Europa Movers Toronto

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

How To Select Moving Insurance Plan Before Moving

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

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

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

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

What is Valuation Coverage?

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

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

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

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

What Does Homeowner Insurance Cover?

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

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

Moving Insurance Policies Worth Considering

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

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

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

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

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

Moving Overseas? Culture Shocks to Prepare for

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

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

5 Culture Shocks To Prepare For:

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

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

20 Moving Hacks & Tips for Residential Moves

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

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

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

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

Tips for Moving a Car During your Long Distance Move

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If you are moving within a city, moving your car is hardly going to be an issue. But when it comes to long distance moving, the situation is very different. While a local or short distance move presents a no-brainer ‘drive-it-yourself’ solution, a move that takes you hundreds or thousands of miles away is a bit more complicated. But you’ve got some options.

We’ve developed a short list of the best answers and here is a shortlist of 5 of them.

5 Options To Consider When Moving 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 ideal when your new location is not very far away and you can make the journey in a day or two. But crossing the continent can take several days, and you may not have the time to do it. So, think hard about the pros and cons, but there is little doubt that driving your car yourself is the option with the least hassle involved.
  2. Turn to 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. It’s kind of like a car rental company where you donate the car! Don’t worry, your vehicle is covered by the company’s insurance, and with drivers leaving a fairly heavy deposit as well as ID, you’ve got a good margin of safety built-in.
  3. Let Your 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 cost since your long distance moving service is charged by weight and distance, rather than by the hour. Ask your moving coordinator how they can accommodate you.
  4. Hire a Professional Vehicle Moving Service – 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 a good few extra dollars, but there are some positives:
    • 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. You may have to pick your vehicle up at a designated lot, and a storage fee may be charged if there’s a number of days between arriving and you picking it up.

  5. Don’t Move It, Just Sell It – Finally, sell your car instead of moving your car. 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 your residential or commercial moving needs to and from the GTA and Metro Toronto area.

Tips: How to Downsize from a House to a Condo in Toronto

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Thinking about moving from your house to a condo in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada? Even after condo fees, you’ll probably come out ahead financially due to savings on utilities, property taxes and other maintenance costs.

Of course, thoughts of going through a lifetime of treasures may be your biggest challenge and may cause you headache and stress before it all begins but don’t fear. Here are some planning tips to consider to make the process of your your residential move a little 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. You probably have doubles of most things hiding in the basement like DVD player, TV, couches. This will make parting with the other items easier and will help with the purge.
  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 – Remember less is more! 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 that hidden room in 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.

    This would also be a great time to call the children and let them know it is time for them to claim their old keepsakes from their rooms.

  5. Recycle, Sell or Donate – Don’t throw it 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. Challenge yourself, once placed in the box you are not allowed to pull back out. Your trash might be someone else’s treasure.
  6. Label EVERYTHING!  Once you have decided what is for keeps, you can start packing it away. When packing up boxes months before a move, you will never remember where you put that favourite vase that aunt Martha bought you. Write detailed item lists on the boxes and colour code the boxes for each room. Trust me, this will save you time and frustration.
  7. 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 as a temporary off site extension of your home.

About Europa Moving & Storage Toronto

Europa Moving & Storage Toronto is a professional moving and storage company operating out of Toronto, ON, providing high quality local and long distance moving services throughout Toronto, GTA, Ontario and across Canada. Thanks to our country-wide network we are also able to service our clients’ long distance moving needs throughout Canada.

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

Long Distance Moving and Storage Services

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In many people’s eyes, the concepts of storage and moving homes are quite separate. One is all about keeping things together in one place, while the other one is all about transporting things to another place. In fact, frequently they are both essential components in the overall moving project – especially long distance moving projects.

And for many homeowners looking to move 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 a little flexibility when the move is over long distances taking more than a day.

So what situations could come up that necessitate the use of Toronto storage facilities as part of your move? As some of the top movers in Canada, we happen to have experience in this area!

Reasons You’ll Need Toronto Storage Services

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

    1. Store to Wait – Generally speaking, whatever you pack will be unpacked at your new home. But there may be some question marks over the space available until you see it for yourself. Your new home 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. You may even have purchased or received items a day or two before your move date, and need to store them somewhere before including them in your consignment. In these cases, you may want to store some of your possessions away until you know for sure, and have found a place for them. Once that’s worked out, you can send for them.
    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 day or two before getting rid of them in a weekend market or yard sale. Often, homeowners looking to sell will store some possessions to ensure their home is uncluttered and 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. Whatever the cost, however, it can be a minor outlay for a successful sale.
    3. Overnight Storage – The most common reason for requiring storage services is that the long-haul journey is going to take several days. This is pretty logical when you consider the timetable adhered to by long distance moving services. While you might opt to make your own way (whether by car, train or plane), with Toronto moving company taking your possessions independently, long hours on the road means that at least one overnight stop is needed. Having your possessions locked away in a storage facility is a lot better than parking overnight on the street or a truck rest, as getting your things to their new home safely is the priority.

Usually, because these stop-overs are agreed in advance as part of the transportation itinerary, the cost of 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.

About Europa Moving & Storage Toronto

Europa Moving & Storage Toronto is a professional moving and storage company operating out of Toronto, ON, providing high quality local and long distance moving services throughout Toronto, GTA, Ontario and across Canada. Thanks to our country-wide network we are also able to service our clients’ long distance moving needs throughout Canada.

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

Packing Supplies For Your Residential Move in Toronto ON

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So what exactly do you expect to get when you look for a residential moving service for moving in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada?

Your shortlist is certain to include having a Toronto moving company that will turn up on time, a crew of professional Toronto movers that know what they’re doing, and a truck (or two) that will not break down and delay the whole process.

But another aspect that has become standard is the availability of quality packing materials. It’s understandable, especially when you consider packing your possessions safely depends greatly on the quality of the materials used, and that finding such materials independently can take a bit of searching and a significant investment of time.

Here’s a general guide to give you an idea as to what you’ll need.

What You Need

The list of items typically needed when moving homes is pretty straightforward. You need practical wrapping materials to protect items from scratches, vibrations and the impact from bumps and falls, boxes to put items in, and other items for packing, and sealing.

In general, Toronto residential moving service providers will have a set list of items, but experienced Toronto movers should be able to identify special materials when necessary, and what materials you can do without. This, of course, all depends on what the items being packed are.

The basic list runs something like this:

  • cardboard boxes
  • specialty boxes, like wardrobe boxes, mirror boxes, lamp boxes, dish boxes, flat screen TV boxes
  • packing peanuts
  • tissue paper or unprinted newspaper
  • bubble wrap
  • packing tape
  • moving blankets for furniture

Box sizes range from small to extra large, and are usually measured by cubic feet. Some frequently used special boxes are dish pack and wardrobe boxes, but mirror, picture and even mattress boxes are also available.

  • small box (1.5-2 cu. ft.) – for books, magazines, newspaper, DVDs, small general items like small sculptures, kitchen pantry
  • medium box (3-4 cu. ft.) – for clothes, linnen, slightly larger items, or for larger general items
  • large box (5-6 cu. ft) – for pillows, bulky items, larger item, lamps, toys
  • dish pack box (5.1 cu. ft.) – designed with double extra thick walls perfect for dishes, glasses, vases, lamps, breakables
  • wardrobe box (14 cu. ft.) – contains a cross rung so clothes can be hung just as in a wardrobe

How Much You Need

This is the grey area, with precise numbers hard to calculate. A lot depends on the amount you want to move, some of which may not be very common. For example, if you have a library of books, then you’ll need a larger number of small sized boxes.

A good residential moving service should be able to handle any kind of move, whether the client is moving from a small apartment or a large family home. The number of bedrooms may vary, and extra spaces like a guest room and home office will change things.

As a guide, however, the average family home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, as well as a kitchen, living room and dining room. Using this as a model, a moving company should offer between 90 and 100 boxes, the vast majority of which would be made up of small, medium and large packing boxes. The per-room breakdown reads something like this:

  • Kitchen – 20 boxes: 4 small, 6 medium, 4 large, 6 dish pack (for bulky kitchen appliances)
  • Living Room – 14 boxes: 4 small, 4 medium, 4 large, 2 dish pack boxes
  • Dining Room – 6 boxes: 2 medium, 4 dish pack boxes
  • Bedroom – 14 boxes: 2 small, 5 medium, 5 large, 2 wardrobe boxes
  • Master Bedroom – 23 boxes: 3 small, 6 medium, 8 large, 6 wardrobe boxes
  • Bathroom – 4 boxes: 2 small, 2 large

When it comes to other packing materials, like packing paper, bubble wrap and tape, then there are also general amounts issued by a residential moving service in Toronto.

For example, 1 roll of tape is usually enough for every 10 boxes (so 9-10 tape), while 25 lbs of packing paper is usually enough for every 10 cubic feet of packing. That’s enough for 5 small, 2.5 medium, 1.5 large and 2 dish pack boxes. An average of about 1 ft of bubble wrap is needed per box too, so about 9 rolls of 12 feet-long sheets is necessary.

About Europa Moving & Storage Toronto

Europa Moving & Storage Toronto is a professional moving and storage company operating out of Toronto, ON, providing high quality local and long distance moving services throughout Toronto, GTA, Ontario and across Canada. Thanks to our country-wide network we are also able to service our clients’ long distance moving needs throughout Canada.

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

Some Tips for Preparing Long Distance Moving Plan

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

Other than wrapping and packing, what issues may come with moving long distances? We’ve put together a brief list of tips that can help to get your moving strategy right.

  1. Redistribute The Hoard – We all like to hold onto things, usually because of the memories they evoke. That old cardigan that kept you warm in your college dorm a lifetime ago but you never wear now. Or 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 these? 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 more so than by hour, so shedding the load will save money. Give to charity. Have a yard sale. Even bring items a recycling company.

  2. Get At Least 3 In-Home Estimates – It’s tempting to get an estimate from one moving company and go with it. But it’s wise to have options. It can happen, for example, that your chosen Toronto moving company has to pull out, leaving you stranded. Without adequate time for your replacement company to carry out an in-home estimate, they’ll ask you to fill out an inventory form, which means an inaccurate assessment, and most probably a nasty surprise at the weighing. Getting in-house estimates from several companies helps you avoid this nightmare.
  3. 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 the move, to give ample time for problems to be resolved. For more on home inspections, check out CanNACHI, CAHPI, or ASHI.
  4. Know Your Floor Plans – Properties are advertised in square footage, but that does not necessarily reflect the actual space because it doesn’t take into account built-in features. So, a large kitchen might take from the size of a living room, which ultimately means less space for furniture. Study the floor plans of your new home well in advance of you long distance moving date. That way, you can work out if there is any furniture that can’t fit and you should sell.
  5. Arrange Utilities Early – Okay, so you’ll still need your phone, electricity and water services until moving day, but with long distance moves 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.

About Europa Moving & Storage Toronto

Europa Moving & Storage Toronto is a professional moving and storage company operating out of Toronto, ON, providing high quality local and long distance moving services throughout Toronto, GTA, Ontario and across Canada. Thanks to our country-wide network we are also able to service our clients’ long distance moving needs throughout Canada.

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

Some Tips on Cutting Long Distance Moving Costs

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The cost of moving long distances either across Canada or into the US falls outside the classification of a ‘local’ move. Your possessions are going to be in transit for several days, and in some rare cases even weeks.

The good news is that there are ways to ease the cost of long distance moving, to or from Toronto, ON or anywhere else in North America, and we prepared some tips for you below.

Tips to Cutting Long Distance Moving Costs:

  1. Cut The Movers’ Burden – There are associated charges that relate to extra work moving teams have to do, like setting up and operating hoists for heavy items or shuttling up and down an elevator. Bringing boxes to the ground floor yourself can reduce labour and, therefore, these charges significantly. Although some heavy items should be left to the professionals.
  2. Lower The Weight – Long distance moving costs are based on weight and cubic feet rather than hours of labour. Thus, lowering the weight of your consignment will save you money. Sell unwanted furniture, give items away to charity and have a yard sale to clear what is not needed.
  3. Timetable the Move Appropriately – An accurate timetable is essential. On long distance journeys, your consignment will have to be stored overnight, especially if truck-swaps are required. These should be detailed in the quote, but any extra days in a storage facility will be charged independently. So, be at the destination address on arrival day to avoid extra storage charges.
  4. Drive Your Car Or Sell It – If you don’t like driving long distances, you may be contemplating shipping your car on separately – but is this really necessary? When the move is very long distance – like moving from Toronto to Vancouver or anywhere else in Canada or the US – you can expect to pay thousands of dollars more. Save this cash by driving yourself, or selling the car and getting a new one in your new city.
  5. Speak To Your Coordinator – A reputable moving company will have a moving coordinator that works closely with you to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Speak to the coordinator about what other things can be done to lower the overall costs. At Europa Moving & Storage Toronto, our team members are happy to help you.
  6. Check Out Available Tax Breaks – You can claim back as much as half your long distance moving costs when completing your tax returns. There are conditions, of course, not least that the purpose of the move is for work, to establish a business or to study at university. Among the expenses that can be claimed back on are travelling expenses (fuel, meals and accommodation), storage costs, and property-related legal fees. For more details, check out what the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has to say.

About Europa Moving & Storage Toronto

Europa Moving & Storage Toronto is a professional moving and storage company operating out of Toronto, ON, providing high quality local and long distance moving services throughout Toronto, GTA, Ontario and across Canada. Thanks to our country-wide network we are also able to service our clients’ long distance moving needs throughout Canada.

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

Residential Move in Toronto, ON – Packing Tips

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Our team at Europa Moving & Storage Toronto has prepared some useful tips below to help you pack your belongings, and particularly those fragile or highly valuable ones to guard against in-transit accidents. At Europa Moving & Storage Toronto, our residential Toronto moving services can include full-service packing and packing supplies, but you can still opt to do most of the packing yourself.

  1. Extra Padding – Even a relatively short distance residential Toronto moving has its share of risks, thanks to bumpy roads and sudden stops. So feel free to be liberal with the padding! Bubble wrap and newspaper are long established favourites, but don’t forget unconventional alternatives, like sweaters, scarves, blankets and even socks.
  2. Plates and Dishes – It’s not unheard of after a residential move to begin unpacking and discover a few broken plates and saucers – it’s usually due to truck vibrations. The secret is to 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’ve touched on plates and dishes, but keep in mind that jugs, glasses, china cups and the like should be packed separately with their cavities filled. Socks are excellent for this! Be sure to pack them 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 is stable, and the towel provides great buffering going around tight corners. The shades can be boxed.
  5. Electronics – Toronto residential movers usually advise electronics be packed in their original boxes – but chances are they’ve been thrown out long ago! Instead, wrap each component separately, then secure the main item (DVD player etc) in 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 Toronto residential moving services will offer them, but be sure to fill the space between the mirror and the box walls. Again, a blanket or sweater is ideal 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.

About Europa Moving & Storage Toronto

Europa Moving & Storage Toronto is a professional moving and storage company operating out of Toronto, ON, providing high quality local and long distance moving services throughout Toronto, GTA, Ontario and across Canada. Thanks to our country-wide network we are also able to service our clients’ long distance moving needs throughout Canada.

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