Moving can be daunting when moving to and from such a scenic and lively area like Victoria, BC. With beautiful landscapes, historic architecture, and a temperate climate, Victoria is a very attractive destination.
Whether you’re just moving here for the views, the many outdoor activities, or the vibrant arts scene, you’ll want to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here are some packing hacks to help you pack for your move to Victoria, BC.
Hacks to Help You Pack for Your Move to Victoria, BC
Start Early and Plan Ahead!
This is the first key step to be fully prepared for your successful move. Start by drafting an action checklist that will include all the activities that need to be done and the respective timeline for each task. Kick off this process at least eight weeks before your moving day. This early kick-off will give you ample time to categorize your stuff and decide which stuff to keep, sell, or donate and will allow you to avoid last-minute rushes.
Declutter Before You Pack
One of the best things you can do before moving is to declutter. Moving is the perfect chance for you to re-evaluate what items are a must and which ones you can let go of. Consider a garage sale for the stuff you don’t really need, sell online, give to local Victoria charities, or share with your friends and family.
Decluttering your belongings makes it much easier during the packing process and can substantially lower moving costs by minimizing stuff that has to be moved and cuts down your moving time on the day.
Invest in Quality Packing Materials
It’s important to ensure the safety of your belongings and the ability for them to be moved securely. Whilst we all appreciate shortcuts and saving money on packing materials, the investment in quality boxes, tape, and wrapping supplies can cut down your moving headache.
Make sure the boxes you buy will ensure that your stuff stays in the boxes during the move. Specialty boxes include wardrobe boxes with metal hanging bars for your clothes and picture boxes to pack all your framed artwork. Don’t forget to purchase many rolls of bubble wrapping, packing paper, and packaging tape to further ensure the safety of your stuff!
Label, Label, Label
Labeling your boxes is essential to further organize your move to your new home. To do so, prompt or indicate clearly what is in the contents of each box or container, and the room it is allocated to. Do this by employing the use of labeling with a broad, permanent marker on your boxes. You can even go ahead and use labels or differently colored markers, and applying your own organising and colouring system. By applying this to your moving prep, everything is clear to you and your movers for your moving day. Also, ensure that expensive or precious boxes are labeled “FRAGILE” and apply a note of the orientation of the box so you can rest easy that your belongings are under good instruction.
Utilize Luggage and Other Containers
Ensure getting the maximum use from your suitcase and other boxes that you own. Suitcases are excellent for clothes, books, and all heavy articles due to their weight limit and wheels, letting you know how much you can fit and to take from one place to another with ease.
Use baskets, bins, or even pots for small items. This way, you will save space and reduce the number of boxes you need.
Pack an Essentials Box
The first few days after moving can be chaotic. To reduce the stress, try a Pack a ‘go’ box (or suitcase) with all that you will need to get by for the first 24 to 48 hours at your new home. Include essentials such as toiletry items, a change of clothing, necessary medications, chargers, a few basic tools, and some snacks. Having easy access to these essentials will save you from rummaging through boxes when you’re tired from the move.
Protect Your Fragile Items
When packing fragile items, extra care is needed. Wrap dishes, glasses, and all the other breakables with bubble wrap or packing paper before boxing them up. Fill in any voids in the boxes with towels, clothes, or packing paper so items don’t shift during transit.
Helpful tip: Plates should be packed vertically, just like the records, in order to avoid so much breakage!
Take Photos of Electrical Setups
Take a few shots on your phone of the setup of your electronic gadgets and preferences before taking them apart. These will come in handy guides to reference when you get to set up the electronics in your new home. This is most useful for complex home theaters or computer stations.
Utilize Professional Movers for Special Items
For those moving to or from Victoria, BC, consider professional movers who specialise in moving valuables such as pianos, large pieces of artwork, or antique furniture. In Victoria, there are a good number of reputable companies that offer moving services and have specialized services regarding value and oversized items, to ensure your goods reach your new home well and in safe condition.
Prepare for the Weather
Victoria usually enjoys a mild climate, but one can never be certain for fickle weather conditions if travelling through the fall or winter months. To prepare and ensure your belongings are safe, wrap your items in plastic wrap or pack them in waterproof bins to protect them from the rain or any weather that may be detrimental to your belongings.
It is to be reminded that when moving during warmer, drier seasons, any heat sensitive items such as electronics, candles or plants be considered and noted to be handled with special care.
Explore Your New Community
Be sure, after you have arrived at your permanent or temporary destination and have settled your belongings from the move, to take some extra time to explore your local area and what it offers. From the gardens of Butchart to the many interesting attractions that the historic Royal BC Museum offers, engaging with your new community will help you settle in your new home and look forward to what Victoria brings you!
To conclude, Moving to Victoria, BC, known by its moniker as the “Garden City”, promises to be a thriving experience. Check out these 15 packing hacks that will ensure a move not just efficient but relatively stress-free.
