Europa Movers Toronto

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

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

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

Toronto Movers - Home Downsizing Toronto
Even after adding up all the condo fees, you’ll probably come out ahead financially due to savings on utilities, property taxes and other maintenance costs. Here are some tips to consider to make the process of your residential move in Toronto easier:

  1. Start with a List – Make a list of all the belongings that you can’t live without, i.e.: bed, couch, side table, lamps, TV etc. This will make parting with the other items easier and will help with the purge. You probably have doubles of most things hiding in the basement like DVD player, TV, couches.
  2. Fit to Measure – Will your furniture fit in your new place? Make sure to get a copy of the floor plan and take measurements of your furniture in advance. What fits in your home now might be an eyesore in your new unit.
  3. Declutter – This will be a fairly time consuming project, and an emotional one at that. Don’t overwhelm yourself and plan a few months in advance. Choose a room per day/week and make it your priority to go through every nook and cranny. Don’t forget the attic and the basement.
  4. Purge – How much should you purge? If you use it regularly then it is a keeper. Ask yourself these questions as you go through the process:
  • Do I really need this?
  • Is this sentimental to me?
  • How many of these do I have?
  • Have I used/worn this in the past six months or a year?
  • Am I keeping this for someone else?

Give yourself a quota – you’re allowed to keep only so many sentimental items, the rest must be donated or given away. This forces you to be more disciplined when going through your belongings and puts a limit on how fast you accumulate “stuff” over the long term.

5. Recycle, Sell or Donate – Don’t throw your belongings away, think about the environment and what you will be saving from our dumps.

Clothing, books, sheets and blankets are always accepted at most Shelters or Good Will. Furniture, tools or accessories are accepted at most Habitat Centers.The garage will have lots that you can purge. Garden tools, ladder, lawn mower, rakes, and shovels can be sold or donated. Make separate boxes for Recycle, Sell and Donate, you might be surprised how much you can clear out.

6. Storage Space –  After packing it all up, you realize you still have more than you thought. It isn’t easy to let go of sentimental items and memories that are attached to them. You might want to consider renting a Toronto storage unit. Whether is it short or long-term, think of a storage unit in Toronto as a temporary off site extension of your home.

 

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

Tips for Preparing Toronto Office Moving Plan

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The most logical way of avoiding the pitfalls that could arise during Toronto office moving is to hire professional Toronto office moving services – and our company just happens to provide exactly that! This article, however, is for those who are more prone to DIY. We have broken the office relocation planning process down to 8 key periods to help make your Toronto office move get properly organized and run smoothly.

Preparing Your 8-Point Office Moving Plan

  1. 6 Months Before
    This is the ideal time to start getting the wheels in motion, with plenty of time before you Toronto office moving day to sort out any complicated issues. The key steps at this initial stage are:

    • Establish an Office Moving Committee – You can’t do it all (don’t even try), so select a small number of staff to oversee the various aspects of the move. Usually 2 people is enough, but you may need 3-5 people.
    • Select a Space Planner and Interior Designer – A space planner can organize the layout of your new Toronto office in advance so your Toronto office movers will know where every desk, chair and filing cabinet are going to be. An interior designer can assess design aspects. It may not seem important, but everything that affects the space available needs to be considered.
    • Consult your IT staff – You want to make sure communications systems, including internet connectivity, suffer a minimum disruption in the build-up to, during and immediately after your office move. So you need to discuss how best to achieve this.
    • Request cost estimates – Get your Office Moving Committee to start looking for the best-value professional Toronto office moving companies. Keep in mind that low cost can sometimes translate to low standards, so don’t make a decision on cost alone. Check Yelp and Homestars to review Toronto office movers.
    • Identify initial layout of computer facilities – One of the most important elements of any office moving plan is identifying the best computer set-up infrastructure. Ensure power points are close to desks and computer cables can be tucked away neatly.
  2. 3 Months Before – Get your Office Moving Committee again to get updates on how things are progressing. Each member should prepare a complete report on their specific area of responsibility. Some of these areas include choosing the new telecommunications system, necessary office design changes identified and an adequate computer infrastructure designed.
  3. 2 Months Before – With 60 days to go before the move, it’s time to nail things down. So, you need to have supply, telecommunication and floor plans confirmed, like the telephone service, stationery supplies, copier service, and plant service. Now’s also a good time to make a final decision on a Toronto office moving company.
  4. 1 Month Before – This is when the nuts and bolts of the moving day plan needs to be decided, like the packing procedure and prioritizing items for unpacking and re-assembling. It’s also when you start to brief the staff on what is happening and their responsibilities (packing their own desk items). You should also notify customers of the impending move. Appoint a customer liaison officer they can contact with any queries.
  5. 2 to 3 Weeks Before – Time to check on the status of parking spaces, that security is fully briefed and that all of the relevant keys are available. Also, meet with your selected Toronto office moving services provider should be fully aware of the floor plan layout and furniture removal strategy.
  6. 1 Week Before – Update your staff on the events of moving day and their roles to play. It’s a good idea to provide them with guides on good packing techniques, and to timetable the packing process. You can also start to label office furniture and double-check office floor plans.
  7. 1 Day Before – The final packing and labeling should be done, but at the new premises make sure the phones are up and running. Post floor plans up on the walls so staff can check out where their new desks and workstations are located.
  8. Moving Day – Keep non-essential personnel away on moving day, so only moving teams and members of the Moving Committee should be on-site. IT staff should be there too to make sure that the computer systems are set up and are running. Everything should be unpacked and in their proper place in time for the first day’s operation in your new office.

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

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

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For many homeowners looking to move from to or from Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada, there can be some tough decisions involved. For example, not everything can be moved at the same time. And even when they can, the distance that needs to be covered can be too far for a non-stop journey to be practical. A lot, therefore, depends on your destination and the schedule you have. There’s a lot of aspects that need attention when moving, and storage offers some flexibility when the move is over long distances taking more than one day.

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

Reasons You’ll Need Toronto Storage Services

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

    1. Store to Wait – Generally speaking, whatever you pack will be unpacked at your new place of residence. But there may be some question marks over the space available until you see it for yourself. Your new place may be smaller, so you’re not sure if there will be room for your extensive personal library. Or maybe permanent fixtures in your living room mean the interior dimensions will not accommodate your present suite of furniture. In all the similar cases, you may want to store some of your items until you find a place for them. Once that’s worked out, you can pick them up from your Toronto storage.
    2. Store to Declutter – Sometimes you already know what items are not coming with you on your move, but you have not made a decision yet on how to dispose of them. Perhaps a family member wants your couch, but can’t collect it for a few days. Or maybe you want to sell off your old golf clubs, gym machines and other hobby related items, but it may be necessary to keep them in storage for a few days before getting rid of them at a weekend market or yard sale. Often, homeowners looking to sell will store some items to ensure their home is uncluttered and is looking more attractive to buyers. The storage period can range from a couple of days while the property is open for viewings, or it can be for several weeks if the seller prefers.
    3. Overnight Storage – The most common reason for hiring Toronto storage services is that long-haul journeys take several days. This is pretty logical when you consider the timetable adhered to by your long distance moving company. Toronto to Halifax is over 1,100 miles and will take about 24 hours to drive, while Vancouver is over 2,700 miles away and will take close to 48 hours to drive. While you might opt to make your own way (whether by car, train or plane), with your Toronto moving company moving your items, spending such long hours on the road means that at least one overnight stop will be needed. Having your items stored in Toronto storage facility is a lot better than parking overnight on the street or a truck rest, as getting your items to their new home safely is the priority.

Usually, because these stop-overs are agreed in advance as part of the moving itinerary, the cost of renting overnight Toronto storage facilities is included in the fees for the move. But it’s important to always ask about this and not to simply assume it.

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

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

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

Toronto Moving Company - Long Distance Movers Canada

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

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

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

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

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

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

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

Colour Coding Tips for Residential Moving in Toronto, ON

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

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

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

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

Benefits of Colour Coding For Residential Moving

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

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

Packing Tips for Toronto Residential Moves

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At Europa Movers Toronto, our residential moving services can include full-service packing services and packing supplies, but if you still choose to do most of the packing yourself – below are some useful tips to help you pack your belongings, especially fragile or highly valuable ones to prevent in-transit accidents.

Toronto Packing Tips - Movers Toronto

  1. Add Some Extra Padding – Even short distance moving, to or from Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada, has its share of risks, due to bumpy roads and sudden stops. So feel free to add extra padding! Bubble wrap and newspaper are the common favourites, but don’t forget unconventional alternatives, such as sweaters, scarves, blankets and even socks.
  2. Plates and Dishes – If you discover a few broken plates and dishes during your unpacking – it’s usually due to truck vibrations. To prevent that, pack them individually on their sides, just like in a dishwasher! Make sure their edges are securely wrapped with bubble wrap with little room to move around.
  3. Fragile Objects – We mentioned plates and dishes above, but keep in mind that jugs, glasses and the like should be packed separately with their cavities filled. You can use socks for this. Be sure to pack your dishes in large boxes with pillows or blankets to absorb the vibrations.
  4. Lamps – A tricky item, but it might just fit in the drawers in the dresser! Wrap the base in a towel, and disassemble if possible. The furniture might be unstable, and the towels provide great buffering going around tight corners, and the shades can be boxed.
  5. Electronics – Most Toronto residential movers usually advise electronics to be packed in their original boxes – but chances are they’ve been thrown out long ago. You can wrap each component separately, then secure the main items (DVD player etc) with some bubble wrap, set it into the centre of a box walled by a blanket. Add the smaller components on top, wrapped in extra padding.
  6. Mirrors and Paintings – It’s best to get a frame box for any large mirrors or valuable paintings. Most residential moving services will offer them, but be sure to fill the space between the mirror and the box walls. A blanket or sweater is great for this.
  7. Antique Furniture – To protect valuable antique furniture, you can wrap a thick winter blanket around the main body. The material won’t tear during transit, but be sure to wipe surfaces clean first so no small particles can cause damage under the padding. Smaller kitchen towels and sweaters can be used around the legs.

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

 

Useful Tips for Self-Staging Your House in Toronto

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

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

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

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

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

Helpful Moving Checklist for Moving to or from Toronto

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Are you planning your move in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada? We prepared this helpful moving checklist to save you some time and effort.

1 to 2 months before your moving:

  • Contact Europa Movers Toronto for a free in-home moving estimate
  • Get packing supplies if you are packing yourself
  • Make any necessary travel arrangements
  • Organize a garage sale
  • Get medical and dental records and ask your doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions
  • Transfer your memberships and fill out change of address forms
  • Record serial numbers of electronic equipment
  • Start a moving expenses log, as some of your expenses may be tax deductible

2 to 4 weeks before your moving:

  • Book the service elevator if moving from an apartment building
  • Transfer your newspaper and magazine subscriptions to your new address in Toronto or elsewhere in Canada or discontinue delivery
  • Switch utility services to your new address – inform telephone, cable, hydro companies of your relocation
  • Confirm travel reservations if necessary
  • Check the contents of your safe-deposit box. Pack and carry all valuables such as jewelry, insurance policies, legal documents and important collections with you
  • Clean or arrange for a cleaning service to clean your home
  • Prepare your children for the move by encouraging them to prepare their own special box with toys, games and snacks for the trip
  • Start packing (if you are packing yourself)
  • Number all of your boxes, label each box according to its contents, specially mark fragile contents and keep an inventory list

A few days before moving:

  • Collect house keys and arrange to leave them with the new owners, your real estate agent or landlord
  • Disconnect your appliances
  • Double check all closets, shelves, your garage, etc. to be sure they are empty
  • Finish your packing

On the moving day:

  • Make sure your Toronto moving company have all your destination details, exchange phone numbers and have your cell phone with you in case you need to contact your movers, etc.
  • Walk through your home with the crew to survey the work to be done and make sure your instructions/wishes are clearly understood
  • Make sure you shut off all appliances
  • Assist your Toronto moving company by ensuring that items are delivered to the correct room
  • Carry all important documents, currency and jewelry yourself
  • Complete a last minute check of all rooms and closets

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

Think Twice When Asking Your Friends to Help You Move in Toronto

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

Damage is the most common and expected result when organizing your own move, and if you are not comfortable with your items or your home being damaged, this is not the route to take. Our professional Toronto movers are trained experts in techniques specific to every piece of furniture they encounter (and every environment), and that level of expertise comes only after several years in the industry. Not knowing the proper techniques and the correct angles to use when lifting items and furniture pieces through tight spaces – such as stairways and door frames – usually results in a lot of wasted time with trial and error as well. If damaging your furniture or your home is a concern, you should never move yourself.

As for the budget – moving yourself is far from cost-prohibitive. Your major expense will be renting a moving truck and any equipment necessary to aid in the move. When done properly, completing a move in Toronto or elsewhere in Canada requires not only a truck but several moving dollies, 80-100 professional-grade moving blankets, tie down straps, shrink-wrap, mattress covers, wardrobe boxes, and tools, all of which will need to be purchased or rented.

Although having your friends and family there to help may sound like a great idea, they are also far from a “free” labour force. Aside from the implied obligation to provide food and refreshments during the process, most people will also feel compelled to entertain the people who are helping out during the process and provide dinner (and possibly drinks) afterward.

Add up all of these factors with the financial cost related to repairing damages, and moving with the help of your friends is not as cheap as you thought!

As a conclusion – your time, money, and energy are all very valuable, and hiring professional Toronto movers often saves you all three.

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

Comparing Moving Quotes for Moving in Toronto

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

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

  1. Free vs. Obligation

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

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

  2. Weight And Volume

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

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

  3. Additional Moving Services

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

Call Europa Movers Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.