Europa Movers Toronto

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

Toronto Moving Tips: How to Conduct a House Inspection

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Buying a house in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada is a serious decision of any prospective homeowner, and that’s why many buyers will weigh up their options few times to ensure that they are getting the most value for their money. Hiring a professional Toronto house inspector is a wise decision, considering the size of one’s investment. However, it won’t hurt to try and do some of the work yourself.

Toronto House Inspection Tips - Movers Toronto

With the correct preparation, you can conduct your own Toronto house inspection and make an informed decision on your big purchase. We prepared some useful tips below to help you.

Check for Any Roof Problems

One of the most important areas of a proper Toronto house inspection is the roof. 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 condition and maintenance from the seller to make an educated decision.

Inspect the Plumbing

This means testing all the taps and faucets, checking water pressure and keeping a sharp eye out for stains on the walls. Often liquid stains on walls mean leaky pipes, and this can cost you a lot of time and money to repair.

Check for Hazards

This is rather a general tip, but ensure that as you walk around a prospective home in Toronto – you take note of any potential 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 next to the house, 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 a fairly common condition and can be found in most older houses. This is an easier part of house inspection by potential buyers as you don’t have to be trained to spot the rotting. Note that many sellers will try to coat rotting wood with some paint, so make sure to be thorough in your assessment.

Check Mobile / Internet Connectivity

One 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.

The tips above are designed to be a starter guide for any Toronto 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 our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

 

How to Prepare your Pet for a Long Distance Move from Toronto, ON

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Moving a live animal long distances to or from Toronto, or elsewhere in Canada can present various challenges.

In this blog post we’ll give you some tips to help you prepare for moving your pet safely and comfortably anywhere in Canada.

Toronto Moving Company - Pet Moving Tips


Microchip your pet

This is a great way to track the location of your pet, should they go missing for any reason during your relocation. Make sure to arrange to microchip your pet at least 2 weeks before your move so there’s enough time to register a second contact, as this could make the difference in keeping track of your beloved pet.

Familiarize your pet with its crate

One extra way to help your pet’s 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. For most pets travelling by airlines, a properly sized crate will be necessary. It is important that you purchase a crate that is sturdy and has enough space for your pet to be comfortable during the journey.

Let your pet exercise

One good 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.

Consider 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 accordingly

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, such as any medication they may need to take, food, toys to keep them entertained, litter bags, leashes and grooming equipment.

Preparing your pet for a move is always going to be a challenging process, but if you do your research, take every precaution you can. That way 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 our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

Great Places for Visiting and Living in Western Canada

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Moving to or from Toronto, ON across a big country like Canada can be a challenging task, just because there is so much distance between where you currently are and where you will likely be moving to. However, this shouldn’t deter you from considering a big transition such as a cross-country move to Western Canada.

Moving Across Canada - Moving to Western Canada

It is very important to scope out your new potential places of residence in Western Canada, and to take in as much of the area as possible while you are visiting it.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the best places to visit and live in Western Canada. Hopefully after visiting those places, you will feel more comfortable to make a decision that could change your life for the better.

  • Vancouver, BC – 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, BC – As one of the best ski resorts in the world and a host of the 2010 Winter Olympic games, Whistler is a great 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, AB – 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, AB – 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.

These were 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. And if you are considering moving to Western Canada, it’s a great idea to visit some cities first, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed. You are welcome to check out our Viktoria Movers Vancouver and Viktoria Movers Calgarybranches’ Blogs for more tips on moving to Western Canada.

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 Hidden Costs of Moving to or from Toronto, ON

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We have covered a variety of different topics and issues associated with moving houses in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada, but one topic we have yet to discuss is the unexpected monetary costs that can be associated with a house move.

Budgeting for a move can be a challenge for many people and the idea of ‘saving up’ to afford to move houses in Toronto, ON certainly seems like a strange idea, but as you’ll see later in this post, it can be a good idea to avoid going into some unwanted debt on your moving day.

House Moving and Home Downsizing Tips - Movers Toronto

Depending on what type of moving situation you are in, there will be different types of expenses. 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 in Toronto.

1. The first thing to consider is transportation costs. Whether you are planning to hire professional Toronto movers or load up a van by yourself, you will inevitably have to spend some money on transportation.

Many moving van rental companies in Toronto include extra costs depending on how far you are moving, not to mention a stipulation that you must refill the truck with gas upon its return.

On the other hand, a Toronto moving service will generally cost you more than hiring a moving truck yourself, but with Toronto moving companies that value excellent customer service, 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 in Toronto, there may be a number of extra costs associated with moving houses that are not necessarily related to transportation.

For instance, if you are planning on renting your new digs, there will almost always be some kind of security deposit required, but 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 these preliminary moving costs, it is likely that there will be some secondary costs associated with moving 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.

While 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 our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

 

Toronto Moving Tips: Moving to a Snowy Climate in Canada

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If you are planning to move to Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada, you should be aware that it is very diverse in its landscape and climate, and sometimes, depending on your location, the weather can be extremely snowy to say the least. This can create numerous problems for people who are used to one specific climate.

Toronto Moving Tips - Moving to Snowy Climate

In this blog post we will cover some challenges that moving to a snowy climate in Canada can bring to you, and some tips to help make the transition for you and your family easier.

1. Be ready to drive more – One of the biggest changes to people’s lives when they move to a snowy, cold climate in Canada 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 snowy climates can be very different from driving in dry 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 in Canada. Do your research, and remember that safety is of the utmost importance.

3. Invest in some appropriate clothing – If you are moving to a cold climate in Canada, chances are the winters will be long and cold, so it is absolutely necessary to invest in appropriate clothing for the cold 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 challenges, 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 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.

Try to be open to new experiences, and try to take advantage of activities that can only be done in your new climate.

Above 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 in Canada.

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 Your Plants in Toronto, ON

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We prepared some tips to ensure that when you move your plants to or from Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada, they arrive at your new home safely, and that you don’t lose those great memories associated with your old home:

• Move at the right time – Try and move your plants either at the start or end of the summer, as the dryness can often stress plants and make re-planting them very difficult.

Dry summers aren’t usually too common in Canada, but it might not be worth taking the risk, so planning your move for the spring or autumn is a good idea.

Moving with Plants in Toronto - Toronto Plants Moving

• Do some research – There are often unique problems that arise when moving plants, mainly due to their status as living things. Firstly, check with your Toronto movers as to whether they can assist with moving your plants, some Toronto movers don’t have policies that allow for this. Secondly, be aware of long distance/cross country moves, as moving plants across international borders can be tricky and there are often strict regulations that can make this a tough process.

• Move smaller plants by yourself – For small house plants – we recommend moving them in your car. Not only will it reduce the stress of wondering whether your Toronto moving company will treat the plants correctly, but you can also watch and maintain them more closely.

• Prepare for outdoor plants – It’s important to plan carefully, especially when moving outdoor plants. Try to prepare the planting site before you arrive, so that as soon as you get there you can plant your favourite tree.

Also, bring along some water to keep the roots moist during the trip.

• Observe the changes – There’s nothing worse than arriving at a new garden and finding that it doesn’t fit the needs of your plants. Make sure to observe the soil quality and use plenty of plant food and water to help them adjust. Also observe the new climate, certain plants may not fair well in certain temperatures.

Finally, we recommend observing the air quality in your new home’s area.

• Damage Control – There’s a variety of steps you can take to maintain the general health of the plants prior to the move.

Firstly, you can trim back any foliage that you think may interfere with the moving process and risk snagging the plant. You can also tie back any crucial branches or leaves that stick out to further prevent snagging or branches breaking. Finally, it’s a good idea to treat your plants for pests and diseases before moving, this will help you start your new garden without any worries of infecting other plants.

So, there’s many factors you’ll need to consider when moving your plants. And if the tips above are followed carefully, moving your plants should be a breeze.

 

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.

Plastic Boxes for Eco Friendly Toronto Moving

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Although cardboard moving boxes may be cheap and quite useful when moving to or from Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada, they do little to save the environment. Nowadays many eco friendly Toronto movers are investing more and more in reusable plastic boxes for packing and moving. And there are some compelling practical reasons to do so.

Plastic Moving Boxes vs. Cardboard Boxes Toronto - Toronto Movers

  • 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.
  • Plastic boxes 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.
  • More 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 Toronto 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 Toronto 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 our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips for Choosing a Storage Facility in Toronto

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Comparing Moving Quotes for Moving in Toronto

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

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

  1. Free vs. Obligation

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

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

  2. Weight And Volume

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

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

  3. Additional Moving Services

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

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