Answers to every moving question you have…

There’s no single, perfect box size for moving. Different items are best suited to different boxes. Check out these common types of boxes and the best ways to use them to keep your items safe on moving day:

• 2-cube (2x2x2’): This is the most “standard” sized box. It’s best for heavy items such as books, canned goods, shoes, etc. The heavier and denser the items, the smaller the box you’ll want to use.
• 4-cube (4x4x4’): Best for light items such as linens and other clothes, or for oddly shaped items like kitchen appliances, lamps, etc.
• TV box: You’ll use this to keep your TV safe and undamaged during the move.
• Picture box: These are used for framed artwork, mirrors, and other thin, fragile items.
• Dish barrels (and inserts): Used to pack dishes and other fragile kitchen items.
• Wardrobe box: These are Two Small Men staff’s favourite way to move clothes: with a hanging bar included, you can simply transfer your clothes on hangers to the box, and easily move them into your new closet when you arrive at your new home.

Here are our tried and true tips for labeling your boxes:

• First, decide what will go into the box. Knowing what will go in each box – and having similar items grouped together – will make labeling easier.
• To avoid the post-move runaround, make sure every item in a box is going to the same room.
• Label the top and sides of the box and include a quick list of what items are in the box.
• Prominently label each box with the room it belongs in, so your movers know where to put it in your new home. This simple step will make unpacking much less of a headache for you at the end of a busy moving day.
• Number each box and keep a list for yourself with the number of boxes and the room each box should be in (you can even list their contents).

We recommend keeping anything you think you’ll use, or need, on moving day or in the days immediately following your move. Some items customers hold onto are toilet paper and paper towels, your phone charger, snacks, toys and books for the kids, and easy to transport electronics such as laptops and tablets. You should also keep medication and any important documents with you, such as your medical records, passport, or your birth certificate. Many people often choose to keep extra special items of value or sentiment on them as well. We recommend designating one or two bags or boxes to important items and bringing them with you to your new home yourself.

Our Move Coordinators are experienced, and trained to provide you with an over-the-phone estimate. They’ll ask you several questions to help provide an accurate estimate for the length of your move.

There are three factors that are most likely to impact the accuracy of your estimate:

Preparation: When it comes to making a move efficient, preparation is key! It always helps save time if you can have everything packed and ready to go. Any item that can go in a box should. Also, moving boxes and items as close to the entrance/exit of your home as possible really helps.

Volume: It can be difficult to remember everything that needs to be moved when you’re filling out a form or discussing a quote. We recommend doing a walkthrough of your home beforehand so you can take notes on the number and variety of items you have. This will help your quote be as accurate as possible!

Accessibility: How long is the walk from your door to the entrance of the building? How close can we back the truck to that entrance? Is the snow and ice cleared from walks in the wintertime? How tall/wide are pathways, entrances, stairwells, etc.? Issues like this can have an impact on the length of your move and, therefore, your quote.

You can usually purchase packing supplies such as boxes, packing paper, and packing tape from the moving company you hire. You can also purchase these items at large hardware stores. When you pick up boxes, keep in mind that your vehicle size matters. Most unfolded medium and large boxes won’t fit in two-door or small four-door vehicles. Crushing the boxes to make them fit can damage their structural integrity.

The other option is to get used boxes, or reuse boxes you already have in your home. Used materials are a great way to save cash during your move, but the downside is that they come with the risk of damaging your belongings if the quality has degraded with time.  If you’re reusing old boxes or getting used boxes from a grocery or other retail store, you should make sure the boxes are clean and free of any damage that could cause them to give during your move. If they feel weak or unsteady, don’t use them!

Our movers will never ask for tips from customers, but they can accept tips should customers feel inclined.

There is no commonly recommended amount or percentage of the bill when it comes to tipping your movers. We encourage you to tip whatever you feel is appropriate for the job that was completed, should you decide to.