10 Things Ottawa Movers Wish You Knew Before Moving Day

Moving day doesn't have to be the nightmare you've heard about in horror stories from friends and family. After years of helping Ottawa families relocate, we've noticed the same mistakes pop up again and again. Here's what we wish every client knew before we show up at your door.

Start Packing Way Earlier Than You Think

Seriously, start packing at least three weeks ahead. That closet you never open? It's going to take twice as long to sort through as you expect. Your kitchen alone will eat up an entire weekend. We've seen too many last-minute packing marathons that leave people exhausted before we even arrive.

Not Everything Needs Professional Movers

Here's something that might surprise you - you don't need us to move everything. Personal documents, jewelry, medications, and anything truly irreplaceable should travel with you. We're professionals, but accidents happen. Plus, having these items with you gives you peace of mind on an already stressful day.

Box Weight Actually Matters

Keep boxes under 50 pounds. We know you want to maximize space, but cramming books into large boxes creates back-breaking monsters that slow everything down. Use small boxes for heavy items like books and dishes. Your movers; spines will thank you, and your move will go much faster.

Label Everything (And We Mean Everything)

''Kitchen stuff'' isn't helpful when you're looking for your coffee maker on day one. Write the contents AND the destination room on every box. Better yet, use a colour-coding system. This simple step can cut your unpacking time in half.

Weather Can Derail Your Timeline

Ottawa weather is unpredictable. Rain, snow, or extreme heat affects moving times and safety. We always check the forecast, but you should too. Have tarps ready and consider rescheduling if severe weather is predicted. Your belongings are worth protecting.

Clear Pathways Save Time and Money

Before we arrive, walk through your home and clear all pathways. Move that bike from the hallway, pick up toys, and make sure we have a straight shot from your rooms to the truck. Every obstacle we navigate around adds time to your bill.

Inventory Matters More Than You Think

Take photos of valuable items before packing them away. Create a simple inventory list. This isn't just for insurance purposes - it helps you realize what you actually own and what you might want to donate instead of moving.

Communicate Special Circumstances

Got a piano? Antique furniture? A fish tank? Tell us during the estimate phase, not on moving day. Special items require special planning, equipment, and sometimes additional crew members. Surprises cost extra and create delays. Whether you're planning a local move within Ottawa or a long-distance relocation, proper preparation makes all the difference.

Moving Day Isn't Cleaning Day

We're not house cleaners. Plan to clean before or after the move, not during. Trying to clean while we're working creates chaos and slows down the process. Focus on one thing at a time.

Budget for Unexpected Costs

Moving rarely goes exactly as planned. Maybe you need extra packing materials, or we discover items that require special handling. Budget an extra 10-15% beyond your estimate for these surprises. Check out our guide on 7 proven ways to keep your

Ottawa move affordable for money-saving strategies.

The bottom line? Preparation and communication prevent most moving day disasters.

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