june 30 busiest moving day of the year
Each year, an estimated 4.3 million Canadians move, with fourteen per cent opting to move in June. “Of that 14 per cent, a whopping one-third will choose June 30 as their moving day,” explains Chuck Resnick, vice-president marketing and operations for Two Men and A Truck – Canada. “That boils down to roughly 199,000 individuals and families who will be on the hunt for boxes, packing materials, and most likely, help with their move,” adds Resnick.
Resnick’s company knows a thing or two about moving: the movers enjoy a 96 per cent customer referral rating, and currently has 24 franchises in Ontario, Nova Scotia and Alberta. He cites the end of the school year as one of the main reasons behind the date’s popularity for moving. “It works well for parents who prefer not to disrupt their children’s schooling, and to assure they get settled prior to beginning in their new school year come September,” notes Resnick.
The moving expert rationalizes that families want to settle into their new homes before summer gets underway, to get the most out of their backyards, balconies or both. He also adds that June 30’s proximity to the Canada Day holiday provides the flexibility of an extra day to unpack and wind down, while the weather is consistently pleasant.
To ensure moving day goes smoothly, Resnick recommends planning in advance. “Make arrangements for small children and pets to be looked after so they’re not underfoot. Pack a day-of-the-move box with essentials, so you’re not scrambling for toothbrushes, a towel, a coffee mug or a kettle,” he advises.
According to Resnick, the following tips can help ensure a stress-free move:
• Boxes of books get heavy fast, so use small boxes for these items. Apply this rule to everything you pack: the heavier the item, the smaller the box.
• Emptying closets can be a nightmare. Use wardrobe boxes to simplify the process. Clothes in drawers can be packed into suitcases.
• As tempting as it may be, don’t use cardboard boxes from the grocery store. You never know what little critter may be hiding in the corner of food boxes. In fact, avoid used boxes in general. You don’t know how much weight these boxes can handle or how much weight they’ve already handled (wear and tear).
• Moving day should be a celebration of your new home, so make it as stress-free as possible.
In business for over 30 years, Two Men and A Truck currently operates in the United States, Canada, Ireland and the UK, with 327 franchises and 2,100 moving trucks. Visit www.twomenandatruck.ca to read more tips for your next move.
— Two Men and A Truck – Canada