Europa Movers Toronto

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

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.

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.

 

Useful Tips for Self-Staging Your House in Toronto

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When potential buyers are viewing a house in Toronto for sale, they are usually “judging a book by its cover”. Consider your house an open book and encourage the buyers to make the offer that meets your expectations.

Useful Tips for Self-Staging Your House in Toronto - Toronto Self-Staging Tips Toronto
If a professional home stager is not included in your real estate contract, these tips could help you with self-staging your house in Toronto, ON for faster sale.

  1. Curb Appeal – Clean, sweep and powerwash the front entrance of your house. Landscape the garden, remove weeds, cut grass and trim edges to give your home a clean look. A fresh mat outside and a pot of bright flowers will freshen up the entryway too.
  2. Declutter – Pack all your personal belongings, such as: family pictures, collectible items, trinkets and all dust collectors. Minimize your furniture – fewer items in a room actually make the room look bigger. And don’t forget the closets!
  3. Storage and Sell – If you’re not sure what to do with all your stuff, you can rent a storage space in Toronto for your boxes and large items. Many Toronto storage providers will rent on a month-to-month basis. Have a garage sale for all the unwanted items.
  4. Paint and Touch Up – Patch-up cracks or holes in the walls, refresh the walls with a quick layer of paint. Think beige, taupe, white or pale blue, as rooms painted in light colours are calming on the eyes.
  5. Brighten Up – Mirrors on the walls give the perception of a longer or wider room. Keep the temperature of your house at a comfortable level. Clean your windows to offer a clear view and a subtle hint of cleanliness. Open windows to air out any stuffiness.
  6. Fresh scents – Fresh flowers on the dining room table or a single flower in a vase for the bathroom. Flowers give an elegant touch to any room. If you like to bake, feel free to indulge now. Everyone loves the smell of fresh baking. If baking’s not your thing, try this pro tip: boiling cinnamon in a pot gives a homemade pleasant smell.
  7. Clean, clean, and clean – Once rooms are decluttered it will be easy to keep up with the cleaning. Make it your daily routine to dust, vacuum, and mop floors. Clear plates and cups, wipe down sinks, the fridge and cabinet doors. Entryways should be clutter free. Hang jackets, put bags and shoes away.

Remember that a first impression is important and memorable, and might be the only chance you get to impress a buyer.

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.

Tips for Choosing a Storage Facility in Toronto

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When choosing between different Toronto storage companies, it’s important to understand that when choosing Toronto storage facility – there is a lot more than just picking a convenient location and finding the lowest price.

In addition to researching Toronto storage facilities /companies you will be storing your items with, you will also need to consider your specific storage needs when choosing the size/type of locker you will be renting (and if you need a locker at all) as well as other services offered by the storage facility in Toronto.

Security and safety should be your main concern, because nothing will bring you more stress than getting your items stolen or damaged. And when it comes to security, simply placing a lock on your storage locker will not guarantee that the contents will be safe. Using a good quality padlock is a smart choice, the chance of having your locker broken into will be influenced much more by the overall security precautions taken by your Toronto storage facility.

In addition to an adequate security system that includes a combination of security cameras and alarms, the surveillance cameras should be recording all input into a DVR that is indexed by time/date, and that allows video to be played back at least 2-3 months into the past.

The other concern most clients have is climate / temperature control, as there are some items which must be stored within a specific temperature range in order to avoid damage. A large number of storage facilities in Toronto areactually not climate controlled, and the ones advertising “climate controlled” Toronto storage facilities often make a claim that is misleading.

The final consideration is whether you will be hiring a Toronto moving and storage company to transfer your items into Toronto storage facility or if you will be handling this task on your own. If you’ve decided to work with professional Toronto movers, remember that you will be paying them by the hour for 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.

Comparing Moving Quotes for Moving in Toronto

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Performing your due diligence when comparing Toronto moving companies and collecting moving quotes allows you to fill confident in your selection and hire a moving company in Toronto that cares about your needs and guarantees professional and positive experience. If you research what the market offers, you might get exactly what you need from your Toronto moving company and possibly end up with considerable savings.

We prepared some tips below on how to compare Toronto moving quotes effectively.

  1. Free vs. Obligation

    Some Toronto moving companies will offer you a quote based on the pre-estimated weight (or volume: see #2) of your belongings. In other words: a good moving company in Toronto will give you a non-obligation (free) quote for moving services. And then there are those Toronto moving companies which offer binding estimates. This means the price you pay is fixed. However, this type of quote is different than the ‘not-to-exceed’ alternative. So, when you contact a moving company in Toronto, ask them about the type of moving quote you are receiving and take notes, so you won’t forget important details.

    But all this naturally raises a question: what are those moving quotes based on?

  2. Weight And Volume

    The more space your belongings take (or for other companies, the more they weight), the higher your final price for the move will be. While volume plays a big role in your moving quote, many Canadian moving companies, including us, charge per hour and per mover.

    And for a large amount of luggage and furniture, your Toronto moving company can send more people and a bigger truck or couple trucks. Sometimes, hiring more Toronto movers can save a lot of time, so it’s quite relevant to consider that. In any case, it’s best if you get rid of some items you don’t need anymore before you move.

  3. Additional Moving Services

    In most cases of a regular move, there is no need for you to consider hiring additional Toronto moving services. Especially when you don’t have any fragile items that usually require special handling, such as artwork or musical instruments. And if you do – you might need to hire additional moving services in Toronto.

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 and Hacks for Moving to a Big City like Toronto ON

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If you are moving to or from a large city like Toronto ON or any other heavily populated urban area in Canada, there is a unique set of challenges. And the key to preventing hassle and frustration with any local or long distance move in Canada is advanced planning and this rule holds true especially for city moves.

Here are three simple hacks to remember when you are moving to the big city like Toronto ON or anywhere else in Canada.

Tips for Moving to Toronto ON - Best Movers Toronto ON


Check your route, the traffic, and street situation in Toronto

Whether you’re familiar with the area or coming in from out of town, it’s often worthwhile to plan your route through the city. If possible, do a dry run in advance of your move day. Drive the route at the same time you will on the big day and note the traffic, the streets (alleys, turning lanes, one-ways, etc), and where and how you’ll park the moving truck in the neighborhood for unloading (unless you are hiring professional Toronto movers who would help you with all aspects of your move).

Navigating in your building in Toronto

Check with the management of your new building in advance. If you’re moving into an apartment or high-rise, you’ll need to know the building’s policies on moving in and moving out. Some buildings require advance notice and many restrict the use of the main elevators. You may have to reserve a maintenance or service elevator for a specific time window. If all else fails, you may have to use the stairs. Ask the manager if the building has a luggage cart or dolly available for use.

Big city, small spaces 

Take measurements of the spaces inside and outside of your new place. You need to ensure that everything you’re bringing with you will fit through doorways, around corners, and in tight hallways. Make sure all large or oddly shaped furniture items will fit in the elevator or in the stairwell.

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.