Should You Empty Your Drawers Before a Move?

Should You Empty Your Drawers Before a Move? A Comprehensive Guide by Calgary Movers Pro

One of the most common questions people ask before relocating is whether they should empty their furniture drawers before the movers arrive. The answer depends on a few factors, including the type of furniture you have, the distance of the move, and the policies of the moving company you hire.

At Calgary Movers Pro, we want to make your residential relocation or office move as stress-free as possible. Whether you're using our Calgary movers for a local move or need cross-country movers, we’ll provide guidance to ensure your move goes smoothly. In this guide, we'll explain the factors that should influence your decision to empty your drawers, provide pricing examples, and include a detailed FAQ to help answer your questions.

1. Safety First: Why You Should Empty Drawers

One of the main reasons to empty your drawers before a move is safety. Moving heavy furniture with full drawers increases the weight and makes it more difficult for movers to transport the item safely.

Heavy Furniture and Full Drawers

• Risk to Movers: Heavy items filled with belongings can increase the risk of injury for movers, especially when navigating stairs or tight spaces.
• Furniture Damage: Full drawers can shift during transportation, causing structural damage to the furniture, such as warped wood or bent hinges.

Example:

For a residential relocation, Calgary Movers Pro recommends emptying drawers for larger furniture such as dressers and desks. Our moving services for heavy furniture start at $79 per hour, ensuring safe and efficient handling.

2. Efficiency: Save Time and Money

When furniture drawers are full, it can slow down the moving process. Full drawers increase the time it takes to load and unload furniture, which could add to your overall moving costs.

Increased Time

Movers will have to take extra precautions when handling heavy items. Additionally, if drawers need to be removed and reassembled due to weight, this will increase the overall time for your move.

Example:

For a cross-country move, where every minute counts, Calgary Movers Pro suggests packing all items from drawers into labeled boxes. This ensures the move stays on schedule. Long-distance moves are priced between $149 and $259 per hour, depending on the size of the move.

3. Convenience: Organize Your Unpacking Process

By emptying your drawers and packing the contents into boxes, you can label everything and make unpacking in your new home much more organized. Sorting your belongings beforehand will help streamline the process.

Labeling Boxes for Unpacking

• Room-Specific Labels: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will help both you and the movers during the unloading process.
• Unpacking Made Simple: Having boxes already labeled means you can tackle unpacking one room at a time without the hassle of digging through drawers.

Example:

Packing and unpacking services provided by Calgary Movers Pro start at $69 per hour, ensuring all items are securely packed and labeled to make unpacking effortless.

4. Special Circumstances: When You Might Not Need to Empty Drawers

While emptying drawers is generally recommended, there are some situations where it may not be necessary.

Partially Filled Drawers

• Small or Light Items: If the drawers contain only light or soft items like clothing, some movers may allow you to leave them as they are. Always confirm this with your moving company beforehand.

Short-Distance Moves

• Local Moves: For short-distance moves within Calgary, it may not be essential to empty every drawer. However, always consult with your moving company to understand their policies on handling full drawers.

Example:

For local moves, Calgary Movers Pro offers same-day moving services starting at $129 per hour. For short-distance relocations, partially filled drawers may be acceptable, depending on the furniture type.

Pricing Grid for Moving Services by Calgary Movers Pro

Below is a detailed pricing grid for the different moving services provided by Calgary Movers Pro, including residential, commercial, and emergency moves.

Tips for Emptying Drawers Before a Move

If you decide to empty your drawers before moving day, here are some useful tips to make the process as smooth as possible:

Start Early

Don’t wait until the last minute to empty your drawers. Start packing at least a few days before the move to avoid rushing and to ensure everything is packed carefully.

Use Sturdy Boxes

Make sure to use boxes that are appropriate for the weight and fragility of the items you’re packing. Label each box to help with unpacking later.

Pack Intelligently

Maximize space by strategically packing your boxes. Use soft items like clothing to fill gaps in boxes and prevent items from shifting during transport.

Declutter Before the Move

Take this opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need. You can donate or sell items that you don’t plan to take to your new home, which will reduce the overall volume of your move.

FAQ: Emptying Drawers Before a Move

Q: Do I need to empty my drawers before moving?
A: In most cases, yes, especially for larger or heavier furniture. Emptying drawers makes the move safer and more efficient. However, for short-distance moves or furniture with light contents, you may not need to empty them. Always confirm with your moving company.

Q: Will Calgary Movers Pro move furniture with full drawers?
A: We recommend emptying drawers, especially for heavy or fragile furniture. However, for light items such as clothing, exceptions may be made for short-distance moves. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.

Q: How much does it cost to add packing services?
A: Packing services start at $59 per hour and include all materials needed to pack your items securely. We also offer unpacking services to make settling into your new home easier.

Q: What if I need to move urgently?
A: We offer emergency moving services, including same-day or next-day relocations. Prices for emergency moves start at $129 per hour.

Q: Do you provide cross-country moving services?
A: Yes, we specialize in cross-country moves across Canada. Our rates range from $149 to $259 per hour, depending on the distance and size of the move.

Conclusion

Emptying your drawers before a move is generally a good idea, especially if you want to ensure a smooth, safe, and efficient relocation. Whether you’re preparing for a residential relocation, an office move, or an emergency move, Calgary Movers Pro can provide expert assistance every step of the way.

If you're ready to move, contact Calgary Movers Pro today to get a free quote and let us help make your relocation stress-free.