Europa Movers Toronto

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

Plastic Boxes for Eco Friendly Toronto Moving

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Although cardboard moving boxes may be cheap and quite useful when moving to or from Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada, they do little to save the environment. Nowadays many eco friendly Toronto movers are investing more and more in reusable plastic boxes for packing and moving. And there are some compelling practical reasons to do so.

Plastic Moving Boxes vs. Cardboard Boxes Toronto - Toronto Movers

  • 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.
  • Plastic boxes 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.
  • More 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 Toronto 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 Toronto 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 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.

Useful Tips for Moving with Pets to or from Toronto ON

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Moving with pets to or from Toronto, ON can interrupt your moving plans. While we all become busy with the usual chores of wrapping and packing our belongings, and organizing a workable moving schedule, a similar level of preparation is needed to move a pet from its familiar surrounds to a new home.

Moving with Pets - Toronto Moving Company

There are specific considerations to keep in mind when moving with pets, to or from Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada.

Some Tips for Moving With Pets

Pets don’t like change. In fact, almost every kind of animal has a fear of new surroundings, and it causes them anxiety. So taking a proactive approach and properly preparing your pet for the move is important.

Here are some useful tips to help you.

  1. Prepare the Paperwork – This is especially important when your residential move takes you to a new province in Canada or to a new country. Of course, you should always have your pet’s license, medical records and any other documents in proper order anyway. Be sure to check them and update if necessary before the move.If your dog is due for a rabies shot, get it done. And don’t forget to check the specific legal issues for the province, territory or country you are moving to. Overseas moves will require a Pet Passport for the animal, and there are set immigration laws when bringing animals into the US.
  2. Purchase a Suitable Pet Carrier – It makes sense when traveling long distances by public transport (train or plane) to put your dog, cat or other small animal into a special pet carrier.We recommend placing your pet in a suitably sized carrier. Pet carriers must be large enough for the animal to comfortably lie down, turn around and stand in its natural position.
  3. Prepare Your Pet – When moving with pets, it’s a good idea to prepare them for the ordeal by giving them a bit of practice. Generally speaking, if an animal is not used to travelling in an automobile, then they are likely to get very distressed.So, prior to your move, put your cat, puppy or hamster in its carrier and drive them around. You can pair it with family days to the local park, or to the mountains or local forests, but the important thing is that you show your pet that everything is okay.

    If your pet is to travel by plane or train, then consider that they will be stuck in their carrier for several hours from departure to arrival, with the carrier picked up and moved around by strangers. So, try to make their carrier cozy, with their favourite toys and matted with their favourite blanket or pillow to keep them as comfortable as possible.

  4. Show Them Love – Sometimes making a long journey in good time is the priority. In such cases, we can keep our stops to a minimum – but spare a thought for the animal you are bringing with you.Bring some food and water especially for them, and make regular stops where they can get out and stretch their legs. The recommended frequency is once every 2 hours or so. If you are sending your pet via train or an airline, chances are they will be traveling as cargo (though small animals may be permitted to travel with you). Make sure your pet is properly fed and watered before departure and attach a small, accessible water-bottle so your pet can drink when necessary.
  5. Hire Professional Pet Movers – Finally, you may want to take the hassle out of the whole situation and hire professionals to move your pet for you. This can cost a bit but the investment is worth it if for nothing more than the peace of mind that you’ll have.

    Check out Worldwide Animal Travel for more details on their services.

 

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.

Downsizing from a House to a Condo in Toronto ON – Tips

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Thinking about moving from a house to a condo in Toronto, ON or any other city in Canada?

Toronto Movers - Home Downsizing Toronto
Even after adding up all the condo fees, you’ll probably come out ahead financially due to savings on utilities, property taxes and other maintenance costs. Here are some tips to consider to make the process of your residential move in Toronto 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. This will make parting with the other items easier and will help with the purge. You probably have doubles of most things hiding in the basement like DVD player, TV, couches.
  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 – 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 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.

5. Recycle, Sell or Donate – Don’t throw your belongings 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.

6. 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 in Toronto as a temporary off site extension of your home.

 

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.

Reasons for Getting Storage for Long Distance Moving to or from Toronto

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For many homeowners looking to move from to or 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 some flexibility when the move is over long distances taking more than one day.

Toronto Storage Facilities - Moving and Storage Toronto
So what situations could come up that necessitate the use of storage facilities as part of your move? As some of the top Toronto movers, we happen to have experience in this area and prepared some tips for you below.

Reasons You’ll Need Toronto Storage Services

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

    1. Store to Wait – Generally speaking, whatever you pack will be unpacked at your new place of residence. But there may be some question marks over the space available until you see it for yourself. Your new place 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. In all the similar cases, you may want to store some of your items until you find a place for them. Once that’s worked out, you can pick them up from your Toronto storage.
    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 few days before getting rid of them at a weekend market or yard sale. Often, homeowners looking to sell will store some items to ensure their home is uncluttered and is looking 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.
    3. Overnight Storage – The most common reason for hiring Toronto storage services is that long-haul journeys take several days. This is pretty logical when you consider the timetable adhered to by your long distance moving company. Toronto to Halifax is over 1,100 miles and will take about 24 hours to drive, while Vancouver is over 2,700 miles away and will take close to 48 hours to drive. While you might opt to make your own way (whether by car, train or plane), with your Toronto moving company moving your items, spending such long hours on the road means that at least one overnight stop will be needed. Having your items stored in Toronto storage facility is a lot better than parking overnight on the street or a truck rest, as getting your items to their new home safely is the priority.

Usually, because these stop-overs are agreed in advance as part of the moving itinerary, the cost of renting 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.

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 Good Tips for Preparing a Plan for Long Distance Moving in Canada

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When it comes to moving between Canadian provinces, some factors come into play that don’t feature when moving between neighbourhoods within one city. And the importance of preparing in advance is even more obvious when moving long distance to or from Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada.

Toronto Moving Company - Long Distance Movers Canada

Other than packing your belongings, what issues may come with moving long distances in Canada? We’ve put together a brief list of tips that can help you get your long distance moving strategy right.

  1. Redistribute The Load – We all like to hold onto things, usually because of the memories they evoke. Your first set of golf clubs, which has lain in the closet for the past decade long usurped by a newer and luckier set. Do you really need it? Consider these 3 simple questions:
    • Do I use it? – If you have not used it in the last 12 months, let it go.
    • Do I need it? – See above, though there may be special circumstances worth considering.
    • Will I wear it? – You’ll hardly need 2 or 3 heavy coats if you’re moving to a warmer climate.

    Remember, long distance moves are usually charged by weight rather than by hour, so decreasing the load will save you money. Give to charity, have a yard sale, or even bring items a recycling company.

  2. Get At Least 3 In-Home Moving Estimates – It’s often tempting to get an estimate from only one Toronto moving company and go with it, but it’s wise to have options. It can happen, for example, that your Toronto moving company has to pull out, leaving you stranded.

    Without adequate time for finding another moving company to carry out an in-home moving estimate, they’ll ask you to fill out an inventory form. That means an inaccurate assessment, and most likely an unpleasant surprise at the weighing. Getting in-house moving estimates from several Toronto moving companies helps you avoid this nightmare.

  3. Order Home Inspections – Don’t forget to have your new home inspected for any issues. That last thing you need is to arrive at your new home only to find a raft of defects making moving in difficult. This needs to be done about 4 to 6 weeks in advance of your move, to give enough time for issues to be resolved. For more on home inspections, check out CanNACHI, CAHPI, or ASHI.
  4. Know Your Floor Plans – Most properties are advertised in square footage, but that does not necessarily reflect the actual size as it doesn’t take into account some built-in features. For example, a large kitchen might take away from the size of a living room, which means less space for your furniture. Study the floor plans of your new home well in advance of you long distance moving date. That way, you can decide if there is any furniture that can’t fit and you should sell.
  5. Arrange Utilities Early – You’ll still need your phone, electricity and water services until your moving day, but with long distance moves in Canada you need to give yourself plenty of time, and make sure the utilities are working a day or two before you arrive. The phone company might need 3 or 4 weeks to set up working phone lines, while other utilities will need a few weeks notice before swapping the service into your name. In all cases, you may need to pay a deposit before anything happens.

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.

Colour Coding Tips for Residential Moving in Toronto, ON

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Planning for residential moving in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada can be a challenge as there is a lot involved: wrapping, packing and moving, and then almost just as much to do when reaching your new home. One of the ways to help things move more smoothly is to use colour coding.

The idea of colour coding is pretty straightforward: different colours communicate information about the items contained in each box, such as type, location or how fragile it might be. During any move, communicating this information is quite important, and unlike written labels – colours are easily seen and rarely misread.

There is many ways to apply a colour-code system. The most common system for residential moves in Toronto, ON and elsewhere in Canada is matching items with the rooms they are destined to be placed in so everything can be transported directly from room to room. For example, if Mary’s room is coded yellow, then Mary’s possessions are placed into yellow-labeled boxes which can then be taken directly to Mary’s new room at her new home.

It’s not hard to find colour stickers, and at Europa Movers we’re happy to provide them upon request. It’s best to keep the large stickers for the boxes themselves, and use small stickers for individual items so they can be identified for packing in specified boxes.

Benefits of Colour Coding For Residential Moving

  1. Visualizing The Move – With everything that needs to be done during a typical residential move across Toronto or elsewhere in Canada, ticking off a list may not be enough to ensure accuracy. Having a colour-coded plan of your home with something visual to refer to, revealing clearly what packing has been done.
  2. Strategic Packing – The general advice is to start packing a few weeks before your moving day to decrease the pressure of the project. With a colour code, you can strategically divide the packing work over your available time. For example, red items should be packed on the first night, blue – the second night, yellow – over the first weekend etc.
  3. Clearer Labeling – Written labels are perfectly fine, but we all know that we recognize colours much more easily than written words. Having items from a specific room, or of a specific type, identified by some colour makes it easier for people to find, organize and do the packing. It’s also important for identifying fragile items for your Toronto movers to be aware of.
  4. Better Prioritizing – This is loosely related to strategic packing, but it refers mainly to identifying specific boxes for priority attention, so during residential moving the items that need to be unpacked and set up first can be easily located. For example, practical things like a coffee machine, cutlery, bowls and cups, flashlights etc.
  5. Faster Unpacking – Just as the packing can be a long process, unpacking requires some time and effort too. With a colour code system, boxes can be easily associated with specific rooms and locations. So, the items can be taken to the right place immediately, with no need for searching.

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.

Long Distance Moving Tips: How to Cut Your Moving Costs

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The cost of moving long distances to or from Toronto, ON, across Canada or into the US will be outside of the classification of ‘local’ moving. Your belongings are going to be in transit for several days – in some rare cases even weeks.

Good news is that there are ways to cut the costs of long distance moving, from Toronto, ON to anywhere else in North America, and here are some tips for you in form of the infographic.

Europa Movers Toronto - Long Distance Moving Tips Infographic

 

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.

Some Useful Info for Moving to or from Niagara Falls ON

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Niagara Falls, Ontario, is a Canadian city and the famous waterfalls at the same name, linked with the US by the Rainbow Bridge. Its site on the Niagara River’s western shore overlooks the Horseshoe Falls, the cascades’ most expansive section. Elevators take visitors to a lower, wetter vantage point. The riverbank features a promenade and an observation deck atop 520 ft. high Skylon Tower.

Population of Niagara Falls was estimated as 82,997 during 2011 Census.

The city of Niagara Falls has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa/Dfb) which is moderated to an extent in all seasons by proximity to water bodies. Winters are cold, with a January high of −0.4 °C (31.3 °F) and a low of −7.8 °C (18.0 °F). Summers are warm to hot, with a July high of 27.4 °C (81.3 °F) and a low of 17 °C (62.6 °F).

Moving to Niagara Falls ON - Best Movers Toronto ON


Economy & Employment.

Recent development has been mostly centred on the Clifton Hill and Fallsview areas. The Niagara Falls downtown (Queen Street) is undergoing a major revitalization as the city is encouraging redevelopment of this area as an arts and culture district. The downtown was a major centre for local commerce and night life up until the 1970s, when the Niagara Square Shopping Centre began to draw away crowds and retailers. Since 2006, Historic Niagara has brought art galleries, boutiques, cafés and bistros to the street.

Here is more information on living in Niagara Falls ON: www.niagarafalls.ca

And here’s a quick video for you to learn more about living in Niagara Falls ON:

Europa Movers Toronto offers a variety of moving options for those moving from Niagara Falls to Toronto or moving to Niagara Falls from Toronto, as well as some add-on moving and storage services to help make your move easy and stress free. We also offer packing services and packing supplies to help make your transition runs smoothly.

Europa Movers Toronto team of experienced residential movers have all completed professional training and customer service training to ensure they are there to meet your needs throughout your move. Our fleet of trucks is fully licensed and insured, so you, your family and your belongings are protected and secured. Regular maintenance ensures our vehicles and specialist moving equipment are kept to a high standard, helping us move you swiftly and reliably.

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.