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Toronto, ON M8W 4W5
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Toronto Moving Tips: Tips for Residential Downsizing

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One of the most challenging moves is downsizing from a house to an apartment in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada. Although it may seem like there is less to do, because you have less items to pack and move, and may seem that the moving costs should be lower.

On the contrary, the downsizing process is actually longer than any other regular house-to-house or apartment-to-apartment move in Toronto.

House Moving and Home Downsizing Tips - Movers Toronto

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

Steps to Prepare for Downsizing

Downsizing can be quite a challenge if you don’t know where to start from, and here’s the list to guide you step by step through this process:

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

Steps to Downsizing Your House

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

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

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

Toronto Moving Tips: How to Move Your Musical Instruments Safely

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Every instrument is different in shape and size, material and handling, and it can be difficult to provide specific guidance when each instrument requires its own set of guidelines for moving safely. In this blog post we will provide some general tips and best practices to help you move your instruments without damaging them, when moving to or from Toronto, ON or across Canada.

Tips for Moving Musical Instruments - Toronto Movers


Pack Your Instruments In Proper Boxes

This might seem obvious, but proper boxes are the greatest resource you have in protecting your instruments. And if you kept the original boxes your instrument came in, then this will go a long way in making sure they are packed and secured safely for the big move.

If you no longer have your original boxes, try asking at your local instrument stores – you may be able to purchase boxes from there (and if you’re lucky, they might just give them to you for free!). And in some cases, especially for percussion instruments, it might be worth investing in some properly sized hard cases, to transport your instruments without damage.

Use an Appropriate Amount of Padding

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

During and After Moving Your Instruments 

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

If you are flying with a stringed instrument, make sure that all of the strings are loosened before flight, as changes in temperature and air pressure can tighten the strings and cause the ‘headstock’ of stringed instruments to occasionally break off because of tightness. When you arrive at your destination with your instrument, try to refrain from playing it for 24 hours, to let it acclimatize to the new atmosphere and temperature of your new home.

As Always, Planning Is Key!

Research Toronto moving companies and their policies for moving instruments, as some Toronto movers might offer specific services that cater to moving instruments. Planning to move your musical instrument can be stressful, but will help you become aware of the necessary protocol.

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 The Right Toronto Moving Company For You

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Moving companies in Toronto vary as they provide different services in different locations for different types of clients.

How to Choose Toronto Moving Company - Movers Toronto

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

We prepared some tips below to help you choose the right Toronto moving company for your relocation.

1. Does a Toronto moving company serve an area of your new location?

One of the first questions you’ll need to ask is whether a moving company in Toronto serves the area you are moving to.

If it only serves the area around a certain city and you intend to move long distance across Canada or out of the country, then this obviously won’t work for you.

2. Does a Toronto moving company provide quality moving boxes?

Many Toronto moving companies offer traditional cardboard moving boxes that often collapse under heavy weight, don’t stack effectively, can get soaked and have to be thrown out after a single use.

Companies such as Frogbox provide plastic, reusable moving boxes that stackable and waterproof, extremely useful for the moving process, and also environmentally friendly. If you want to ensure that your items are moved safely, it is worth considering a moving company in Toronto that provides better quality moving boxes.

3. Do they provide a ‘full moving service’?

If you, like many other people hiring a Toronto moving company, have a family with multiple school and work obligations, it can be difficult to coordinate all aspects of a move.

One of the best ways to ensure that the whole process is taken care of is to to hire ‘full service’ Toronto movers.

Make sure that Toronto moving company you are thinking of offers full service moving before you confirm your booking with them.

4. Do they have a good reputation?

As a client, you should never settle for a moving service in Toronto that has a reputation for poor quality of service. Depending on your location, you are going to want to weigh up your options and single out the solution that’s right for your unique situation.

Good Toronto moving companies will accommodate whatever your situation is. Enough research and preparation can greatly increase the chances that you will have a good experience more often than not, and the decision is in your hands.

 

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: 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.

 

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.

 

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.

Useful Tips for Moving with Pets to or from Toronto ON

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Moving with pets to or from Toronto, ON can interrupt your moving plans. While we all become busy with the usual chores of wrapping and packing our belongings, and organizing a workable moving schedule, a similar level of preparation is needed to move a pet from its familiar surrounds to a new home.

Moving with Pets - Toronto Moving Company

There are specific considerations to keep in mind when moving with pets, to or from Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada.

Some Tips for 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. So taking a proactive approach and properly preparing your pet for the move is important.

Here are some useful tips to help you.

  1. Prepare the Paperwork – This is especially important when your residential move takes you to a new province in Canada 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. 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 special pet carrier.We recommend 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, prior 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 cozy, 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 our residential or commercial moving and storage services in Ontario and across Canada.

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.

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.

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.