Heavy items

Pack any heavy objects in smaller boxes so they're easier to lift and don't exceed the maximum weight capacity of the container. Avoid packing heavy items in the same box as more fragile items.

Documents

Use file boxes to store important documents or business files. We sell The Ultimate Records Box, designed specifically for that purpose.

Books

Pack your books flat to avoid damaging the spines. Alternate the bindings so the stack will stay level.

Fragile items:
dishes, glasses, knick-knacks

Fragile items like dishes, glasses and knick-knacks should be wrapped in tissue paper, clean newsprint or bubble wrap, and packed into smaller boxes for easier lifting.

Don't forget to mark the box 'Fragile.' You can do that with our special 'Fragile' imprinted tape.

Mirrors and pictures

Mirrors, stained glass hangings, paintings and framed pictures should be packed in cardboard with some padding and marked fragile.

We sell mirror boxes that are flat and already marked 'Careful! Glass'.

Tables, chairs and other wooden furniture

It's best to treat any wood surfaces before storing. If possible, disassemble any wooden furniture such as tables and bedframes, and wrap the legs with bubble wrap and the item itself with a moving blanket.

We have bubble wrap for sale, as well as moving blankets for rent or purchase.

Put all the hardware in a bag, label it and/or tape it to the underside or drawer of the item it goes with.

Dresser and desk drawers

You can save space by packing smaller items inside the drawers of your dressers and desks. You'll want to lift the dresser/desk without the drawers when loading it into and out of the moving truck. Then slide the drawers into place for transportation and/or storage.

You don't want the drawers to slide out during transit, but taping them shut can damage the finish of the wood. You can use a cloth tie instead, wrapped around the girth of the dresser or desk at the level of the drawer.

Sofas, armchairs, mattresses

Use protective covers for soft furniture (couch, arm chair, mattress), and treat the wood surfaces before storing. We carry plastic storage bags for mattresses, sofas and armchairs, and shrink wrap for any other items that need to be covered.

Sofa beds

Ropes or bungee cords are useful for keeping sofa beds from unfolding during transit or storage.

Leather

Leather furniture, bags and jackets can be treated with lemon oil to keep them from cracking during storage.

Clothing

Using our wardrobe boxes allows you to store clothing on hangers, which helps them keep their shape.

Woolen items

When storing wool items, use cedar chips or moth balls to keep damaging moths away.

Sheets, towels, blankets

Pack your linen in its own boxes or integrate it into the rest of your packing when you need some fabric to fill a gap or protect a breakable or scratchable item.

Comforters and pillows

You can use larger boxes for lightweight bulky items, or put them in plastic bags.

If in bags, you can use the bulk to fill spaces like the washing machine, or you can flatten by removing the air from the bag with a vacuum or reversible pump for inflatables. If using a vacuum, remember to thoroughly clean and dry the end piece that will be in contact with your items.

Carpets and rugs

Roll up your carpets and rugs and keep them rolled with tape or a rope.

Appliances and lawn/garden equipment

If you're storing lawn/garden equipment, drain all gasoline and oil to avoid corrosive damage and the risk of fire. Clean them and treat with rust protector or wipe them down with an oily rag.

To prepare freezers and refrigerators for moving or storage, empty them of food, then defrost, clean, and dry. For transport, remove or secure loose parts like ice-cube trays and vegetable crisper drawers. Protect any exposed coils with padding.

To transport your washing machine without the tub moving around too much, fill it with bags of soft items like plush toys, blankets or pillows.

Remove the dust bag from your vacuum cleaner and throw it away.

Tools and bicycles

Oil your tools and bicycles for protection against rust. Cover bicycle chains and pedals to keep them from rubbing oil off on other belongings.

To save space, loosen bicycle handlebars, turn them sideways, then tighten in that position for transport and/or storage.

Use a garbage can to store shovels, hoes and rakes.

For personal safety and the protection of other belongings, wrap any sharp edges on tools or equipment.

Pack power tools with padding.

Lock, tape or tie your toolbox shut to make sure nothing pops the latch open in transit.

Computers and electronics

If at all possible, use the original boxes your electronics and computers came in. If you no longer have the original box, use a sturdy cardboard box with plenty of bubble wrap to protect them from bumps.

Backup your computer's data before packing, in case the hardware gets damaged in transit.

Some electronics have locking mechanisms or software locks for transport, so check the user's manual for any special instructions.

Before unplugging cables that aren't already colour coded, colour code each one by putting a coloured sticker on it and the same colour sticker where that cable goes into the machine.