Tips and Advice
How to Prepare for a Move Within Canada or Abroad
Make sure to pack your belongings carefully to avoid any breakage during transport. Our professionals can take care of the packing for you, depending on the rate plan you choose. If you have the time and want to pack your belongings yourself, follow these tips to make the job easier.
Our Tips for Easier Packing
The Most Efficient Way to Pack
Gather all of the necessary packing material in a large room
Cover your working surface to prevent scratches
Form an assembly line to make the work go faster
Your boxes should weigh no more than 50 lbs so they are easy to carry
Make sure that pairs of items are packed together
Start with objects that are not currently in season
Next, pack the items that you don’t use often
Designate a box for the items you will need as soon as you arrive at your destination. This box should contain the essentials, like what you need to make coffee or tea, paper plates and cups, paper towels, a first aid kit, light bulbs, fuses and a few tools (hammer, screwdriver, tape)
Pack the contents of one room at a time
If possible, set aside a few days for packing your things
Make Good Use of Your Wrapping Paper
Stack two to four breakable items on top of each other, placing them upright. Separate them with an extra layer of paper to prevent them from rattling against each other. Stuff hollow items with newsprint. Add an extra layer of newsprint for irregularly shaped objects like cups, pitchers, etc.
Clearly Mark Your Boxes
If you are wrapping your belongings yourself, write the letters E.P.C. on your boxes to tell our employees which boxes were packed by you. This information is important for our teams when they unload the truck or container. Also, write your name, what the box contains and which room it should be placed in at your new home. We also recommend writing “Fragile” and “This Side Up” for fragile items.
Seal Your Box Like a Pro
Seal your boxes with 1 ½ or 2-inch tape. You can either buy this tape from us or at a hardware store. Make sure to secure the top and bottom of your containers. Remember to keep a pair of scissors handy.
Some Items Cannot Be Packed
It is important to avoid packing flammable or dangerous products. These items include propane tanks, lighter fluid, paint, oily rags, ammunition, matches, charcoal, pool chemicals, bleaches, fertilizers and battery acid. You should also avoid packing aerosol cans. Contact us if you are concerned about a particular item.
Likewise, never pack valuable items. Move your jewellery, jewels, collectibles and any items with sentimental value yourself or make other arrangements to bring them to your new home. For security, consider insuring the transport of these valuable possessions.
Ask us for tips on packing plants and perishables. Eat as much of your food as possible before moving. Liquids must be placed in an airtight container which is then placed in a tightly sealed plastic bag. We can also tell you the laws governing the international transport of canned and other foods.