Europa Movers Toronto

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

Pitfalls of Asking Your Friends to Help You Move in Toronto

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When asking your friends to help you move, your expectation of a successful move on a small budget can turn out to be quite a different story.

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

Knowing how to pack a moving truck efficiently, how to quickly estimate load and unload times for planning, and being able to organize a workforce in the most efficient way possible takes years of training and is not nearly as easy as it seems.

If damaging your furniture or your home is a concern, you should never move yourself. 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.

As far as budget is concerned, remember that 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. While having your friends and family there to help is 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 helped out during the process and provide dinner (and possibly drinks) afterward.

Combine all of these factors with the financial cost related to repairing damages, and your labour force is not as cheap as you previously imagined.

The bottom line is that the last thing you want on a day that is already full of stress is an additional headache to deal with. Your time, money, and energy are all very valuable, and hiring professional Toronto movers often saves you all three.

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.

How to Choose a Toronto Office Moving Company

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There are so many horror stories circulating about unprofessional office movers that customers find it difficult to trust any Toronto office moving company at all. So how can you avoid being the next victim of unprofessional Toronto office movers?

More importantly, how can you make sure that Toronto office moving company you hire is on the up and up and won’t engage in illegal tactics to steal your money? As with everything in life, there are no guarantees, but the following four guidelines can help ensure you find a credible, professional company that can provide you with a stress-free office moving experience:

Check Out the Company on the BBB

Your first stop in researching your prospective Toronto office moving company should be the BBB (Better Business Bureau) website. The BBB is a 3rd party organization that aims to provide accountability for businesses. This agency reviews, rates, and gives accreditation to businesses that have shown to conduct themselves at the highest levels of professionalism and customer service.

Are They Insured?

One question you should be asking any company you speak with immediately is whether they carry proper insurance coverage for their workforce. In Ontario this is governed by the WSIB (Workplace Safety Insurance Board).

If employees are working illegally for a company, or the company has not properly set up coverage for their workers, you could potentially be sued if anyone is injured on your property or in the course of carrying out your move.

This is an issue that is not as well publicised but also important to look out for. Asking questions about workers’ insurance is a good way to avoid this issue and also speaks to the overall professionalism of the company.

How Are Their Reviews?

The best way to determine if a Toronto office moving company is providing great customer service is by researching them online. There are many independently audited 3rd party websites that allow users to post reviews of Toronto office moving companies (both positive and negative) such as www.yelp.ca and www.homestars.com. Chances are if the company is doing something right (or wrong) somebody has taken the time to log on to one of these websites to write about it.

If a company is well reviewed, has a high volume of reviews, and the reviews are recent, you’re probably looking at a professional organization.

Evaluate Their Prices

Pricing is always a factor when deciding on hiring a moving company, however it can also serve as a great indicator of the level of service you can expect.

One of the hallmarks of disreputable Toronto office moving companies is offering extremely cheap hourly rates (sometimes ½ or ¼ of the price of the competition), and this is the primary way these Toronto office moving companies market themselves.

That doesn’t mean that you should simply hire the most expensive Toronto office moving company you encounter in order to ensure you get a good experience, but if a company’s rates are significantly cheaper than the competition something is very wrong.

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.

How to Get an Accurate Toronto Moving Estimate

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Every move is unique in its own way and each move will always be different. Generalized guidelines for pricing can be followed based on square footage and how many bedrooms a home has, but to get a more accurate Toronto moving estimate we really need to consider the following factors:

  • Volume. Someone who has lived in a home for 30 years vs. someone who has only lived in a home for 5 years will definitely have different moving expenses even if they have similar size homes, as the volume of items contained within will vary greatly.
  • Access to the pick-up location and drop off location will also drastically affect the flow of the move. Although most people may think the access to their home is fairly generous, they don’t realize that when we are moving items all day, each and every step that is added to the equation prolongs the move, and ultimately leads to a larger final bill.
  • Loose items are a time killer. In order to avoid lengthening of the move (and an increase to the final bill), box everything you can.
  • Travel time always needs to be considered and understood properly and to help you understand how it works, here is the breakdown. The “travel time” on a move is typically a flat fee that is added on the final bill. It is a necessary charge, and clients need to understand that there is a cost in running a truck and crew even if they have not officially arrived at their home for a move. It should not be confused with the time the movers spend travelling between addresses, as this is considered a part of the move and is covered under the hourly rate.
  • Preparing furniture for a move is another area that may affect your Toronto moving estimate. When dealing with furniture, it is very important to assess the weight as well as how delicate the piece may be. Obviously when dealing with heavy antique items, prep time will significantly increase or even double since much more attention and care are needed when prepping and transporting items.
  • Moving crew number: when it comes to supplying a moving crew, less does not necessarily mean cheaper as when it comes to man power, efficiency is the key. Many clients mistakenly opt for less crew members when booking their move because on paper the lower hourly rate may seem like a more logical choice to save money. A professional moving company can help to make a recommendation on the optimum size of the moving crew, and there are times when a 3 man crew is a better choice than a 4 man crew, and vice versa.

How to Ensure an Accurate Moving Estimate

The best thing you can do to ensure a moving quote is accurate is to fully discuss what is coming on the move with a professional moving company, especially when receiving a quote over the phone. A professional moving company will ask the right questions in order to make sure they get any necessary information.

About our Company

Europa Moving and Storage Toronto is a professional moving company operating out of Toronto ON, providing high quality local moving services throughout Toronto and GTA.

Call us (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.

Keep your Valuables Safe with these Toronto Moving Tips

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One of the most time consuming aspects of moving is packing all of your possessions away in moving boxes to be transported to their new home in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada. Most of our things can be tossed in together and will make the journey unharmed. But what about our favourite chinaware set? Or travel mementos? These require special consideration to ensure they are properly protected.

Moving Tips Toronto - Moving and Storage Toronto

Here are some key Toronto moving tips from us:

1. Create an Inventory

Documenting every book you have may not be worth your time, but making notes and taking photographs of your more meaningful possessions can help, should anything go wrong. It’s easier to make a claim against your homeowner’s insurance, or Toronto moving company’s, if you have documentation of the original state. This should fit in easily with your pre-move organizing.

2. Get Insurance

For anything that goes on a truck, make sure it’s covered by insurance. Your homeowner’s insurance may cover a move. Some Toronto moving companies might offer extra insurance.

3. Big Stuff Needs Help

Thing like pianos, antique furniture and art art pieces require special attention and hiring a professional Toronto moving company to help with these items can ensure they get the proper care and safe transportation.

4. Small Stuff Goes With You

We don’t want your jewelry or important paperwork get damaged and recommend that you keep your valuables in your vehicle during moves.

5. Invest in the Right Moving Boxes

Special flat-screen TV boxes have padding to keep the screen safe. The $20 or so might seem expensive for a box, but that’s cheaper than buying a new $1,000 television. The same goes for stemware, which is particularly hard to pack. There are specialty boxes for all sorts of items.

6. Dishes Side-by-Side

Pack dishes in several layers of paper, and fit them in the box on the edge – not flat-side down. They’re less likely to shatter if something bumps the edge.

7. Tape Paintings

Put a big X with masking or painter’s tape on anything under glass – like you see in photographs of shop windows during hurricane preparations. The tape helps keep glass from shattering.

8. Box It Up Right

With any moving box, especially the ones containing fragile things, gently shake it as you pack to make sure the contents don’t move. If they do, add more padding. Also, don’t just fold over the box tops – tape them. And make sure to fill the box so the top can’t cave in.

Call us (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.

Things to Consider when Upsizing your Toronto Home

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Living in smaller homes can be affordable and cozy if you have the luxury of living alone or with a partner but when the news comes that baby is on the way… the planning starts for your new bundle of joy. Upsizing and moving to a larger home in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada is a natural first step to a growing family and to helping you prepare for the exciting journey ahead. Here are a few things that you should consider before making the BIG decision for your future.

Home Upsizing Toronto - Moving Services Toronto

How much can you afford?

Don’t start looking at the white picket fence until you know what you can afford.

  • Contact your bank to obtain a pre-approved mortgage and work out other expenses like condo fees, property taxes, and utilities. This will give you an idea of where to start looking.
  • Do you want a new house or resale? If you’re handy, you can not only save money on a fixer-upper, but you can customize it however you’d like, and you can add value to it for when you finally decide to move out!

Location, Location, Location

Location is the most important key to any family life. A house in a good neighbourhood will give you a piece of mind, knowing your loved ones are safe and secure.

  • Finding a house in a good school district will ensure your children receive an excellent education. Check out this list of Most Improved Toronto Schools for an idea of the up-and-coming school districts you might want to consider!
  • Since downtown Toronto is building more compact development, larger home locations may be found outside of the busy city core. How far will you be from work, schools, shopping, etc? Do you need a car to get around or can you use TTC?
  • Walking distance from a park will give you and your kids the freedom to play and run around too.
  • Once you find a location, make your larger home search a little easier by providing your real estate agent with an expected wish-list of what you visualize your family living in.

Planning for your future.

Most couples searching to upsize for their family end up living in the same house for a large span of their children’s life.

  • While bunk beds can work for the first few years, you may need extra bedrooms to sleep the children you plan to have.
  • More living space for comfort and entertaining and a bigger back garden to play in too.
  • And don’t forget Toronto storage!  Your children will inherit lots of equipment and toys starting with strollers, car seats, highchairs not to mention ride on toys, bikes, sports equipment and lots lots more. Garages can work as storage areas for old toys… if you run out of space we’ve got you covered!

Upsizing can be exciting and intimidating at the same time, but if you’re prepared and know what you’re getting into, you can be confident you’re making the right choice!

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.

7 Tips for Hiring Quality Toronto Movers

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With millions of moves every year in the Canada, to or from Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada, it’s a minor miracle that most of them go smoothly, with no issues whatsoever. Hiring quality Toronto movers is a must, of course.

But even with so many smooth moves, scams or shoddy practices do occur. It’s in your interest to be informed about every step in the process.

Here are 7 ways to hire the right team for your move:

1. Don’t let your mover phone it in

A reputable Toronto moving company will take inventory of all your belongings and determine the bulk and weight of your move. The estimator should be thorough and check all of your storage places such as cupboards, drawers, garages and bookcases. A large component of the mover’s price is based on the weight of your stuff and the space your goods take up in the truck. Be sure you understand this estimate and that it is as accurate as possible.

2. Look for more than a cursory glance

An estimator who performs a quick walk-through without noting what you plan to move is going to be off the mark. A good estimator will ask questions about what you plan to take from your current house to your next home. So, be sure you are prepared to tell the estimator which items you don’t want on the truck – the items you plan to give away, donate to a charity, sell in a yard sale, or leave behind for the new owners.

3. Don’t pay a large deposit

Reputable Toronto movers won’t demand cash or a large deposit before moving. You should only pay upon delivery. If you pay in advance, you have no control over when you will see your belongings again. When you do pay, use a credit card to help protect you from possible fraudulent activity.

4. Avoid the name switch

Some Toronto moving companies avoid being assessed by the Better Business Bureau by doing business under a variety of names. Be sure the company has a local address and information about licensing and insurance. Their employees should answer the phone with the full name of the business.

5. Get references

If your friends and family don’t have recommendations, check out their reviews on reputable sites such as Homestars & Yelp.

Ask any mover you speak with for references. Tell them you want a list of three customers from your area who have moved in the past three months. Call those customers and ask direct questions about their experiences.

6. Avoid packing costs

If you pack your belongings yourself, the mover generally isn’t responsible for damage to them. However, if you have your mover do the packing, you may pay inflated prices for boxes and packing materials, not to mention time and labor. If you decide to have the movers pack, ask about the packers’ experience. Most packers are careful, but you want to avoid the chance of getting someone who tosses whatever they can into a box and then seals it up with little regard for breakage.

7. Beware of extra fees

Do you live in a two-story house or are you moving into one? Moving to or from a 10th-floor apartment? If so, you’ll likely be charged extra for the movers’ having to negotiate stairs and elevators. Have a narrow street that won’t fit a moving van? Expect a surcharge for the transfer of your belongings to a smaller truck for delivery. Make sure to ask your mover about any additional fees that may apply to your situation.

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.

Spring is the Best Season to Move to or from Toronto, ON. Here’s Why

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Of the tens of millions of people who move in North America each year, many have no choice as to when they move. Real estate, family, and work all join in to play a role in dictating the timeliness of a move. However, for those who are at liberty to make this transition as stress-free as possible, consider the luxury of this: moving during the spring so you are settled to enjoy the fabulous summer weather and a well-deserved vacation, then fall back into relaxing routine in the autumn. The perfect plan to ease yourself into the new phase of your journey.

Here are Europa Moving & Storage Toronto best reasons why a move in spring makes great sense:

1. Weather can greatly impact the success of a move. In springtime most regions of the country experience mild weather. Hefting heavy boxes on hot days, or wintery cold ones, is not fun!

2. Availability of moving companies is likely to be better. The summer time is traditionally thought to be a great time to move, which means moving companies may be busier, right? Get a head start and book early!

3. Kids are still in school so if you need their help, spring break could be an ideal time to move. On the other hand, if you want the kids otherwise preoccupied, school days are ideal. Spring is a win-win!

4. Settle in to your new home in time for summer entertaining and holidays. Why give up your down time during the summer to facilitate a move when you can take care of the hard work first? Your housewarming party can be out on your new deck! And you won’t miss out on holiday time.

5. New beginnings are irresistible and that’s what spring’s all about. Need we say more?
Europa Moving & Storage Toronto is taking advantage of new beginnings in Toronto and across Canada, officially in the heart of spring – this May. If you’re thinking of a move at this time, get in touch with us to get started!

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.

Why Using a Local Toronto Moving Company is Better

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Movers Toronto - Moving Companies TorontoWhen assessing your options in terms of moving companies in Toronto, you’ll come across a mixture of national companies and Toronto local moving companies. Should you choose one type over the other? While it would be incorrect to say that every local moving company in Toronto offers a superior moving experience when compared to national firms, many consumers do often notice a difference in the level of service they receive. While you might have heard about national company X on the TV, in your newspaper or over the radio, you should consider the following points before dismissing local Toronto movers completely.

Hiring a Local Toronto Moving Company Can Have a Surprising Number of Benefits

Just to clarify, we recommend you do thorough research on any Toronto moving company you consider working with, whether national or local, but many consumers do frequently comment about the following benefits after working with local Toronto moving companies:

  • Personalized Service & Better Communication – When you work with a smaller, local Toronto moving company, you will most probably have direct contact with the owner. As the communication channel is much more direct, you’re likely to get information you need quicker and more accurately, as you will often be able to speak directly to the mover as opposed to a customer service representative.
  • Greater Availability – People are often drawn to names that they know and recognise. This means that the larger, national moving companies often get booked up very quickly and you might not be able to schedule an appointment for the time that is most convenient to you. Many local moving companies in Toronto are hidden gems; they offer a greater level of service, but because they aren’t known, people stay away. You’re also more likely to have joy with a smaller company on short notice.
  • Favourable Rates – Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that a smaller company won’t be able to compete on price. This is a service based business as opposed to a product, and because smaller companies often have lower overheads, they might be able to complete your move for cheaper than a national firm.
  • They Genuinely Care – A smaller Toronto moving company often won’t have a very large marketing budget and so will rely upon referrals and recommendations to survive. This often means that they will go above and beyond to ensure that your move is a success in the hope that you will share your experience with friends and family.
  • Got a Problem – Moving can be extremely stressful. You’ve probably heard that phrase a thousand times already, so it’s assuring to know that should something go wrong, you can communicate directly with the company owner and the Toronto movers actually handling your move.

About Europa Movers Toronto

Europa Movers 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 Movers 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.

How You Should Compare Different Toronto Movers

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Toronto moversNo matter what product or service you’re looking for, taking the first deal that you’re offered is never a good idea. Why? Well, how do you know you’re getting the best deal unless you shop around?! This used to be a fairly tedious process a few years ago, but thanks to the internet, you can now compare dozens of products and services with just a few clicks of a mouse and a few minutes of your time. And when you search online, you’ll realise just how many options you truly have. Take moving companies in Toronto, for example. A quick search on Google or on one of the many third-party review sites that now exist will reveal dozens of different options. The real question is how do you compare all of these options effectively?

Toronto Movers: Which One Should You Choose?

Many people make the mistake of using price as the sole qualifying factor when comparing Toronto movers, and while that might work on some occasions, you probably won’t end up working with the ideal moving company for your circumstances. Here are some other factors that you should consider and compare:

  • Past Customer Experiences – Ideally, you need to know how each company treats its clients, but this can be difficult if you have no personal experience from which to draw on. The next best thing is to compare the experiences that other people have had. You can do this by asking each moving company that you are interested in working with for references or by looking at unbiased customer reviews on websites such as HomeStars.
  • Experience & Size of Team – You want to work with a moving company that has a team large enough and experienced enough to get the job done, and not just quickly, but to a high standard as well. Ask each of the Toronto movers that you contact about their level of experience. This should be a fairly influential factor when making your final decision.
  • What’s Included? – Before you say “yes” to any one of the Toronto movers that you get in contact with, you should ask for a detailed breakdown of exactly what you’re going to get for your money. For example, one moving company may be prepared to include some packing materials or packing assistance in the deal, or maybe even some additional insurance coverage for a very low cost. Being aware of all of the details better positions you to make a good choice.
  • Standard of Communication – Take note of how each moving company deals with your enquiries. Are they happy to take some time out to give you thorough explanations and reassurance? Or do they seem to want to get off the phone as soon as possible? If their standard of communication is poor before you agree to work them, imagine what it will be like after you’ve paid. Give preference to Toronto movers that go the extra mile to help you on initial contact.

Don’t let Toronto movers pressure you into working them with an intense sales pitch or out-of-this-world prices. Make sure you look at all of the facts and you’ll be well equipped to make a good choice.

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The Reasons Why Our Company Gets Out-Of-This-World Movers Reviews

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Crew-webAt Europa Movers, we have almost three decades of experience moving homes and offices in the Mississauga, Etobicoke and Toronto area, and pride ourselves on our integrity and dedication to each job we take on – and our satisfied customers will attest to that!
Online reviews can make or break a company these days, and we are so thankful to consistently receive such positive movers reviews online – but we can’t say we’re all that surprised. We strive to make your experience with us nothing but positive from the moment we answer your first call to the moment we place the last box in your new space. Here are a few of the main reasons that we consistently receive high quality movers reviews.

Top Reasons Why Europa Movers Reviews are So Positive

  1. Integrity
    When we say something, we mean it. We will very rarely give any type of quote for home or office moving without actually visiting the space to be moved. It’s important for us to know exactly what we’re moving in order to give a realistic quote. Having to charge over the quote is something we try to avoid at all costs – nobody likes extra fees!
  2. Communication
    Communication is an integral part of moving home or office. Both the moving company and the client need to be on the same page every step of the way. We provide a clear map of when things will be done, what the process is, and if anything is required of our client, to ensure that everything runs smoothly when moving day arrives.
  3. Efficiency
    We hate being late. We arrive on time, and work steadily and quickly for the duration of the move, ensuring that we stay within time limits and budgets. Our many years of experience mean that we are capable of doing this whilst taking the utmost care of your possessions.
  4. Care
    We treat your possessions as though they are our own. From wrapping furniture, cushions, mirrors or anything else that is easily scratched – to laying down blankets and floor coverings – we take every measure possible to ensure there is no damage to your possessions or your home or office.
  5. Experience
    Backed by nearly 30 years’ worth of satisfied clients, our promise of quality service has stood the test of time.

At Europa Movers, we truly care about our clients, which is why we receive excellent movers reviews on a consistent basis. If you’re looking to move in the near future give us a call at 416-604-9904 for a free quote!

contact us today for top Mover  Reviews in Toronto