4 Weeks Before Your Move

Moving is the perfect opportunity to simplify your life. Instead of paying to move items you no longer use, sort everything into four categories:

• ✔ Keep
• ✔ Donate
• ✔ Recycle
• ✔ Dispose

The fewer items you move, the less time your move will take, which may reduce your moving costs.

Donate Items You No Longer Need

Before moving, consider donating items you no longer use instead of paying to transport them. Donating helps reduce moving costs, keeps usable items out of landfills, and supports local charities throughout Metro Vancouver.

Consider Donating

• Furniture
• Clothing
• Kitchenware
• Books
• Toys
• Small Appliances
• Home Decorations
• Bedding

Helpful Donation Organizations

• The Salvation Army
• Big Brothers Big Sisters Vancouver
• Local community charities and thrift stores

Many organizations even offer scheduled pickup services. Donating before your move helps reduce waste while supporting families in your community.

Recycle Whenever Possible

Not everything belongs in the garbage. Many items can be recycled responsibly.

• Cardboard
• Paper
• Plastic Containers
• Electronics
• Batteries
• Light Bulbs
• Paint
• Metal
• Small Appliances

Find your nearest recycling depot and learn exactly where each item belongs, visit: Recycle BC. Proper recycling keeps reusable materials out of landfills and helps protect our environment.

Professional Junk Removal

Some items cannot be donated or recycled.

• Broken Furniture
• Old Mattresses
• Construction Debris
• Old Carpets
• Yard Waste
• General Household Junk

1-Call Movers also provides professional Junk Removal Services, making it easy to dispose of unwanted items before or after your move. Removing unwanted items before moving day saves truck space, reduces moving time, and helps you start fresh in your new home.

Use Plastic Moving Boxes

Instead of buying cardboard boxes, rent reusable plastic moving totes.

• Water Resistant
• Eco-Friendly
• No Tape Required
• Stack Securely
• Reusable
• Faster Packing
• Faster Unpacking

Learn more about our Plastic Moving Box Rentals

Packing Tips

• Pack one room at a time.
• Clearly label every box with:
• Room name
• Contents
• Fragile (if necessary)

Avoid overloading boxes. A heavy box is difficult to carry and more likely to break.

• Use smaller boxes for:
• Books
• Dishes
• Tools
• Use larger boxes for lightweight items:
• Bedding
• Dishes
• Clothing
• Towels

Protect Fragile Items

Wrap fragile items individually. Label fragile boxes clearly. Use:

• Packing Paper
• Bubble Wrap
• Blankets
• Towels

Preparing Appliances

• Defrost refrigerators 24–48 hours before moving.
• Disconnect washers and dryers.
• Drain water hoses.
• Secure appliance doors.
• Consult a technician if necessary.

Prepare Children & Pets

• Arrange childcare.
• Keep pets in a quiet room.
• Prepare an overnight bag.
• Use pet daycare if possible.

Pack an Essentials Box

• Prescription medications
• Chargers
• Toiletries
• Toilet paper
• Snacks
• Water
• Coffee
• Important documents
• Cleaning supplies
• Basic tools
• Change of clothes

Moving Day Checklist

• ✔ Finish packing.
• ✔ Disconnect electronics.
• ✔ Keep valuables with you.
• ✔ Clear hallways.
• ✔ Confirm parking.
• ✔ Reserve elevators if necessary.
• ✔ Keep children and pets safe.

After Arriving at Your New Home

• Inspect every room.
• Verify utilities are working.
• Direct movers where furniture belongs.
• Assemble beds first.
• Unpack kitchen essentials.
• Recycle packing materials.

Why Preparation Saves Money

Professional movers work efficiently, but preparation makes a significant difference. Being organized reduces loading time, unloading time, furniture assembly, walking time, and unnecessary delays, helping lower the total cost of your move.

Why Choose 1-Call Movers?

For over a decade, 1-Call Movers has helped thousands of families and businesses move throughout Metro Vancouver. Our professional movers handle everything from studio apartments to large homes, offices, pianos, and specialty items. Learn more about our Professional Moving Services

We proudly provide moving services in:

• Vancouver
• Burnaby
• Richmond
• Coquitlam
• Surrey
• New Westminster
• North Vancouver
• West Vancouver
• Port Moody
• Port Coquitlam
• Maple Ridge
• Pitt Meadows
• Langley
• Delta

Whether you're moving locally or across the Lower Mainland, our experienced team is committed to providing safe, efficient, and affordable moving services:

• Residential Moving
• Apartment Moving
• Office Moving
• Senior Moving
• Moving Helpers
• Packing Services
• Furniture Assembly & Disassembly
• Plastic Moving Box Rentals
• Storage Assistance
• Junk Removal
• Piano Moving
• Loading & Unloading

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start packing?

Ideally four weeks before moving day.

Should I empty my dresser drawers?

Lightweight clothing can often remain inside, but remove heavy items.

How many boxes will I need?

This depends on the size of your home. Contact us for advice.

Do movers move plants?

Yes, although certain restrictions may apply for long-distance moves.

Can movers disconnect appliances?

Basic disconnection is possible in some situations, but gas and specialty appliances should be disconnected by qualified professionals.

Request Your Free Moving Estimate

Whether you're moving a small apartment or a large family home, 1-Call Movers is ready to help.

Phone / Text: 604-377-0976

Email: X1CallMovers@gmail.com

Complete our Free Online Estimate Form today.