Choose full packing, partial packing, or a focused pack
Providers may use “full packing” for most household contents and “partial packing” for selected rooms or categories, but the boundaries vary. You might ask for help with a kitchen, artwork, books, wardrobes, or fragile pieces while packing everyday items yourself. Describe the exact rooms and categories rather than using “packing” as a single undefined service.
Ask whether the company will pack, label, inventory, load, and unpack, or whether those steps are separate services. Ask what it will and will not handle, including items requiring a specialist. Request a quote that distinguishes labour from materials and identifies customer-prepared boxes.
- List the rooms included and the items you will pack yourself.
- Identify fragile, high-value, oversized, or unusually shaped items in advance.
- Ask who supplies cartons, wrapping, tape, wardrobe boxes, and protective materials.
- Confirm whether unpacking means opening boxes, placing contents, removing materials, or another defined scope.
Plan fragile items separately
For glassware, artwork, mirrors, electronics, lamps, plants, or delicate collections, ask about materials, protection, labelling, and placement in the vehicle. Share photographs or dimensions when an item is difficult to describe. Ask what the company recommends for items requiring a specialist or outside its scope.
Do not assume that a packing service includes every fragile item or treats customer-packed boxes the same way. Ask how the inventory is recorded and what condition checks or claim steps apply. Keep irreplaceable documents and valuables with you.
Make materials and inventory part of the quote
Packing materials can affect the work plan and the materials left at the destination. Ask which materials are included, whether unused materials are returned or charged, and what protection the company recommends for furniture, doorways, floors, or shared building areas.
An inventory does not have to be a perfect catalogue to be useful. A room-by-room list, box-count estimate, photographs, and a short list of exceptions may give the company better information than a generic bedroom count. Ask how to update the quote if the scope changes substantially before moving day.
Coordinate packing day with the move
Ask whether packing happens before moving day, on the same day, or over multiple visits. Confirm when the home must be ready, how boxes are labelled, and who decides what is ready to load. For a condo or apartment, ask management about packing and loading windows because building rules vary.
Give the crew clear access to rooms and identify items that are not moving. If a Toronto street location is involved, share parking and loading constraints early. Check the City’s official guidance and signs about loading or unloading restrictions.
Source: City of Toronto: Parking Regulations
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between movers and packers?
A moving service transports and handles the move, while a packing service prepares some or all belongings for transport. Companies define those services differently, so ask which rooms, materials, labelling, inventory, and unpacking tasks are included.
Can I use a packing service for only fragile items?
Often a customer can request a partial or focused pack, but service availability and exclusions vary. List the fragile categories and ask how they will be protected and documented.
Does unpacking include removing all boxes and materials?
Not automatically. Ask whether unpacking means opening and placing items, taking away materials, breaking down cartons, or a different defined scope. Have the answer written into the quote.
What should I tell a Toronto packing and moving company?
Share the rooms and inventory, fragile or oversized items, customer-packed boxes, desired packing and unpacking scope, dates, access details, elevator or loading restrictions, and any items that are not moving.