Europa Movers Toronto

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Toronto, ON M8W 4W5
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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.

Some Moving Hacks for moving to or from Toronto ON

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Moving is one of the most stressful experiences. No matter how many times you’ve moved before, there’s a couple things you’ll always need: a good, reputable Toronto moving company and as much help and advice as you can get.

20 Moving Hacks - Toronto Movers
Here are twenty helpful moving hacks that really work and 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 much easier 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 put a pair of rolled up socks inside your glassware. Towels and sheets can also be used as pads inside boxes with 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 them up and box them.
  5. Fill up every container, basket, box and anything with open space. Put your containers to work for you! Fill them with smaller items to space space in moving boxes. Don’t forget about your reusable fabric shopping bags with handles. Filling them up before packing will help to keep your moving boxes organized.
  6. Use suitcases for heavy items such as books. Suitcases can serves as moving boxes. 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. 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 by yourself, keep your 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 getting 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 get to bed 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 moving 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. Avoid cheating. 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 our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

Options for Moving Your Car During a Long Distance Move from Toronto ON

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If you are moving locally in Toronto, ON, moving your car won’t be an issue. But when it comes to long distance moving across Canada, the situation is different.

While a local or short distance move in Toronto, ON presents a no-brainer ‘drive-it-yourself’ solution, a move that takes you hundreds or thousands of miles away is a bit more complicated.

Toronto Car Moving Services - Movers Toronto
We’ve prepared a list of options below to help you move your car.

  1. Drive it Yourself –For most people, this is exactly how they do it, combining a move across country with a fun road trip. It’s perfect when your new home is not very far away and you can make the journey in a day or two. But moving across Canada can take several days, and you may not have the time to do it. So, think twice about the pros and cons.
  2. Hire a Driveaway Service –It’s arguably the least commonly considered option, but it is a practical one. You give your car to a driveaway service, tell them where and when you want it delivered, and they match it with an individual looking for transportation to the same city. And your vehicle will be covered by the company’s insurance, with drivers leaving a fairly heavy deposit as well as ID, so you’ve got a good margin of safety built-in.
  3. Let Your Toronto Moving Company Move It –This depends on the size of your car, but you may be able to load your car onto the moving truck you’re already using. It’s a viable option when you need more than one truck, with the second not completely full. Just keep in mind the costs as your long distance moving service is charged by weight and distance, rather than by the hour. Ask your moving coordinator how they can assist you.
  4. Hire a Professional Toronto Vehicle Moving Company –There are car shippers around that will load your vehicle on a carrier, along with several others, and drive them to your new city. In some cases, they load it onto a freight train, minimizing the time needed. Obviously, moving your car this way is going to cost you more, but there are some pros:
    • You car is covered by the transportation company’s insurance, at least while in transit (check the particulars first)
    • You can rest easy your car will be delivered without a scratch
    • Your car’s mileage doesn’t increase
    • Wear and tear is avoided

If you do choose this option, get a quote and check the details before committing yourself. They will need to know the drop-off point, but not all will deliver to your door.

  1. Don’t Move It, Just Sell It –Finally, you could also just sell your car instead of moving it with you. Bear in mind that not all provinces in Canada share the same vehicle emissions testing laws, so a vehicle that’s deemed be fine in New Brunswick might not be okay in British Columbia. The same issues need to be considered when moving to the US, making selling up and buying a new car a logical decision. Check out the different laws in the AAA/CAA website.

 

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.

Long Distance Moving Tips: How to Cut Your Moving Costs

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The cost of moving long distances to or from Toronto, ON, across Canada or into the US will be outside of the classification of ‘local’ moving. Your belongings are going to be in transit for several days – in some rare cases even weeks.

Good news is that there are ways to cut the costs of long distance moving, from Toronto, ON to anywhere else in North America, and here are some tips for you in form of the infographic.

Europa Movers Toronto - Long Distance Moving Tips Infographic

 

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.