Tips for making it a hassle-free moving day

When we sold our small family home in Niagara, we knew we were looking for something larger.

However, we didn’t want to move years of accumulated, unwanted “stuff” with us, so we downsized our belongings before putting our home on the real estate market and going shopping for a new home.

It was traumatic, parting with old toys and assorted kid paraphernalia, but it made our packing process so much easier!

Once we knew where we were going, the planning experts at Bird’s Moving & Storage, which we hired to complete our move, offered us packing tips, since we had decided to do all our packing ourselves.

First, we were advised to have packing materials on hand so it would be easier to get things organized. Materials like boxes and packing paper are available from most movers and hardware stores - Bird’s Moving office is located at 10 Seapark Dr., St. Catharines, and has packing materials readily available for purchase. 

The following tips made packing go relatively smoothly and were helpful, since it had been many years since our last move.

* Have several cartons ready as you go from room to room. Use cartons that can be stacked or carried. A good rule of thumb is that if it’s too heavy for you to lift, there might be too much in the box.

* Pack breakables and books in the smaller moving cartons. Books, dvds and such weigh too much for larger cartons, and they will not be able to handle the weight.

* You want breakable items to be as protected as possible by their wrappings and  adding a “crush layer” of padding on the inside walls of the cartons itself will help reduce the possibility of damage.

* Regardless of the type of move you have, having properly marked cartons are key. For local moving, use a permanent marker and write on the carton at minimum the room they are going to, and a list of content is recommended for locating the carton you need after the move has been completed.

* Use largest cartons for softest, lightest-weight items. Don’t hesitate to use small linens and towels for packing breakables or layering between pieces of art if you run out of packing paper.

* Regarding packing clothing, Bird’s experts suggest emptying dresser drawers into your own or borrowed luggage or cartons, and keeping out several sets of clothing for each family member in their own accessible duffel bag, along with needed toiletries, pyjamas and a toy or two for children. Look into requesting wardrobe boxes in which to hang closet contents - these make it relatively simple to transport and unpack each person’s closet.

* Pack tools in small boxes with inventory listed on the box, so items can be easily located when unpacking - you just know you’re going to need a screwdriver or a hammer.

* Do not pack items considered to be dangerous goods: Bird’s Moving is prohibited from carrying these on our vans. These include: Gasoline; propane tanks; oxygen tanks; fire extinguishers; ammunition and all liquid cleaning supplies. If you aren’t sure, just call the office at 905-682-2646.

* We can move a barbecue, but if it’s propane, you must take the tank. If it’s a natural gas unit, just ensure that it has been disconnected prior to our crews arrival.

* Large furniture items, like beds and tables, will be disassembled and reassembled by Bird’s expert movers as this is part of our service. Do note that if the item is already taken apart, Bird’s crew member do not reassemble that specific item at destination.

* Furniture will be protected by quilted moving pads to ensure their safety.

* Appliances and upholstery will be professionally shrink wrapped so it is properly protected for moving

* If you are moving gas appliances, or appliances with water lines; they must be disconnection prior to our moving crews arrival. Freezers must also be emptied and defrosted.

* If you plan to move potted plants, these are shipped at your own risk.

* Once you have amassed a collection of packed, sealed boxes, use one area of each room to stack them. Keep avenues of traffic open for safety and for our movers’ ease, so rooms can be cleared out in the most efficient way.

Of course, Bird’s Moving and Storage has crews that provide a full packing and unpacking service if you so desire. Qualified, trained packers handle belongings with care and expertise which is the best safeguard against breakage. If you can’t, or don’t want to handle the packing process, Bird’s Moving packing crews can be trusted to completely prepare your possessions for moving day.

To find out how Bird’s Moving & Storage experts can help your move be free of hassles, give the office a call at 905-682-2646. Or, visit the contact page on Bird’s website, at http://www.birdsmoving.com/contact-us.