How to pack for a move: boxes, order and the mistakes that cost time

Packing decides how moving day goes. When boxes are packed, labelled and stackable, the crew carries and the day runs short. When they aren't, the crew waits, or packs for you on the clock. Here's how to pack so the move goes the first way.

Get the right boxes

You need fewer kinds than you'd think:

• Small boxes for heavy things: books, tools, canned food, records. A large box of books is too heavy to carry safely.
• Medium boxes for most of the kitchen, toys, shoes and small appliances.
• Large boxes for light, bulky things: pillows, bedding, lampshades.
• Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes, so they go straight from closet to closet.
• Mattress and TV covers to keep both clean and scratch-free.
• Tape, packing paper and bubble wrap.

We sell all of these: cardboard boxes, wardrobe boxes, mattress and TV covers, tape, packing paper and bubble wrap. Ask about them when you book.

Pack in this order

1. Things you won't need for a month: out-of-season clothes, books, decorations, the spare room.
2. Things you'll miss but can live without: most of the kitchen, extra linens, hobby gear.
3. The last week: everyday kitchen basics, toiletries you won't need on the last night.
4. The essentials box, packed last and carried by you, not the truck: chargers, medication, documents, keys, a change of clothes, toilet paper, a kettle and mugs.

How to pack a box well

• Heavy on the bottom, light on top, and fill the gaps with paper so nothing shifts.
• Close and tape the top flat. Boxes that bulge or don't close can't be stacked.
• Plates on their edge, wrapped, like records, not flat in a stack.
• Liquids in a sealed bag, inside the box, lids taped.
• Keep each box to one room.

Label for the new home

Write the room it's going to and a short description on the top and one side. Mark fragile boxes clearly. If you colour-code by room, put a matching note on each door at the new place so the crew can drop boxes in the right room without asking.

The mistakes that slow moving day

• Packing isn't finished when the crew arrives. It's the most common delay.
• Drawers full of loose things. Empty them or tape them shut.
• Open boxes and bags that can't be stacked.
• Things that aren't coming mixed in with things that are. Decide before the day, or have them hauled away first.

Rather not pack?

We can pack for you: boxes, paper and wrap brought to your door, room-by-room labelling, careful handling of fragile items, and unpacking at the new place if you want it. Packing runs $120 to $180 an hour. See packing and unpacking, and our guide to how long a move takes.

Call 604-348-7640 or get a moving quote.