Moving Resources

Move Planning

Portage has been moving families across town, around the country and throughout the world since the 1940's. Based on our years of experience, we have combined a series of helpful hints and useful suggestions into our Move Planner to help you prepare for the move to your new home.

As a Mayflower agent, we have access to a variety of useful tools that you can use to help with your move. Mayflower offers a package of information called About Town to help acquaint you with your new community. In addition, you can order a brochure on Dangerous Goods to find out which items can't be shipped on the moving van with your household goods.

If you would like to request a free copy of our Move Planner and other helpful brochures click here.

Packing Tips

The proper preparation of your possessions for loading is essential to the success of your move. That is why most people prefer to have their household goods professionally packed. If you elect to pack part or all of your goods yourself, here are some tips to assist you:

Packing Materials

Use rigid heavy-duty cartons of different sizes with good lids.
Use clean newsprint and tissue paper for wrapping and cushioning.

Packing

Pack heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top. Pack articles snuggly so they will not shift. Wrap small articles in colored paper so they will not be discarded with packing material. Do not over fill or under fill cartons; this practice increases the risk of damage. Tops must close flat and be sealed with tape. Cartons should not exceed 23kg (50lbs) when packed. Cushion every carton with clean, crushed paper on the bottom, roll and tie electrical cords so they will not tangle. If you must ship liquids, fasten and tape lids, seal in a plastic bag and place upright in a carton.

China and Dishes

Place a 3"-4" layer of crushed paper in the bottom of a sturdy carton. Place several layers of wrapping paper on your work-table. Place one plate on the paper and fold the corner of one or two sheets diagonally over the plate. Place another plate on top and fold another piece of paper over it. Add two more plates in the same manner. Fold the sides of the paper over the bundle and roll the plates, keeping the sides of the paper straight for a neat bundle. Place bundles on edge in the carton and pack them snug. When you have completed a layer in the carton, place another layer of crushed paper over it. Fill the carton, adding a layer of cushioning paper after each tier. Leave space at the top of the carton for a cushion of paper, and then fold the top flat, seal with tape and label.

Cups, Bowls and Odd-shaped Pieces

Wrap cups individually and protect handles with an extra sheet of paper. Place them upside-down with handles toward the inside of the carton. Keep them at the top of the carton so there will be less weight on top of them. Wrap and nest bowls into each other and pack on edge. Smaller items can be wrapped and nested inside bowls, pans, canisters, etc.

Small Pictures and Mirrors

Pack vertically in a carton, cushioned well with paper, linens or blankets.

Paintings, Large Mirrors, Glass Tabletops, Marble Slabs

These items are easily damaged and should be packed or crated professionally.

Artificial Flower Arrangements

Wrap carefully in plastic, tissue paper or paper towels and pack individually. Mark the carton "Fragile."

Canned Goods, Preserves, Small Food Packages

Use up as much food as possible before you move. Do not ship canned goods during freezing weather. Tape boxes closed, wrap and pack. Do not ship perishables. Avoid moving glass containers; if you must ship them, seal in watertight packaging and place upright.

Moving Plants

Moving your plants on the van with your household goods can be challenging due to cold and heat and lack of light. Plants are shipped on the van at the owner's risk.

How to Prevent Shock

Most plants are prone to shock when moved. Creating a comfortable microenvironment for the plants to weather the trip can minimize shock. If you are moving in the winter, ensure that all plants are on the dry side on moving day by watering them for the last time two or three days before the move. If you are moving in summer, water the plants well on the morning of the packing day and let excess water drain away.

Temperature

It is easier to insulate plants from cold than to protect them from heat. If you are taking them with you in the car, transport them inside the passenger area. If you have to use the trunk, cover the tops of the boxes with blankets to insulate them from heat or cold. If you leave the car, park in a sunny spot and close the windows in the winter. Park in the shade and leave the windows slightly open in the summer. If you are staying in a motel, bring the plants into your room at night.

Two or Three Days Before the Move

Water plants for the last time if you are moving in the winter. Line packing boxes with plastic bags so moisture will not seep through and weaken cartons. Cut several holes about the size of a quarter in the lid and sides of the carton to ensure good ventilation and avoid excessive moisture. Mark the carton "This Side Up" and "Plants-Fragile".

The Day Before the Move

In summer, water plants well in the morning. Construct protective funnel-shaped sleeves out of heavy paper. They should be the height of the plant and the diameter of its pot. Place the sleeve around the plant, making sure the foliage is gently folded, and tape it firmly. Stake larger plants carefully and tie their foliage if necessary. Place plants of similar size into the carton. Leave enough space between the lid and the top of the highest plant. Pad the pots well so they won't jar against each other. Use a lot of cushioning paper.

On Moving Day

Place newspaper (damp in summer, dry in winter) loosely around the tops of the plants. Close the lids and fasten with tape. If you are taking the plants in the car, make sure the movers know they are not to be loaded into the van or container. Load the plants into the car at the last minute. Make sure they won't be crushed or tipped over.

At Destination

Move the plants into the house as soon as possible and open the boxes. Leave the plants inside the boxes for a few hours to minimize shock. Later in the day, unpack and water them. Place plants in locations similar to the ones they were used to at origin, but do not place in direct sunlight until one or two weeks after the move. Shock can cause leaves to yellow and drop. Do not be alarmed; this is normal and should not last. Altitude, air, water quality and moisture content may be quite different in your new home and some plants may have to be repotted into a heavier or lighter mix. A local horticulturist will be able to advise.

City Information

Portage will be pleased to send you Mayflower's About Town destination package that contains valuable information on your new destination city, town or province. Schools, historical sites, shopping malls and utility contact information are some of the things you will find in Mayflower's About Town package.

Your About Town package will also include a Welcome Wagon registration card, which you can fill out and return to Mayflower. A Welcome Wagon representative will visit you in your new home with a basket of items and coupons from the local businesses and associations in your new community.