Moving tips
The Ottawa Movers’ Checklist: How to Pack for Your Move
By TLC Moving & Storage · Published 4 August 2016
Pack least-used and out-of-season items first, keep track of every box, use a labelling system, pack the important things last, and keep an overnight bag ready. That is the checklist for a smoother move.
The packing checklist
Five steps, in order:
Pack Least-Used Or Out-Of-Season Items First
Keep Track Of Contents
Use A Labeling System To Simplify Things
Pack The Important Stuff Last
Be Ready With An Overnight Bag
Why packing order and labels matter on moving day
Most of this checklist is about finding things after the move. You will likely have several boxes labeled “kitchen” or “bathroom,” and you won’t have the energy to sort out your whole wardrobe right away. Packing in the right order and listing each box’s contents keeps what you need first from getting buried in a stack of identical boxes.
Pack Least-Used Or Out-Of-Season Items First
No matter where you are in Canada, make sure you follow this moving checklist:
Ottawa movers advise packing seasonal items like snowsuits and pool toys first, since you won’t need them for quite some time after the move – depending on the season, of course. Prioritize your packing; anything not used on at least a weekly basis can also be packed early on, unless there’s a need for it.
Keep Track Of Contents
Any moving checklist will tell you to label your boxes, but go a step further and make sure you put ALL the contents of the box on the label, since it’s likely you’ll have several boxes labeled “kitchen” or “bathroom.” Record each item on a list of contents or label as you pack it, instead of searching through your memories after the box is full.
Use A Labeling System To Simplify Things
Ottawa movers recommend a numbering system to coordinate boxes with the rooms they belong in. This step goes hand-in-hand with the previous one, as you can incorporate the labelling you created to really simplify unpacking. This way, when you’re looking at a big pile of boxes, you’ll quickly know which box belongs to which room without reading every label.
Pack The Important Stuff Last
Anything that will be needed immediately should go at the top of each box, or put into separate, specially-marked boxes – just make sure it’s easy to identify with something like red tape. This way, you can tell your movers to put the boxes with red tape in a different pile and they won’t get buried in a stack of identical boxes, leaving you to hunt them down.
The overnight bag: what it is and what goes in it
An overnight bag is a backpack or duffel you keep with you instead of packing in a box, so the clothes you need right after the move are at hand.
This is an important addition to any moving checklist. You’re not going to have the energy to sort out your entire wardrobe right after a move, so keep some work clothes, casual clothes, pajamas, and a few pairs of socks and underwear in a backpack or duffel so that they’re handy right away.
This Ottawa movers’ checklist is extremely handy for streamlining a National Capital Region move, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be use for moves throughout Canada! If you are looking for more tips on how to organize the other parts of your move, contact a local moving company for tips and advice. Ottawa movers are always happy to help out.
Questions about moving with TLC
What should I pack first when moving?
Ottawa movers advise packing seasonal items like snowsuits and pool toys first, since you won’t need them for quite some time after the move – depending on the season, of course.
How do I label moving boxes?
Ottawa movers recommend a numbering system to coordinate boxes with the rooms they belong in. This step goes hand-in-hand with the previous one, as you can incorporate the labelling you created to really simplify unpacking.
What goes in an overnight bag for moving day?
This is an important addition to any moving checklist. You’re not going to have the energy to sort out your entire wardrobe right after a move, so keep some work clothes, casual clothes, pajamas, and a few pairs of socks and underwear in a backpack or duffel so that they’re handy right away.
Free estimate
Get your free estimate
Tell us about your move and we will come back with a free, obligation-free estimate. You can also call (613) 830-7402.