Packing Tips from Expert Movers You Must Know
When you’re getting ready to move, the one task that tends to cause the most stress (after finding a new home) is packing. At Trusline Movers in Ottawa, we’ve seen it all — from last-minute frenzies to fully planned, calm transitions. That’s why we’ve gathered the best advice from our expert movers to help you pack smart, efficiently, and safely. Whether you’re moving across town or planning a long-distance relocation, these tips will make a big difference.
1. Start Early — Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
One of the most important rules our movers follow is: start early. If you leave everything for the last couple of days, you’ll feel rushed, things will get damaged, and mistakes will happen.
Begin by sorting items you no longer need, donating or discarding what’s unnecessary. Then gather packing supplies: boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, markers, labels. Having everything ready means you’ll move at your own pace rather than under pressure.
2. Organize by Room & Use a System
When packing, break the job down by room: kitchen, living room, bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. Pack one room completely before moving to the next. This helps you stay organised and makes unpacking much easier.
Use a consistent labeling system: write the room name (e.g., “Bedroom 2”), contents (e.g., “books, lamps”), and a handling note (e.g., “fragile”) on each box. At Trusline Movers, we recommend numbering boxes and keeping a master list, so you can quickly locate everything in your new home.
3. Use the Right Materials — Protect Efficiently
Not all boxes are created equal. Our movers at Trusline Movers always use sturdy boxes (don’t reuse ones that are too worn), and quality packing materials. Some essentials:
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Bubble wrap or foam for fragile items
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Packing paper for dishes, glassware
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Heavy-duty tape (avoid cheap thin tape)
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Blankets or furniture pads for larger furniture
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Stretch wrap for dresser drawers, electronics
Using the right materials helps ensure your items arrive in the same condition they left.
4. Pack Heavy Items in Small Boxes
It may seem counter-intuitive, but packing heavy items (like books, small appliances) in smaller boxes is a smart move. Smaller boxes are easier to lift and less likely to cause strain or injury. Large boxes filled with heavy items become unwieldy. Our movers at Trusline Movers often advise: keep heavy items under ~20 kg (or ~45 lbs) when possible.
Light items (like linens, pillows) can go in larger boxes.
5. Protect Fragile Items & Label Clearly
Fragile items need extra care. Wrap dishes individually, place them upright, and clearly mark “Fragile” on the outside of the box. Use plenty of filler (packing paper or bubble wrap) so items don’t shift. For glass frames or mirrors, consider using cardboard corner guards.
Once boxes are labelled “Fragile,” make sure these boxes are loaded last (so they’re first off the truck) and placed securely in the moving vehicle so they won’t get crushed under heavier boxes. Trusline Movers always design the loading order with fragility in mind — you should, too.
6. Disassemble Furniture When Possible
Large furniture pieces can use up lots of space and pose challenges during transit. Our expert movers recommend disassembling tables, bed frames, shelving units whenever you can. Keep screws/bolts in labelled zip bags and tape them to the respective furniture pieces.
By doing this, you save both loading/unloading time and reduce risk of damage. While our movers can handle full furniture pieces, a little prep on your side speeds up the job and lowers the chance of something being scratched or broken.
7. Create a “First-Night” Box
One of the best tips we give at Trusline Movers is to pack a box with everything you’ll need on your first night in your new home. This might include: pajamas, a change of clothes, toiletries, phone chargers, basic kitchenware, a few snacks, medications, maybe a kettle. Label it clearly.
By doing that, you won’t have to dig through dozens of boxes to find essentials when you arrive at your new place.
8. Use the Right Loading Strategy
When our moving trucks arrive, our expert movers have a plan for loading: heavier items go in first, forming a stable base; fragile and lighter boxes go on top; large furniture is placed against walls of the truck to keep things secure.
If you’re doing part of the move yourself (or supervising), keep the same idea:
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Load heavier, sturdier items first.
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Bundle like-items together.
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Use blankets or pads to fill gaps and prevent shifting.
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Label and place boxes so you can access important ones easily.
By thinking ahead, you avoid damage and make your unload much smoother.
9. Stay Safe — Use Proper Lifting & Moving Techniques
Moving isn’t just about packing boxes — it also involves lifting heavy objects, navigating stairs, doorways, tight spaces. Our Trusline Movers team emphasises proper techniques:
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Bend your knees, keep your back straight.
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Use a dolly or hand truck for bulky items.
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Clear the path ahead (remove rugs, clutter).
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Take breaks.
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Work with a partner on oversized items.
Safety protects you, your belongings, and the movers on both ends.
10. Final Walk-Through & Double Check
Before the move day, do a final walk-through of your home. Check closets, garages, attic, cupboards — sometimes items get overlooked. Confirm your boxes are all labelled, you have keys and important documents ready, and you’ve disconnected appliances, utilities, etc.
After arriving at your new home, inspect major items for damage and make sure everything has arrived. Having done the careful packing and moving preparatory work pays off here.
Why Choose Trusline Movers?
At Trusline Movers, we handle your move with professionalism, attention to detail, and personal care. Our expert movers are trained in packing, loading, and unloading to ensure your items arrive safely and on time. Whether you’re moving within Ottawa or beyond, we apply these packing and moving best practices to every job. Let us make your moving day smoother and stress-free.