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10 Things Your Long-Distance Movers Wish You Knew Before Moving Day
Expert Tips from Atlas Van Lines Canada
When it comes to long-distance moving, there’s a lot more to think about than just packing boxes. From logistics to timing, coordination to communication, moving long distances requires more planning—and more patience—than your average move.
At Atlas Van Lines Canada, we’ve helped thousands of individuals, families, and businesses prepare for successful long-distance relocations across Canada and beyond. And after decades of experience, here’s the advice that our professional movers want you to know before moving day arrives.
These practical, insider tips are designed to help you reduce stress, avoid surprises, and set your move up for success.
1. Long-Distance Moving Is a Team Effort
Whether you’re moving to another province or across the country, one thing is true: you’re not in this alone. A successful long-distance move relies on clear communication between you and your moving company of specialists. Share key details early—such as access issues, high-value items, or tight timelines. Your Atlas long-distance movers are here to help, but we work best when we work with you.
2. Decluttering Is Step One of Long-Distance Move Prep
The more you bring, the more it costs—and the more there is to unpack. One of the most valuable long-distance moving suggestions we can offer is to lighten the load before you start packing. Donate or sell anything you don’t truly need, especially bulky or duplicate items.
3. Label Boxes by Room, Priority, and Visibility
When your belongings arrive at your new home, you’ll want a system. Label each box with its room and urgency (e.g., Kitchen – Essentials, Bedroom – Linens). Use colour-coded tape or stickers for quick sorting, and write on at least two sides of the box.
Bonus tip: Clearly mark “Open First” boxes with key items like bedding, toiletries, and phone chargers.
4. Pack Like a Pro for Long-Distance Transit
Long-distance moves often involve multiple loading and unloading points, so packing smart is critical.
- Keep heavy items on the bottom, light items on top.
- No box should exceed 50 lbs—if it does, label it as “HEAVY.”
- Use strong tape and fill empty space to prevent shifting.
- Wrap fragile items with towels or soft clothing.
- Pack books and tools in small boxes or wheeled suitcases.
And don’t mix rooms—keep your kitchen with your kitchen and your office with your office. It’ll pay off when you unpack.
5. Tell Your Movers About Specialty Items Ahead of Time
Your Atlas movers come prepared—but letting us know in advance about treadmills, antique mirrors, safes, or anything unusually large or fragile allows us to plan properly. Better preparation means safer transport and more efficient loading.
6. Clear Your Schedule on Moving Day
Moving day tips often overlook this one: don’t double-book yourself. Long-distance loading can take several hours, especially if you have multiple floors, access limitations, or lots of belongings. Keep the day open and focus on the move itself.
7. Have a Plan for Pets and Kids
Children and pets are sensitive to disruption. Arrange for childcare or pet care on moving day if possible. It helps reduce stress and keeps everyone safer as your home becomes a busy loading zone.
8. Stay Connected During Your Long-Distance Move
Your move is trackable, and your team is managing every detail—but we’ll still need to reach you. Keep your phone charged, your notifications on, and your contact info up to date. This helps avoid delays or missed updates, especially across time zones.
9. Pack a First-Night Essentials Box
Don’t forget the basics: bedding, toiletries, a change of clothes, chargers, snacks, and your most important documents. Label the box “Open First” and keep it somewhere accessible. Long-distance delivery windows can vary, so it’s good to be prepared.
10. Atlas Movers Do More Than Lift—We Guide Your Move
Your move isn’t just about boxes—it’s about starting a new chapter. Our team of experienced long-distance movers brings more than muscle. We bring planning, problem-solving, and peace of mind. If you’re unsure about something, ask. If something changes, let us know. We’re here to support your journey.
Bonus Moving Day Tips from the Atlas Team
These extras can make a big difference when you’re packing and planning:
Take Photos Before Unplugging Electronics
Snap pictures of the wiring behind your TV, computer, or modem before you disconnect everything. You’ll thank yourself later when it’s time to reassemble.
Bag Screws and Tape Them to the Item
Use clear zip-top bags for screws, bolts, and hardware. Tape each one securely to the furniture it came from.
Create a Floor Plan for Your New Home
If you know where furniture should go in your new place, sketch it out and share it with your movers. It saves time—and heavy lifting.
Pack a Personal “Go Bag”
In addition to your first-night box, pack a backpack with IDs, medications, chargers, and two days’ worth of clothes—just in case.
Don’t Water Plants Right Before the Move
Wet soil = heavy pots and messy leaks. Water your plants two days before moving.
Don’t Stock Up on Groceries
Use what you have in your fridge and pantry during the week before your move. Avoid extra waste and save cooler space.
Use Soft Items as Padding
Wrap glassware in socks, vases in sweaters, and dishes in towels. It protects your things and saves packing space.
Carry Important Documents With You
Passports, insurance policies, real estate paperwork—these should travel with you, not in the moving truck.
Avoid Packing Tape on Furniture
Use painter’s tape or stretch wrap to secure drawers. Packing tape can damage wood or painted finishes.
Final Word on Long-Distance Moving
There’s no such thing as a stress-free move—but with the right preparation and the right partner, your long-distance move can be a smooth transition to your next adventure. At Atlas Van Lines Canada, we bring decades of experience, professional service, and a human touch to every move.
Let us help you move forward—with confidence.
Need help planning your long-distance move?
Reach out to your local Atlas agent or download our free long-distance moving checklist to get started.