Moving to a new home is an exciting chapter, whether you’re relocating across Canada, settling into a new neighborhood, or even crossing an international border. But let’s be honest, packing up your life can feel overwhelming. From fragile glassware to bulky furniture, every item needs care to arrive safely. That’s where proper preparation comes in. At Cactus Moving, we’ve helped thousands of customers make their moves seamless, and we’re here to share our expert tips on how to prepare for moving day no matter if you're tackling the process yourself or hiring professionals to handle it. We’ll also explain why packaging matters and how our professional packing services can take the moving stress off your shoulders. Yes, you’ve heard it dozens of times, but aren’t the simplest things often the ones you remember at the last moment? Let’s dive in and get you ready to move like a pro!
Why Preparation is Key to a Stress-Free Move
A successful move starts long before the movers arrive. Proper preparation saves time, reduces stress, and protects your belongings. Without it, you risk delays, damaged items, or unexpected costs. Here’s why getting ready is so important:
- Saves Time: Organized packing means movers can load and unload quickly, shortening time of your move.
- Protects Your Belongings: Well-packed items are less likely to break, saving you from costly replacements.
- Reduces Stress: Knowing everything is ready lets you focus on settling into your new home, not worrying about chaos on moving day.
- Lowers Costs: Efficient preparation reduces labor time, lowering your moving bill.
At Cactus Moving, we've seen first-hand how a little planning can go a long way, and we've put together this guide to walk you through not only the move itself, but how to prepare for it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for Your Move
Follow these simple steps, whether you choose to move on your own or decide to trust the team of movers - the choice is always yours, and our experience will only benefit you.
Declutter Before You Pack
Moving is the perfect time to let go of items you no longer need. Fewer belongings mean less to pack, move, and unpack, saving you time and money.
- Sort Your Stuff: Go room by room and categorize items into keep, donate, sell, or toss piles. Just ask yourself: “Have I used this in the last year?” If not, it might be time to part ways.
- Sell or Donate: Use platforms like Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace to sell gently used items. In Canada, charities like Goodwill or Salvation Army accept donations.
Pro Tip: Start decluttering 4-6 weeks before your move to avoid last-minute stress.
Create a Moving Inventory
Creating an inventory really helps with approaching the move in an organized way and ensures nothing gets lost. If you’re partnering with a moving company, it allows them to quickly assess the scope and specifics of the job, providing you with more accurate quote.
- List Every Item: Label major items (furniture, appliances) and belongings by room in separate lists. These can later be used as descriptions for moving boxes, making it easier to transport and locate items.
- Take Photos: We’re confident you trust yourself to check your belongings before and after a move, but if you’re working with a moving company, their standard procedure will include photographing furniture and fragile items before starting. This ensures everyone is certain that everything arrives at new place in its original condition.
- Сheck out our detailed article on what to expect on moving day if you choose us.
Pro Tip: Use apps like MoveAdvisor or Sortly to digitize your inventory for easy access.
If you're second-guessing your choice of movers and thinking about going with the cheapest option, we get it. Everyone wants to save. But before you decide, take a look at the research we put together. It breaks down what really happens when price is the only factor and what most people regret afterward.
Gather Packing Supplies Early
Having the right packing materials is crucial for protecting your belongings. Here’s a rundown of essential packing supplies and their uses, all available through Cactus Moving:
Cactus Moving Tip: Do not tape over an open wooden surface as it can damage it when untapped.
If you have decided to approach the process of moving with the enthusiasm of a scientist, here is our in-depth analysis of whether it is possible to save money by renting plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes and what the advantage will be.
Pack Smart to Prevent Damage
Proper packing is your best defence against broken or damaged items. Poorly packed boxes can shift, crush, or open during transport, leading to unexpected losses. Follow these packing tips to keep your belongings safe:
- Start Early: Begin packing non-essential items (seasonal clothes, decor) 3-4 weeks before the move. Save daily essentials (toiletries, kitchen basics) for last.
- Pack Room by Room: Focus on one room at a time to stay organized. Label each box with the room it belongs to (e.g., “Living Room”, “Kids Room”).
- Empty Your Furniture: Empty dresser or a storage space in your couch is much easier to carry down or upstairs. Save you valuable items from shifting inside. Learn more about why emptying drawers is essential.
- Use the Right Box Size: Heavy items like books go in small boxes to prevent overloading. Light items like pillows can go in larger boxes. (Tutorial: See our video How to Pack Glass Containers)
- Protect Fragile Items: Wrap each fragile item individually in bubble wrap or packing paper. Stack plates vertically (like records) with padding between them. Fill gaps with crumpled paper to prevent shifting. (Tutorial: See our video How to Pack Dishes and Glasses).
- Wrap Mirrors: Wrap small mirrors in bubble wrap, whose air-filled cushions conform around the glass to absorb shocks, and protect large mirrors with a thick quilted moving blanket to provide edge-to-edge padding against cracks and scratches.
- Secure Electronics: Use original boxes if possible, or wrap in bubble wrap and place in sturdy boxes. Remove batteries to avoid leaks.
- Disassemble Furniture: Take apart bed frames, desks, or shelves to save space and prevent damage. Keep screws and small parts in labeled ziplock bags taped to the furniture.
- Seal Boxes Properly: Use packing tape in an “H” pattern to reinforce box bottoms and tops. Avoid overpacking to prevent boxes from bursting. (Tutorial: See our video How to Assemble a Box).
Why Proper Packing Matters? After completing over 6,000 moves we’ve seen the difference proper packing makes. A poorly packed box of dishes can arrive shattered, while a well-packed one stays intact even after a long-distance move and a million bumps on the road. Investing time ensures your belongings arrive with no damage.
👀 Tutorial: Check out for step-by-step tips on protecting your fragile items.
Consider Cactus Moving’s Professional Packing Services
Packing doesn’t have to feel like wrestling your life into boxes. We know firsthand how stressful it is to juggle work, family and the endless details of a move, from wrapping delicate glassware to heaving heavy furniture through tight corners and up stairwells, all without a single scratch on your walls or antique dresser. That’s why we’re more than another crew in uniforms; we’re a team of real people with years of hands-on experience. We constantly refine our packing and moving techniques to save you time, protect your health (no unexpected strains!), and deliver genuinely caring service. Our goal isn’t just to pack your things; it’s to lift that weight off your shoulders and set a new standard for what professional packing should feel like. Here are our advantages:
- Expertise: Our packers are experienced and regularly trained for extra knowledge, so they know how to handle everything from fine china to bulky furniture, ensuring maximum protection and stress-free experience for a customer.
- Efficiency: We pack quickly and systematically, saving you hours (or days) of work.
- Quality Materials: We use high-quality packing supplies, like double-corrugated boxes, plastic bins (totes), packing paper, bubble wrap, and moving blankets.
- Custom Solutions: Choose full packing (we handle everything), or partial packing (e.g., just the kitchen, or only furniture).
- Protected By Insurance: With us, your belongings are protected throughout the entire journey with comprehensive insurance coverage, including Basic Cargo Protection, Commercial Liability Insurance, and Cargo Insurance.
Cactus Moving Success Story: Here's how one of our latest customers rated our help with moving him into storage.
Prepare Your Home for Moving Day
The day before the movers arrive, take these steps to ensure a smooth process:
- Clear Pathways: Remove rugs, cords, or clutter from hallways and doorways to prevent tripping hazards.
- Protect Floors and Railings: To protect floors, steps and railings we use floor runners to protect surfaces from scratches.
- Reserve Parking: In urban areas of big cities, secure a parking spot for the moving truck. Check if you need a permit from your city.
- Label Rooms: Place signs on doors (e.g., “Bedroom 1,” “Kitchen”) to guide movers on where to place boxes in your new home.
- Pack a “First Day” Box: Include essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, chargers, snacks, and important documents. Keep this box with you, not in the truck.
Cactus Moving Tip: If you’re moving in or out of an apartment or condo building, reserving the service elevator is a critical step. Many high-rise buildings in Canada and US require tenants to book the elevator in advance to ensure smooth access for movers. Failing to do so can lead to delays, conflicts with other residents, or even extra fees from your building management.
- Contact Building Management Early: Reach out to your property manager or superintendent at least 1-2 weeks before your move to secure a time slot.
- Confirm Time Slots: Most buildings allocate specific hours (e.g., 9 AM to 1 PM) for moves to minimize disruption. Share this schedule with us so we can align our arrival time. We can assist with your move even at night, just ensure everything is coordinated with your building management, and we’ll arrive to help at your bat-signal call.
- Check Requirements: Some buildings require a deposit, protective padding for the elevator, or proof of moving insurance. Clarify these details to avoid surprises.
- Plan for Both Locations: If you’re moving between apartments, book elevators at both your current and new buildings.
Let us know your elevator booking details when you schedule your move. We’ll coordinate with your building to ensure an easy process, saving you time and hassle.
Communicate with Your Movers
Clear communication ensures everyone’s on the same page. When you book with Cactus Moving, we’ll ask for details about your move (inventory, special items, access issues). On moving day:
- Be Available: Stay on-site or designate someone to answer questions and direct the team.
- Walk Through: Show our movers around, pointing out fragile boxes or items needing extra care.
- Confirm Details: Double-check the destination address, delivery time, and payment terms.
The Importance of Proper Packing Technics
Packing isn’t just about putting things in boxes. It’s about protecting your memories and investments. Improper packing can lead to:
- Breakage: Fragile items like dishes or electronics can shatter without proper cushioning.
- Scratches or Dents: Furniture without blankets or padding can get damaged during transit.
- Lost Items: Unlabeled or poorly sealed boxes can get misplaced or spill.
- Delays: Disorganized packing slows down loading and unloading, extending your moving day, and as a result total cost of your move.
In our experience, we’ve seen the heartbreak of a cracked family heirloom or a scuffed dining table. That’s why we emphasize packing done right. Proper packing ensures your belongings arrive in the same condition they left, letting you start your new chapter with peace of mind.
Why Choose Cactus Moving?
At Cactus Moving, we are more than just a moving company. We are your partner in starting a new chapter. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Experience: We have completed over 6,000 successful moves across Canada, from local to long-distance and cross-border relocations to and from the USA.
- Customer Focus: We adjust our services to your needs, whether it’s packing, transport, or both.
- Transparency: Clear pricing with no hidden fees, so you know what to expect.
- No Deposit Required: In local moves we do not charge our customers a deposit for booking our services.
- No Charge for Travel Time Within GTA, Calgary, and Edmonton: We do not charge for travel time from our office location to your place, and back. Travel time between your locations considered as a move and charged accordingly.
- Direct Accountability: We own and operate every truck and crew ourselves, so you get the same dedicated professionals from start to finish. No franchising, no middlemen, no surprises.
- Bold and Reliable: Proudly chosen by customers across Canada, with over 850 five-star reviews.
- Free Learning Resources: Access our video tutorials, packing supplies, and expert advice to make your move effortless.
Ready to move? Contact our team for a free quote. Let us handle the heavy lifting while you focus on settling into your new home.
Move Smart with Cactus Moving
For more guidance, visit our instagram to stay up to date with news about moving and new tips. Don’t forget to explore our packing services and high-quality supplies to make your move even easier, because even with 50 packing materials, you can get by with only the most necessary ones.
Let us make your move simple. If moving, then Cactus Moving!
