance? If they do provide their mover’s insurance, ensure it hasn’t expired.

4. Ask for In-Home Surveys

When you’ve narrowed down the search, it’s time to have them do an in-person visit. Show them all of the items that need to be moved.   You’ll want them to take a look at your belongings and the size of your home to make an accurate assessment.

This will allow them to find any difficulties they could experience with the move, as well as a more accurate pricing assessment. They can also tell you about any special handling, or anything that could be trickier such as a flight of stairs.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic – we have begun to offer free virtual moving assessments of your home. Find out more here

What to Collect

Besides references, ask them for licensing information, and the full name of their company. Also, ask if they ever went by another company name. Ensure you have their phone number, company website, email, and business address.

Also, find out if they’re a part of the Canadian Association of Movers. They only keep records of trustworthy movers in Canada.

5. Certified Moving Agents

Ask if the company has certified moving agents and ask for proof. A company that has been around for years and has certified moving agents is a good sign.

6. BBB Accredited 

Next, while websites can have great reviews, or they can promise they’re the best, that only tells one side. Ask them if they’re BBB accredited. BBB stands for The Better Business Bureau which is recognized in Canada, The U.S., and Mexico.

You can also ask them for their score on the Better Business Bureau as well.

7. Do Your Own Research

When you’ve started narrowing down the search, before you decide who to hire, ensure you do your own research. Other than looking at the Better Business Bureau and The Canadian Association of Movers, you’ll also want to type their name in Google.

See what comes up whether good or bad and take note of it.

8. Review the Estimate

Once you’re given an in-person estimate, you can go over all the fees and ensure it’s accurate. Check for the mover’s signature if given a written document. Make sure it clearly describes the quantity and types of goods they’ll be moving. Also, the time your items will be picked up and delivered.

Also, check for any additional services such as packing supplies. Any additions you’re looking to buy that aren’t listed, go over with your mover. If you have questions about anything, give your mover a call for clarification.

9. Workers’ Comp

Ensure the moving company of your choosing has Work Place Safety coverage. This will protect you in case a mover gets hurt while they’re on your property. If they don’t have this and get hurt, then you could be liable for medical coverage.

Ask for a copy of the Clearance Letter.

Questions to Ask

Before deciding on a moving company, ask them for references. They should be able to give you a list of references you can contact to see how their moving experience was.

You should also ask the movers if they have experience with your type of move. For example, if you’re moving to a townhome with multi-levels, a big city, or a high-rise, you want to make sure they’re comfortable with these moves.

Your potential movers should be able to prepare for long stairs, no elevators, or parking restrictions.

Picking out the Right Moving Company

Now that you’ve learned the steps to take to find the right moving company for you, you should find a mover in no time.

Are you ready to find a BBB-accredited and certified moving company in Canada? Contact us today for a virtual moving quote.

During this uncertain time of  Covid 19 scare (and it’s economic after effects ) you may find yourself re-evaluating your priorities. If you are  “of a certain age,”  you may realize that your house seems huge and empty with all of the kids and grandkids gone.  Retirement may be looming and you don’t know what you are going to do with yourself or how you are going to afford it.  That’s where downsizing comes in.  Here’s a few reasons why you should consider moving to a smaller home.

Moving to Free Up Equity In Your Home

• First and foremost, selling your larger home and buying a smaller one makes good financial sense. You will wind up freeing up equity.  On average, homeowners who downsize are making more of a profit on their home sale than they would have ten years ago.  The profit you pick up could help you buy a nice something for yourself or be a good-sized nest egg for future expenses.

 

• Another financial consideration to consider is in your monthly bills. Your mortgage payment will be significantly smaller, but so will your utility bills.  Power, gas, and water bills will all go down because you have a smaller property.

 

• Need more financial reasons to consider downsizing and moving ? How about upkeep costs?  With a smaller property, you will not have to worry as much about maintenance and upkeep fees.  But even more than the monetary savings, you will spend less time cleaning, managing, and mowing.

Get Rid Of Old & Unwanted Items Before Moving

• One serious modern problem has been an issue with hoarding. Do you have stacks of useless papers and items that you will never need again cluttering up your home?  Moving into a smaller home will require that you do a good cleaning.  You will literally have to go through everything and decide if you want to trash it or move it into your newer, smaller home.

Moving For A Project or Purpose

• If you are already retired and need a project to take up your time, how about a small fixer-upper house? It might cost some money, but if you are a handyperson, then it may be the perfect opportunity that you are looking for to keep yourself active and happy.

 

If your current home feels “too big” for you, then it may be just the right time to consider moving and downsizing.  The empty nest can feel overwhelmingly large, but if you take it down a few notches, you may find your life much happier and more fulfilling.

As part of our new moving guidelines, we are offering optional virtual moving quotes in order to keep our customers and staff safe. moving consultations can be done over the phone or through an online video conferencing program. This limits the face-to-face contact between our staff and your family. If you’re looking for a quote on moving costs, you can fill out the form on our website. We can provide an accurate and no obligation estimate without coming to your house.

 

When it comes to moving, there are a lot of people who will claim to be experts with tons of advice on what you should do. But the reality is this: many ideas we have about moving and the best way to move are actually myths. 

There are a lot of things you can do to make your move quicker and easier. But one of the best things you can do is to ignore these myths and go with actual facts that can assist with your move.

Here are moving myths we’re busting: 

1. It Costs More to Hire Professional Movers than to Move Yourself 

When you look at this on paper, it may seem to be true. After all, yes, a moving van rental does cost less than hiring professional movers. 

But this doesn’t take into account a lot of “hidden expenses” when you decide to move yourself. To start, you will need van equipment such as a dolly, furniture pads, and moving straps. Most of these items will be extra rental items. 

Besides the van, you’re also going to pay for the gas and vehicle insurance for the van. If you’re going a long distance (or doing an overnight move) you can add in road tolls and overnight parking costs. If you’re doing a long-range move, you’ll also need to pay for food and lodging on the trip. And if you’re planning to use friends for the move, you’re going to need bribes like lots of pizza and beer. 

But the biggest expense is simply the cost of your time. How much is it worth to you to not have to break your back to move? When you look at it from this perspective, the costs make hiring professional movers a great investment. Check out our article on 6 tips for finding a moving company you can trust

2. You Don’t Need to Label Everything

We aren’t sure exactly where this myth came from, but it’s a bit of advice that started popping up and it’s absolutely insane. If you are moving, you need to label everything. 

You don’t want to get to your new home and have to search through everything to find one or two essential items you need right away. It’s also a good idea to get an inventory app so you can track every box, knowing what’s in each of them, and what rooms they should be placed in. Doing this will make your move so much easier and also make the unpacking a relative breeze.

Don’t Believe Everything You Hear About Moving

These three myths have been spread by word-of-mouth and social media for years. But the reality is that following these bits of “advice” can actually cost you in time, money, and energy.

Whether you’re moving to another city, state, country or just moving a couple of blocks down the road, the process of moving is still a rough one. It can take its toll on your nerves. 

But it should not take its toll on your wallet. Unfortunately, sometimes the bill you get for a professional move is not the last word on the costs. 

There are many hidden costs that you need to be aware of so that you can avoid those companies that would try to overbill you.

Packing Costs

The first big hidden cost involves packing up your belongings. In order to avoid this fee altogether, then you simply need to pack your own items yourself and have them ready when the movers show up. 

Most moving companies will not cover any possible damage to these items, however. (After all, it could have already been broken when you packed it in the box.) If you do have movers pack your belongings, you’ll end up with two charges—one for the time it takes the movers to pack and one for the supplies such as boxes and tape that is needed. 

Watch Out For: An unscrupulous moving company could try to claim you need special packing boxes or more boxes than are necessary just to pad this fee out.

Disassembly/Re-Assembly Fees 

Another possible fee you could be hit with is a fee to take apart your furniture and then put it back together. In order to avoid this one, simply take the furniture apart yourself and have it ready to go. Then, when you arrive at the new home, have the pieces placed in the room you want and don’t have them assemble the furniture. 

Even if a company doesn’t “charge” for this, you could end up with a higher cost if the company does charge by the hour. After all, it will take more time to break down and reassemble the furniture.

Heavy Items & Disposal Fees

 If you have one heavy item that cannot be easily moved with a dolly or hand truck, then you’re probably going to see a tacked-on fee. This includes large pieces of furniture like pianos or pool tables. Some of these may even require a specialized mover to ensure that the product is not damaged during the move.

Disposal fees have been cropping up a lot lately with companies that are really trying to add to the bills. This fee is meant to include “the safe disposal” of packing materials such as boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. This one has been added since the “green” environmental movement has picked up steam, so you may want to ask about this one before you get the final bill.

Miscellaneous Fees 

This one is where they say that the “devil is in the details.” Miscellaneous fees can cover a whole host of things. For instance, if you need to delay delivery to your new house, you may be asked to pay a storage facility fee. 

If you have a narrow driveway or entrance to your home, you may be charged a fee for transferring the items from a smaller van that will fit into a larger one that can carry more stuff (or vice versa). If you live in a second-floor apartment and don’t have elevator access, there may also be a charge to carry your things up several flights of stairs.

For all of these fees, the lesson to be learned is that all those who are moving should read the fine print before they sign any contract. Know exactly what you are getting into and what fees are reasonable. 

Some companies will try to add more on, but your contract can prevent this. But please know that the majority of professional movers are above board and will not charge hidden fees. Did you enjoy this article? You might also like our tips and timeline for  a low stress move

 

So, you think you’re ready for a move and you have all of the essentials, right? 

• Packing boxes—check. 
• Packing tape—check. 
• Movers Booked—check. 

But is that really all the essentials you need for a successful move?

Let’s take a look at some of the other items you need to get packed and moved into your new home:

• Your Moving Checklist and/or App 

The top of any moving list should include either a moving checklist or an app that helps digitize that checklist for easier use. This should be a list of all of your important contacts (moving company, real estate agent, landlord/leasing company, utilities, etc.). These apps (or papers if you are old-school) can also include a list of the boxes, what is in each one, and where they should be placed.

• Tool Kit 

Once you get moved in, the fun of unpacking begins. Some of your furniture and  belongings will need to be put back together. So, you need to pack a basic tool kit that can handle these quick fixes. This doesn’t have to be a giant toolbox. You’ll need a hammer, nails, a regular and Phillips head screwdriver, and a power drill with charger (at a minimum). A flashlight would also be a good choice as well.

• Phones and Chargers 

Let’s face it: none of us can live without our cellphones. It makes sense that you would keep this item handy during the move, although you may have to set it aside when it comes time to do the heavy lifting. Make sure that you have a charger handy to keep it powered. The same goes if you have little kids and you need to keep them entertained with a tablet (and charger).

• Kid’s Bag 

If you have children, you know they’re probably going to be bored out of their minds while you move. If you don’t have the Internet/TV hooked up when you first move in, this will be compounded. Pack a separate bag for your child. Include their clothes and toiletries for a few days. Also include one or two favorite toys (let them pick) and a favorite book that can keep them entertained while you work and unpack. (You may want to read “a parent’s guide to helping their children on moving day“)

• Overnight Bag 

Once you move in, you’re probably going to be too tired to unpack much right away. But you are going to need a few essentials for the second day. Your overnight bag should include a full change of clothes and essential toiletries as well as any medicines you take regularly (as well as some for emergencies such as aspirin or ibuprofen).

• Cleaning Supplies 

Chances are you’re going to need to do a clean-up in some of the rooms before you begin major unpacking. To help with this, pack some essential cleaning supplies to bring along for the move. These should include plastic bags (always handy for multiple functions including trash), paper towels, Clorox wipes, cleaning spray, hand towels/rags for dishes, detergent (laundry and dish), broom and dustpan, mop, toilet bowl/shower cleaner, and a small vacuum cleaner.

As you get ready to pack up your house and move out, these are the essential items you need to have set aside for your move. It’s also generally a good idea to transport these yourself so that you can have them ready to go when the movers arrive.