Moving Checklist: How to Prepare for Your Move

Good preparation makes your move faster, safer and more affordable.

This moving checklist from Signature Moving, a Burnaby moving company serving the Lower Mainland since 2009, explains how to pack, what to tell us when you book, how to get your home ready for moving day and which items our crews cannot move.

Your Moving Timeline

4 to 6 weeks before:

Book your movers, especially for month end or summer dates. Order moving boxes and supplies. Start sorting and donating items you no longer need.

2 to 3 weeks before:

Pack rooms you use least, such as storage areas, guest rooms and books. Reserve your building elevator and truck parking at both addresses.

1 week before:

 Pack most of the home, leaving only daily essentials. Confirm your move date, arrival time and addresses with us.

1 to 2 days before:

Empty and defrost the fridge, disconnect electronics, take apart beds and dining tables if you can, and pack a bag with medication, documents, chargers and a change of clothes.

Moving day:

Keep pathways clear, make sure the elevator is locked for our use and do a final walk through before the truck leaves.

Your Trusted Burnaby Movers

Customers notice the difference. Signature Moving has earned more than 290 Google reviews and was named one of the Top 3 Moving Companies in Burnaby by ThreeBestRated. Many of our moves come from repeat customers and referrals from friends and family.

What Our Customers Say...

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Rebecca Fung profile picture
Rebecca Fung
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Great moving company-Kevin has been super helpful in coordinating the movers. Even when my dates changed, he was accommodating. The movers were all professional and efficient and we are so happy with their service!! Thank you Signature Moving!
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Jonny Vu profile picture
Jonny Vu
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Moved from Yellowknife NT! These guys were extremely helpful. Great communication and made it stress free. Moved everything into our apartment quick, easy and painless. Professional, highly recommend! Brent, Mike and Kevin were awesome! Thank you!
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Christopher Sahota profile picture
Christopher Sahota
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We recently used Signature Moving to move our warehouse to another warehouse, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience! The staff was incredibly fast, friendly, professional, and efficient. They carefully packed everything and handled the entire move smoothly from start to finish. It honestly couldn’t have been easier! If you’re looking for a reliable, professional, and trustworthy moving company, I highly recommend Signature Moving. They truly made the whole process stress-free. One of the best and most reliable moving companies!
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Sandra Rodriguez profile picture
Sandra Rodriguez
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Great movers, went super quickly and smoothly.
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Neli Azizpour profile picture
Neli Azizpour
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Amazing staff. Highly recommend for any moving needs!
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Cecilia Martinez profile picture
Cecilia Martinez
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Our move with Signature moving was very fast and efficient. The service provided was professional and friendly and the total cost did not include any unexpected charges or unpleasant surprises, Dealing with Signature was breeze from beginning to end. I highly recommend this company.
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shirin dokht mirdamadi profile picture
shirin dokht mirdamadi
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Amazing service. Was a pleasure to deal with everyone involved. Very friendly. On time. Very helpful. So happy we chose signature moving company
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Shyamal Ghosh profile picture
Shyamal Ghosh
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I hired Signature Moving for my relocation and was very happy with their service. The crews were gentle and experienced a hassel-free moving. Good luck Signature Moving.
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Dazy Gosal profile picture
Dazy Gosal
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Second time using Signature Moving, and a perfect move again. We have one more move from our UHAUL storage to our home when it's ready, and we already know who we will be contacting. Highly recommend!

How to Pack for Your Move

All personal items must be packed in proper moving boxes or containers. We recommend small, medium and large cardboard moving boxes. Items that are poorly packed, or not packed in a box, may not be accepted.

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Pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes.

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Do not overpack boxes so they become too heavy to lift safely.

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Avoid packing too many very small boxes. Boxes smaller than a liquor store box may not be accepted.

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Tape every box properly. Do not fold the flaps closed.

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Label boxes on the top and sides with the room and contents.

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Clearly mark boxes that hold fragile items.

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Pack pictures, mirrors, glass and artwork in boxes or protective cardboard.

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Pack table lamps and lamp shades in boxes.

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Empty all drawers but leave them in the furniture.

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Pack plant pots in a box, container or garbage bag.

Getting Your Home Ready

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Disassemble beds and dining tables if possible.

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Disconnect all electronics.

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Make sure furniture is clean and free of dust, pet hair and cobwebs.

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Clean outdoor items and the grease collector on your BBQ.

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Keep all pathways and hallways leading to each room clear.

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Move small items and boxes yourself where you can to save time.

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Reserve parking for the moving truck whenever possible.

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Book the elevator and have it locked for our exclusive use. A move may be cancelled if the elevator is not reserved, and minimum charges will apply.

For everyone's safety, our crew may stop a move if the space is unsafe, too crowded or too dirty to work in.

What to Tell Us When You Book

Accurate details help us quote correctly and send the right truck and crew size. Please mention:

N

Pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes.

N

Do not overpack boxes so they become too heavy to lift safely.

N

Avoid packing too many very small boxes. Boxes smaller than a liquor store box may not be accepted.

N

Tape every box properly. Do not fold the flaps closed.

N

Label boxes on the top and sides with the room and contents.

N

Clearly mark boxes that hold fragile items.

N

Pack pictures, mirrors, glass and artwork in boxes or protective cardboard.

N

Pack table lamps and lamp shades in boxes.

N

Empty all drawers but leave them in the furniture.

N

Pack plant pots in a box, container or garbage bag.

Items We Do Not Move

Signature Moving cannot move:

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Pianos, hot tubs and large safes

N

Cash, jewellery, coins, important documents, antiques and art

N

Items of extraordinary or sentimental value

N

Gas powered tools unless the fuel is emptied

N

Liquids, paint, chemicals, flammables, explosives and weapons

N

Any illegal items

Please move valuables and important documents yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I pack for movers in Burnaby?

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K

Use sturdy cardboard moving boxes, keep each box at a safe weight, tape them properly and label the top and sides with the room and contents.

Do I need to reserve my elevator?

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 Yes. Book the elevator and truck parking with your building in advance. Moves without an elevator booking may be cancelled, with minimum charges applied.

Will movers take apart my furniture?

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Yes. We are fully insured and carry WorkSafeBC coverage.

What can movers not move?

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Pianos, hot tubs, large safes, valuables, hazardous materials and illegal items.

BUSINESS HOURS

Monday

7am 8pm
Tuesday

7am8pm
Wednesday

7am8pm
Thursday

7am8pm
Friday

7am8pm
Saturday

7am8pm
Sunday

7am8pm

Find Us Online

Terms and conditions of service are available on request and may change without notice. Questions about your move? Call 778-325-6683 or request a free quote.