Europa Movers Toronto

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

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.

Useful Tips for Moving to St. Catharines ON

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Europa Movers Toronto has over 30 years of experience with residential and commercial moving services, including moving to or from St. Catharines ON.

St. Catharines is the largest city in Canada’s Niagara Region and the sixth largest urban area in Ontario, with 96.11 square kilometres of land. Population: 135,711 (2011 Census). St. Catharines’ climate is humid continental, and is has a unique micro-climate because of the moderating influence of Lake Ontario / Lake Erie and the sheltering effect of the Niagara Escarpment to the south.  As a result, the city receives numerous frost-free days and frequent thaws in the winter. The summer season is predominantly warm, sometimes hot, with an average high temperature of 27 °C (81 °F) in July and often high humidity.

Here’s a quick video for you to learn more about living in St. Catharines ON:

Economy & Employment. As the largest city in Niagara and home to regional government, St Catharines offers the region’s biggest and most diverse job market, with opportunities ranging from retail and service jobs up to high-level professional jobs in the public and private sector. A new hospital promises to boost local skilled employment levels, Brock University and Niagara College keep expanding, and the call centre industry is hiring.

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.

Safe Winter Moving Tips in Toronto

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We are now in the midst of winter in North America, and while some areas are feeling the winter more than others, cold weather and chilly conditions definitely have an impact everywhere across Canada. Europa Movers Toronto work year-round to move people in and out of their homes and with approximately 14% of Canadians moving each year, it means that our Toronto local and long distance movers need to be prepared for all types of weather.

Here are some tips on moving safely in winter:

Roll out the carpet

Start your moving day by clearing a walkway from your home to the moving truck. Rake up leaves, salt concrete to help reduce ice and sludge, or shovel a path through the snow. This will help keep Toronto movers safe while carrying items from the house to the truck. At Europa Movers Toronto, we roll out old carpet outside of the houses and on truck ramps to create slip-free pathways.

Protect your floors

Most people who live in cold climates know the pain of the accompanying snow, rain, and mud. With people traveling in and out of your house during a move, the outside elements could easily be brought inside. Secure non-slip covers on your floors to help protect them, cardboard or plastic with grip work well.

Pack securely

When packing your belongings, make sure they are secured and put in moving boxes that will easily hold their weight. Don’t overpack moving boxes. If items are fragile, wrap them in bubble wrap, newspaper, butcher’s paper or moving blankets. Insulate your goods so the elements don’t ruin pricey or priceless items, including electronics, which are susceptible to frost and moisture.

Glass and plastic items can become weakened and more breakable when they are exposed to cold elements and condensation can impact sensitive wood finishes, electronics, and antiques. Even wood glue will become sensitive to the heat fluctuations.

Watch the clock

You should never rush a move, especially in cold, wet, and icy conditions, but do remember that winter months give less daylight, which impact visibility and the quality of lighting. Do your best to plan ahead so that you are using the daylight hours wisely.

Have the clothes fit the part

Wear sensible and close-toed shoes with a good grip on your moving day. Choose clothes that can be layered – it will be a cold day, but the activity of moving will quickly warm you up. Layers allow you to easily add or take off clothing items. Hand warmers/pocket warmers are helpful too.

Fuel your body

Start the day well fed and fueled – a hearty breakfast will give you the energy to keep going with the heavy lifting. You might be tempted to drink lots of coffee to stay warm, but make sure you also drink plenty of water to keep hydrated, or substitute coffee for hot water with lemon, ginger and honey.

Take your time

Slow down when moving in wet, icy and snowy conditions. Rushing can lead to slips and spills and can result in injury or damaged belongings. Plan for the move to take longer than usual, as you navigate winter conditions. It may add some costs or delays to your day, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Know the warning signs

Though you may not be outdoors for extended periods when moving, it’s always best to be safe and know what the symptoms are for exposure to cold temperatures. First aid training is always beneficial, but if you don’t have any training you can educate yourself and anyone helping with the move in regards to the warning signs for issues such as hypothermia.

Remember about your furry family members

Moving is already a stressful time for your pets, but the added stress of cold weather can further impact the way they react to the situation. Make sure to pay extra attention to those furry family members, to help alleviate any anxiety and to make sure they have a comfortable move in the cold and wet weather.

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.

Few Tips for Residential Downsizing

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When downsizing a home, it may first seem that there is less to do because you have less items to pack and move, and that the moving costs should be lower.

On the contrary, the downsizing moving process is actually longer than it is on a regular house-to-house or apartment-to-apartment move.

We prepared a few tips below to help you downsize your home in the most efficient way.

Prepare for Downsizing

If you don’t know where to start from, downsizing can be quite a challenge. Here’s the list to guide you step by step through this process.

  1. De-clutter. Begin downsizing your home by removing all the clutter and garbage that you may have inside the house. Throw away all the obviously unnecessary items like broken electronics, tools which are no longer working, old fashioned clothes you’re never going to wear again, broken hose in the garden, etc.
  2. Check your attic, basement, garage, garden. The easiest way to continue downsizing is going through the least used rooms and premises in your home. In such areas of the house it is easy to store things you don’t want or need in the moment and then forget about them. But they are still there and will not clean themselves up.
  3. Clean up your car. If you have the habit of hoarding things, you may have been leaving stuff in your car as well. Remember to check under the seats and the trunk.

Steps for Downsizing Your Home

And how to you actually decide what is worth taking to your new home and why? These ideas will help you make a decision.

  1. Can you use it at all? There may be items in your home that are broken, torn, or worn out and are no longer serving you. So, how about just tossing them away? When downsizing from a house to an apartment this is the easiest decision to make – throwing away what is actually useless.
  2. Is it old fashioned? If you really care about fashion then this is an important decision to make. Do you have items that are out of fashion like clothes, shoes and accessories? Be honest with yourself. If you haven’t used it for the last two years, chances are you may never do it again. Things that you don’t want in your home and those that are outdated could go away.
  3. Is it of emotional value to you? There are items that are dear to us which hold an emotional value like gifts from people we love. Those could be souvenirs as well as practical items like clothes. Either way, if you really care about those items, pack them up and take them to your new home.
  4. Do you really need it? There are some things that we actually need and some – that only fill in the space in the shelves, drawers and racks in our home and collect dust. You don’t need to pay movers to move all that!
    Also, think if you have room for it. It is important to take measures of your future home and decide what will and what will not fit in it. Why would you pay to move your sofa if there is not enough space in the room for it? Make a floor plan of your next home in order to make the estimations right.
  5. What do you do with the items that are in good condition and can be used but you have decided not to take with you? You can organize a moving sale and sell whatever you can. Or, you can separate kids’ clothes and shoes and toys, and donate them to an orphanage.

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 on How to Move Musical Instruments Safely

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An instrument’s tone and functionality can be greatly affected by the smallest change in shape or structure, so it’s worth investing your time into protecting them while moving. Every instrument is different in size, material and handling, and it can be difficult to provide specific guidance when each instrument requires its own set of guidelines for moving safely.

In this blog post we will provide some general tips and best practices which can help you move your instruments without damaging them.

Pack and Move Your Instruments In Proper Boxes

If you kept the original boxes your instrument came in, then this will go a long way in making sure they are packed and secured safely for the big move. And if you no longer have your original boxes, try your local instrument stores – you may be able to purchase boxes from there (or if you’re lucky, they might just give them to you for free!). In some cases, especially for percussion instruments, it might be worth investing in some properly sized hard cases, to transport your instruments in the future without damage.

Use an Appropriate Amount of Padding

Put as much padding as possible around the edges of your instrument, as it will prevent any scratches or dents should they accidentally get moved around during the process. Make sure to put an emphasis on the sharper edges or corners of your instrument as this is where breakage usually occurs during the moving process. The good thing about instruments is that they are almost always hollow in parts, so there are often spaces where you can stuff more padding (you can use clothes, pillowcases or any other soft material).

Proper Flight Etiquette

If you are flying with a stringed instrument, make sure that all of the strings are loosened before flight, as changes in temperature and air pressure can tighten the strings and cause the ‘headstock’ of stringed instruments to occasionally break off because of tightness. And when you arrive at your destination with the instrument, try to refrain from playing it within 24 hours, this way you can let it acclimatize to the new atmosphere and temperature of your new home. This is especially true if you have been transporting the instrument on a plane.

If you are transporting your instruments via airlines, make sure to contact the airline company first and find out about their services for moving instruments. Some airlines are far more accommodating than others. Be prepared to pay extra to bring your instruments with you in your carry-on luggage.

As Always, Planning Is Key!

Do some research on moving companies and their policies for moving instruments, as some moving companies might offer specific features that specifically cater to moving instruments. Planning to move your musical instrument can be quite stressful, but one of the best parts about planning for this event is that you become aware of all the necessary protocol.

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.

How to Select The Right Movers For You

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For most people, moving time is stressful, and it takes a lot of trust to put your belongings in the hands of strangers.

Here are some tips to help you choose the right movers for your relocation.

1. Check if a moving company serves an area of your new location

You’ll need to ask is whether a moving company serves the area you are moving to. If it only serves the area around a certain city and you intend to move long distance across the country or out of the country, then this obviously won’t work for you.

2. Ask if a moving company provides quality moving boxes

Many moving companies use carton moving boxes that often collapse under heavy weight, don’t stack effectively, can get soaked and have to be thrown out after a single use. And companies such as Frogbox provide plastic, reusable moving boxes that stackable and waterproof, extremely useful for the moving process, and also environmentally friendly.

If you want to ensure that your items are moved safely, consider a moving company that provides better quality moving boxes.

3. Is it a ‘full service’ moving company?

If you have a family with multiple school and work obligations, it can be difficult to coordinate all aspects of a move.

One of the best ways to ensure that the whole process is taken care of is to to hire ‘full service’ movers. Make sure that the company you are thinking of offers full service moving before you confirm your booking with them.

4. Is it a reputable moving company?

You should never settle for a moving company that has reputation for poor quality of service. Weigh up your options and single out the solution that’s right for your unique situation. A reputable moving company will accommodate whatever your situation is.

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.

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.