Whether you’re moving across town or to another part of Vancouver Island, preparation is the key to a stress-free move.

How to Prepare for Moving Day

Are you planning to relocate your home or office in Victoria, BC, or the surrounding area? Whether you’re moving across town or to another part of Vancouver Island, preparation is the key to a stress-free move. A well-organized plan will make your relocation smoother, protect your belongings, and save you from last-minute surprises. Moving can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy — and the help of a professional moving company — it doesn’t have to be.

The earlier you start, the less you’ll have to worry about as moving day approaches.

Preparing for a Move in or Around Victoria, BC, Canada

Several weeks before your move, start a moving logbook or a digital checklist. Use it to track every detail — from scheduling your moving date to noting which boxes contain essential items. The earlier you start, the less you’ll have to worry about as moving day approaches. Organization is your best friend when preparing for a move. Create a moving checklist that includes everything from packing supplies to changing your address. Purchase sturdy boxes, packing tape, markers, and bubble wrap. If you’re hiring a professional moving company in Victoria, such as 2 Burley Men Moving & Storage, they can supply quality moving boxes and packing materials designed to protect your belongings during transport. It’s also wise to keep your most important documents — such as IDs, contracts, and medical records — together in a secure folder or file box.

Contact your utility providers to schedule disconnection and reconnection dates for electricity, water, internet, and gas. Notify your bank, insurance company, and government offices of your new address so that bills, statements, and essential mail reach you on time. A well-timed call to these service providers can prevent gaps in service and unnecessary stress on moving day. Now is also the perfect time to declutter. Go through closets, drawers, and the garage to identify what you no longer need. Hosting a garage sale or donating items to local charities is a great way to lighten your load — and it means less to move later. As Brayden from 2 Burley Men Moving & Storage often says, “The less you have to move, the easier it is for everyone. A bit of early sorting can save hours on moving day.”

One to Two Weeks Before the Move

In the final two weeks, begin packing items you use less frequently. Seasonal clothes, books, decorations, and spare linens can all be packed early. Label each box clearly with its destination room to make unpacking easier. When it comes to perishable or heavy items like food, plan ahead. Eat through pantry and freezer items so you’re not moving excess groceries. “We often see customers trying to move a half-full freezer,” Brayden says. “That’s a tough one. The best thing you can do is eat as much as possible before the move.” If you’re relocating out of town, make sure your vehicle is serviced — check tires, oil, and brakes to ensure it’s ready for travel. Drain any fuel from power tools, lawnmowers, or trimmers so they can dry safely before transport. Parents should also contact their children’s schools to arrange transfers and send updated information to doctors and daycare providers. These small administrative steps will help ensure a smooth transition for your family.

A Few Days Before the Move

When moving day is just a few days away, double-check your moving checklist. This is the time to finish packing, clean your home, and prepare large furniture for the moving company. Disassemble bed frames, remove shelves, and tape small hardware (like screws and bolts) into labeled plastic bags. Clean out your refrigerator and freezer, and make sure they’re dry before transport. Contact 2 Burley Men Moving to confirm your moving schedule and discuss any special instructions or fragile items. If you’ve hired professional packers, set aside the personal items you want to move yourself — such as jewelry, documents, or small electronics. “Communication is key,” Brayden emphasizes. “Let your movers know what’s important to you and what needs special care. We’re here to make sure your things arrive safely.” If you haven’t already, hold your garage sale or donate leftover items. The more clutter you eliminate, the faster your movers can load and unload your belongings.

On Moving Day

On the big day, get an early start. Eat a good breakfast and have water and snacks ready for yourself and your movers. As the moving truck arrives, take a quick walkthrough with the moving team to explain what’s going and what’s staying. Supervise as needed, but trust the professionals to handle the heavy lifting — literally. Professional movers like the team at 2 Burley Men Moving & Storage have the experience and equipment to move your furniture and boxes efficiently and safely. “We’ve seen every type of move,” Brayden says. “From small apartments to full family homes, we tailor our approach so every customer feels confident their move is handled right.” Once everything is loaded, do one last sweep of your old home to check for forgotten items in closets or basements. When you arrive at your new home, verify that all utilities are connected and functional. Work with the movers to position furniture in the right rooms and take your time checking off your inventory list as boxes come in.

In the final two weeks, begin packing items you use less frequently.

After the Move

Unpack your essentials first — kitchenware, bedding, toiletries, and a few changes of clothes. Resist the urge to unpack everything at once. A few boxes a day will make the process more manageable. If you’ve hired professional movers in Victoria, they may also offer unpacking services to help you settle in faster. Once you’re unpacked, recycle or reuse your boxes, and take a moment to enjoy your new space. Moving can be stressful, but with early planning, organization, and the right help, you’ll be enjoying your new home in no time.

Working with an experienced Victoria moving company like 2 Burley Men Moving & Storage ensures your move is handled with care, from start to finish. With reliable service, local expertise, and a customer-first attitude, they make every relocation smoother. As Brayden puts it, “Moving doesn’t have to be chaos. With a plan — and a bit of help — it can actually be exciting.”