Europa Movers Toronto

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

Some Additional Costs of Moving a House

By

We have touched on a variety of different challenges associated with moving, but one topic we are yet to discuss is the additional monetary costs that can be associated with a house move. Budgeting for a move can be a challenge for some and the idea of ‘saving up’ to afford to move houses certainly seems like a strange idea, but it can be helpful to avoid some unwanted debt on your moving day.

We never seem to factor these costs into the moving process, so in this post we will truly assess how much money you should have ready when planning a house move. Depending on what type of moving situation you are in, there will be different types of expenses.

1. Consider your transportation costs. Whether you are planning to hire a moving service or load up a van by yourself, you will still need to spend some money on transportation. Well, many moving van rental companies include extra costs depending on how far you are moving, not to mention that you must refill the truck with gas upon its return. Although a moving service will generally cost you more than hiring a moving truck yourself, you can trust that your items will arrive safely and in good time. This way you don’t have to deal with the added stress of planning your move around van availability etc.

2. Destination. Depending on where you are moving to, there may be some extra costs associated with moving houses that are not related to transportation.

For instance, if you will be renting your new place, there will almost always be some kind of security deposit required. And for certain managed apartment buildings there are likely to be extra charges such as move in fees, FOB rentals, parking spot fees and move-in damage deposits.

3. In addition to all the preliminary moving costs above, there might be some secondary costs that you may not have taken into account. For instance, people are often either upsizing or downsizing when houses, so either buying new furniture to fill out certain spaces, or disposing of old furniture that won’t fit in your new space is likely to cost you more money.

Although some people will make the necessary plans for these kinds of extra expenses, most people will not budget effectively to take into account all of these factors.

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to your residential or commercial moving needs to and from the GTA and Metro Toronto area.

Tips for your Move to a Snowy Climate

By

Say you are moving to Canada. Be aware that it is very diverse in its landscape and climate, and sometimes, depending on your location, the weather can be extreme to say the least.

This can create numerous problems for people who are used to one specific climate.

In this blog post we will focus on changes that moving to a snowy climate can bring to your life, and some tips to help make your transition easier.

1. Be ready to drive – One of the most drastic changes to people’s lives when they move to a snowy, cold climate is the amount of driving that they will need to do. Getting to places can become quite stressful and take a long time if one has to rely on public transportation, so be ready to invest in a capable vehicle and to spend significantly more on gas.

2. Change your driving habits – Driving in dry climates can be very different from driving in snowy ones. The good news is you’ll get used to your new roads quickly, out of necessity. However, it is still useful to re-evaluate your driving habits, as unexpected problems can occur when getting used to a new climate. Do your research, and remember that safety is of the utmost importance.

3. Invest in appropriate clothing – If you are moving to a cold climate, chances are the winters will be long and cold; this is why it is absolutely necessary to invest in appropriate clothing for the season. Depending on how cold the area gets, you may need some heavy-duty jackets. Although for most snowy climates, it will be a good idea to simply pick up a high quality jacket, scarves and a pair of gloves.

4. Be prepared for some inconveniences – Aside from the standard clothing and driving inconveniences, there might be other challenges that arise when you move to your new location. For example, going places will generally take longer, so it is important to plan accordingly. Also, power outages will be generally more frequent due to changing weather, so it is worth keeping some alternative forms of entertainment around the house for your kids, and making sure you have plenty of non-perishable food around for those long outages.

5. Try to stay active – Staying active when it’s cold outside can be challenging. You can’t exactly just step out of your front door, as you may have been able to do in your old location. But it is extremely important to find ways to get your fix. You can join a gym, go for walks in a mall or try and take up some winter sports. Not only will these things keep you from gaining a few pounds, but will also help keep the winter blues away.

These are just a few tips to make your transition easier, but there will be numerous other challenges that you never expected when moving to your new location.

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to your residential or commercial moving needs to and from the GTA and Metro Toronto area.

 

Using Plastic Boxes for Making Your Move Greener

By

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

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

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

For more information, check out:

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to your residential or commercial moving needs to and from the GTA and Metro Toronto area.

 

Prepare a Checklist for Your Day Before Moving

By

While the most important moving checklist is your Moving Day Checklist, the runner-up is your Day Before Moving Checklist. Without it, you’re likely to wake up on your moving day already in panic with all that has to be done. But with a day-before list full of check marks, you’ll spring out of bed ready to take on your move! Ok, maybe you won’t be that enthusiastic, but you’ll be on top of things!

We suggest that you prepare your Day Before Moving Checklist based on your move’s specifics and include anything you haven’t yet gotten around to. Also, consider these additions:

  • Remove pictures, mirrors and wall hangings from the walls.
  • Build your Do Not Pack pile, putting suitcases and things you’ll be taking with you, in a corner clearly marked for movers and packers to steer clear of.
  • Create a folder or a binder to keep your household inventory, checklists (including this one), and all other important papers.
  • Contact your moving company to check, double check and triple check that everyone is on schedule.
  • Secure cash, jewelry and valuables and put it with your belongings you’ll be taking with you.
  • Return any cable boxes, modems or other leased electronics equipment.
  • Do last-minute banking. Get cash for movers’ tips and emergency needs.
  • Return anything borrowed – including library books – and pick up anything left hanging out there – including dry cleaning.
  • If someone is taking care of your children or pets during the move, check in with them and be sure all details are set.
  • Back up your computer. Charge your laptop, phone and other devices. And while you’re at it, be sure your chargers don’t get packed.
  • Dispose of all perishable food, opened containers, and anything that could leak. If you’re putting garbage out to the curb for pick-up, make arrangements for a neighbor to retrieve the cans.
  • If you’re taking liquids with you, put them in tightly sealed plastic bags or containers.
  • Remove light bulbs from lamps and lights that will be packed and moved.
  • Drain hoses and anything that might be filled with water.

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to your residential or commercial moving needs to and from the GTA and Metro Toronto area.

What to Look for in a Moving Estimate

By

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

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

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

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

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to your residential or commercial moving needs to and from the GTA and Metro Toronto area.

A Few Ways to Make Your Move Greener

By

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

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

5 Tips for a Green Move

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

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

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

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to your residential or commercial moving needs to and from the GTA and Metro Toronto area.

 

Some Good Tips for Moving with Pets

By

Moving with pets can add a wrinkle to your moving plans, as you can imagine. While we all become consumed with the usual chores of wrapping and packing our possessions, and organizing a workable moving schedule, a similar level of preparation is needed to transfer a pet from its familiar surrounds to a new home. And this is not as simple as it sounds.

To be fair, it’s easy to understand why you might overlook your pet during the planning process. After all, you probably consider your pet as a member of the family rather than another item to pack away, so you might assume that your dog, or cat, or rabbit or hamster are coming with every other family member. But there are specific considerations to be made when moving with pets.

Some Issues When 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. For this reason alone, taking a proactive approach and properly preparing your pet for the move is important. Here are some of the core issues that you should address.

  1. Prepare the Paperwork – This is particularly important when your residential move takes you to a new province 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. But 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 pet carrier. But there is sometimes a temptation to ignore such things when traveling in your family car. That could be a big mistake, with animals often getting restless and distressed during long journeys. The distraction they might cause if free to move around your vehicle could be dangerous. So I recommend always 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, in the run up 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 homey, 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 your residential or commercial moving needs to and from the GTA and Metro Toronto area.

How To Select Moving Insurance Plan Before Moving

By

Getting moving insurance was never high on my list of priorities, and for a few good reasons: it’s an extra expense; my moving company is insured; and, what are the chances anyway? Much like buying travel insurance when booking your flights for a vacation overseas, moving insurance seemed like an unnecessary expense.

The importance of getting proper moving insurance became apparent when an unexpected mishap caused damage to a family heirloom (a large living room mirror my grandmother bought in the 1950s) while in transit – and that was my lesson learned. I looked into the subject area and discovered some interesting facts below that I recommend keeping in mind.

  • Moving companies offer what’s known as “Valuation Coverage” (“Homeowner Insurance” only offers limited coverage on items in transit)
  • DIY packing can make your coverage void since packing errors may be yours
  • Moving Insurance policies offer the most complete protection

So, what does this mean? And what options are available to you if you want to play it safe and maximize protection of your things while moving. Well, here’s what I found out.

What is Valuation Coverage?

Your chosen moving company is obliged to be insured, whether offering local or international residential moving services.

Valuation Coverage essentially means they provide a predetermined limit of liability based on the perceived value of the loan being transported, and is detailed in your contract via your Bill of Lading. There are 3 ways that this limit of liability is calculated:

  • Declared Value Protection – This is calculated by offering a specific money value per pound. So, let’s say the total weight of your possessions loaded on the truck is 10,000 lbs, and a rate of $6-$8/lb is set (a common standard), the moving company is liable to a maximum coverage of $60,000-$80,000 in the event of any incident. The problem is that this coverage does not necessarily reflect the actual value of the items in transit, so an item that is light but expensive is covered to the same degree as a $5 paperweight.
  • Assessed Value Protection – You can get around the light-but-valuable issue by purchasing coverage based on the value of the load being transported. It’s usually available at a per-$1,000 rate, so you will pay a premium of $5-$10 for every $1,000 of value, with a range of deductibles. It is vital that the agreement is stated in the Bill of Lading, otherwise your moving company is under no obligation to honour it.
  • Complete Value Protection –  This is clearly the best of the three options, but also the least common to find. The moving company agrees liability to the full value of your possessions in transit, whether it is lost, damaged or completely destroyed, and even covers the cost of repairs or replacement. However, there are usually catches to the coverage too, so while a premium rate of $5 per $1,000 value on possessions with a combined value of $50,000 means paying an extra $250, minimum coverage limits and a range of deductibles.

All this means that you should fully understand the conditions and scope of coverage before signing any contract with a moving company.

What Does Homeowner Insurance Cover?

The quick answer to this question is: not much. It depends on your insurance company and the terms of the home insurance policy you have. The best thing to do, therefore, is to call your insurance company and ask them.

In many cases, there is no coverage for possessions while in transit, though there is 30-days coverage provided once they arrive in your new home. In some coverage is provided at only a very small percentage – perhaps as small as 10%.

Moving Insurance Policies Worth Considering

If you are not satisfied with your moving company’s Valuation Coverage, and discover that your Homeowner Insurance policy offers completely inadequate protection then buying moving insurance may be the best thing to do.

But there are several issues to consider in that case too:

  • Protected when loading the truck
  • Protected during transit
  • Protected when unloading the truck

For the most part, the types of coverage that moving companies offer should be enough, but the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) recommends that you check out the details of the coverage offered. CAM produced a brief overview on the matter, which is worth reading.

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.

Moving Overseas? Culture Shocks to Prepare for

By

Overseas moves may present very specific challenges that can sometimes catch you off guard. Culture shock is something that everyone who spends an extended period of time living overseas experiences. Unless you are prepared for it, it really has the potential to ruin your entire experience.

To help ease the transition for you, we created a shortlist of the 5 main culture shocks you are likely to face upon your arrival, and as you try to settle into your new environment.

5 Culture Shocks To Prepare For:

  1. Language – This is an obvious place to start if you are making the move to a non-English speaking country. It’s not just about conversations. Everything from road signs to popular media to restaurant menus is going to be in a language unfamiliar to you. If you’ve got time to learn some of the basics before you leave, do it. Tourist phrase books are essential tools, while Fodor’s offers some worthwhile language aids to download. And of course, there’s the ever-popular Rosetta Stone.
  2. Personal Interaction – How people interact can differ greatly between countries. For example, the English are often seen as being cold towards strangers, when in fact they’re simply exhibiting the famous “stiff upper lip.” In Japan, folding your arms while speaking to a senior colleague is about as rude as you can get. These subtle interactions are central to how a society works, so avoiding locals and clinging to fellow expats is probably the worst thing you can do. The only really way to learn is to interact – just be prepared to listen and learn.
  3. Social Faux Pas – Every culture has its do’s and don’ts, and you’d be surprised with what are considered faux pas in different countries – especially at work. In Canada, blood boils when people jump lines, but in many Asian countries, lines are often completely ignored. The range is quite extensive, of course, and much depends on the regions within a country, but some cultural research will give you a good chance of successfully negotiating the minefield.
  4. Connectivity – Different countries have different standards in Internet service, and have varying connection methods (wireless, broadband, DSL, ISDN and cable). Not only that, but costs, download speeds and service bureaucracy can all differ greatly too. It’s hard to understate the importance of an internet connection for keeping in touch with friends, family, employees and clients, but also for doing research on your new home and finding your way around.
    • Check out the internet services and costs in the country you’re moving to.
    • Set up an email address accessible from any computer (like Gmail).
    • Don’t change your cell phone immediately after your overseas move. See if you can configure it to the local system or use international roaming until you get sorted out.
    • Check the electrical voltage and outlet style in your new country, and get adaptors so you can charge your laptop or phone.
  5. Banking System – You will need a working bank account as soon as possible. Your new employers may help you set an account up, but when it comes to everyday services, you may find things more difficult than expected. There are lots of banks operating internationally (like Citibank, HSBC). That can help to smooth over issues like transferring funds, but opening an account with a local bank gives you local ATM and credit cards, keeping fees low.

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.

20 Moving Hacks & Tips for Residential Moves

By

Moving is one of the life’s most stressful experiences. And no matter how many times you’ve done it, there’s a couple things you’ll need: a good, reputable moving company and as much help and advice as you can get your hands on.

Here are twenty tried-and-true moving tips, tricks and hacks that really do work.
They can make your residential relocation smooth and efficient.

  1. Take photos of the rear hookup panels of your electronics before you disconnect them. Getting reconnected in your new home will be a snap, with a photo of what cord goes where.
  2. Use clothing and linens as wrap for breakables. A t-shirt wrapped around a glass dish works as well as costly packing materials. You can also kill two birds with one stone by putting a pair of rolled up socks inside glassware. Towels and sheets can also be used as pads in boxes of breakables.
  3. Use Saran Wrap and Glad Press ‘n Seal for keeping tiny things intact and in their original trays, drawers and display stands. This works particularly well with jewelry!
  4. Place a styrofoam disposable plate between breakable plates, stack ’em up and box ’em.
  5. Fill every container, basket, box and anything with open space. Put your containers to work for you! Fill them with smaller items to conserve on space in moving boxes. Don’t forget about your reusable fabric shopping bags with handles. Filling them before packing will help to keep your moving boxes organized.
  6. Use suitcases for heavy items such as books. Luggage can be your best moving box. Large suitcases with wheels are particularly helpful for moving heavy items like books.
  7. If you’re DIYing the packing, color code your boxes with brightly colored duct tape. Pink for kitchen, Blue for bedroom, Green for bathroom, etc. Specific contents can be written directly on the tape.
  8. And no matter how you color code, label boxes on at least two sides (not the top) so that when they’re stacked, you can see the label.
  9. If you’re moving yourself, keep boxes small. You can get free photocopy paper boxes from office supply stores. They have built-in handles and are perfect for small heavy items like books.
  10. Put a cotton ball or cotton pad in your powder or compact cosmetics, such as powder and blush, to keep them from breaking.
  11. Cover the openings of liquid toiletries with Saran Wrap. Take the cap off, cover with the plastic wrap, then put the cap back on. If the lid accidentally pops open during the move, the plastic wrap will prevent spills.
  12. Keep cords from being a big tangled mess by first filling a box with toilet paper tubes, upright. Put each cord into its own tube.
  13. Keep hardware together with the disassembled furniture it goes with by putting it in a snack size Ziploc bag and taping it to the largest pieced. Tape remotes to the TVs that they belong to.
  14. If you have more than one bed of the same size, color code your mattress and box springs if you want to keep them in the same bedrooms they had been in before. You won’t be able to tell them apart when they’re brought into your new home.
  15. Save partially full containers of basic cleaning supplies for your moving day cleaning kit. Keep them in a bucket that you don’t mind tossing. After the moving crew leaves, you can clean your house top to bottom and throw away the empty or near empty cleaners.
  16. Unpack the bedroom and your personal bathroom items first. At the end of a long moving day, you’ll want to shower and hit the sack without any further heavy lifting!
  17. Make the local library your first stop in your new town. Libraries are a valuable resource for newcomers. Find the community calendar, and the rack of fliers and brochures for classes and programs offered. And don’t forget to get your new library cards!
  18. Stop buying liquids and flammables well before your move date. Most moving companies won’t take anything flammable and some won’t take any liquids that have been opened. So don’t buy the value sized bottle of cooking oil unless you know you’ll use most of it by moving day.
  19. Don’t cheat. Your moving company has rules for a reason. Don’t sneak something into a box that you know is forbidden. If there’s a mishap, you’ll be responsible for the damages.
  20. Don’t move everything. In particular, outside trash cans, some indoor trash cans, toilet brushes, cleaning rags, and other items that are just unpleasantly “used up” should be tossed and replaced with shiny, brand new items for your new home.

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.