Packing

Moving tips from our Calgary crew

By Rafael Henriquez Guevara · Published October 5, 2026 · Updated October 21, 2026

These moving tips come from what speeds a move up and what slows it down on our Calgary jobs. Our moves are billed by the hour, so whatever is ready before the crew arrives saves time on the clock. Start with the six below, then plan the weeks ahead with our moving checklist.

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Start here

The six moving tips that save the most time

Tell us everything up front.

Stairs, an elevator, a long walk from the truck to the door, tight parking and very heavy pieces all add time. When we know about them before moving day, we plan the crew and the hours around them.
Finish packing before we arrive.

A crew loads closed, stacked boxes far faster than half-packed rooms. If you'd rather not pack at all, add our packing services to your move.
Empty the drawers.

Anything left in a dresser or desk isn't covered by our damage terms, and the extra weight makes the piece harder to carry safely.
Take apart what you planned to.

If you told us you'd take beds or tables apart yourself, do it before moving day. If they're still assembled, our crew takes them apart and the time is part of the move. Gym equipment, such as treadmills and multi-station machines, is yours to take apart.
Book the elevator and the parking.

Many buildings ask for an elevator booking or a set move-in time. Book both ends, and save a parking spot near the door for the truck.
Keep the essentials with you.

Cash, jewellery, important documents, medication and phone chargers travel with you, not on the truck.

Packing tips for moving: kitchen items wrapped one at a time in packing paper, packed tight in a box

Packing yourself

Packing tips for moving day

If you're packing yourself, these packing tips for moving help keep your boxes in one piece on the truck and quick to unload at the other end.

Heavy things go in small boxes. Pack books, tools and canned food in small boxes or bins, and save the big boxes for light things like bedding and pillows.
Wrap dishes one at a time. Wrap each plate, bowl and glass in packing paper, then fill the gaps so nothing moves when the box is lifted.
Fill every box to the top. A half-empty box can crush when others are stacked on it. Fill the space with towels, linens or crumpled paper.
Label the top and one side. Write the room and what's inside, and mark anything fragile. A label on the side can still be read when the box is in a stack.
Tape the bottom as well as the top. A taped bottom seam keeps a heavy box from giving way as it's lifted.
Pack firmly, because of what's covered. Our damage terms don't cover what's inside a box you packed, unless the outside of the box is damaged. They don't cover damage caused by inadequate packing on your part either. Our page on moving insurance explains what is and isn't covered.
Or use our plastic bins. For a move within Calgary, Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane or Okotoks, our reusable plastic bins rent for $4 each plus GST. They hold about 45 litres each, and we drop them off about two weeks before your move. Moving out of that area? You can buy them at $15 each plus GST.

Who does what

What you do, and what our crew does

Knowing how to prepare for movers comes down to a clear split of the jobs.

Tips for moving furniture: a piece wrapped in moving blankets and tape, on a floor runner at the top of the stairs

Before moving day, you

Pack, or book packing with us.
Empty the drawers, the cupboards and the fridge.
Take apart gym equipment and anything you said you'd take apart.
Book the elevators and the parking at both ends.
Set aside valuables and the things you'll need first.
Tell us before we quote about anything over about 200 lb, worth more than $2,000, unusually fragile or needing special equipment.

On moving day, our crew

Lays floor runners on the way in and out.
Wraps furniture in moving blankets and shrink wrap. The blankets, wrap and floor runners are included at no charge.
Takes apart and puts back together the furniture that needs it.
Carries everything, up and down the stairs as well.
Loads the truck and secures the load for the drive.
Walks through with you before leaving, and tells you on the spot if anything is damaged.

On the day

Moving day tips

On the day, these moving day tips help keep the crew working instead of waiting.

Be there when the crew arrives. Walk them through the home and point out anything fragile and anything that stays behind.
Clear a path. Keep hallways, stairs and the driveway clear. In winter, shovel and salt the steps and walkways before the truck arrives.
Keep kids and pets out of the way. A closed room or a sitter helps keep everyone safe while doors are open and furniture is moving.
Check every room before the truck leaves. Closets, cupboards, the garage and any storage room are easy to miss.
Speak up on the day. If you see damage, tell the crew right away. Our contract asks for any damage claim in writing within 7 days of the move, with photos, the item's approximate weight and proof of its value.

Moving day: furniture wrapped in moving blankets inside the truck, with the loading ramp down

Hourly moves

What adds time to a move, and the moving tips that help

Your quote is based on what you tell us about the move. On the day, these are what usually add time, and what helps with each:

Stairs, elevators and long carries.

Mention every flight, every elevator and how far the truck has to park from the door, so we can plan the right crew.
Parking and building access.

Book the elevator and a loading spot at both ends, and check the building's move-in hours.
More than you described.

A garage, a storage locker or a room you forgot adds loading time. Tell us before the move, not on the day.
Extra stops.

A stop at a storage unit or a second address adds drive and loading time.
Furniture that was meant to be taken apart.

If it wasn't, the crew does it on the clock.
Waiting.

If the keys, the elevator or the new place aren't ready, the crew waits, and waiting time can be billed.

How the hours are counted, with our rates and their conditions, is on our page of Calgary movers' rates.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

When should I start packing?

Start about a month ahead with the things you use least, like books, seasonal clothes and decorations. Leave the kitchen and everyday things for the last few days.

What should I do the night before moving day?

Pack an overnight bag, strip the beds, and empty and defrost the fridge and freezer. Put everything that's travelling with you in one place, such as valuables, documents and medication, so it doesn't get loaded by mistake.

Can I pack my own fragile items?

Yes. Wrap each piece on its own, fill every gap and mark the box fragile on the top and one side. Our damage terms don't cover the contents of a box you packed unless the outside of the box is damaged. If you'd rather not pack them yourself, add packing to your move: our crew packs your home, dishes, glassware, lamps and pictures included.

Should I be home on moving day?

Yes, or have someone there who can make decisions for you. Walk the crew through the home when they arrive, and walk through with them again before they leave.