Europa Movers Toronto

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Toronto, ON M8W 4W5
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Toronto Moving Tips: Tips for Residential Downsizing

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One of the most challenging moves is downsizing from a house to an apartment in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada. Although it may seem like there is less to do, because you have less items to pack and move, and may seem that the moving costs should be lower.

On the contrary, the downsizing process is actually longer than any other regular house-to-house or apartment-to-apartment move in Toronto.

House Moving and Home Downsizing Tips - Movers Toronto

We prepared some tips below to help you downsize your Toronto home in the most efficient way.

Steps to Prepare for Downsizing

Downsizing can be quite a challenge if you don’t know where to start from, and here’s the list to guide you step by step through this process:

  1. Declutter. Begin downsizing your Toronto home by removing all the clutter and garbage that you may have inside your house. Throw away all the unnecessary items such as like broken electronics, tools which are no longer working, old fashioned clothes you’re never going to wear again, broken hoses in the garden, etc.
  2. Check your attic, basement, garage and garden. The easiest way to continue downsizing is going through the least used rooms and premises in your house. In such areas of the house it is easy to store things you don’t want or need anymore.
  3. Clean up your car. If you have a habit of hoarding things, you may have been leaving stuff in your car as well. Remember to check under the seats and in the trunk.

Steps to Downsizing Your House

How do you actually decide what is worth taking to your new home and why? These ideas will help you make a good decision.

  1. Can you use it at all? There may be items in your house that are broken, torn, or worn out and are no longer serving you. So, how about just tossing them away? When downsizing from a house to an apartment in Toronto, this is the easiest decision to make – throwing away items that are actually useless.
  2. Is it old fashioned? If you really care about fashion, then this is an important decision to make. Do you have items that are out of fashion like clothes, shoes and accessories? If you haven’t worn it for the last two years, chances are you may never wear it again.
  3. Is it of emotional value to you? There are items that are dear to us which hold an emotional value, like gifts from people we love. Those could be also souvenirs and even practical items like clothes. If you really care about those items, pack them up and take them to your new home.
  4. Do you really need it? There are some things that we actually need and some – that only fill in the space in the shelves, drawers and racks in our home and collect dust. You don’t need to pay Toronto movers extra to move all that!
    Also, think if you have room for it. It is important to take measures of your future house and decide what will and what will not fit in it.
  5. What do you do with the items that are in good condition and can be used but you have decided not to take with you? You can organize a moving sale and sell whatever you can. Or, you can separate kids’ clothes and shoes and toys, and donate them to an orphanage.

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

Toronto Moving Tips: How to Move Your Musical Instruments Safely

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Every instrument is different in shape and size, material and handling, and it can be difficult to provide specific guidance when each instrument requires its own set of guidelines for moving safely. In this blog post we will provide some general tips and best practices to help you move your instruments without damaging them, when moving to or from Toronto, ON or across Canada.

Tips for Moving Musical Instruments - Toronto Movers


Pack Your Instruments In Proper Boxes

This might seem obvious, but proper boxes are the greatest resource you have in protecting your instruments. And if you kept the original boxes your instrument came in, then this will go a long way in making sure they are packed and secured safely for the big move.

If you no longer have your original boxes, try asking at your local instrument stores – you may be able to purchase boxes from there (and if you’re lucky, they might just give them to you for free!). And in some cases, especially for percussion instruments, it might be worth investing in some properly sized hard cases, to transport your instruments without damage.

Use an Appropriate Amount of Padding

Insert as much padding as possible around the edges of your instrument, as it will prevent any scratches or dents should they accidentally get moved around during the process. Put an emphasis on the sharper edges or corners of your instrument, as this is where breakage usually occurs during the moving process. Instruments are almost always hollow in parts, so there are often spaces where you can stuff more padding (you can use clothes, pillowcases or any other soft material).

During and After Moving Your Instruments 

If you are transporting your instruments via airlines, make sure to contact the airline company first and find out about their services for moving instruments. Some airlines are more accommodating than others, but be prepared to pay extra to bring your instruments in your carry-on luggage.

If you are flying with a stringed instrument, make sure that all of the strings are loosened before flight, as changes in temperature and air pressure can tighten the strings and cause the ‘headstock’ of stringed instruments to occasionally break off because of tightness. When you arrive at your destination with your instrument, try to refrain from playing it for 24 hours, to let it acclimatize to the new atmosphere and temperature of your new home.

As Always, Planning Is Key!

Research Toronto moving companies and their policies for moving instruments, as some Toronto movers might offer specific services that cater to moving instruments. Planning to move your musical instrument can be stressful, but will help you become aware of the necessary protocol.

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

Tips for Choosing The Right Toronto Moving Company For You

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Moving companies in Toronto vary as they provide different services in different locations for different types of clients.

How to Choose Toronto Moving Company - Movers Toronto

Moving time is usually stressful for most people, and it takes a lot of trust to put your belongings in the hands of strangers.

We prepared some tips below to help you choose the right Toronto moving company for your relocation.

1. Does a Toronto moving company serve an area of your new location?

One of the first questions you’ll need to ask is whether a moving company in Toronto serves the area you are moving to.

If it only serves the area around a certain city and you intend to move long distance across Canada or out of the country, then this obviously won’t work for you.

2. Does a Toronto moving company provide quality moving boxes?

Many Toronto moving companies offer traditional cardboard moving boxes that often collapse under heavy weight, don’t stack effectively, can get soaked and have to be thrown out after a single use.

Companies such as Frogbox provide plastic, reusable moving boxes that stackable and waterproof, extremely useful for the moving process, and also environmentally friendly. If you want to ensure that your items are moved safely, it is worth considering a moving company in Toronto that provides better quality moving boxes.

3. Do they provide a ‘full moving service’?

If you, like many other people hiring a Toronto moving company, have a family with multiple school and work obligations, it can be difficult to coordinate all aspects of a move.

One of the best ways to ensure that the whole process is taken care of is to to hire ‘full service’ Toronto movers.

Make sure that Toronto moving company you are thinking of offers full service moving before you confirm your booking with them.

4. Do they have a good reputation?

As a client, you should never settle for a moving service in Toronto that has a reputation for poor quality of service. Depending on your location, you are going to want to weigh up your options and single out the solution that’s right for your unique situation.

Good Toronto moving companies will accommodate whatever your situation is. Enough research and preparation can greatly increase the chances that you will have a good experience more often than not, and the decision is in your hands.

 

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

Toronto Moving Tips: How to Conduct a House Inspection

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Buying a house in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada is a serious decision of any prospective homeowner, and that’s why many buyers will weigh up their options few times to ensure that they are getting the most value for their money. Hiring a professional Toronto house inspector is a wise decision, considering the size of one’s investment. However, it won’t hurt to try and do some of the work yourself.

Toronto House Inspection Tips - Movers Toronto

With the correct preparation, you can conduct your own Toronto house inspection and make an informed decision on your big purchase. We prepared some useful tips below to help you.

Check for Any Roof Problems

One of the most important areas of a proper Toronto house inspection is the roof. Roof condition can affect many other parts of the house, and can cause leaks which can be an endless money-pit. Make sure to get up-to-date information on the roof condition and maintenance from the seller to make an educated decision.

Inspect the Plumbing

This means testing all the taps and faucets, checking water pressure and keeping a sharp eye out for stains on the walls. Often liquid stains on walls mean leaky pipes, and this can cost you a lot of time and money to repair.

Check for Hazards

This is rather a general tip, but ensure that as you walk around a prospective home in Toronto – you take note of any potential hazards. Hazards can come in many forms, so make sure to check for any and all kinds. Examples of potential hazards might be: broken branches on old trees next to the house, or large single pane windows on the upper levels of the house. These checks are of extra importance, especially if a child will be living in the house.

Check for Rotting Wood

This is a fairly common condition and can be found in most older houses. This is an easier part of house inspection by potential buyers as you don’t have to be trained to spot the rotting. Note that many sellers will try to coat rotting wood with some paint, so make sure to be thorough in your assessment.

Check Mobile / Internet Connectivity

One way to test the signal in your prospective place is to make calls and visit some of your favourite websites using your phone. If the signal is non existent, and you are a tech-savvy family, it might be worth reconsidering the location of your new home.

The tips above are designed to be a starter guide for any Toronto house buyers that don’t have the expertise to conduct an official inspection, and can not replace an official house inspection from a trained professional.

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

 

How to Prepare your Pet for a Long Distance Move from Toronto, ON

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Moving a live animal long distances to or from Toronto, or elsewhere in Canada can present various challenges.

In this blog post we’ll give you some tips to help you prepare for moving your pet safely and comfortably anywhere in Canada.

Toronto Moving Company - Pet Moving Tips


Microchip your pet

This is a great way to track the location of your pet, should they go missing for any reason during your relocation. Make sure to arrange to microchip your pet at least 2 weeks before your move so there’s enough time to register a second contact, as this could make the difference in keeping track of your beloved pet.

Familiarize your pet with its crate

One extra way to help your pet’s feel better during the move is to allow them to spend time in the crate prior to moving day. We recommend doing this well in advance so that your pet has enough time to adapt to their new environment.

Another good way to make them feel comfortable is to associate their new crate with some reward i.e. let them eat and sleep in the crate. For most pets travelling by airlines, a properly sized crate will be necessary. It is important that you purchase a crate that is sturdy and has enough space for your pet to be comfortable during the journey.

Let your pet exercise

One good way to make sure that your pet feels comfortable in their crate is to provide them with a sufficient amount of exercise before your moving date.

Consider increasing the length of your pet’s walks from the usual time prior to the move so that they feel quite tired during the move. Not only will this prevent your pet from getting antsy and wanting to escape, it will also significantly reduce their stress levels during the moving process.

Pack accordingly

Depending on what kind of transport your pet will be taken by to your new home, there will be different amounts of pet accessories you are allowed to take.

However, it’s always important to pack as much as you can, as well as extras of everything your pet may need during the move, such as any medication they may need to take, food, toys to keep them entertained, litter bags, leashes and grooming equipment.

Preparing your pet for a move is always going to be a challenging process, but if you do your research, take every precaution you can. That way there won’t be a reason why your pet won’t reach your new home safely and happily.

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

Great Places for Visiting and Living in Western Canada

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Moving to or from Toronto, ON across a big country like Canada can be a challenging task, just because there is so much distance between where you currently are and where you will likely be moving to. However, this shouldn’t deter you from considering a big transition such as a cross-country move to Western Canada.

Moving Across Canada - Moving to Western Canada

It is very important to scope out your new potential places of residence in Western Canada, and to take in as much of the area as possible while you are visiting it.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the best places to visit and live in Western Canada. Hopefully after visiting those places, you will feel more comfortable to make a decision that could change your life for the better.

  • Vancouver, BC – As the most populous city in Western Canada, Vancouver is a must-see when visiting British Columbia.The city is linguistically and ethnically diverse, and is one of the few cities in North America which has direct access to both the mountains and the ocean. Vancouver’s unique location and mild climate means that there is a host of activities that anyone can get involved with, no matter what time of year it is.
  • Whistler, BC – As one of the best ski resorts in the world and a host of the 2010 Winter Olympic games, Whistler is a great place for staying with family.Not only does it offer far more than skiing and snowboarding in the winter, there is a plenty of activities to get involved in during the summer months, from swimming in lakes to world class mountain biking and ziplining through the forest. If you are spending some time or living in BC, Whistler is the “perfect getaway” place.
  • Calgary, AB – Calgary is a city in the province of Alberta. It is situated at the confluence of the Bow River and the Elbow River in the south of the province, in an area of foothills and prairie, about 80 km (50 mi) east of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies.Calgary is a city where you can explore the magic of the Canadian Rockies by day and be back in time for dinner. Calgary’s cultural scene is rich in its spectrum of arts and performing arts and city is proud of its ever-evolving culinary scene.
  • Edmonton, AB – Edmonton is the capital of Alberta, Canada. Edmonton is located on the North Saskatchewan River and is the centre of the Edmonton Capital Region, which is surrounded by Alberta’s central region.Alberta’s capital city is always celebrating something, from arts and culture to food and wine, dragon boats, winter and even accordions. There’s more than 60 festivals to choose from, year round.

These were just a few of the fantastic cities that can be visited and considered for relocation in Western Canada, but there are numerous other attractions to discover in this great region, including Banff, Kelowna, Penticton, Kootenays etc. And if you are considering moving to Western Canada, it’s a great idea to visit some cities first, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed. You are welcome to check out our Viktoria Movers Vancouver and Viktoria Movers Calgarybranches’ Blogs for more tips on moving to Western Canada.

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

 

Some Hidden Costs of Moving to or from Toronto, ON

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We have covered a variety of different topics and issues associated with moving houses in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada, but one topic we have yet to discuss is the unexpected monetary costs that can be associated with a house move.

Budgeting for a move can be a challenge for many people and the idea of ‘saving up’ to afford to move houses in Toronto, ON certainly seems like a strange idea, but as you’ll see later in this post, it can be a good idea to avoid going into some unwanted debt on your moving day.

House Moving and Home Downsizing Tips - Movers Toronto

Depending on what type of moving situation you are in, there will be different types of expenses. We never seem to factor these costs into the moving process, so in this post we will truly assess how much money you should have ready when planning a house move in Toronto.

1. The first thing to consider is transportation costs. Whether you are planning to hire professional Toronto movers or load up a van by yourself, you will inevitably have to spend some money on transportation.

Many moving van rental companies in Toronto include extra costs depending on how far you are moving, not to mention a stipulation that you must refill the truck with gas upon its return.

On the other hand, a Toronto moving service will generally cost you more than hiring a moving truck yourself, but with Toronto moving companies that value excellent customer service, you can trust that your items will arrive safely and in good time. This way you don’t have to deal with the added stress of planning your move around van availability etc.

2. Destination. Depending on where you are moving to in Toronto, there may be a number of extra costs associated with moving houses that are not necessarily related to transportation.

For instance, if you are planning on renting your new digs, there will almost always be some kind of security deposit required, but for certain managed apartment buildings there are likely to be extra charges such as move in fees, FOB rentals, parking spot fees and move-in damage deposits.

3. In addition to all these preliminary moving costs, it is likely that there will be some secondary costs associated with moving that you may not have taken into account. For instance, people are often either upsizing or downsizing when houses, so either buying new furniture to fill out certain spaces, or disposing of old furniture that won’t fit in your new space is likely to cost you more money.

While some people will make the necessary plans for these kinds of extra expenses, most people will not budget effectively to take into account all of these factors.

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

 

Toronto Moving Tips: Moving to a Snowy Climate in Canada

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If you are planning to move to Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada, you should be aware that it is very diverse in its landscape and climate, and sometimes, depending on your location, the weather can be extremely snowy to say the least. This can create numerous problems for people who are used to one specific climate.

Toronto Moving Tips - Moving to Snowy Climate

In this blog post we will cover some challenges that moving to a snowy climate in Canada can bring to you, and some tips to help make the transition for you and your family easier.

1. Be ready to drive more – One of the biggest changes to people’s lives when they move to a snowy, cold climate in Canada is the amount of driving that they will need to do.

Getting to places can become quite stressful and take a long time if one has to rely on public transportation, so be ready to invest in a capable vehicle and to spend significantly more on gas.

2. Change your driving habits – Driving in snowy climates can be very different from driving in dry ones. The good news is you’ll get used to your new roads quickly, out of necessity. However, it is still useful to re-evaluate your driving habits, as unexpected problems can occur when getting used to a new climate in Canada. Do your research, and remember that safety is of the utmost importance.

3. Invest in some appropriate clothing – If you are moving to a cold climate in Canada, chances are the winters will be long and cold, so it is absolutely necessary to invest in appropriate clothing for the cold season.

Depending on how cold the area gets, you may need some heavy-duty jackets. Although for most snowy climates, it will be a good idea to simply pick up a high quality jacket, scarves and a pair of gloves.

4. Be prepared for some inconveniences – Aside from the standard clothing and driving challenges, there might be other challenges that arise when you move to your new location.

For example, going places will generally take longer, so it is important to plan accordingly.

Also, power outages will be generally more frequent due to changing weather, so it is worth keeping some alternative forms of entertainment around the house for your kids, and making sure you have plenty of non-perishable food around for those outages.

5. Try to stay active – Staying active when it’s cold outside can be challenging. You can’t exactly just step out of your front door, as you may have been able to do in your old location. But it is extremely important to find ways to get your fix.

You can join a gym, go for walks in a mall or try and take up some winter sports. Not only will these things keep you from gaining a few pounds, but will also help keep the winter blues away.

Try to be open to new experiences, and try to take advantage of activities that can only be done in your new climate.

Above are just a few tips to make your transition easier, but there will be numerous other challenges that you never expected when moving to your new location in Canada.

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

Useful Tips for Moving Your Plants in Toronto, ON

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We prepared some tips to ensure that when you move your plants to or from Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada, they arrive at your new home safely, and that you don’t lose those great memories associated with your old home:

• Move at the right time – Try and move your plants either at the start or end of the summer, as the dryness can often stress plants and make re-planting them very difficult.

Dry summers aren’t usually too common in Canada, but it might not be worth taking the risk, so planning your move for the spring or autumn is a good idea.

Moving with Plants in Toronto - Toronto Plants Moving

• Do some research – There are often unique problems that arise when moving plants, mainly due to their status as living things. Firstly, check with your Toronto movers as to whether they can assist with moving your plants, some Toronto movers don’t have policies that allow for this. Secondly, be aware of long distance/cross country moves, as moving plants across international borders can be tricky and there are often strict regulations that can make this a tough process.

• Move smaller plants by yourself – For small house plants – we recommend moving them in your car. Not only will it reduce the stress of wondering whether your Toronto moving company will treat the plants correctly, but you can also watch and maintain them more closely.

• Prepare for outdoor plants – It’s important to plan carefully, especially when moving outdoor plants. Try to prepare the planting site before you arrive, so that as soon as you get there you can plant your favourite tree.

Also, bring along some water to keep the roots moist during the trip.

• Observe the changes – There’s nothing worse than arriving at a new garden and finding that it doesn’t fit the needs of your plants. Make sure to observe the soil quality and use plenty of plant food and water to help them adjust. Also observe the new climate, certain plants may not fair well in certain temperatures.

Finally, we recommend observing the air quality in your new home’s area.

• Damage Control – There’s a variety of steps you can take to maintain the general health of the plants prior to the move.

Firstly, you can trim back any foliage that you think may interfere with the moving process and risk snagging the plant. You can also tie back any crucial branches or leaves that stick out to further prevent snagging or branches breaking. Finally, it’s a good idea to treat your plants for pests and diseases before moving, this will help you start your new garden without any worries of infecting other plants.

So, there’s many factors you’ll need to consider when moving your plants. And if the tips above are followed carefully, moving your plants should be a breeze.

 

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

Checklist for Day Before Moving in Toronto ON

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When you get closer to the day before your moving in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada, you’ll probably have had your share of checklists: items to pack, items not to pack, things to do 12 weeks before move etc.

How to Prepare Moving Checklist - Movers Toronto

While the most important moving checklist is your Moving Day Checklist, your Day Before Moving Checklist is also quite important. Without it, you’re likely to wake up on your moving day in panic with all that has to be done. But with a day before list full of check marks, you’ll spring out of bed ready to take on your move!

Prepare your Day Before Moving Checklist based on your move’s specifics and include anything you haven’t yet gotten around to. And you may want to consider these additions:

  • Remove pictures, mirrors and wall hangings from the walls.
  • Build your Do Not Pack pile, putting suitcases and things you’ll be taking with you, in a corner clearly marked for movers and packers to steer clear of.
  • Create a folder or a binder to keep your household inventory, checklists (including this one), and all other important papers.
  • Contact your moving company to check, double check and triple check that everyone is on schedule.
  • Secure cash, jewelry and valuables and put it with your belongings you’ll be taking with you.
  • Return any cable boxes, modems or other leased electronics equipment.
  • Do last-minute banking. Get cash for movers’ tips and emergency needs.
  • Return anything borrowed – including library books – and pick up anything left hanging out there – including dry cleaning.
  • If someone is taking care of your children or pets during the move, check in with them and be sure all details are set.
  • Back up your computer. Charge your laptop, phone and other devices. And while you’re at it, be sure your chargers don’t get packed.
  • Dispose of all perishable food, opened containers, and anything that could leak. If you’re putting garbage out to the curb for pick-up, make arrangements for a neighbor to retrieve the cans.
  • If you’re taking liquids with you, put them in tightly sealed plastic bags or containers.
  • Remove light bulbs from lamps and lights that will be packed and moved.
  • Drain hoses and anything that might be filled with water.

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.