Moving into a new home can be exciting, but without the right preparation, it can quickly become overwhelming. For the team at Sunparlour Movers, creating a smoother experience starts long before the truck arrives.
After decades of helping families move throughout Windsor-Essex, owner Sean Allison has seen how much of a difference organization can make.
“Less is best,” Sean says. Whether someone is downsizing or moving into a home of a similar size, the packing process often reveals how many unused or forgotten items have accumulated over the years. Taking time to sort through those belongings before moving can make packing, moving and settling into the new home much easier.
Rather than waiting until the final weeks, Sean recommends beginning the decluttering process several months in advance. Sunparlour Movers can also help clients sort through their belongings and prepare items for donation, and can even take those items as part of their Sunparlour donation program.
Having an objective person involved can make difficult decisions easier. Friends and family may share the same sentimental attachments, while someone outside the situation can help clients consider what they truly use.
Once decluttering is complete, organization becomes the priority. Chas Allison recommends assigning each room a colour and placing matching labels on every box.
“You might decide that the primary bedroom is purple and every box going into that room has a purple label,” Chas explains. “It takes a lot of questions off the table and makes the day less overwhelming.”
Packing materials also matter. Sunparlour Movers recommends sturdy moving boxes, paper for everyday items and bubble wrap for glass, framed pictures and other fragile belongings.
For local moves, reusable plastic totes are a convenient alternative to cardboard. Sunparlour Movers rents totes and provides boxes and packing materials, with delivery and pickup available.
Sean also recommends purchasing more supplies than expected.
“You always end up needing more than you think,” he says. “It is better to have extra and return what you do not use than to run out in the middle of packing.”
Prepare a clearly marked first-night suitcase, backpack or brightly coloured container for the essentials you will need right away. You want it to stand out among the other boxes. Pack items such as medication, toiletries, clothing, phone chargers and basic kitchen supplies. Another helpful tip is to place remotes, cords and miscellaneous electronic equipment in this bag as well, so nothing important gets lost during the move.
Sunparlour Movers’ services extend beyond transporting belongings. The team offers packing and unpacking and can disassemble and reassemble furniture during the move.
Some clients take apart beds or large furniture themselves to save time or money, but Sean says this can create unnecessary safety risks. With several movers working in the home, having one team member handle the furniture does not significantly slow the process.
The team can also return to reposition furniture if a client changes their mind about the layout.
“If you need us to come back and switch the bedroom around or move something after you have lived with it for a few days, just give us a call,” Sean says. “It is not a bother to us. We are happy to help.”
Children are welcome to be part of moving day, too. The team talks with them and helps them feel included. Depending on their age, they may carry a stuffed animal or small box into their new room.
Watching their belongings arrive in a new home can become a lasting memory for a child. Sunparlour Movers hopes to make it feel exciting rather than stressful.
With the right preparation and support, moving day can feel like the beginning of something exciting for everyone!
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