Residential Moves

The Canadian Association of Movers claims that average Canadians will move 5 or 6 times in their lives. Most commonly this is attributed to a change in family size. The next largest factor is a change in employment. Whatever the reason, residential moves happen frequently.

Secure Choice Moving & Storage in Prince Albert is a master of residential moves. We have been doing this for years and have it down to a science.

If you are moving to or from the Prince Albert area we are available. We can take some stress out of your moving experience. You can do some or all of the packing or leave it all to us. We will accommodate your desires and make the move a pleasant experience. Secure Choice Moving & Storage provides free quotes. You will know the cost and the timeframe before you make a decision.

Residential move checklist:

Three Months Prior to Moving

If it’s possible, plan your move outside of peak moving seasons. Late spring and the summer months should be avoided if possible.
Start making lists of the things you will be moving
Hold a yard sale or donate unwanted items to organizations such as The Salvation Army

Two Months Prior to Moving

Notify your current service providers. Inform them of the upcoming changes. Process change of address notifications or cancellations as required.
Begin calling and interviewing your movers! I.E. Secure Choice Moving and Storage. Be sure the mover is licensed and bonded, as well as properly equipped with the tools and staff for the move.

One Month Prior to Moving

Book Secure Choice Moving and Storage for the move. If you’re packing yourself, pick up boxes and other supplies. Secure Choice Moving and Storage does stock these supplies.
Submit a Change of Address form to the Post Office
Prepare a detailed inventory list of items that are going to be stored or moved.
Contact your utilities, phone, newspaper, and subscription companies. Have them discontinue or move your service.
Order cheques from your financial institution with your new address
Schedule childcare or pet care on the day of your move, if needed
Start packing the items you will not need until after the move.

Two Weeks Prior to Moving

Throw or give away the items that cannot be moved. Dispose of hazardous waste properly
Order refills on prescriptions and contacts. It’s a busy time – you want to make sure you’ll have exactly what you need!
If you live in an apartment or condo, contact the building management to schedule use of the elevators if required.

One Week Prior to Moving

Pay all of your bills
Let your neighbours know moving trucks will be arriving
Drain water hoses, as well as gas from lawnmowers, snow/leaf blowers, and prepare any other appliances for the move
Pack a “first-night” box that includes personal care items, bedding, and fun things for your kids
Acquire certified checks (if needed) for the movers
Make sure all of your boxes and items are packed properly and closed for stacking

One Day Prior to Moving

Pack last-minute items.
Exchange cell phone numbers with the moving crew.
Make sure you get a good night’s rest!

Moving Day

Be sure someone is available to be at your residence in order to receive the moving company and provide payment in the form required
If you are located in a gated community, let the management office know the arrival time
Record all utility meter readings
Review your inventory lists one more time!

Some packing and moving tips for residential moves

If you pack your things well, the move is more likely to go a lot smoother. There are many different techniques that will help you ensure your belongings won’t get broken in the process! Read through the tips below to learn more about what you can do to maximize the packing phase.

ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS

Arrangements and stems of artificial flowers should be packed in their own carton, wrapped in plastic wrap or paper materials. Label the carton “Fragile – this side up.”

BOOKS

Books should be packed either flat or with the spine facing the bottom of the carton. Expensive volumes or those of sentimental value should be individually wrapped before packing. Since books get heavy, use smaller cartons.

BOWLS AND ODD-SHAPED ITEMS

These may be placed on the bottom or middle layers, depending on their weight. Shallow bowls should be stood up on the edge of the carton and deep bowls should be nested, then placed upside down on their rims. Sugar bowl lids should be wrapped in tissue paper and turned upside down on top of the bowl. Wrap both in clean paper, and add a double layer of newspaper. Place upright in the carton and repeat for similar items, such as cream pitchers and sauce containers.

CDS, TAPES, AND RECORDS

These items can get heavy as well, so it is best to pack them in smaller cartons. Wrap records individually in tissue paper or plastic wrap, and everything should be stood on edge in their cartons. Cassette tapes can be placed in the protective boxes they came in. Add extra cushioning to the spaces in the containers to ensure nothing gets damaged, and mark the container as “Fragile – this side up.”

CHINA, GLASSWARE, AND SILVERWARE

Be sure to wrap each individual piece of china and glassware in its own section of clean paper. Several sheets may be used and wrapped diagonally with the overlapping edges tucked in. Newspaper will provide an extra layer of protection as well. More paper padding and cushioning can be added to the moving carton, which should be labeled “Fragile – this side up.”

CLOTHING

You can leave clothing on hangers and place them in specialty wardrobe containers. One will typically hold about two feet of compressed clothing on hangers. If you are not using these containers, all of your garments should be removed from the hanger and placed in a suitcase or container lined with paper. Some lightweight clothing may be left in drawers. Hats and shoes can be left in their respective boxes, and have cushioning added to their containers. Shoes could be wrapped individually if you would like, but should not have any heavy items packed on top of them.

It is recommended you carry furs and other expensive or special items with you instead of sending them with a moving van.

CUPS

Wrap your cups individually and pack them upside down. Make sure to double wrap any handles, and keep the handles facing the same way in the container.

DELICATE AND FRAGILE ITEMS

These items should be wrapped in tissue paper, paper towels, or facial tissue. Then the wrapped items should be placed amongst newspaper that has been crushed and flattened out. Small mirrors, plaques, and pictures should be wrapped individually in tissue paper. A bath towel or small blanket makes a great padding for glass items. Place all of these on edge in a carton. If you have exceptionally fragile items, you should consider using bubble pack.

DRAPERIES AND CURTAINS

Clothing wardrobes are helpful for efficiently moving curtains and draperies. They should be folded lengthwise, placed over a padded hanger, pinned securely, and hung up. Draperies and curtains may also be folded and packed in cartons lined with clean paper or plastic wrap if a wardrobe or bureau is not available.

FOOD

We do not recommend you take anything perishable – be sure to take only the food items you are sure will travel well. If boxes of rice, macaroni, cereal and other powdered foods are open, seal them with tape. Small jars of herbs, spices, condiments, bouillon cubes, etc. should be placed in the same box before getting packed into a larger container. Cover holes of shaker containers and seal with tape.

Remember, canned goods can get heavy; the amount placed into one carton should be limited.

GLASS ITEMS, MIRRORS, AND OTHER PIECES

Glass tabletops, marble slabs, large mirrors, paintings, statues, and large vases can be damaged easily. It is best to speak with your mover to inquire about custom-made cartons and crates.

LAMP BASES AND SHADES

Remove the light bulb and harp and wrap the base, harp, and bulb in separate sheets of newspaper. Fill the spaces with crushed paper.

For lampshades, wrap each shade in three or four sheets of tissue paper, a pillowcase, or large lightweight towel. Use a sturdy carton that is at least two inches larger all around than the largest shade. Line it with paper, using crushed paper under the shade for a protective layer. Do not layer it around the shade. Smaller shades can be packed nested inside a large one, but make sure they are not touching. Shades typically should not be packed with one another. Label the carton(s) “Fragile – this side up.”

LINENS AND BEDDING

Blankets, sheets, tablecloths, towels, pillowcases, and other linens. Should be protected by a large plastic bag and packed in a carton lined with paper. Wrap your special linens in tissue. Please note, linens and other bedding can be good for cushioning and padding for many other types of items. Pillows may be placed in drawers or packed in cartons.

MAJOR APPLIANCES

Be sure to set up an appointment with a technician to prepare your major appliances for the move. This includes any washers and dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and other appliances you are taking with you.

OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT

Before your moving day, take down any swing sets, TV antennas, and garden sheds. Bundle the pieces together with a nylon cord. Small hardware can be placed in a cloth bag and attached to corresponding equipment.

Drain gasoline from lawnmowers and similar equipment well before the loading day.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Photos, videos, slides, and negatives should be packed in separate cartons and labeled clearly. Be sure to protect framed photos with padding and cushioning, standing them on edge in a carton. If it’s possible, carry your irreplaceable items with you to your new location.

RUGS

Leave rugs on the floor and your movers will take care of them. If they have recently returned from the cleaners, leave them rolled for easy transportation.

SILVER

All of your silver pieces should be wrapped completely in clean tissue paper or plastic wrap, because air causes it to tarnish. If the silverware is in a chest, you may want to individually wrap each piece and reposition them in their place. Wrap the chest with a bath towel.

SMALL APPLIANCES

Individually wrap clocks, small radios, and other small appliances. Make sure the carton is cushioned with crushed paper. Wrap the cords tightly around their appliance so they do not scratch or damage other items. Steam irons should be emptied of water, wrapped, and placed in a cushioned box. Don’t forget to remove all batteries from small appliances before packing them.

SPECIAL HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

If you have saved boxes and other cartons from items such as microwaves, home electronic items, and other similar items should be repacked into their original packaging. This will ensure nothing is damaged during the move.

TOOLS

Always use smaller cartons for tools because they are heavy. Hand tools may be left in their tool boxes, or packed with similar tools and items. Long-handled garden tools, as well as brooms and mops, can be bundled together. Attachments must be removed from power tools and packed separately.