Greaves Moving and Storage Ltd.
785 Lampson St, Victoria B.C, V9A 6A9
1- 250)-388-7808  Fax: (250)-381-2124
Toll Free 1-877-381-2124
E-Mail: moving@greavesmoving.com

Greaves Tips and Hints  on Moving

Professional packing

Things that should keep

Packing trade secrets

Computer Packing

Tools & materials

Types of Boxes

Moving Checklist

Packing Tips from the Professionals at Greaves Moving and Storage.

To assist in your move, print this page and use as a checklist.

Packing can be a tedious, time-consuming chore that takes skill and the right materials to prepare household articles for your move. Greaves Moving and Storage recommends that you have our professionals pack for you. We're trained in proper procedures, have the right materials, and can do it in about a quarter of the time.

 Items that require professional packing:

Marble, glass tabletops, heavy wall ornaments and mirrors 40" x 60" or larger Pool table slates. Bulky, fragile items like large trophies, statuary, chandeliers and other items that require crating.

Things that need to stay with you as you move:

Cash, securities, jewelry and furs, firearms (consult local laws), personal papers and documents (like birth certificates, insurance policies and deeds), prescriptions, coin
and stamp collections, special family photographs and videos, moving-related documents.

Packing trade secrets that we would like to share with you.

Purchase proper cartons and packing materials (unprinted newspaper, bubble wrap and tape) and  ensure that you have the correct sizes and types you will need. More importantly select  cartons that are specifically designed for packing your household goods.

Wrap fragile articles the way professionals do, use two layers of unprinted newspaper per glass, dish, figurine, etc. Wrap firmly, but loosely enough, to provide a cushioning effect.

Don't overcrowd boxes. Professionals pack boxes so articles cushion each other. The top of the box should close with slight pressure. Don't mix incompatible items (like books with glasses). Pack clothing in our special wardrobe containers. That way your clothes will hang straight and stay clean and virtually wrinkle-free.

Pack glasses standing on end, upside down, and not on their sides. Stack dishes on edge, and fill empty spaces with wadded unprinted newspaper. Before packing the box with dishes layer the bottom of the carton with crumpled unprinted newspaper.

Pack lampshades, mirrors, pictures, etc., in cartons designed specifically  for them. Ask your Greaves Moving and Storage representative for guidance.

Tape boxes across tops and edges. Seal every opening tightly. (See Types of Boxes, Tools & Materials You'll Need below.)

Pack your belongings room by room to make unpacking easier. Label each box with your name, Greaves Moving and Storage contract number, the room the box goes to, and a brief description of the contents. Mark items you'll need right away once you move with "Unpack First," and mark only truly fragile items with "Fragile."

Don't pack paints, turpentine, pressurized cans, corrosive items like bleach or any flammable liquid. The law forbids movers to carry flammables. Properly dispose of or give away anything that could cause a fire or damage.

>Computer Packing

When packing a personal computer, these steps will help you prepare it for safe transport. To pack your computer, we strongly recommend that you use the computer's original carton and packing materials. If they're not available, use a box that is both strong and big enough to hold the computer and pack it with unprinted newspaper. Check with your local computer dealer for more advice.

Back up your software and data files. Park the hard drive (if applicable). See your computer's instruction manual for special steps. With newer computers, simply turning the power off initiates this safety feature. Insert cardboard or an old disk into the disk drive's. 

Unhook all cables and power cords, indicating their positions for easy set-up. Pack cords separately with manuals and software. Remove all ink cartridges from the printer. 

Use only static-free packing materials like clean, wadded unprinted newspaper (not standard bubble wrap or packing peanuts). Create a base layer of wadded unprinted newspaper and place your computer on top of that layer. Then surround sides and top with more wadded unprinted newspaper until firmly packed. Finally seal the carton with packing tape.

Tools & materials you will need for packing:

Unprinted newspaper and tissue paper (newspaper ink can soil and even damage some items), 2" plastic tape (to assemble and close cartons), utility knife, scissors, permanent markers

Types of Boxes:

1.5 cu. ft. in U.S., and 2.0 cu. ft. in Canada (book box) Use for heavy or dense items including books, records, shoes, canned goods, kitchen canisters, small appliances, and hand or power tools.

3 cu. ft. in U.S., and 4.0 cu. ft. in Canada. General purpose size. Good for toys, lampshades, pots and pans, kitchen utensils, etc.

4.5 and 6 cu. ft. in U.S., and 5.0 cu. ft. in Canada. For large lightweight items such as pillows, bedding, and toys. Do not over load. 

Wardrobe boxes. Equipped with bar for hanging clothes, curtains and draperies. The bottom is not designed to support weight.

Dish packs. Specially designed with available cell dividers for transporting  dishes, glasses, bowls and other kitchenware. Also good for lamps, small pictures, knick knacks and light appliances.    

Mirror boxes. Telescoping, large and small sizes. Provide extra protection for mirrors, large pictures and glass table tots.

Mattress boxes. Available in crib, standard, double and queen or king sizes.

Moving Planner Checklist

If possible, allow up to 30 days to plan your move and schedule any activities you want to complete before moving day. Avoid peak periods for moving: the first few days and the last few days of the month are times when everyone wants to move. Start planning early, and you'll be surprised how smoothly it can be done.

The following checklist is designed to help your plan your move. 

4 to 6 Weeks prior to your move:

Conduct an inventory. Decide what to move and what not to take. 

Discard or sell anything you don't really need. Schedule a moving sale for items you won't move. Donate other items to charitable organizations (ask for a receipt for tax records).

Make arrangements for your trip (hotel/airline reservations, travel itinerary, etc.).

Arrange for packing. Greaves Moving and storage can make these arrangements and
provide special packing cartons.

Put all your personal records together: medical, dental, school, birth, baptism, marriage, etc.

Send transcripts of your school records to the new school in advance.

Close local department store and other local charge accounts.

Arrange with employer to forward tax withholding forms.

Make arrangements to discontinue (current location) and commence (future location) these services: newspaper delivery, electricity (check for refund), water service, gas service (check for refund), fuel or oil delivery, garbage collection, diaper service, lawn/pool service.

Mail change of address cards to: Post office, Canada Customs Revenue Agency, Social Security offices, Insurance companies, Credit cards, Magazines, Friends and relatives,
Mail order accounts

2 to 3 Weeks prior to your move:

Fill, transfer and pack prescriptions for family and pets.

Arrange for shipments of plants and pets. Get immunization records for pets.

Safely dispose of or give away all flammables (paints, paint removers, etc.) as they may not be transported. 

The Week prior to your move:

Defrost refrigerator and freezer, plus allow air-drying to prevent mildew. Arrange for disposal of frozen foods (sell, give away, or eat). 

Arrange for cleaning. Clean oven, remaining appliances and defrost fridge/deep freezes.

Transfer/close checking and savings accounts.

Drain fuel and oil from lawnmowers and other power equipment. Drain garden hoses.

Pack items to be carried in car. Label "Do Not Move."

Gather valuables from safe deposit box, drawers, jewelry cases, personal records.

Send clothing, draperies, curtains, rugs out for cleaning and leave in wrapping. Take down curtain rods, shelves, TV antenna.

Have car serviced for trip and have proof of insurance in car.

Moving Day:

Remember to pack a box of the basics you will need (tools, paper products, all-purpose household cleaners, etc.). Be sure to have it loaded last so that it will be first off at your new home.

Pack suitcases for trip. Remove all bed linens. Ensure you have all necessary toiletries. 

Be available to check items on the inventory sheet and answer mover inquiries. 

Conduct a last minute walk through with your van operator. Make sure windows are closed, closets empty, lights out, doors locked, appliances turned off.

Provide the driver with your travel itinerary, phone contact at destination (if available)
and confirm delivery address and access times. KEYS ?

Delivery Day:

Be available to check off items on the inventory sheet and direct placement of your furniture. as they are removed from the van.

How to Save Money

The best way to save money is to avoid moving anything you don't really need. It is expensive to move that heavy refrigerator if you're about to replace it or to move the
bricks you've been saving to build a barbeque.

Dispose of broken tools, old toys and lawn furniture. Donate old clothing and other items that you no longer need to charity or hold a garage sale!