How to prepare for moving? Preparing for a move can turn into a headache if you do not know where to start or how to do it. However, Simple Moves is here to help with some tips and tricks which could help you much to feel as confident as you can before your move.
First, inventory
It is always a good idea to start with just going around your apartment when you prepare for moving. Keep in mind which furniture pieces to disassemble, how many boxes approximately you will need for smaller items. Think about how you will pack your clothes and which furniture part or package will go where in your new home. If you are unsure about the packing or you need some help with it, your friendly movers from the company Simple Moves can do all the preparation you need. Regarding your clothes, movers can also bring wardrobe boxes which you can use to hang your clothes in, free of charge!
Equipment and tools
Moving can turn into a complicated process if there are big pieces of furniture in your home. It is possible that some of the items will not fit through narrow doorways or staircases. It is a good idea also to take apart some fragile items as some of them might be easier to move in pieces. For disassembly of furniture legs, bed frames, table tops you will need tools. Some of your items will have to be taken apart to transport them safely. Professional movers in Simple Moves have to disassemble furniture on almost every job, so it is a good idea to mention it while you are discussing the details of the move before it happens. The movers will:
- Remove the cushions and take apart the sofa if needed.
- Unscrew table legs and disassemble the table itself.
- Cover furniture with pads.
- Remove knobs from dressers or desks.
- Remove the headboard and footboard of the bed and fully take it apart.
The movers will assemble everything in your new home; they will have the tools you need. They will be fast but cautious so you won’t have to worry about this, sometimes pretty difficult, process of preparing for a move.
Packing and wrapping
Packing makes your move process more manageable and less time-consuming. Books, food, plates, smaller devices and other small items should fit into boxes. If you have full drawers in your home, the best idea is to empty them and put your belongings into boxes. The movers can then take the drawers and pad them, so they are safe and sound during the move. By the way, if you choose to move with Simple Moves, you don’t have to worry about protecting your valuable pieces. The movers will take good care of them. Every fragile item will be padded or wrapped, no matter the size or shape. You can count on Simple Moves! Movers should never place furniture in the truck without any protective materials. Simple Moves uses pads, mattress bags, bubble wrap and you can expect these supplies on every move.
Labelling
If you are packing the boxes yourself labelling them makes the job much easier for you as well as the movers. Indicating the room where the package should go as well as marking the contents of the box (for example, ‘dishes’ or ‘bathroom supplies’) is helpful. It will save much time as there will be no need to open the boxes during the move. You won’t have to move around heavy boxes after carrying them to your new home.
Choosing the right moving company in Canada
Keeping in mind all of the points above it is evident that professional movers can save you a lot of work and time during your move. Just picking the cheapest moving company might result in a situation where you will still have to do half of the work. Don’t forget to go over the moving company’s insurance policies to make sure that the relocation company covers your belongings. Lastly, make sure to search if the removals company is well-reviewed and trusted. Hiring the award-winning moving company Simple Moves might be your best option to help prepare for a move and have it hassle-free. Just take a look at our reviews on Homestars.com or Google if you want to know us better!
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Creating Your Moving Timeline in 2026
A well-structured timeline is the backbone of any successful move. Starting your preparations early reduces stress and ensures nothing falls through the cracks. In 2026, the moving industry in British Columbia is busier than ever, making early planning essential for securing your preferred moving date and company.
Eight weeks before your move, book your moving company and begin decluttering. Six weeks out, start packing rooms you use least, such as guest bedrooms, storage areas, and seasonal items. Four weeks before, pack the majority of your belongings, leaving only daily essentials. Two weeks prior, confirm all logistics with your moving company, finalize your change of address notifications, and begin cleaning rooms that are already packed.
One week before moving day, pack your final boxes, prepare an essentials bag with toiletries, medications, important documents, phone chargers, and a change of clothes, and complete your move-out cleaning. The day before, do a final walkthrough of every room, closet, and storage area to ensure nothing is left behind.
The Art of Decluttering Before Your Move
Decluttering before a move is one of the most impactful things you can do to reduce costs, save time, and start fresh in your new home. Every item you choose not to move is one less thing to pack, load, transport, unload, and unpack. The savings in both money and effort are substantial.
Go through your home room by room, sorting items into four categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard. Be honest with yourself about what you actually use and need. If you have not worn a piece of clothing in over a year, it is time to let it go. If an appliance has been collecting dust in a cabinet, someone else can put it to better use.
Selling items through Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local buy-and-sell groups can put money back in your pocket to offset moving costs. Donating to local charities supports your community and keeps usable items out of landfills. For items that are truly beyond use, responsible recycling and disposal ensure your decluttering is both thorough and environmentally conscious.
How to Pack Fragile Items Safely
Fragile items require special attention during packing to survive the bumps and vibrations of transport. Dishes, glassware, mirrors, artwork, and electronics each have specific packing requirements that, when followed, dramatically reduce the risk of damage.
For dishes and glassware, wrap each piece individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. Place dishes vertically in boxes rather than stacking them flat, as vertical orientation distributes impact forces more evenly. Use cell dividers for glassware, and fill any empty space in the box with crumpled packing paper to prevent shifting.
Mirrors and framed artwork should be wrapped in corner protectors and then covered with moving blankets or bubble wrap. For large pieces, consider investing in mirror boxes or picture boxes that provide a custom-fit enclosure. Mark these boxes clearly as fragile and ensure they are loaded vertically in the truck, never laid flat with heavy items on top.
Electronics like televisions, computers, and gaming consoles are best packed in their original boxes if you still have them. If not, wrap them in moving blankets and place them in appropriately sized boxes with plenty of padding. Remove ink cartridges from printers, batteries from devices, and any removable media before packing.
Your Moving Day Survival Kit
Pack a dedicated survival kit that stays with you throughout moving day, separate from everything going on the truck. This kit ensures you have everything you need during the transition period between leaving your old home and being fully settled in your new one.
Your survival kit should include toiletries, medications, phone chargers, a change of clothes for each family member, important documents like IDs and lease agreements, basic cleaning supplies, a first aid kit, snacks, and water bottles. If you have children, include their comfort items, favourite snacks, and entertainment to keep them occupied during the move.
For pets, prepare a separate bag with food, water bowls, medications, a leash, and any comfort items. Arrange for pets to stay with a friend or family member on moving day, or designate a quiet room in your home where they can stay safely out of the way until the move is complete.
At Simple Moves, we take the stress out of move preparation with our comprehensive full service moving packages. From packing and wrapping to loading, transport, and reassembly at your new home, our experienced crews handle every detail. Whether you need help with a small move in Vancouver or a complete household relocation, we bring the professionalism and care your belongings deserve.
Start preparing for your move with confidence. Call Simple Moves at (604) 398-4680 or get a free moving quote today.
Start preparing at least eight weeks before your moving date. Book your moving company early, begin decluttering immediately, and start packing least-used rooms six weeks out. This timeline ensures a smooth, organized move without last-minute rushing.
Pack items you use least frequently first: guest room furniture, seasonal items, decorations, books, and rarely used kitchen items. Leave daily essentials like toiletries, a few dishes, bedding, and work necessities for the final days before the move.
Wrap each piece individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. Place dishes vertically in boxes rather than flat, and use cell dividers for glassware. Fill empty space with crumpled paper to prevent shifting, and clearly mark boxes as fragile.
If your budget allows, professional packing saves significant time and reduces the risk of damage. Movers are trained in proper packing techniques and have the right materials. Simple Moves offers full packing services as part of our comprehensive moving packages.
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Get a Free Moving Quote From Simple Moves
Simple Moves is a full-service moving company serving Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and all of British Columbia. We provide the experienced movers and the trucks — you do not need to rent a vehicle or recruit friends. Whether you are moving across the street or across the province, we make every move simple.
Call (604) 398-4680 or request a free quote online today.