Packing Tips

THE RIGHT SUPPLIES

Good packing starts with the right materials. Don't cheap out here.

Use new, strong boxes with lids — boxes without lids can't be stacked, and weak boxes collapse under weight.
Use specialty boxes for mirrors, artwork, stemware, and lamp shades — they're designed to protect what regular boxes can't.
Use bubble wrap for fragile items, and packing paper instead of newspaper — newsprint leaves ink residue on your belongings.
Use strong packing tape and permanent markers — label boxes clearly on the top AND side, draw a right-side-up arrow, and mark fragile boxes plainly. Future you will be grateful.
Ask your ASAP consultant for guidance — they'll tell you exactly how many boxes and what types you need for your move. Check our supplies page for more info.

A thorough packing job means a faster, cheaper move day.

Pack room by room — keep contents grouped and label boxes with both contents and destination room. We'll know exactly where to drop them, and unpacking becomes painless.
Finish before we arrive — everything packed, sealed, and labeled. The more prepared you are, the faster we work.
Gather boxes in one area if possible — fewer trips, faster load, lower bill.

The way you pack a box determines whether it survives the truck.

Heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes — books go small, lampshades and pillows go large. Sounds backwards until you try lifting a large box full of books.
Heaviest items at the bottom, lightest on top — every time.
Fill every box completely, but don't overstuff — empty space causes collapse, overflowing causes breakage.
Seal boxes well with tape all around — and again, lids are non-negotiable for stacking.
Skip garbage and grocery bags entirely — they tear, they can't be stacked, and they get mistaken for trash. Don't use them.

Easiest category to move if you do it right.

Where most DIY packing goes wrong. Slow down here.

Mark every fragile box "FRAGILE" — clearly, on multiple sides. We'll handle them accordingly.
Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper before boxing — then line the box with wadded paper for cushioning.
Dishware goes on its side, never flat — stacking plates flat is how they crack. Double-wrap each dish with two pieces of packing paper, snug but not crushed.
Stemware goes upside down in the box — with paper bumpers between and on top so nothing shifts. YouTube has good visual demos if you want to see it done.
Mirrors, paintings, prints, shelves, and flat boards go together — in specialty boxes, with bubble wrap.

Bigger items need more lead time and the right people.

Disassembly needs to be scheduled — if something was assembled in your home, it likely needs to come apart before moving. Tell us ahead of time so we plan the time and bring the right tools.
Hardware goes in a labeled bag, taped to the piece — screws, bolts, pegs, Allen keys. Lose them and reassembly becomes a nightmare.
Tell us if you want reassembly at destination — we'll factor it into the schedule.
Wrap and tape dangling wires on lamps, TVs, and small appliances — use strong tape. Loose cords get snagged and damaged.
Major appliances need a pro — fridges, stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers should be uninstalled by a plumber or electrician before we arrive, and reinstalled the same way. Especially anything gas, anything with a water line.
Wall-mounted TVs need a specialized technician — for both removal and reinstallation. We wrap them with extra care for transport, but mounting isn't our job.

Some things shouldn't go on the truck at all.

Pack an overnight bag — toiletries, change of clothes, medication, a fresh roll of toilet paper. Anything you'll need in the first 24 to 48 hours. Make it easy to spot.
Transport valuables yourself — cash, jewellery, heirlooms, bullion, firearms and ammunition, family photos, and important documents (passports, SIN cards, health cards, birth certificates, wills, warranty receipts, insurance papers, moving documents). These stay with you, not us.