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Why do I need to empty drawers for movers?

Why do I need to empty drawers for movers?

Andrei Volchkov Oct 11, 2023

Why Emptying Drawers is Essential When Preparing for a Move

Moving can be a stressful endeavor, especially when it involves transporting valuable furniture. For many Canadians, furniture is an investment as well as a functional item, often from popular Canadian brands known for their quality and design. As such, ensuring the safety of these pieces during a move is paramount. One of the most debated topics in this regard is whether or not to empty drawers before moving. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve deeper into the reasons why emptying drawers is essential for a successful move.

1. Safeguarding Your Investment

Most furniture pieces, especially those from renowned Canadian brands, are functional items and aesthetic masterpieces, and they often come with a hefty price tag. When you invest in such pieces, it's only natural to want to protect them during a move.

2. Lighter Weight Equals Easier Movement

It's a simple equation: empty drawers mean a lighter piece of furniture. This reduction in weight can significantly simplify the mover's job. When a dresser or cabinet is lighter, it's easier to lift, carry, and navigate, especially through tight spaces or around tricky corners.

3. Navigating Complex Spaces

Many homes, especially older ones, have narrow staircases or tight turns that can pose challenges during a move. If a piece of furniture needs to be flipped or tilted to navigate these spaces, the risk of damage increases exponentially when drawers are full. Emptying them reduces this risk and keeps the furniture stable and easier to handle.

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4. The Expertise of Professional Movers

Movers with years of experience have honed their ability to gauge the weight of items. Their seasoned sense can easily detect when a piece of furniture is overweight, which in many moving companies can lead to additional charges. By emptying your drawers, you get a smoother move and may save on unexpected costs. Think of it this way: the money saved could treat you and your helpers to a couple of pizzas after a long moving day!

5. The Insurance Implication

If you've wrapped your dresser in blankets or protective coverings yourself and left items inside, many moving companies will require you to sign a waiver. This means that the company's insurance will not cover any damage to the items left inside or to that specific piece of furniture. By emptying the drawers, you ensure that your belongings and furniture remain under the protection of the moving company's insurance, giving you peace of mind.

6. Packing Essentials: Books and Fragile Items

When you pack, certain items require special attention:

  • Books: These should be packed horizontally in small to medium-sized boxes. Avoid overloading the box, as books can be heavy. Place the heaviest books at the bottom and lighter ones on top.
  • Fragile Items: Use specialized packing paper to wrap each item individually. For added protection, use bubble wrap. Ensure there's no empty space in the box to prevent items from shifting.

Always label your boxes clearly. For fragile items, mark the box with "FRAGILE" and "THIS SIDE UP" to ensure careful handling. Additionally, pack essentials or items you'll need immediately after the move in a separate box and label it "OPEN FIRST."

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7. A Balanced Approach to Drawer Contents

While it's crucial to empty drawers of heavy or fragile items, there's a bit of leeway with lightweight clothing items. These can be left in, provided they are secured and won't shift during the move. However, always prioritize the safety of your belongings and the ease of the move.

Conclusion

Preparing for a move takes more than boxing up items. It's about safeguarding your investments, especially valuable furniture from top Canadian furniture brands. Emptying drawers is a small step in the moving process, but it's one that can make a significant difference in ensuring a smooth, damage-free move. Remember, the goal is to move smartly, ensuring that every piece reaches its destination in pristine condition.

If you are looking for reliable and professional movers in Calgary then stop on us. At Cactus Moving our movers go through special training process to ensure they have all the necessary skills to provide our customers with atmost service. Get your free quote today. Call your movers at (403) 805-5855.

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Counted on August 31, 2026 from our own record of what Google has published. These 4 are quoted verbatim and trimmed at a sentence; every one of them is on the listing, and the rest are on our Calgary reviews page.

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    Amazing professional efficient and timely with great respect for all our items.

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    Denys and Ab did a wonderful job. Hard working men and a pleasure to have as movers.

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