Europa Movers Toronto

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

Useful Tips for Conducting a DIY House Inspection

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Well, hiring a professional house inspector when buying a house is a wise decision, considering the size of one’s investment. Although, it won’t hurt to try and do some of the work yourself. With the correct preparation, you can conduct your own house inspection and make an informed decision on your big purchase. We prepared some useful tips below to help you.

1. Check for any Roof Problems

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 maintenance from the seller in order to make an educated decision.

2. Inspect the Plumbing

You should test all of the taps and faucets, considering water pressure and keeping a sharp eye out for stains on the walls. Often liquid stains on walls mean a leaky pipe, and this can cost you a lot of time and money to repair.

3. Check for Hazards

Ensure that when you walk around a prospective home that you take note of any potential dangers or 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, 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 an easier part of house inspection by potential buyers as you don’t have to be trained to spot the rotting.

Be aware though that many sellers will freshly coat rotting wood with paint, so make sure to be thorough in your assessment.

Check Mobile / Internet Connectivity

A good 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.

These tips are designed to be a starter guide for any 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 your residential or commercial moving needs to and from the GTA and Metro Toronto area.

 

Tips to Help Prepare Your Pet For a Long Distance Move

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We prepared some tips below to help you get your pets ready for moving safely and comfortably.

Microchip your pet

Consider microchipping your pet at least 2 weeks before your move so there’s plenty of time to register a second contact, as this could make the difference in keeping track of your beloved pet. This is a great way to track your pet should they go missing for any reason during your travels; and you can also add a second contact.

Familiarize your pet with their crate

For most pets travelling by airlines, a crate mandatory. It is important that you purchase a properly sized crate that is sturdy and has enough space for your pet to be comfortable during the journey.

A good way to help your pet 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.

Increase your pet’s exercise

One 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. You need to start 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 all the supplies

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, including any medication they may need to take, food, toys to keep them entertained, litter bags, leashes and grooming equipment.

If you do your research and take every precaution you can, then 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 your residential or commercial moving needs to and from the GTA and Metro Toronto area.

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.

 

A Few Tips on How to Move Your Plants

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Here are some tips on how to ensure that when you move your plants, 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 typically a problem in Canada, but it might not be worth taking the risk, so planning your move for the spring or autumn is a good idea.

• 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 moving company as to whether they can assist with moving your plants, some companies 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 yourself – For small house plants, try and move them in your car. Not only will it reduce the stress of wondering whether your movers 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 well before you arrive, so that as soon as you get there you can plant your favourite tree. Also, make sure to 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. Be 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, it’s worth observing the air quality in your new home’s area.

• Damage Control – There’s a number 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.

Well, as you see, there’s a lot of factors you’ll need to consider when moving your plants. And if the tips above are followed carefully, moving your beloved plants should be a breeze and if you’re careful, your new home should have the charm of your old one in no time.

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.

Using Plastic Boxes for Making Your Move Greener

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So, cardboard boxes may be cheap and useful, but they do little to aid the environment. That’s why most environmentally responsible moving companies are investing more and more in reusable plastic boxes for packing. There are compelling practical reasons to do so.

  • Reusable plastic boxes are made from recyclable high-density polyethylene, which means they are better for the environment.
  • Various suppliers claim these boxes can be used for anything from 200 to 400 times. Cardboard boxes are used between 1 and 5 times before losing shape, strength and viability.
  • They are much longer-lasting – between 5 and 10 years according to estimates.
  • Plastic boxes are weather resistant, non-absorbing and more rigid than cardboard boxes.
  • No need for box cutters, and zero chance of sharp objects breaking through from inside, which also means more safety.
  • Greater convenience lowers labour time per trip, and a longer lifespan means a higher return on investment. So, all in all plastic moving boxes save costs for moving companies. In fact, if a plastic moving box was used 250 times, and initial investment was between 2 and 20 times the cost of a cardboard box, the reusable plastic box ends up costing 92% less than the alternative.

So, does renting reusable plastic boxes from a residential moving company make sense? You can decide for yourself.

For more information, check out:

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.

 

Prepare a Checklist for Your Day Before Moving

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While the most important moving checklist is your Moving Day Checklist, the runner-up is your Day Before Moving Checklist. Without it, you’re likely to wake up on your moving day already 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! Ok, maybe you won’t be that enthusiastic, but you’ll be on top of things!

We suggest that you prepare your Day Before Moving Checklist based on your move’s specifics and include anything you haven’t yet gotten around to. Also, 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 your residential or commercial moving needs to and from the GTA and Metro Toronto area.

What to Look for in a Moving Estimate

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When it comes to assessing the value of a moving company estimate (or moving quote), it’s important that you understand the significance the estimate has, which can also help you select the right movers for your needs and your budget.

  1. How is an estimate calculated? – There are several aspects which affect how the estimate is calculated, so it’s important to know how a moving company is going to come to their figure. The aspects in question are:
    • Weight
    • Volume
    • Number of rooms
    • Degree of moving difficulty (large or heavy objects)
    • Time and labor required

    Watch out for estimates based on weight (usually for long distance moves). Objects – especially furniture – can be deceptively heavy which means the calculated weight provided in an estimate may fall short of the actual weight confirmed at the licensed weigh station. If so, you will have to pay the extra costs. Comparing the weights offered by competing movers is very important, with the lightest probably the least accurate.

  2. Take telephone estimates with a grain of salt – How can a moving company estimate be accurate when no one from the moving company has seen what has to be moved? Yes, you can give a general idea of what the job entails over the phone, but when weight is a key factor in calculating cost, you are bound to be off. This means you can forget about an accurate estimate.
  3. Site estimate is a key indicator – Moving companies should send a representative (estimator) to take a look at what and how much needs to be moved. This is the best way for them to assess the weight, required manpower and, ultimately, likely cost. But it’s also a chance for you to meet the company and get an indication of the quality of work you would be paying for. Are they knowledgeable, friendly, and positive? Or, are they sketchy on details, distant and unfriendly, and do they speak badly of competitors. Also, did they arrive on time, or were they 30 minutes late and offer a variety of excuses? The estimate process can take about an hour, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to assess the assessor.
  4. Get it in writing – As with estimates in most other sectors, getting a moving company estimate in writing is all-important. Once it is written (in the contract) and signed by you and the mover, the company cannot increase the price by any more than 10 per cent regardless of weight or other operational costs. Reputable movers will do so as a matter of procedure, and without hesitation. If I had to ask for one, I would then be very unimpressed.
  5. It’s your money so quiz them – While you have them in your home, ask them to clarify some key issues. I’d recommend 6 questions in particular, though you may have more depending on your situation.
    • Is the estimate binding or non-binding?
    • How long is the estimate valid?
    • Are there additional surcharges? These can include parking problems, road access, street accessibility, delivery time restrictions or if there are any stairs or elevators involved.
    • What is the estimated delivery time and will the driver give you prior notice?
    • What would be the packing policy of the company if you decide to pack yourself?
    • What are the charges for additional weight?
  6. Seek a binding estimate – It’s worthwhile getting a binding estimate, which means the price stated on the written estimate is the price you pay. The risk is if the calculated weight is too high, you’ll end up paying more. But if the calculation is too low, you save money. Refusing to agree to a binding price is a little suspicious, firstly because the actual difference paid is rarely very much, and secondly because it may mean they intend quoting a low weight to secure the contract, then only for the actual weight to push what you pay way up – which is actually fraud.

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.

A Few Ways to Make Your Move Greener

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Going Green has become a buzz phrase in almost every sector, and that’s why commercial or residential moving services offer eco-friendly options. And let’s not forget our own role in the whole movement. With each of our moves we should make a concerted effort to reduce the amount of waste we create, and lower the carbon footprint we leave behind.

Clearly, if everyone that completed a commercial or residential move made the effort to go green, the difference could be huge.

5 Tips for a Green Move

There are lots of decisions that can lessen your carbon footprint and help make your move greener. Here are just 5 of the most effective ones:

  1. Consider Your Packing Materials –  The value to a green move is pretty obvious. It is reusable so creates no waste and with most typically made from recycled plastic resins, the carbon footprint in their manufacture is pretty low too. But the real value is in the dramatic reduction in waste materials after your move. The average residential moving project requires about 60 boxes for packing (estimated at about half a tonne of wood). If the average Canadian really does move 5 times in their lifetime, that’s 300 boxes and 2.5 tonnes of wood consumed. When you do use cardboard boxes, use second-hand ones. You can also reduce the amount of other packing materials that you use, like Styrofoam peanuts, bubble wrap and packing paper. Look for the biodegradable versions of these products.
  2. Check Your Moving Company’s Policy – There are many aspects to consider when choosing your moving company. One of them should be their commitment to providing green moving services. Different movers have different levels of commitment, so ask these 5 questions to assess their worth:
    • Do they actively recycle?
    • Do their trucks use bio diesel?
    • Do they supply recyclable and reusable materials?
    • Do they sell used boxes?
    • Do have a buy-back policy?
  3. Recycle Your Unwanted Electronics – It’s surprising how many electronic items you discover when packing that are of little or no use. Maybe they are out of date or broken, but your new microwave, computer, Smartphone and iPad ensure they are of no use anymore. Instead of throwing them out, bring them to an e-waste recycler. Electronics are extremely recyclable, and are taken in practically any condition, so don’t worry about it. You can do it a drop off location near you.
  4. Donate Instead of Dumping – There are so many items you find that you know you’ll never need again. These can be clothes, books, kids toys, and even furniture, bicycles and tricycles. Instead of dumping them, find a charity to donate to and give them a new life. There are dozens of charity stores looking for all kinds of everything to sell, like Goodwill or St Vincent de Paul or Thrift Town.
  5. Fuel Consumption Over Long Distances – If you’re facing a long distance moving project, then you may want to look into the actual carbon footprint all the travelling is going to create. The main culprit is fuel consumption, so it may be worthwhile checking out the fuel used by the mode of transport. For example, you can drive your car from Toronto to Vancouver or ship it via train, a mode of transport that is four-times more fuel efficient that the car itself. Also, according to EPA emissions calculations, a small moving truck can emit 6,500 lbs of CO2 over 3,000 miles, with a large truck emitting almost 12,000 lbs over the same distance. So, if you can reduce your stuff to fit one small truck that would make a big difference.

There is a lot more options to choose from that will help make your residential moving plan cleaner and greener for the environment.

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.