Europa Movers Toronto

6-24 The East Mall,
Toronto, ON M8W 4W5
416-604-9904

Packing Tips for Toronto Residential Moves

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At Europa Movers Toronto, our residential moving services can include full-service packing services and packing supplies, but if you still choose to do most of the packing yourself – below are some useful tips to help you pack your belongings, especially fragile or highly valuable ones to prevent in-transit accidents.

Toronto Packing Tips - Movers Toronto

  1. Add Some Extra Padding – Even short distance moving, to or from Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada, has its share of risks, due to bumpy roads and sudden stops. So feel free to add extra padding! Bubble wrap and newspaper are the common favourites, but don’t forget unconventional alternatives, such as sweaters, scarves, blankets and even socks.
  2. Plates and Dishes – If you discover a few broken plates and dishes during your unpacking – it’s usually due to truck vibrations. To prevent that, pack them individually on their sides, just like in a dishwasher! Make sure their edges are securely wrapped with bubble wrap with little room to move around.
  3. Fragile Objects – We mentioned plates and dishes above, but keep in mind that jugs, glasses and the like should be packed separately with their cavities filled. You can use socks for this. Be sure to pack your dishes in large boxes with pillows or blankets to absorb the vibrations.
  4. Lamps – A tricky item, but it might just fit in the drawers in the dresser! Wrap the base in a towel, and disassemble if possible. The furniture might be unstable, and the towels provide great buffering going around tight corners, and the shades can be boxed.
  5. Electronics – Most Toronto residential movers usually advise electronics to be packed in their original boxes – but chances are they’ve been thrown out long ago. You can wrap each component separately, then secure the main items (DVD player etc) with some bubble wrap, set it into the centre of a box walled by a blanket. Add the smaller components on top, wrapped in extra padding.
  6. Mirrors and Paintings – It’s best to get a frame box for any large mirrors or valuable paintings. Most residential moving services will offer them, but be sure to fill the space between the mirror and the box walls. A blanket or sweater is great for this.
  7. Antique Furniture – To protect valuable antique furniture, you can wrap a thick winter blanket around the main body. The material won’t tear during transit, but be sure to wipe surfaces clean first so no small particles can cause damage under the padding. Smaller kitchen towels and sweaters can be used around the legs.

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.

 

Why Use Plastic Moving Bins for Moving in Toronto

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While being an environmentally friendly alternative to cardboard products, plastic moving bins also carry the benefits of convenience, protection, efficiency and reduced cost.

Renting plastic moving bins means eliminating the need to assemble or break down cardboard boxes, bringing significant time savings before and after your move in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada.

Plastic Moving Bins Toronto - Plastic Moving Boxes Toronto

Our moving bins are made of high grade plastic, so they are durable enough to withstand pressure while keeping your belongings safe. Plastic moving bins also stack well as they were designed specifically for that, meaning the potential for damage is eliminated. Our moving bins come with a free delivery and pick-up, which can be arranged at a time convenient for you.

One thing most people don’t consider is how much effort the process of packing a moving truck requires. Stacking moving boxes safely while maximizing the use of space takes thought, care, and some planning. For this reason our professional Toronto movers work with plastic moving bins and are typically able to reduce your overall move time significantly.

And let’s not forget the environmental impact and sustainability that these eco-friendly plastic moving bins provide. By helping to reduce the production and consumption of paper products, not only are you making a smart choice for your moving day, but also helping to save the environment.

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.

Helpful Moving Checklist for Moving to or from Toronto

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Are you planning your move in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada? We prepared this helpful moving checklist to save you some time and effort.

1 to 2 months before your moving:

  • Contact Europa Movers Toronto for a free in-home moving estimate
  • Get packing supplies if you are packing yourself
  • Make any necessary travel arrangements
  • Organize a garage sale
  • Get medical and dental records and ask your doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions
  • Transfer your memberships and fill out change of address forms
  • Record serial numbers of electronic equipment
  • Start a moving expenses log, as some of your expenses may be tax deductible

2 to 4 weeks before your moving:

  • Book the service elevator if moving from an apartment building
  • Transfer your newspaper and magazine subscriptions to your new address in Toronto or elsewhere in Canada or discontinue delivery
  • Switch utility services to your new address – inform telephone, cable, hydro companies of your relocation
  • Confirm travel reservations if necessary
  • Check the contents of your safe-deposit box. Pack and carry all valuables such as jewelry, insurance policies, legal documents and important collections with you
  • Clean or arrange for a cleaning service to clean your home
  • Prepare your children for the move by encouraging them to prepare their own special box with toys, games and snacks for the trip
  • Start packing (if you are packing yourself)
  • Number all of your boxes, label each box according to its contents, specially mark fragile contents and keep an inventory list

A few days before moving:

  • Collect house keys and arrange to leave them with the new owners, your real estate agent or landlord
  • Disconnect your appliances
  • Double check all closets, shelves, your garage, etc. to be sure they are empty
  • Finish your packing

On the moving day:

  • Make sure your Toronto moving company have all your destination details, exchange phone numbers and have your cell phone with you in case you need to contact your movers, etc.
  • Walk through your home with the crew to survey the work to be done and make sure your instructions/wishes are clearly understood
  • Make sure you shut off all appliances
  • Assist your Toronto moving company by ensuring that items are delivered to the correct room
  • Carry all important documents, currency and jewelry yourself
  • Complete a last minute check of all rooms and closets

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.

Think Twice When Asking Your Friends to Help You Move in Toronto

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The success of relocating in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada is usually defined as getting all your belongings from your previous residence into your new home in a one day time-frame, without damage to your belongings or either property. And the contrast between asking your friends to help you move vs. hiring professional Toronto movers is like night and day.

Damage is the most common and expected result when organizing your own move, and if you are not comfortable with your items or your home being damaged, this is not the route to take. Our professional Toronto movers are trained experts in techniques specific to every piece of furniture they encounter (and every environment), and that level of expertise comes only after several years in the industry. Not knowing the proper techniques and the correct angles to use when lifting items and furniture pieces through tight spaces – such as stairways and door frames – usually results in a lot of wasted time with trial and error as well. If damaging your furniture or your home is a concern, you should never move yourself.

As for the budget – moving yourself is far from cost-prohibitive. Your major expense will be renting a moving truck and any equipment necessary to aid in the move. When done properly, completing a move in Toronto or elsewhere in Canada requires not only a truck but several moving dollies, 80-100 professional-grade moving blankets, tie down straps, shrink-wrap, mattress covers, wardrobe boxes, and tools, all of which will need to be purchased or rented.

Although having your friends and family there to help may sound like a great idea, they are also far from a “free” labour force. Aside from the implied obligation to provide food and refreshments during the process, most people will also feel compelled to entertain the people who are helping out during the process and provide dinner (and possibly drinks) afterward.

Add up all of these factors with the financial cost related to repairing damages, and moving with the help of your friends is not as cheap as you thought!

As a conclusion – your time, money, and energy are all very valuable, and hiring professional Toronto movers often saves you all three.

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.

Relocation to Western Canada: Great Places for Living

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Canada is a vast country with a seemingly infinite number of beautiful sights and places to visit and reside. This is why it’s incredibly important to scope out your new potential places of residence, and to take in as much of the area as possible while you are visiting it. In this blog post, we’ll talk about some of the best places to visit and live in Western Canada, and hopefully after visiting those places, you will feel more comfortable to make a decision that could change your life for the better.

  • Vancouver – 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 – As one of the best ski resorts in the world and a host of the 2010 Winter Olympic games, Whistler is a fantastic 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 – 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 – 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.

Those are 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.

If you are considering relocating to Western Canada, it’s a great idea to visit some cities first, and we’re sure you won’t be disappointed. You are welcome to check out Viktoria Movers Vancouver and Viktoria Movers Calgary Blogs for more tips on moving to Western Canada.

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to your residential or commercial moving needs to and from the GTA and Metro Toronto area.

Some Additional Costs of Moving a House

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We have touched on a variety of different challenges associated with moving, but one topic we are yet to discuss is the additional monetary costs that can be associated with a house move. Budgeting for a move can be a challenge for some and the idea of ‘saving up’ to afford to move houses certainly seems like a strange idea, but it can be helpful to avoid some unwanted debt on your moving day.

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. Depending on what type of moving situation you are in, there will be different types of expenses.

1. Consider your transportation costs. Whether you are planning to hire a moving service or load up a van by yourself, you will still need to spend some money on transportation. Well, many moving van rental companies include extra costs depending on how far you are moving, not to mention that you must refill the truck with gas upon its return. Although a moving service will generally cost you more than hiring a moving truck yourself, 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, there may be some extra costs associated with moving houses that are not related to transportation.

For instance, if you will be renting your new place, there will almost always be some kind of security deposit required. And 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 the preliminary moving costs above, there might be some secondary costs 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.

Although 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 your residential or commercial moving needs to and from the GTA and Metro Toronto area.

Tips for your Move to a Snowy Climate

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Say you are moving to Canada. Be aware that it is very diverse in its landscape and climate, and sometimes, depending on your location, the weather can be extreme to say the least.

This can create numerous problems for people who are used to one specific climate.

In this blog post we will focus on changes that moving to a snowy climate can bring to your life, and some tips to help make your transition easier.

1. Be ready to drive – One of the most drastic changes to people’s lives when they move to a snowy, cold climate 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 dry climates can be very different from driving in snowy 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. Do your research, and remember that safety is of the utmost importance.

3. Invest in appropriate clothing – If you are moving to a cold climate, chances are the winters will be long and cold; this is why it is absolutely necessary to invest in appropriate clothing for the 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 inconveniences, 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 long 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.

These 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.

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to your residential or commercial moving needs to and from the GTA and Metro Toronto area.

 

Tips for Moving a Car During your Long Distance Move

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If you are moving within a city, moving your car is hardly going to be an issue. But when it comes to long distance moving, the situation is very different. While a local or short distance move presents a no-brainer ‘drive-it-yourself’ solution, a move that takes you hundreds or thousands of miles away is a bit more complicated. But you’ve got some options.

We’ve developed a short list of the best answers and here is a shortlist of 5 of them.

5 Options To Consider When Moving Your Car:

  1. Drive it Yourself – For most people, this is exactly how they do it, combining a move across country with a fun road trip. It’s ideal when your new location is not very far away and you can make the journey in a day or two. But crossing the continent can take several days, and you may not have the time to do it. So, think hard about the pros and cons, but there is little doubt that driving your car yourself is the option with the least hassle involved.
  2. Turn to a Driveaway Service – It’s arguably the least commonly considered option, but it is a practical one. You give your car to a driveaway service, tell them where and when you want it delivered, and they match it with an individual looking for transportation to the same city. It’s kind of like a car rental company where you donate the car! Don’t worry, your vehicle is covered by the company’s insurance, and with drivers leaving a fairly heavy deposit as well as ID, you’ve got a good margin of safety built-in.
  3. Let Your Moving Company Move It – This depends on the size of your car, but you may be able to load your car onto the moving truck you’re already using. It’s a viable option when you need more than one truck, with the second not completely full. Just keep in mind the cost since your long distance moving service is charged by weight and distance, rather than by the hour. Ask your moving coordinator how they can accommodate you.
  4. Hire a Professional Vehicle Moving Service – There are car shippers around that will load your vehicle on a carrier, along with several others, and drive them to your new city. In some cases, they load it onto a freight train, minimizing the time needed. Obviously, moving your car this way is going to cost a good few extra dollars, but there are some positives:
    • You car is covered by the transportation company’s insurance, at least while in transit (check the particulars first)
    • You can rest easy your car will be delivered without a scratch
    • Your car’s mileage doesn’t increase
    • Wear and tear is avoided

    If you do choose this option, get a quote and check the details before committing yourself. They will need to know the drop-off point, but not all will deliver to your door. You may have to pick your vehicle up at a designated lot, and a storage fee may be charged if there’s a number of days between arriving and you picking it up.

  5. Don’t Move It, Just Sell It – Finally, sell your car instead of moving your car. Bear in mind that not all provinces in Canada share the same vehicle emissions testing laws, so a vehicle that’s deemed be fine in New Brunswick might not be okay in British Columbia. The same issues need to be considered when moving to the US, making selling up and buying a new car a logical decision. Check out the different laws in the AAA/CAA website.

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to your residential or commercial moving needs to and from the GTA and Metro Toronto area.

Tips: How to Downsize from a House to a Condo in Toronto

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Thinking about moving from your house to a condo in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada? Even after condo fees, you’ll probably come out ahead financially due to savings on utilities, property taxes and other maintenance costs.

Of course, thoughts of going through a lifetime of treasures may be your biggest challenge and may cause you headache and stress before it all begins but don’t fear. Here are some planning tips to consider to make the process of your your residential move a little easier:

  1. Start with a List – Make a list of all the belongings that you can’t live without, i.e.: bed, couch, side table, lamps, TV etc. You probably have doubles of most things hiding in the basement like DVD player, TV, couches. This will make parting with the other items easier and will help with the purge.
  2. Fit to Measure – Will your furniture fit in your new place? Make sure to get a copy of the floor plan and take measurements of your furniture in advance. What fits in your home now might be an eyesore in your new unit.
  3. Declutter – Remember less is more! This will be a fairly time consuming project, and an emotional one at that. Don’t overwhelm yourself and plan a few months in advance. Choose a room per day/week and make it your priority to go through every nook and cranny. Don’t forget the attic and that hidden room in the basement!
  4. Purge – How much should you purge? If you use it regularly then it is a keeper. Ask yourself these questions as you go through the process:
    • Do I really need this?
    • Is this sentimental to me?
    • How many of these do I have?
    • Have I used/worn this in the past six months or a year?
    • Am I keeping this for someone else?

    Give yourself a quota – you’re allowed to keep only so many sentimental items, the rest must be donated or given away. This forces you to be more disciplined when going through your belongings and puts a limit on how fast you accumulate “stuff” over the long term.

    This would also be a great time to call the children and let them know it is time for them to claim their old keepsakes from their rooms.

  5. Recycle, Sell or Donate – Don’t throw it away, think about the environment and what you will be saving from our dumps. Clothing, books, sheets and blankets are always accepted at most Shelters or Good Will. Furniture, tools or accessories are accepted at most Habitat Centers. The garage will have lots that you can purge. Garden tools, ladder, lawn mower, rakes, and shovels can be sold or donated. Make separate boxes for Recycle, Sell and Donate, you might be surprised how much you can clear out. Challenge yourself, once placed in the box you are not allowed to pull back out. Your trash might be someone else’s treasure.
  6. Label EVERYTHING!  Once you have decided what is for keeps, you can start packing it away. When packing up boxes months before a move, you will never remember where you put that favourite vase that aunt Martha bought you. Write detailed item lists on the boxes and colour code the boxes for each room. Trust me, this will save you time and frustration.
  7. Storage Space – After packing it all up, you realize you still have more than you thought. It isn’t easy to let go of sentimental items and memories that are attached to them. You might want to consider renting a Toronto storage unit. Whether is it short or long-term, think of a storage unit as a temporary off site extension of your home.

About Europa Moving & Storage Toronto

Europa Moving & Storage Toronto is a professional moving and storage company operating out of Toronto, ON, providing high quality local and long distance moving services throughout Toronto, GTA, Ontario and across Canada. Thanks to our country-wide network we are also able to service our clients’ long distance moving needs throughout Canada.

Call Europa Moving & Storage Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to your residential or office moving needs to and from the GTA and Metro Toronto area.

Long Distance Moving and Storage Services

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In many people’s eyes, the concepts of storage and moving homes are quite separate. One is all about keeping things together in one place, while the other one is all about transporting things to another place. In fact, frequently they are both essential components in the overall moving project – especially long distance moving projects.

And for many homeowners looking to move from Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada, there can be some tough decisions involved. For example, not everything can be moved at the same time. And even when they can, the distance that needs to be covered can be too far for a non-stop journey to be practical.

A lot, therefore, depends on your destination and the schedule you have. There’s a lot of aspects that need attention when moving, and storage offers a little flexibility when the move is over long distances taking more than a day.

So what situations could come up that necessitate the use of Toronto storage facilities as part of your move? As some of the top movers in Canada, we happen to have experience in this area!

Reasons You’ll Need Toronto Storage Services

Storage can sometimes be a useful option for local moves in Toronto, but when moving very long distances, it becomes necessary because of the health and safety regulations that prevent drivers from staying on the road too long. Still, the 3 most common reasons for using Toronto storage facilities during a move are:

    1. Store to Wait – Generally speaking, whatever you pack will be unpacked at your new home. But there may be some question marks over the space available until you see it for yourself. Your new home may be smaller, so you’re not sure if there will be room for your extensive personal library. Or maybe permanent fixtures in your living room mean the interior dimensions will not accommodate your present suite of furniture. You may even have purchased or received items a day or two before your move date, and need to store them somewhere before including them in your consignment. In these cases, you may want to store some of your possessions away until you know for sure, and have found a place for them. Once that’s worked out, you can send for them.
    2. Store to Declutter – Sometimes you already know what items are not coming with you on your move, but you have not made a decision yet on how to dispose of them. Perhaps a family member wants your couch, but can’t collect it for a few days. Or maybe you want to sell off your old golf clubs, gym machines and other hobby related items, but it may be necessary to keep them in storage for a day or two before getting rid of them in a weekend market or yard sale. Often, homeowners looking to sell will store some possessions to ensure their home is uncluttered and more attractive to buyers. The storage period can range from a couple of days while the property is open for viewings, or it can be for several weeks if the seller prefers. Whatever the cost, however, it can be a minor outlay for a successful sale.
    3. Overnight Storage – The most common reason for requiring storage services is that the long-haul journey is going to take several days. This is pretty logical when you consider the timetable adhered to by long distance moving services. While you might opt to make your own way (whether by car, train or plane), with Toronto moving company taking your possessions independently, long hours on the road means that at least one overnight stop is needed. Having your possessions locked away in a storage facility is a lot better than parking overnight on the street or a truck rest, as getting your things to their new home safely is the priority.

Usually, because these stop-overs are agreed in advance as part of the transportation itinerary, the cost of overnight Toronto storage facilities is included in the fees for the move. But it’s important to always ask about this and not to simply assume it.

About Europa Moving & Storage Toronto

Europa Moving & Storage Toronto is a professional moving and storage company operating out of Toronto, ON, providing high quality local and long distance moving services throughout Toronto, GTA, Ontario and across Canada. Thanks to our country-wide network we are also able to service our clients’ long distance moving needs throughout Canada.

Call Europa Moving & Storage Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to your residential or office moving needs to and from the GTA and Metro Toronto area.