Moving in Toronto is undoubtedly an exciting, yet incredibly stressful event. From navigating the city’s traffic to lugging boxes up and down old apartment stairs, every detail matters. Of all these details, packing is often the biggest source of a headache. It’s not just about putting things in a box; it’s an art that can either save or sabotage your entire move.
To help you avoid common packing pitfalls, we’ve put together a list of the 10 most frequent mistakes Torontonians make, along with actionable advice on how to steer clear of them.
1. Not Decluttering First
- The Mistake: The biggest error is packing everything you own. You’re paying to move items you haven’t used in years, and that costs you both time and money.
- How to Avoid It: Before you buy a single box, go through every room and decide what you truly need. Furniture that won’t fit in your new condo, or clothes you no longer wear, can be sold, donated, or tossed.
2. Using the Wrong Boxes
- The Mistake: Trying to save money by using flimsy old boxes from grocery stores or those left by a neighbour. These boxes are often weak, inconsistent in size, and can’t handle the weight of your belongings.
- How to Avoid It: Use specialized, sturdy moving boxes. They are uniform in size, easy to stack, and are designed to protect your items.
3. Over-packing Boxes
- The Mistake: Attempting to fit too much into one box, especially with heavy items like books or kitchenware. The result is an unmanageable box that can rip and cause injury.
- How to Avoid It: Follow a simple rule: the heavier the contents, the smaller the box. Pack books in small boxes and light items like linens and clothing in large ones.
4. Not Labelling Clearly
- The Mistake: Forgetting to label boxes, or only writing a vague label like "Kitchen" or "Bedroom." This makes finding anything a nightmare when you’re trying to settle in.
- How to Avoid It: Write two important things on each box: the room it belongs in and a short list of its contents (e.g., "KITCHEN: dishes, glasses"). Also, add a "FRAGILE" sticker if needed.
5. Leaving Packing to the Last Minute
- The Mistake: Moving day always arrives faster than you think. Waiting until the last minute leads to rushed decisions, stress, and damage.
- How to Avoid It: Create a packing timeline. Start with things you use the least (e.g., seasonal items, books) and pack one or two boxes a day.
6. Forgetting an "Essentials" Box
- The Mistake: Arriving at your new apartment in the evening only to realize your phone charger, toothbrush, and toilet paper are buried somewhere in a sea of identical boxes.
- How to Avoid It: Pack one clearly marked box with everything you need for the first 24-48 hours. This should include medication, toiletries, chargers, snacks, towels, and important documents.
7. Incorrectly Packing Fragile Items
- The Mistake: Wrapping dinnerware in a single layer of newspaper. With all the bumps and vibrations of a move, this will likely lead to broken items.
- How to Avoid It: Use specialized packing paper, bubble wrap, and towels for extra cushioning. Make sure to place soft items between fragile ones so they don't touch.
8. Not Taking Photos of Electronics
- The Mistake: Disconnecting all the cables from your TV or computer without taking a picture of how they were hooked up.
- How to Avoid It: Snap a photo of the back panel of all your electronic devices before unplugging them. It will save you time and a lot of frustration when you set them up again.
9. Ignoring Condo/Building Rules
- The Mistake: This is especially relevant in Toronto. People often forget to book the service elevator or don’t check for moving time restrictions on weekends.
- How to Avoid It: Contact your building’s management well in advance. Ask about their rules, moving times, and how to reserve the freight elevator.
10. Refusing to Ask for Help
- The Mistake: The assumption that packing is something you can easily do all by yourself. For many, this turns into weeks of chaos and disorganization.
- How to Avoid It: Professional movers, like Toronto Moving Services, offer packing services. Experienced packers can quickly and securely pack your belongings, taking the biggest stressor off your plate.
Conclusion
Packing is the first step toward a successful move. By starting early, using the right materials, and having a solid plan, you can transform the process from chaotic to organized.
If you want to make your Toronto move as seamless as possible, we’re here to help. We not only transport your belongings but can also assist with packing to ensure you avoid all these mistakes. Contact us for a free quote and consultation!
