Planning

This gives us an idea of what size of truck will be needed and how many Guys

Please include the names of the rooms as that informs us of possible contents

Example: Library = We plan for books = Some heavy boxes

​

Here is an estimation for the number of boxes you may need based on the relative size of your home!

• Studio Apartment - 18 boxes

• 1 Bedroom Apartment - 30 boxes

• 2-3 Bedroom House - 57-72 boxes

• 4 Bedroom House - 93 boxes

• 5-6 Bedroom House - 111-130 boxes

Without a plan, it can be easy to forget essential items. Long before your move, begin jotting down the items you know you’ll need the first few days in your new home.

The last thing you want to do after moving all day is spend your evening frantically digging through 15 boxes marked KITCHEN trying to find a can opener or your toddler’s favourite blanket.

​

Some items are essential, and you want to be able to locate them quickly on your first night. That’s why an Essentials Box—sometimes referred to as an Open-First Box—is indispensable. Inside, it should contain everything you need for at least the first night in your new home.

​

Pack a box/bag of essential items that you will need immediately after the move in and make sure it’s the last thing that goes onto the truck or you take it in your personal vehicle.

​

This box should contain shared household items and necessities, including food and drinks. Although you can order out while moving, you may get to a point where you want something other than fast food and soda. A simple, sit down meal can make your new house feel like home.

 

Consider including:

• All-purpose cleaner (unopened)

• Paper towels and cleaning rags

• Dish soap

• Dish towel and dish cloth

• Garbage bags

• Toilet paper

• Scissors or knife to open boxes (box cutter)

• Flashlight (and extra batteries)

• Extension cords and power strips

• Basic tools like screw driver and hammer

• Small first aid kit

• Coffee maker and coffee

• Coffee mug

• Salt, pepper and sugar

• Pasta and jar of pasta sauce

• Small pot, bowl and utensils to prepare pasta

• Snacks and beverages

• Paper plates and wood utensils

• Plastic cups

• Shower curtain

• Soap, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner

• Bath towel and washcloth

• Shower Mat (optional)

• Important records, such as birth certificates, passports that you don’t want to lose

• Games or books for entertainment (until the TV is hooked up)

In addition to the general box, each person should have a box of their own, containing their personal items.

 

Each box should include:

• Prescription medications (in an easily accessible place)

• Specialized medical items, such as a CPAP

• Glasses or contact lens and lens solution

• Several changes of clothes

• Pajamas

• Bedding

• Toothbrush

• Hair brush

• Cosmetics and personal hygiene items

• Personal devices including laptops, phones, tablets and chargers

Plan to keep your most important things with you.

DON'T pack cash, jewellery, or prescription medications, — keep these with you. You might need to access them on moving day, and it’s nice for the movers if they know they don’t need to worry about keeping track of these small, but very important items.

​

Don’t seal your essentials boxes until you’re ready to leave so you can add any last-minute items you forgot to include.

 

When you do seal the boxes, clearly label them and move them to your vehicle.

 

Remember, you want these boxes to travel with you, not in the moving truck, so they’re ready to open when you get to your new home.

​