Moving is stressful. I remember reading once that as far as stress is concerned, the death of a family member and divorce are the only things that are considered more stressful. The last time we moved, Ed suggested that we hire a moving company. Actually, he insisted. He said that it would save our sanity and was well worth the money. He was right. Twice.
Even though we hired someone to deal with the physical moving of items, there was still a lot of things to do ourselves like packing and things could have been a lot easier if we’d had these tips from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®.
Top Three Moving Tips.
- Make a “survival closet” of things for the last cleanup before you move out – broom, dust cloth, dust pan, mop, etc.
- Pack important and sentimental documents separately, so they’re easily accessible – health records, passports, insurance information, photo albums, etc.
- Pack a box of essential items you’ll need immediately after the move and make sure it’s the last thing added to the truck – box cutter, garbage bags, toilet paper, hand soap, etc.
June 30th is the biggest moving day of the year, and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® knows how difficult and stressful this day can be. That’s why they’re putting together an ebook, titled “Moving Answers to Moving Questions” and need your help.
If you’ve ever had a difficult experience during a move, they want to hear about it, too. That way, they can give advice on how to prevent those types of problems. The TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Core Purpose is to be a leader in the moving industry. One of the ways they do that is by continually striving to exceed customer’s expectations, so customer feedback is essential.
Share Your Moving Questions and Tips for a Chance to WIN!
Here’s your chance to share your tip or story about your moving, travelling and/or packing process for a chance to WIN. The bonus is that your comment might just end up being published. Finally, some advice that people will appreciate and follow through on.
In their ebook, they will attribute each question they answer or each moving tip with your name/pseudonym and a link to your blog/website. Just leave the name and URL of the website or blog you want them to link to in your comment.
Connect with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Website | Facebook | Twitter
Journeys of The Zoo received compensation in exchange for sharing about this company.
Besos, The Zoo
What’s the best way to pack fragile objects for a move?
Make a note of your shipment registration number and keep it with you in case you need to call your mover with questions about your shipment
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I have about a million questions about moving to another country, as it’s something we are considering. I’d like to know what kinds of timelines to expect in transporting your household across the border to the US from Canada. Also, how to pack the very large wall-mounted TVs that we have (if we no longer have the boxes they came in).
Great idea – moving is something that some of us only do every 10 years – decidedly not experts!
And by the way, the company looks great!. From the High Five Fridays to the charity events they are a part of, I would definitely support this company over one of the ‘big guys’. What a great resource the website looks to be as well – thank you for sharing!!
Thank you so much for the kind comments. We’re really proud of our “High Five Fridays.” Our movers and drivers work so hard, they deserve the kudos!
What is the safest way to transport electronics?
Be sure to write whats in the boxes
I agree.. we should 😉
try to have different closing dates if possible (get your keys on June 30th, but give yourself a week or 2 to get settled in before closing on your previous place)
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When I moved every room had a colour and the boxes from that room where stamped the same colour.
Have a family member or friend stationed at your old home to do a final vacuum/wipe down and same at the new home so that everyone is coming into a clean home.
Always get your quote in writing and read the small print re moving from or to an apt on a higher floor with no elevator.
Any suggestions on how to transport pets, so they feel comfortable when moving from one place to another.
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My tip for moving is to have a master TO DO list. Kind of like a wedding check list.
a month before, 2 weeks before, 3 days before, day of, and don’t forget day after/week after.
Should I move my pets first or last?
Show up to your new home before the move and pre-clean the bathroom and kitchen. Those are usually the rooms that get unpacked first!
My tip is to NOT load up the truck the night before and leave it parked outside to move for the next day. I have known TWO people who have done this and the truck was broken into and emptied and they lost everything. Better to pack up and move everything on the day of the move if you can, unless you can store the truck somewhere secured.
My tip is to label all your boxes with not just what’s in the box, but also where the box will be unpacked once you get to your destination.
Label, label, label…
Ask local grocery stores for boxes!
Boxes, get lots and lots of boxes and of course LABEL THEM!!
Label, label, label !!
So important to make a move much easier.
Mark boxes for whomever stuff is in it, like kids/parents kitchen etc, also I was told when moving in winter when its cold if your washer is going to be out in the cold for a while to put anti freeze in it
Mark boxes with a list of what is in for easy access when you get to your destination
Wow, these are all such great moving tips! Looks like we’ve got a lot of moving pros here. Thank you to those leaving questions – we’ll be answering them all in our ebook. Keep ’em coming!
Labelling the boxes is my best tip as it makes it so much easier when it comes time to unpack. I also try and pack things I will need right away together so that things that can wait to get unpacked are on seperate boxes
Use towels & linens to pack your fragile items instead of bubble wrap, this will also reduce total number of boxes necessary.
Colour code the boxes and create a spreadsheet if you want to reuse the boxes and don’t want to write all over them.
I always have lots of newspaper on hand when I move.
start early, because it always takes longer than expected to pack!
What is the last thing you should pack?
Number your boxes & keep an itemized list of what’s in each – very handy for finding the coffee maker!
start packing as early as possible and buy the huge rolls of bubble wrap. also make sure everything is clearly labelled.
My daughter just moved cross country. The bright blue duct tape around the boxes with what was in them written on it really helped identify and sort the boxes on the other end. Plus the tape can be removed and the box re-used as there is nothing left written on them now.
Keep track of whats inside your boxes by using a spreadsheet and labelling boxes.
Label the boxes with the things that are inside so you don’t have to open up to check.
Are there certain days of the week that are most conducive to a better move?
really clear out things you haven’t used or worn for 6 months or a year – no need to move those things
How far in advance do you suggest starting to look for and arrange for movers? (Assuming we live in a perfect world and the closing isn’t 2 weeks away) What is the ideal amount of time to research and arrange movers for moving day?
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mark the boxes so you know what’s in them
Don’t random pack. Keep the boxes clearly labelled with a mini list of contents. Always ALWAYS cleanl/wash glass/breakables and wrap in towels/face clothes etc to avoid having to rewash from newsprint.
Label all the boxes for what room they go in.
thanks
What does the average move cost a family?
Awesome packing party plan (done this, and it rocks!) Clean- clean- clean and move all items you want packed together to the same room, same closet or same area. Then bring in a few friends and a load of boxes, Rubbermaid containers, etc and pack it all up at once. Load truck, move, unpack! Laundry stuff is all together, spare room closet is all together, etc 🙂
Where can I find the best / cheapest boxes to move?
My tip is to ORGANIZE!!!
tip: hire reputable professionals and spare your friends and family the agony. the money spent is worth your sanity.
Start early and take the opportunity to donate items.
start packing as soon as you can. it takes longer then you think to go through everything
Tuck a roll of toilet paper, a hand towel and soap into your purse & put them in the bathroom in the new house as soon as you arrive.
What is the best way to protect large furniture from being dented/damaged during a move?
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Whats one way to stay organized during a move?
How do you un pack quickly I always find it takes forever!
My tip is to always make lists. Lists for everything. Whether you are moving, travelling or packing, making a list will make sure that nothing is forgotten. It is a great way to organize so that when you are looking for something, it will be much easier to find if you have already written where it is stored. And a check-off list is great so that you can see everything that you planned to do is done and even plan time-management so that you make sure you have time to get it done! I make a list for everything because my memory is not what it used to be and it really helps me out.
Label all boxes for organization
My best tip is label all boxes with room and contents
Be organized
make sure to put labels on every box!
My tip: make sure everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) is read to go the night before. Moving day is stressful enough without needing to pack two final boxes!
My tip – anything you don’t want to risk breaking (little good china) move yourself. As careful as movers are, you just don’t want to risk it!
Never underestimate the power of LABELING!
start packing early, there’s always more than you think!
Label yours boxes – kitchen stuff (dishes, appliances, utensils), bathroom – (soaps/shampoo, dryer) etc…..
My best moving tip is to pay someone to do it for you!!
Make sure that your bed clothes are easily accessible on move in day… you’re going to want to make sure your bed is made early in the day so that when you are exhausted at the end of the day, you can just fall into your comfy bed.
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My moving tip is to pack the items you will need FIRST in a clear plastic bin.
Pack all your important items together in one box so you know which box to open first.
Have markers handy and label the boxes as to what room they are to go in.
I buy the heavy duty giant clear plastic bags usually meant for yard waste to put all the clothes, linen and towels in. You can take you clothes right out of the closet (still on hangers) and put them in the bags. As a bonus you see right into each bag what it holds so less searching for a particular bag.
Always take pictures before handing goods over to the movers!
Make sure you label every box! I know its probably common sense but i know so many people who have decided not to label their boxes! They usually say something like – i don’t need to label them, i’ll find out whats in the boxes when i unpack them. But it make it so much quicker to organize your things and get them into the right rooms stat!
Get a LOT of bubble wrap – it is invaluable (I save mine and store it until I need it)
Get help from dependable friends. Nothing worse than scrambling around on moving day for help.
Always have an enormous quantity of boxes.
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My best tip is to purge, purge and purge some more!! Moving is an excellent way to get rid of what you don’t need! Also pack a snack cooler as you and your movies will need to stay hydrated and healthy! Also leave the big stuff to the professionals!
Cheap items dont need expensive solutions.
Moving is a prime opportunity to declutter and purge. Get rid of that junk. If it isn’t unpacked from the last move, then you don’t need it.
How do u pack a Flat Screen TV?
Don’t pack a lot of heavy items in one box. We have does this before.
Keep a list of the contents of each packed box.
Put names of large furniture pieces onto post-it-notes and stick on the walls in your new home. This way, the movers can place the furniture exactly where you want it, without needing to find someone to ask.
be sure to keep what you will need most the last to be packed and in a safe place well labeled
My tip would be to label all your boxes by room so unpacking will be less confusing.
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Make sure your movers are legit. We had a very awful experience recently.
Organize all your boxes according to what rooms they belong in when you move. That will make things so much simpler when you arrive.
Be sure to tell the movers if you have a heavy piano rather than surprise them!
Make sure to pack all your important and personal items together in one box so you know which box to open first.
Lift with your back!
When I move clothes from my closet, I keep them on the hangers and transport them on bungee cords that I string up in the back of the SUV. They don’t wrinkle and they stay on the hangers.
I have never used a moving company – how much easier is it to use one?
My number one tip for anyone moving *any* distance is use moving as an opportunity to purge “stuff” from your life and home.
It is VERY freeing!
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Label everything and move your breakables/precious possessions yourself.
decide if you truly want all of the items before packing them
The best part of moving is purging as you pack up! Don’t take anything to your new place that you don’t need or won’t use. Also, use fresh tissue paper for dishes and glasses so that you don’t have to wash as you unpack like you would if you used newspaper.
I pack a special bag full of essentials for the first night in the new place. It saves digging through boxes for things like toiletries and pajamas on your first day!
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mark every single box and try to keep everything together it makes it so much easier!
My husband I moved from Nova Scotia to Florida to New Brunswick, back to Florida to Toronto to Saint Catharines, Ontario to another home in Saint Catharines to Nova Scotia where we stayed with family until our house was ready and FINALLY ended up in the home where we’ve been for eight years. Crazy! The biggest piece of advice is to label your boxes. It sounds simple, but having the boxes in the right room makes unpacking SO much easier!
What is the best way to move perishables ie food and frozen goods, does it need to be packed in ice boxes?
Start sooner than you think you’ll need to!
Label each side of each box so you can see right away which room they belong in.
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When I was moving and had to clean, I would start in the farthest room from the front door and move toward the front door. That way, I didn’t have to go in the back again if I didn’t need to.
Can you transport big furniture without taking it apart?
Some stores have boxes for packing on the weekends, ask friends where?
I always label boxes well, with room the box belongs in and a few items inside ..so you can find in a pinch ,ex coffee maker
Clean as you pack.
If you are packing glass with newspaper, wash them after. I always assumed that it was clean to do this but a lot of stuff gets transferred.
1. Always handle the kitchen glassware yourself. The moving guys sometimes would get careless.
2. Always pack everything ready before the moving guy comes.
3. Try to book the moving appointment the first thing in the morning.
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What are the best times of year for moving?
Be sure to label which items are delicate and may need extra care!
pack important things yourself, so you will know where they are
Label boxes by room not contents
Stay organized and have everything ready to go when needed or it takes longer
Declutter before packing.
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Make sure to pack delicate things away from other non-delicate things, and book your movers well in advance
My moving tip is to always, always, ALWAYS start packing earlier than you think necessary. You’ll thank me. =)
Try to collect and keep good cardboard boxes well before you move, and don’t forget to label them.
I want to know how you can pack fragile things, write fragile and then have things broken anyway.
Tip: Don’t try and do it alone!
get your friends to help you!
Up front… I HATE MOVING! I can tell you I moved every year for ten yrs. (long story). The biggest thing pack everything clean & then mark your boxes correctly & make sure you use bubble wrap or I used my washclothes & dish towels etc. If you use a truck make sure you put your all your boxes first & then your furniture. You will find that if you put your furniture in last you can set that up to bring the boxes in and things will not look as cluttered in the new place. Also pack your bed last. You will be thankful because when you unpack that first set it up before you bring the rest in because even if you’re not done putting furniture where you want it, boxes etc. you have your wonderful bed to rest in after all that work & the next day you’ll wake up refreshed to finish the job.
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Pack entire rooms into the same set of boxes!
Do whatever you can to stay organized…….make lists, and mark stuf f
Pack boxes according to what room in the house they belong in and label the outside of the box with that room. That way the box can be unpacked in the right room in your new house.
Pack the sheets for each bedroom in the dresser drawer that will end up in the room. That way when it comes time to make the bed and your tired, you will not need to dig for the sheets
Moving is a great time to purge your home of things you don’t use. Think of everything you pack if you need it or want it, if not donate or throw it away.
If you’re travelling with pets, see a vet before you go to get shots up to date and medication to relax your pets for the journey.
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identify every box!
pack sheets with 2 sets of clothes last in the truck, that way you can immediately put them in the new bedroom
Get lots and lots of boxes, label them and pack them in the truck in an organized way.
TIP – sort items that go together, and pack items that will be needed soon last – no use digging through boxes to find things that are needed right away once you settle in
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Be organize by labeling your boxes!
Call TWO MEN AND A TRUCK to help.
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Use boxes from the Liquor store because they hold heavy objects really well.
My tip is to enlist family members and friends to help with moving. give everyone a task by making up a list beforehand so it all goes smoothly
Make sure you have enough paper for wrapping fragiles
always look for reviews from company that you want to move you..
Dear Emily,
I am not one for reading reviews but in the case of a moving company, this would be a great time to start.
Thanks for entering and way to get your entries in right under the wire. Good Luck!
Besos, Sarah
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A long-distance move is usually priced by volume (how much space in a truck the stuff takes up) and weight, and a local move by volume (size of truck needed) and time (local movers usually charge an hourly rate). What this means: Don’t move stuff you don’t need.
Dear Zen,
Great advice!
We’re currently in the process of selling our house (and not buying another one) so we need to think about paying to store things and whether it’s worth it or not. Suddenly some things aren’t so important anymore.
Thank you for stopping by and sharing.
Besos Sarah.
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Moving services is very important in Toronto. I know a moving service company in Toronto. They are very professional and clean movers. I love their work, you can take their service from here, http://convenientmovingservices.com
By The Way, Thank you very much for sharing your article with us.
Organizing your valuables is the most important step before removals and storage! It makes the moving simple and hassle free..