RJ’s Moving has expert packers that can be arranged to pack your entire household, one or two rooms, or if you run out of time before your move and need a little extra help. If you choose to do your own packing, here are some professional tips to get you on your way.

٠ Pack one room at a time.
٠ Pack a couple cartons a day, starting well ahead of the move.
٠ Clearly mark all boxes, designating the room it will go in to and the contents of the box.
٠ Make sure that the bottoms of the cartons are secure and triple taped and not folded.
٠ Packing tape is better than masking tape
٠ Pack heavier items toward the bottom of the box and lighter items at the top.
٠ DO NOT pack hazardous materials.

٠ Avoid small boxes such as liquor boxes. Even though they are free, they will take longer to move. You will end up with many more boxes and generally they are not packed as well.
٠ Books should be packed laying flat. A 2 cubic foot box is perfect for this and as well as small, heavier items such as canned goods.
٠ CD’s, DVD’s, and records should be packed on their edge.
٠ A 4 cubic foot box is great for pots and pans, and other lighter items including small appliances.
٠ For linens, pillows, lampshades, and other large items, you should use a 5 cubic foot box.
٠ China Barrels are best when packing dishes and china. Pack dishes on their edges. Cushion the bottom of the box with rolled pieces of packing paper, and start with heavier dishes like plates, and cooking ware. Add more paper making a layer over top and then start with cups and mugs standing upside down. Stemware should be packed at the top of the box with stems up.
٠ Completely fill every box – if they are not, they may collapse when stacked or goods may be damaged if they shift within the box (if you don’t have enough to fill the box, use towels, pillows, or paper).
Leave only clothing and bedding in dresser drawers. Remove any smalls, breakables, jewelry, and money. All other items (desks, cabinets) must be empty.
٠ Freezers – try to use up most of the frozen food. If there is remaining food, place it in bags or boxes in the freezer until it is ready to be moved. If moving long distance, empty, unplug and defrost freezer 2 days before your move. REMEMBER – do not plug your freezer in for 4-8 hours after it has been moved.
٠ Pictures that are small should be wrapped in paper and placed on their edges in boxes. (DO NOT LAY FLAT) Larger pictures should be wrapped in bubble wrap and/or protected with cardboard.
٠ Clothing – upon request, we will supply you with wardrobes at NO additional charge for you to use on your moving day. Simply notify us of how many you require (1 wardrobe is required for every 2ft of hanging clothes), and we will bring them on the day of the move.
٠ Lamps and shades must be packed separately in boxes and clearly marked. Do not stack silk shades inside one another as they will most likely rip.

SAFELY DISPOSE OF ALL FLAMMABLES. Discard partially used cans and bottles of liquids. Household goods carriers are prohibited by law from transporting dangerous goods including firearms, ammunition, flammables, paint, aerosols, gas cans, and items with gas still in them (lawnmowers, snow blowers etc.), propane tanks, oily rags, and bleach.

Moving Checklist

Two Months Before Moving

Start to remove clutter in your basement, attic, garage, and other storage areas.

Have a garage sale or donate to charity the items you no longer need.

Start a file for all of your moving paperwork.

One Month Before Moving

Schedule a date with all utility services to disconnect at your old home and reconnect at your new home.

Obtain and fill out post office change-of-address form.

Notify your children’s schools and have their records transferred to their new schools if necessary.

Start packing items that are not used regularly.

Start using foods and cleaners that should not be move.

Arrange for cleaning if you are hiring someone to do either the house you are leaving or the new one you are going to.

Prepare a list of companies to change addresses – Union Gas, Bell Canada, Bank and Financial Institutes, Security Company, Doctor, Newspaper, Magazines, Hydro, Cable, Credit Cards, Dentist, Vehicle Licensing Office.

Two Weeks Before Moving

Properly dispose of items that cannot be moved, such as flammables, old appliances, and paints.

Make arrangements to dispose of anything not sold at your garage sale.

One Week Before Moving

Finish up most of the packing – remember to label all boxes with the room you will want it in and what it contains.

Pack a bag as if you are going away for the weekend. This should be enough to get by for the few days surrounding your move. Include change of clothes, aspirin, band aids, toothbrush, towel, toilet paper, paper plates and cups, cheques, credit cards.

Defrost freezer.

Confirm your move.

Moving Day

Make sure you are home when the movers arrive.

Walk through the house and show the movers everything to be moved.

Be available for the mover all day. Someone needs to answer any questions, and direct where the furniture is going at the new house.

Confirm with driver the correct delivery address and directions.

Do a final walk through of the home you are leaving before the truck leaves. It is your responsibility to make sure nothing gets left behind.