Here are some helpful tips on the house!
Moving is considered to be one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. At its best, it can be quite overwhelming. At Frederick Movers, we know that being well organized and prepared is essential when aiming for a stress-free move. Follow these tips so we can all make it through this monumental process flawlessly to ensure that you’re ready to enjoy your new home!
Get organized ahead of time
Don’t leave anything to the last minute. If you have already picked a moving date this would suggest that it is time to plan your departure to ensure that your moving day runs smoothly. Make an itemized task list of everything you will need to accomplish. Meaning: No last minute packing on moving day! To be safe, please be ready 24 hours beforehand. Scrambling to pack while we are at your location will delay your move and increase your cost.
Keep everyone in the loop
We need to be aware of all the minor details in order to accurately assess the total move time and cost. This includes informing us about overweight items (i.e. fridge or piano), access restrictions (small elevator, stairs only, narrow driveway) or whether you’ll need our help disassembling or assembling furniture. PLEASE don’t forget about the BBQ on the balcony, the storage unit that’s out of sight, or the shed in the backyard with items in it! Conversely, it is imperative that you advise your building administrators that you are moving, as clients are sometimes surprised to discover that their building does not allow moves on certain days or during particular times.
Pack like a pro!
- Wrap fragile items in paper before placing them in boxes
- Stack dishes on their sides (never flat)
- Label all boxes on their side (colour code by room to know exactly where everything goes)
- No boxes over 30lbs (place heavy items in small boxes and light objects in larger boxes)
- Use suitcases for your heaviest items (the handles and wheels make for easy transportation)
- Try not to use too many boxes without lids, these cannot be stacked
- Disassemble large furniture if possible
- Dressers and large furniture must be completely emptied (moving furniture with items inside can compromise their structural assemblage, not to mention making them much heavier!)
- Empty out fridge and freezers into coolers and unplug at least 8 hours prior to move (place baking soda, or fresh coffee grounds on a cookie sheet in the fridge to prevent odour)
- Slide clothes on hangers directly into garbage bags (unpacking will be a piece of cake)
- Use ziplock bags for important small items like screws, bolts and pegs (when you assemble your bed frame or wall unit they will all be in the same place)
- Centralize all of your mirrors, head boards, shelves and paintings in one place as they are the first of the smaller items to be loaded in the truck
- Try not to water plants at least three days prior to moving (this will prevent water from leaking and will lighten their weight)
- Tape up dangling wires from items such as lamps, air conditioners and microwaves
- Pack a separate bag with all of your essentials (i.e. toiletries, snacks, cleaning products) and have us load it in the truck at the very end for quick and easy access
Ensure that we can move as efficiently as possible
- Reserve parking in front of both locations
- Reserve the elevator in your building (a door that closes on us constantly will delay the process considerably)
- Bring all smaller items to a common area near the exit (when possible)
- Keep tools handy (we do have our own, but the more the better)
- If possible, remove doors and ensure all entrances are clear of obstructions, rugs, shoes etc.
- In the winter months, please shovel the snow and salt the ice
Final considerations
- As is the case with most services, the moving industry standard tip is approximately 15-20% of the total cost and should reflect your satisfaction with the job and the appreciation for the efforts of your crew. However, tipping is not mandatory.
- Friends and family are more than welcome to help carry items and place them near the truck if they are willing and able
- Our crew would be incredibly grateful to have cold refreshments available especially on hot summer days
- Smile, don’t stress and leave the rest to the professionals!