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Moving Check List

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How to Load Your Cubeit Container

Learn more about how to properly load your Cubeit container. 

How to move yourself

You've booked your Cubeit container and packed your belongings, now it's time to think about moving day. If you're like my husband, then you'll want to plan how the Cubeit container should be loaded.

If you want to be really detailed and organized, do a walk-through of your house and note the order in which items are loaded. Make a list and group similar sized boxes together. This will make moving day go a lot smoother and faster.

  1. Use properly lifting techniques, lift with your legs and not your back. 
  2. Move the largest and heaviest items first and distribute the weight evenly throughout the Cubeit container.  This includes appliances such as the stove, washing machine, refrigerator and dishwasher, and any other item that takes more than two people to move. Keep the items in their upright positions and make sure you balance the container by placing heavy objects on opposite sides.
  3. Protect your belongings using furniture padding to protect wood surfaces and corners. Padding can be rented from Cubeit and is worth the little extra it costs.
  4. Move longer items such as box springs, mattresses, long mirrors, headboards, sofas and table-tops in the Cubeit container next. Place these items against the longest walls of the container which will keep them upright and will save space. Make sure you use mattress covers to spare your bed and sofa from rips and tears and make moving a lot easier.
  5. Dissemble bed frames and tape pieces together. Do the same for longer items such as skis and poles. When you roll-up your carpets, place these items inside, then tape your carpet closed. Place the carpet on the floor of the container.
  6. Next, start loading the largest and heaviest boxes. Place the boxes on top of the appliances and furniture and make sure you fill any cavities beneath tables, under desks, and on chair seats.
  7. Transfer lighter boxes, stacking them on the heavier boxes, making sure the lightest boxes are on top.
  8. Place fragile items or awkward shaped items on last.
  9. Secure all items to the eye bolts located within the cube.  This is very important so that your belongings will not move around during transport.

Remember - we are here to help in any way possible.  Good luck!

Shannon Bisset, President Cubeit Moving & Storage

Deduct your moving & storage expenses

If you are employed or self-employed, you can deduct eligible moving expenses from employment or self-employment income you earn at the new location, including amounts received under the Wage Earner Protection Program in respect of employment at the new work location.

You can deduct moving expenses if you move to study courses as a student in full-time attendance enrolled in a program at a post-secondary level at a university, college or other educational institution. However, you can only deduct these expenses from the part of your scholarships, fellowships, bursaries, certain prizes, and research grants required being included in your income.

You can deduct reasonable amounts that you paid for moving yourself, your family, and your household effects. Not all members of your household have to travel together or at the same time.

Eligible moving expenses include: Transportation and storage costs (such as packing, hauling, in-transit storage, and insurance) for household effects, including items such as boats and trailers;

Visit the Canada Revenue Agency online to find out more information. Canada Revenue Agency - Moving Expenses Deduction Form 

13 Lucky Ways to Save on Moving & Storage Costs

Because of rising fuel costs and a shortage of drivers, the cost of moving & storage has risen in the past few years. Anything you can do yourself – even if seemingly small – will help cut your bill and give you extra money to spend on other relocation costs (like the pizza and beer for after your move). 

  1. Pack It Yourself: Full service movers & packing services are pricey. Even if you don't want to pack it all yourself, you can always do a partial pack, and have movers handle the rest. Every box you pack yourself is money in your pocket.
  2. Save on Packing: Luggage and duffel bags are perfect for packing sheets, towels and clothing. Also, the bottoms of wardrobe boxes are great for bulky, lightweight items. Use that space. 
  3. Do You Really Need That? Check areas of your home for items that have not been used for a long time and simply get rid of them – if you don't use them, why pay for them to be moved or stored? 
  4. Stock Up: Make sure you have plenty of boxes and materials so you don't have to keep making trips to buy more. You'll probably need more than you anticipate, so buy extra. If you're buying from moving companies, you should be able to return the boxes you don't use.
  5. Time is Money: Color-code the boxes according to the room they belong in so they all end up in the same place, saving time for both you and your moving help.
  6. Understand the Pricing: Now that you have the estimate, be sure you understand it completely.  Find out if there are any additional fees and if so when they apply.
  7. Flexible Move Time: You will save money if you can be flexible on your move time.
  8. Are You Insured?  Ask detailed questions about insurance. Before you purchase more insurance, look into your home insurance to see if they offer additional coverage for moving. The moving company will provide insurance at an additional cost.
  9. Tax Deductible Moves: If it's for business reasons, your move may be tax-deductible.  Keep all receipts and ask a professional.
  10. Get a recommendation: A satisfied customer is the best referral a company can ask for and is a great way to protect yourself against shady, illegitimate moving companies.  
  11. Be sure the moving company carries proper insurance: Ask your potential moving & storage company if they carry Workers' Compensation Insurance. If you have doubts, ask to see proof of insurance in the form of an "Insurance Certificate" issued by the insurance carrier. 
  12. Plan Ahead: Between the time your stuff is loaded into the container and when you get to your new home, think of everything you might need so you don't have to buy it while traveling to your new home.
  13. Just Ask: If you have a tight budget, talk to your moving company when you get your moving quote. Many can find ways to work with you and there may be other things that you can do yourself to help reduce the total cost.