Master Moving With Our Helpful Packing and Moving Tips
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Relocating to a new home can be a very stressful experience, but it doesn’t have to be with the proper preparation and packing methods. Whether you’re moving across Ottawa or the country, advance planning and organization are key to making your move smooth and less chaotic.
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Here at Parkview, we’ve been helping our clients move for over a decade. If you’d like to learn more about our award-winning moving service, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
Or call 613.425.0020 to book your free in-home estimate.
Moving Tips From Our Movers in Ottawa
Planning is the most essential part of any move. Be sure to start at least six weeks before your moving date to allow enough time for packing, cleaning, scheduling movers and more.
Here are some general tips for moving to get you started:
Create a Move Timeline
Map out major tasks like booking movers, emptying out closets, packing, cleaning, changing addresses and unpacking with specific dates so you stay on track.
Declutter
Go through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need or want by donating or discarding items. Less stuff means less to pack and transport.
Packing Tips for a Moving Survival Kit
Include snacks, water, essential toiletries, medications, phone chargers and anything else you may need during the move. Keep this safe and separate from your move boxes!
Change Important Account Info
Make sure to update your address with the post office, banks, subscriptions, memberships, school, employer and other important contacts several weeks before moving day.
Pack a Moving Day Bag
In addition to the survival kit, you should pack a change of clothes, blankets, and any valuables you want to keep with you in your vehicle on moving day.
Protect Important Documents
Keep important papers like passports, birth certificates, tax returns, and insurance documents together in a secure, fireproof folder that is safe during the move.
Plan Your Driving Route
Map out your drive from your current home to your new Ottawa home ahead of time, noting stops for meals, gas or a break.
Book Professional Movers
Get a quote and book movers at least six weeks in advance to secure your moving date. Consider buying packaging materials and booking additional labour for packing.
Or call 613.425.0020 to book your free in-home estimate.
Create a Master Inventory
It’s always a good idea to make a master inventory. Here are some practical ways to create a list for moving boxes:
- Use a spreadsheet to list boxes numerically down the left column. Be sure to note the rooms, their contents, the colour code, and any remarks across each row. Keep some physical copies, too!
- Mark any fragile or heavy boxes clearly for movers. Photograph or scan box labels and contents for digital records. Note special instructions like Fragile, etc.
- Back up important documents and inventory lists in multiple formats and locations. As you pack, record the box details right away before sealing. List valuable and sentimental items separately for additional tracking. Designate box storage locations at your new home on the master (garage, upstairs, etc.).
- A well-organized inventory makes boxes traceable if separated and speeds up unpacking at your destination. Thorough record-keeping eases an otherwise hectic process!
Create a Master Inventory
It’s always a good idea to make a master inventory. Here are some practical ways to create a list for moving boxes:
- Use a spreadsheet to list boxes numerically down the left column. Be sure to note the rooms, their contents, the colour code, and any remarks across each row. Keep some physical copies, too!
- Mark any fragile or heavy boxes clearly for movers. Photograph or scan box labels and contents for digital records. Note special instructions like Fragile, etc.
- Back up important documents and inventory lists in multiple formats and locations. As you pack, record the box details right away before sealing. List valuable and sentimental items separately for additional tracking. Designate box storage locations at your new home on the master (garage, upstairs, etc.).
- A well-organized inventory makes boxes traceable if separated and speeds up unpacking at your destination. Thorough record-keeping eases an otherwise hectic process!
Create a Master Inventory
It’s always a good idea to make a master inventory. Here are some practical ways to create a list for moving boxes:
- Use a spreadsheet to list boxes numerically down the left column. Be sure to note the rooms, their contents, the colour code, and any remarks across each row. Keep some physical copies, too!
- Mark any fragile or heavy boxes clearly for movers. Photograph or scan box labels and contents for digital records. Note special instructions like Fragile, etc.
- Back up important documents and inventory lists in multiple formats and locations. As you pack, record the box details right away before sealing. List valuable and sentimental items separately for additional tracking. Designate box storage locations at your new home on the master (garage, upstairs, etc.).
- A well-organized inventory makes boxes traceable if separated and speeds up unpacking at your destination. Thorough record-keeping eases an otherwise hectic process!
Change of Address Checklist
Create a checklist like this to ensure notifications are submitted ahead of your Ottawa moving date:
- Post office mail forwarding
- Driver’s license, voter registration, car registration
- Banks, loans, credit cards
- Insurance providers (home, auto, life etc.)
- Doctors, dentist, veterinarian, preferred pharmacy
- Schools, libraries, professional licenses
- Streaming services, subscriptions
- Utility providers (electricity, water, gas)
- Employer
- Friends and family
The more time you allot between your intended move date and submitting changes, the smoother your transition will be. You’ll avoid missing bills or mail after moving to Ottawa.
Decluttering and Organized Packing Made Easy
With proper preparation using the tips above, your move to Ottawa or elsewhere in the country doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Taking the time to declutter, sort and pack by room in advance allows you to break the process into manageable tasks. It also helps create an efficient and organized packing system for movers.
Be sure to pack a moving day bag with essentials ready at hand. With diligent planning in advance, your moving day will run smoothly so you can settle comfortably into your new Ottawa home.
Schedule a Free Packing and Moving Quote
We hope you’ve found our packing and moving tips helpful. If you’d like a free, no-obligation quote for any of our packing, moving and storage services, please get in touch.
Or call 613.425.0020 to book your free in-home estimate.