When you’re moving furniture across Canada, it’s not just a matter of popping items into a van or your vehicle and carting your belongings to the other side of town. Start preparations as early as possible, make lists and keep calm. Use these seven tips to get you on your way.
- Decide When to Move
If you have some leeway as to when you’re moving across Canada, choose your relocation time carefully. Best times to move:
- First two weeks of June, July or August
- First three weeks of every other month
- Mid-week
Often these are the times when moving companies are not too rushed, and vans and equipment are readily available.
- Get an Estimate
Generally, moving companies draw up an estimate according to the weight of your shipment and the length of the journey. You may decide to share a van with another customer, which cuts the cost but takes longer, or prefer to have the exclusive use of one van. Make sure that costs for packing materials and storage, if you need it, are also factored in when you request an estimate for moving furniture across Canada.
- Make Lists
Whether you’re a list-maker or not, this is the one time you need to be methodical and write down your reminders. A check list is an indispensable tool when you’re moving furniture across Canada, and you can use it in conjunction with a print or digital diary so you don’t forget when to do what.
- Arrange Utilities
Find out about disconnection of services at your existing home; utility companies always require a notice period so don’t leave this until the last minute. You’ll have to pay deposits for connection of services at your new abode; find out amounts and payment methods.
- Get Rid of Unwanted Items
Remember that the more you take to your new home, the higher the cost. A long-distance move is the ideal opportunity to throw out, sell or give to charity any items that you no longer need. Designate a couple of places around your home for donation piles where the family can put things they don’t want; make a trip (or two) to your nearest charity shop once the sort-outs have ended. A garage sale is another good way to pass on unwanted items.
- What Not To Take
There are certain items that moving companies won’t transport for you due to the danger involved. They are:
- Propane tanks that are used for barbecues and camping.
- Flammable or corrosive substances like gasoline, oil, diesel, paint thinners and battery acid.
- Paint and varnish, whether liquid or spray.
- Aerosols, including paint, air fresheners and cleaners.
- Pack Your Pets
Well, not literally. Again, the key for moving with pets is preparation. Check with your vet if any health certificates are needed and speak about tranquilizers (for your pet, not you). Depending on how far across Canada you’re moving and the size of your pet, decide if the animal is going to travel with you in your car or make the journey by plane. You may need a crate, so get your pet used to being contained. When travelling with your pet, be sure to book into pet-friendly accommodation for your stopovers, and have plenty of water for your pet in the car.
Moving furniture across Canada may involve a journey of thousands of kilometres, and once you’ve done your prep work and packed up, enjoy the exciting trip. For more information about moving across country, contact Tender Touch today, either through our website or on our toll-free number 1-877-836-3378.
