The date of your moving day is fast approaching, and you realize that you cannot put off the packing any longer. There are many questions going on in your head: do you have enough boxes available? What about your china and glassware – will you know how to properly pack them? Where will you put your pets when the movers arrive?
We recommend that you think ahead of these questions and plan around them in order to avoid any potential for disaster on moving day. Here are a few things to do before your moving day:
- Go through all your belongings and possessions to try and sort out what you really need. You may have a lot of things lying around that are no longer helpful to you or that can be now considered junk. Have a large box next to you while you are sorting. Anything that you don’t need should be placed in this box.
- Depending on what ends up being piled up in the box, you may decide to give it away to charity or decide to set up a garage sale. Any money you make can go towards buying yourself something nice for the new place, such as a new carpet.
- Ask your moving company to supply you with sturdy boxes, particularly for heavier items, or your belongings may end up strewn all over the pavement. Boxes made from corrugated cardboard are stronger than regular ones.
- Make sure you setup insurance to secure all your possessions from the possibility of loss or breaking during the move.
You need to think ahead after your move as well. Chances are you won’t be able to unpack everything in the first day; you should make sure to have easy access to certain items after you cross the threshold into your new home.
- Pack an essentials box for the first night in our new home and carry it with you in the car. Instant coffee, tea, snacks, cups and a kettle may be a welcome set of things to have easy access to after you arrive, as will be toothbrushes, plates, utensils and bed clothes.
- Prepare an overnight bag for each member of the family; make sure there are enough toiletries for everyone.
- Make sure you finish all your laundry before you move to avoid packing dirty and damp clothes.
How to make moving less complicated
Moving can be a complex process, but with experienced movers and a little bit of planning on your side, you can make it a relatively stress-free experience. Here is a quick and easy checklist you can follow before your next move:
1. Make sure to take inventory of everything that is being moved. Whether you have friends or professionals helping you, it is important to delegate to the others about where your belongings should go.
2. Remember to turn off the water heater and the thermostat.
3. When all of your furniture and boxes are cleared out of your old place, do a final walk through to ensure that you haven’t left anything behind. It’s important to also make sure that the old place is clean and that there isn’t any garbage scattered on the floors.
4. Make sure that there is nothing that is broken or missing.
5. Have a copy of any paperwork that has to do with the old and new place.
6. Call the utility company in order for them to shut the electric and gas off in the old place. This is when you can also notify them about your new place, if you haven’t done so already.
7. Lock all doors and windows before leaving.
Good organization techniques are extremely important to implement when preparing for a move. In order to manage your time properly and control your costs, you shouldn’t do the following mistakes that are often made by the majority of people!
- You aren’t ready when the movers show up. You are still packing boxes, and some items, such as glass tabletops, require crating.
- You forgot to tell us about the lawn furniture, which needs moving, too.
- You tell us that you will be selling your appliances, but decide to take them to your new home instead.
- The most convenient spot for us to park our moving vehicles is occupied, forcing us to park further away.
- Some buildings require that you pay a fee during a move or that you reserve the elevator beforehand. Do not let us show up only to be turned away by your angry doorman.
- Your kids and pets are running around the house while we are trying to load your possessions. This interference will slow the process and could be dangerous for the children.
- You have not disconnected the gas appliances prior to our arrival and we are unable to move your appliances.
Downsize Your Home before a Move
Moving houses can be quite tedious. Although you can simplify the process by involving professionals like Montreal Movers, you will still waste time on packing and unpacking if you want to move with everything that you have. That is why it is paramount that you downsize before the move and below are some of the best ways to do that.
Tackle One Room at a Time
Downsizing is a process that requires time and can also be emotionally draining. Do not think that you can take on the entire house alone and at once because you will not accomplish much. Instead, focus on downsizing one room at a time. This gives you time to analyze the items in each room and decide what you really need so that you can pack it.
Use Closed-ended Questions
Asking questions will help you determine what you need for the move. When asking these questions, it is crucial to restrict the answers to either yes or no. This is because open-ended questions tend to put too much stress on you and can also lead to indecisiveness. For things that you have in plenty like clothes, pre-sort them into those that you wear regularly and those that have been lying in the closet for over six months and this is the pile to give away.
Envision Your New Home
You have certainly identified the new home that you are moving into by the time you are bringing in Montreal Movers. This new home can actually work as a reference point when it comes to deciding what moves and what will be left behind. If possible, walk around with its floor plans to have an idea of where your furniture will sit and anything that does not seem to have a place can be left behind. Doing this actually facilitates decision-making.
Be Efficient
Getting emotional as you downsize can make it hard to leave anything behind. This is why you must be ruthless when going through your belongings. Your kitchen and garage are not likely to have anything of sentimental value. Otherwise, it would be sitting in a different room. Being ruthless makes it easy to let go of such things.
Consider Charities
People find it hard to leave stuff behind or throw away things that they no longer need. This is why you have to put charities at the forefront when deciding what you need and what can be given away. By giving away something to someone who truly needs it, you also get fulfillment and, of course, like someone who has done something to save humanity. Therefore, give away things that you do not need instead of throwing them away and you will not regret letting them go. In fact, it makes downsizing easy.
Reserving the Elevator for Moving day
At least a week prior to your moving day, Montreal Movers recommends that you contact the management office of your building to notify them of your moving time and to fill out an elevator booking form. If you wait until the last minute to ask for permission to use an elevator, it may not be granted and the movers will be unable to do their job.
When an elevator is reserved, other residents cannot call the elevator because it is only controlled by you and the movers. You will be given a key that activates when the elevator can go up or down. This way you won’t have to worry about other residents calling the elevator or trying to squeeze in between your furniture and belongings.
Before movers can commence the move and start using the elevator, specific elevator padding should be put up inside to protect the elevator and your belongings. After completion of your move, the concierge will inspect the elevator as well as the common area leading to your unit, and confirm that all boxes, etc. have been disposed of and that no damage has been caused.
A Recipe for a Successful Move
Moving-day disasters can easily be prevented if you properly prepare for the big day. The three key elements in achieving a successful move are planning ahead, organization and communication. Montreal Movers has put together a short recipe for success to ensure that you have a smooth and successful move.
Plan ahead: The key to executing a move that is both efficient and stress-free is to plan your move months before the actual moving day. Once you are aware that you will be moving, the first thing to do is get in touch with a moving company. Scheduling your move is the most important thing you can do to ensure a good experience. Once move-out and move-in times are established, you can direct your attention towards other details.
Organization: This essentially involves logistical issues such as discussing with your mover how many items are going to be moved and how much will be packed, and pointing out any special aspects to the job, such as the transfer of large furniture or fragile items. Organize boxes for their corresponding room in your new home, sealing them with duct tape and using felt tips to color code. When your moving day finally arrives, it’s crucial that you’re fully packed and ready to go because nothing raises anxiety and wastes time like last-minute packing.
Communication: A crucial step to a successful move is discussing timing with your present and future landlords. Ask questions such as when you need to vacate your old place and when the new place will be ready for you to move into.
Since every building has its own moving guidelines, you’ll also need to ask the landlord what the procedure is for moving out and in. Find out whether you need to reserve an elevator and where the moving truck is allowed to park. You need to have ongoing communication with all parties involved to coordinate every detail of your move. Your move will be better organized if you and your movers have all this information beforehand.
When is the best time of year to move?
There are usually off-seasons and busy seasons for just about every industry, including the moving business. Busy seasons mean lots of people are trying to find new homes, and will equal higher rates and the need for reservations further in advance. Conversely, rates are nearly always lower in the off-season and you’ll be able to book a date with a quality moving company on shorter notice. If you’ll be moving soon and are flexible with your move-in date, here are some of the best times to get into a new place.
The Winter Season
The winter season is one of the slowest for real estate and rental leasing, which also means it’s a slow time for moving companies. In addition to lower rates, you can also find seasonal specials and discounts if you’re able to move from November through February. While it will be much colder to move in the winter months, the savings can be well worth it.
Days of the Week
The weekend and Friday evenings are when many people are looking to move because that’s when they’re off work. However, if your work schedule is more flexible, you’re self-employed, or work from home you can easily get lower rates from moving companies simply by moving during the weekday. This combined with moving in the winter season can save you a bundle of time and money.
Times to Avoid
May and September are very busy times for moving companies because these months coincide with people moving to and from college campuses. May also falls in wedding season, when many couples get married during the warmer spring months and move into new homes. September’s moderate weather — not too hot, but not yet chilly enough to be uncomfortable — is what makes it an ideal time to move for many people. If you can avoid moving during these two months, you’ll definitely save money and won’t have to deal with the frustration of trying to book a mover while tons of other people are attempting to do the same.
What You should Know about Moving in Low Season
We’re now in the thick of winter which means we’ve fully transitioned into the off-peak moving season. Moving during this season has a host of advantages: you could save money, increase your chances of even better service (than usual!), save yourself some time and save a hassle. Here is a closer look into the advantages of moving in an off-peak season.
Lower Prices
Moving companies have a lot of customers during the warmer months of the year. Rates tend to be a lot higher during this time to meet scheduling demands. However, moving in the winter season can see you a reduction in prices that is significant. This is very advantageous if you have dependents, other moving costs to tend to or you’re still paying off holiday expenses. Plus, if you decide to move mid-week or even mid-month you could see even more savings.
A More Attentive Service
When you move in off-peak seasons, you’re within a small percentage of people who choose to move in the cold weather season. This means, you are increasing the chances of a more attentive service from your local moving company professionals. Moving companies have less packed schedules, more available movers, trucks and resources and they can concentrate on your needs far more thoroughly. Plus, an added bonus is the cool weather is conducive to efficient moving!
Flexible time slots
Less demand means you will have more flexible time slots to choose from. This can really play to your advantage if you have a busy schedule. You’ll be able to plan far more efficiently and in advance.
How to Mentally Preparing for a Long Distance Move
If you are in the midst of moving across the country or the continent, it is easy to get wrapped up in the logistics of it all—visa and immigration paperwork, organizing your belongings, and stressing about your pets. These concerns often take over and your future mental health is easily overlooked. Remember that you are leaving friends, family, and familiarity behind, and preparing yourself mentally is key. Here are some things you can do before arriving that will ensure a smooth transition.
Expect the Unexpected
Before arriving to a new city, it is important to expect the unexpected. What is meant by this is that your everyday commute, shopping, conversations, and everything else you take for granted as the norm, will likely change in a new location. Take your weekly grocery shopping, for example, which is routinely done at the same place. You know where everything is and what it usually costs. In a new store however, they most certainly will not be in the same place and you might find yourself getting frustrated. Practice these small daily challenges by shopping in a new grocery store, taking a different way to work, and socializing with new people. Everything is going to be a little bit awkward, but that’s okay. Embrace it!
Do Some Research
You might still be at home, but soon, you will be in a completely new environment. Fresh faces, neighbourhoods, and landscapes don’t come without their secrets and you might have to do some research to find the hidden gems and getaways. Relieving stress and finding some alone time will be important when you arrive, and amidst all the moving, finding that special place that keeps you calm will motivate you for the rest of the day. If you enjoy rock climbing, cafes, or golfing, visit Google and scope out your future hangout spots.
Make New Friends
Social communities such as Facebook and Meetup.com are great resources for finding people of similar paths, hobbies, and activities before you arrive. It is important to get out and explore opportunities in your new community. Looking for people who have made a similar move can help you adjust quickly, because they’ve been in your shoes and will be happy to show you around town.
Plan Your Finances
Planning your finances ahead of time can be a great stress reliever. It is recommended to save up extra cash, about two months’ worth of unemployed expenses to stay afloat if anything happens to your income. Unexpected purchases or events that cause you to spend large amounts of money can come up at any time. You may have to buy a new appliance, or fly home for a wedding or funeral.
Preparing for a life away from home if difficult, and it is impossible to be completely at ease upon arriving, but putting yourself in a healthy state of mind before a long distance move can truly help.
Tips for a Successful Long Distance Move
Sometimes, life presents you with a twist of fate so strong that it makes you want to pick up and move to the other side of the continent. Love in California? Work opportunities in New York City? Weather in Miami? Whatever the case may be, it might seem like a difficult, expensive, and lengthy process, but in reality, a little preparation can make a long distance move seamless and comfortable.
Preparation: Start Early!
Gather boxes now: From the moment you decide to move, start gathering boxes whenever the opportunity arises. Check your neighborhood on recycling day or take a quick detour to the dumpsters behind your grocery store. You’ll be surprised how many boxes you can find and how much money you can save. Waiting until the last minute can force you to buy expensive boxes and potentially delay the packing process, leading to a stressful period leading up to departure.
Sell or give away unnecessary items: The amount of possessions you want to bring with you can greatly change the cost of the move. Especially when talking about bulky and heavy items such as furniture, plants, or large decorative pieces, the size of the truck can change and cost you more money. Focus on keeping things that are either essential, expensive to replace, or compact. It is also important to keep in mind where you are moving when deciding to keep or get rid of your possessions. For example, moving from Montreal to Miami can allow you to get rid of a large part of your wardrobe. Moving to New York where homes and apartments are generally smaller, it might be worth your while to sell your furniture and buy smaller pieces once you arrive.
Hire Movers
With boxes and pre-packing taken care of, the last thing to do is find a moving company that will handle your packing and moving needs. A long distance move will be easier, safer and more inexpensive than undertaking the journey on your own. For your trek across the continent, these are the reasons to trust the professionals.
Effective Packing: You may be thinking that you don’t want to trust a moving company to pack your belongings because you fear exposure, damage, or loss. Feel free to pack the items you absolutely don’t want anyone else touching, but otherwise, packers know how to pack fragile items and how to stack them properly in the truck. Keep in mind that theft and breakage is insured if you hire a moving company.
Time Savers: Packing can take up a lot of your time, and if you have a full time job, a moving deadline, or other responsibilities to attend to, packers can be incredible time savers. After all, time is money!
Strong Arms: Moving boxes and furniture all day is an exhausting process. By hiring movers, you can focus on the important details of your move while eliminating the risk of injury. Movers allow anyone, even the elderly and disabled, to move easily and comfortably.
Money Savers: People are sometimes hesitant to hire help because they think it’s going to cost them an arm and a leg. Luckily, packers and movers are not as expensive as one would think. The cost of a truck, gas, boxes, tape, wrapping materials – the list goes on – can easily outweigh the cost of a single quote from a moving company.
Tips for a Safe Winter Move
Moving during the winter time has its challenges. Besides keeping warm and trying to avoid catching a cold, one of the main goals of anyone planning a winter move is to prevent slipping accidents from occurring.
When ice builds up around your home and your driveway, it takes a lot of time until it melts all the way down. There are two main approaches to limit the danger of slipping on icy walkways and driveways. One is to melt ice down to bare surfaces. The other is to cover the ice with gritty material.
Melting: This can be done by using soluble salts that lower the freezing point of water. If the snow can’t freeze, it stays liquid and non-slippery, and eventually evaporates. The most common salts are sodium chloride (table salt), calcium chloride, and potassium chloride. When mixed with water, these chemicals help lower the temperature at which that water will freeze.
Gritty substances: Sand and kitty litter form an abrasive surface that prevents shoes from slipping. The problem is that often those substances freeze into the next snow or icy rain, and end up making a thicker layer of ice. Another disadvantage is that they can also ruin flooring. Salts and abrasives come in on shoes to ruin hardwood floors and carpets.
Other methods: One way to control ice formation is to shovel down the area around the house frequently and till they are bare as possible. This way much less salt will be needed to melt down the thin layer of ice/snow that’s left.
Another way is to use wooden duckboards – the boards can be laid on top of the snow and ice for a safer surface. They are especially useful for the movers who will have to walk back and forth carrying things from your home to the vans.
Tips for a Safe and Comfortable Move
If we had to choose between moving in the summer or winter, most of us will likely choose summer. Winter moves pose serious safety concerns, such as snowstorms, icy, slippery road conditions, not to mention subjecting your cargo to freezing temperatures. While summer may be safer, it is not without its own set of problems. If you’re planning a long distance move with Montreal Movers this summer, here are some tips to avoid melting in the heat.
Don’t Pack Explosive Material in Boxes
Before your move, we suggest scanning your household for items that you could part with. Getting rid of unnecessary clutter will save you time and energy. If you do decide to bring pressurized items like hairspray, spray paint or other chemicals, do not pack them in boxes to be loaded onto the moving truck. During the dead of summer, moving trucks can get incredibly hot, which increases the risk of a chemical explosion. Instead, store these items in the trunk of your car where the air conditioning can reach them.
Hydrate
Although you have hired us to do the heavy lifting, trust us when we say that you will find something to do. Running around, sweeping, picking up forgotten items, packing your car—it’ll be easy to build up a sweat. It’s important to take care of yourself during the sweltering heat. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and avoid heat stroke. The night before or morning of the big move, don’t forget to hydrate your plants as well. Give them a good soak before placing them in the car, and for really thirsty plants, place a moist towel in the box.
Make Use of Coolers
Even if you’re moving from one part of the city to another, you’d be surprised by how quickly perishable items can melt or spoil. A week before the move, try to avoid buying new groceries. Place all remaining groceries in a cooler, including foods or beverages that are sensitive to heat, such as red wine. If you have other household items that might melt, don’t hesitate to shove them in the cooler as well. Candles, crayons, etc., should be kept in a cool, dry place.
Garage Sale
A major advantage of moving in the summertime is you can make use of your yard and sell your unwanted items in a garage sale. Long before your move, separate what you want to bring with you and what can stay behind. Whatever is good enough to sell can be sold Online or in a garage sale. Don’t forget to apply for any applicable permit and to advertise in advance.
Map out Your Route
Montreal moves can be tricky, especially in the summertime. No matter where you go, your path will be slowed down, detoured, or obstructed by the city’s constant construction. Due to the recent changes to the city’s infrastructure—such as the Turcot yard—it’s important to make sure that you plan your route beforehand. If you can avoid moving on July 1st weekend, do so. Moving during construction holiday when the roads aren’t as busy might be your best bet. Getting caught in major traffic in Montreal during a heatwave is not something that anyone wants to experience.
Packing Material for a Move
The packing procedure is the most fundamental part of the move. How well of a job you do in the packing phase, will determine whether your move will be a success or a total flop. Although free boxes are available from supermarkets and department stores, those are not always in sturdy condition and may easily fall apart. If you do end up getting your boxes from a bookstore or from a department store, make sure it is in sturdy condition by putting duct tape on its folds to reinforce the box.
When packing your personal belongings, we recommend you pack heavy and dense items such as books in small cartons. Medium sized cartons should be used to pack articles such as pots, pans, and lamps. Larger cartons can be used to pack light goods such as blankets and clothing.
Other useful packing materials to have on hand include heavy-duty duct tape, newspaper, plastic bags, tissue paper, felt-tipped pens for labeling, and foam pieces for filling empty spaces in boxes. For larger furniture and electronics, foam pads can be used for cushioning and in order to prevent scratching.
Tips for Moving With Pets
A move can be a very stressful time for your pets: many people are walking in and out of their home and they don’t understand why. They feel anxious because of the activity going on in their home and the sudden change of environment.
Moving with pets is not an easy task. There is no standard solution for moving with pets and how to do it the right way. Here are a few tips that should help you manage your move:
-
- Prepare an easily-accessible overnight kit that has enough dog food, kitty litter, toys and grooming tools to sustain your pet and keep them comfortable during the first few days of unpacking.
-
- If you are moving to a faraway location, find another vet in your area and ask your current vet to transfer your pet’s medical file to the other vet.
-
- During the move itself, the best way to reduce animal stress and to keep them out of the way of the movers is to put them in a secluded room on their own. If possible leave them with a friend or kennel for the day.
-
- Take your pet to the new house in your own vehicle. Cats and small dogs can be placed in a carrier in the back seat, which can then be secured with a seatbelt.
-
- Some pets may be familiarized with your previous neighborhood. Until they get familiar with the new one, make sure to keep an eye on them so they won’t wander out and get lost.
Moving with small children
Moving homes can be hectic, especially when kids are involved. This is why Montreal Movers has set up this following guideline on how parents and adults should deal with children before and on moving day.
From our experience as professional movers, we have found that things always turn out better when the children are fully aware of what will be happening on moving day and when they are given a list of expectations and responsibilities to fulfill. Depending on their age of course, the responsibilities will vary. Generally speaking, the children will appreciate being involved in the moving process.
If your child is adamant of taking all their prizes possessions, you should not be stern and bossy with them. Instead, try and discuss with your child what they can or cannot take. Give them a box and designate it as their own. Give them the freedom to put whatever they want in the box and finally allow them to label the box on their own.
Try and make the move an adventure for your children. Show them photos of their new home and take them there in advance to show them how their new room will be set up. This will make them more excited and willing to cooperate when moving day arrives.
Final tip, having children running around while our moving team is hauling your heavy armoire is by far a safety hazard. If you know your children to be active and if they are too young to understand that they shouldn’t be running and jumping around, we recommend that you hire a babysitter while we are moving your home and possessions.
Tips for Moving Electronics
Electronics are perhaps some of the most difficult items to pack and move. Not only are the items fragile and expensive, but you also have to worry about sensitivity to heat or cold and reassembling them once you get to the other side.
In many cases, moving electronics is a job best left to professional movers, since they’ll have the right equipment to safely pack, lift and transport fragile items. If you’re packing the items yourself and just using a moving company for transportation, here are some tips to ensure your equipment stays safe along the way.
Check Special Instructions
If you still have the original instruction manuals for your electronics, review them to see if there are special packing/transportation guidelines you need to follow. For example, flat screen TVs, monitors and computers are particularly sensitive to temperature, while other electronic devices can be damaged by dust or bumping against hard surfaces. No manuals? The manufacturer’s website might have a copy or at least offer general packing instructions.
One thing to keep in mind: Montreal gets particularly cold during the winter, and many electronic components can get damaged if exposed to temperatures under 10 degrees C. If you’re relocating during the winter, ask the moving company if they have a climate-controlled facility or truck they can use for your items.
Be Prepared
Before you take your electronics apart (especially if there are tons of cords and cables connected to them), snap a few pictures of the front and back. You can then use those photos to help you reassemble everything. As tempting as it might be, don’t leave cords plugged in, as they can get damaged during transportation.
Remove batteries, discs, ink cartridges and anything that sticks out and can be safely detached. Place small parts in a zipper storage bag so you can easily find them when unpacking.
Pack Carefully
When it comes to packing electronics, there’s no such thing as overdoing it. Use blankets, anti-static bubble wrap or moving pads to protect sensitive items. Then place them in a box and fill the space around them with Styrofoam peanuts, linens or even crumbled newspaper.
If you no longer have the original box for your electronics, buy a packing box that is larger than the item you’re packing. This way you’ll have enough space to add padding around it.
Once the item has been packed, tape the box shut to prevent dust and debris from getting to your electronics. And don’t forget to mark the box as “Fragile.”
Sometimes packing the smallest stuff is the hardest. Doing it right makes life easiest both on yourself and the movers. These tips for moving electronics will keep your items safe, secure, and easy to find.
Tips to Save Money on Moving Costs
Physically transporting your family and belongings to your new home can be the most stressful part of the whole moving process. With some careful planning and a little preparation, much of the stress can be avoided. Here are a few moving guidelines that will help you achieve a smooth move.
- Be flexible on dates: Many moves take place at the end or beginning of the month, or on Fridays or Mondays. Consumers who are able to move on off days might be able to work a deal with a moving company.
- For the ultimate money saver, schedule the move outside of peak moving season, which takes place June, July and August. Inquire about any seasonal discounts.
- Get Rid of 10% of your belongings: The less that needs to be moved, the less it will cost, and the fewer headaches to be had.
- Only pack the items that have been used in the past year. If something hasn’t been used in the past 12 months, there is no point to have to pay to move it.
- As each room is packed, have two plastic bins – a ‘definite’ throwaway bin and a ‘maybe’ throwaway bin. When you are finished with packing the room, throw out or give away everything in the ‘definite’ bin, make a decision on the ‘maybe’ items and then move on to the next room.
How to Properly Load a Moving Truck
When loading a truck for a move, it is best that you utilize the space in the maxim way possible. Wasted space will mean having to rent more than one truck or having to make two round trips instead of one.
Follow these tips and save money, space and effort by knowing how to load a moving truck properly:
- Before we give you any tips on how to best load a moving truck, you need to make sure you have all the supplied needed to get the job done. You will need strong straps, moving blankets and cardboard. The straps are necessary because they will secure the larger items in place. The moving blankets will protect the items in the truck.
- Move in the large furniture and heavy objects first. The large objects should be well secured to the walls of the truck with straps. If furniture shifts inside during a drive your possessions could be seriously damaged.
- Pack a tight, evenly distributed load to ensure that your belongings arrive undamaged.
- Cover furniture with moving blankets to protect them from dirt and possible scratches.
- When loading boxes into the truck put blankets between the layers of boxes to protect the items inside.
- Place the heaviest boxes in a row across the floor of the van and build a second and third row on top of the first, and so on, until they reach the ceiling.
- Use furniture pads to fill empty spaces and to level a tier or to give support to a curved or irregularly shaped item.
- The last things to go in the truck are the things that you will need to take out first.
Common Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Moving can be an exciting way to make a fresh start, but preparing for a big move isn’t always the most fun or stress-free activity. Without the proper planning, moving can produce much more anxiety than necessary. Make your next move as smooth as possible through careful planning and foresight. Here are just a few of the most common moving mistakes and how to avoid them from the team at Montreal Movers.
Packrat Habits
Moving provides a great opportunity to take inventory of your belongings and get rid of things that you don’t use or want anymore. Holding on to possessions that are broken or you no longer use can making packing for a move much more difficult. If you have a hard time parting with your possessions, have a friend or loved one help you determine what to bring with you and what to leave behind. You may even be able to sell some of your unwanted possessions, helping you to recoup some of the costs associated with moving.
Procrastination
Putting off your moving preparations will only make things more difficult on the big day. While getting started may seem daunting, it’s important to start packing up as early as possible. If you take your time, it will be easier to keep your packing organized. Last-minute packing can lead to broken or damaged items, and make it more difficult for you to unpack on the other side. To make things easier for yourself, prepare a packing schedule—if you stick to it and do a little bit of packing each day, you can minimize your pre-move stress and keep yourself organized.
3 things to do right after you’ve moved
Moving can be stressful, but completing the move itself is just the beginning of a new set of issues for you. Here are 3 things you should do right after you’ve moved to help get the ball rolling in your new location.
Update your address information
You need to make sure important mail is sent to your home, that you get bills, that legal paperwork is in order, etc. We recommend taking a day off to explore your new surroundings and relax, but after that, you should get to it.
Find healthcare providers
This is especially important if you have a family moving with you. In your previous location, you probably had a trusted doctor that knew your whole family and your medical history. In your new location, you’re going to have to build that relationship again. Make sure to have your medical records sent over, and check with your insurance provider.
Be a tourist
You might call this new place home, but for the first few days or weeks, you won’t really be any different than a new tourist in town. We recommend being a tourist for the first few days and checking out all of the cool sites. If you live in a bigger city, then you’ve got a lot of great things to do right in town, but if you’ve moved to a smaller town, then you should get out of the city into the surrounding nature and check out all of the cool parks, rivers, and lakes that the vicinity has to offer. It will give you a new appreciation for the place you live, and help you find all of the fun stuff to do.
Getting to Know Your Neighbors After a Move
You’ve sorted all your belongings, packed them and labelled them. You’ve changed your address for your tax forms, your cellphone bill, your work address, your hydro bill, etc. You’ve started to put your home together and the end is almost in sight. What’s missing? New friends of course!
Good Neighbors
If you’re lucky, somebody has already noticed that you’ve moved in and said hi or dropped off some cookies. Congratulations: you live in a neighbourhood where people notice each other and you will probably acclimatize quickly. But what if you don’t? What if your area is just a little more bustling and you are sitting alone with your family in your shiny new apartment or house?
Tips to Meet People
Knock on Doors
If you share a building with other people, make a favourite dish and ring on their doorbell. They won’t mind; they’ll think it’s sweet. Invite them to your place for a beverage. Be open about the fact that you just moved in and are looking to meet people. Ask their advice about cool things to do in the area and tell them about your interests.
Use Your Kids!
The great thing about kids is they don’t follow most social rules. This makes it a lot easier for them to make friends. Sign your kids up for some cool activities, take them to free community events, and watch them mingle. As they’re making friends, you can get to know their parents.
Do You Have a Dog?
Taking your dog to a local park is a great way to get to know people in your area. You’ll meet fellow dog lovers, and your new friends can probably tell you about interesting community spots and events.
Do Work Out of the Home
Okay, you just bought this place, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay inside all the time. Take some work to a local café. Talk to the barista, and work without your headphones. You’ll probably meet some like-minded people in the area!
Summertime Gardening
Are you lucky enough to have a yard or front lawn? Get some time out in the sun, and make friends with your neighbours!
Sign Up for Local Classes
The local yoga studio or gym is a great place to meet new and fun people. Plus, it gives you added motivation to stay in shape!
Congratulations on your new move (and your new community). You’ll be having the housewarming party of the year in no time!
Moving to a new home doesn’t need to be a stress-inducing challenge. With that right planning and preparation, you can make your next move seamless and stress-free. For fast and efficient moving service in Montreal and the surrounding area, contact us today at Montreal Movers.
