How to Safely Pack Cleaning Supplies for Moving

Which Cleaning Products to Move and Which to Toss

Before packing a single bottle, sort through your cleaning supplies. If a product is more than half empty, nearly expired, or something you rarely use, toss it. Moving partially used cleaning products isn't worth the risk of leaks or the space they take up. Most Montreal movers won't transport hazardous materials like bleach concentrates, ammonia, or aerosol cans, so check with your moving company about their policy.

For products you can't move, don't pour them down the drain. Bring hazardous household chemicals to your nearest Montreal écocentre — locations include Saint-Laurent, LaSalle, Côte-des-Neiges, and Rivière-des-Prairies. They accept paint, solvents, pesticides, and other household chemicals free of charge.

How to Pack Cleaning Supplies Safely

For products you're keeping, start by tightening every cap and lid. Then wrap each bottle or container in a plastic bag — a simple grocery bag works — and tie it shut. This contains any leaks and prevents one bottle from contaminating your entire box. Pack bottles upright in a small, sturdy box lined with a garbage bag as an extra layer of protection.

Never mix different chemical products in the same sealed bag. Keep bleach-based products separate from ammonia-based ones — even their fumes can be dangerous when combined. Group similar products together: all-purpose cleaners in one bag, bathroom products in another.

Transport and Arrival Tips

Keep your box of cleaning supplies in your car, not in the moving truck where temperatures can fluctuate and boxes may tip over. When you arrive at your new Montreal apartment, this is one of the first boxes to unpack — you'll want cleaning supplies handy to wipe down kitchen shelves and bathroom surfaces before unpacking dishes and toiletries. A clean start in your new home makes the whole unpacking process more pleasant.