Europa Movers Toronto

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

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.

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.

Useful Tips for Toronto Home Staging on a Dime

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When potential buyers walk into a home in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada for sale – they do what we were all told not to do when we were growing up: judge a book by its cover.

You should treat your home like an open book and encourage the buyer to make the offer that you expect.

Here are some tips for self-staging your home for a quick sale:

  1. Curb Appeal – Clean, sweep and powerwash the front entrance. 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 – This tip will probably be the most time consuming. Clear and pack personal belongings, such as: family pictures, collectible items, trinkets and all dust collectors. Minimize your furniture – believe it or not, fewer items in a room actually make the room look bigger. Don’t forget the closets too!
  3. Storage and Sell – Don’t know what to do with all your stuff? Rent a Toronto storage space for the boxes and large items. Many storage providers will rent on a month-to-month basis and are a secure way to keep everything together. Organize a garage sale for all the unwanted items.
  4. Paint and Touch Up – Patch-up cracks or holes in the walls. Refresh a room with a quick coat of paint. Rooms painted in light colours are calming on the eyes. Think beige, taupe, white or pale blue.
  5. Brighten Up – Hanging mirrors gives the perception of a longer or wider room. Open curtains. Keep the temperature of your house at a comfortable level. Open windows to air out any stuffiness. Clean your windows to offer a clear view and a subtle hint of cleanliness.
  6. Fresh scents – Don’t be cooking a fry-up or a spiced meal before a showing! 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 cookie smell!
  7. Clean, clean, and clean – Once rooms are decluttered it will be easy to keep up with the cleaning. Make a 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 show off to a buyer.

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.

Free Moving Checklist for Moving to or from Toronto, ON

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Our team at Europa Moving & Storage Toronto has prepared this free moving checklist to save you some time and headaches for your upcoming move to or from Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada.

One to two months before moving:

  • Call Europa Moving & Storage Toronto for a free in-home estimate: (416) 604-9904
  • Obtain medical and dental records
  • Ask your doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions
  • Transfer your memberships
  • Make any necessary travel arrangements
  • Fill out change of address forms
  • Have a garage sale
  • Record serial numbers of electronic equipment, if possible take pictures or video tape of your belongings
  • Start a moving expenses log, as some of your expenses may be tax deductible

Two to four weeks before moving:

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

A few days before moving:

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

On the moving day:

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

 

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.

Pitfalls of Asking Your Friends to Help You Move in Toronto

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When asking your friends to help you move, your expectation of a successful move on a small budget can turn out to be quite a different story.

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

Knowing how to pack a moving truck efficiently, how to quickly estimate load and unload times for planning, and being able to organize a workforce in the most efficient way possible takes years of training and is not nearly as easy as it seems.

If damaging your furniture or your home is a concern, you should never move yourself. 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.

As far as budget is concerned, remember that 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. While having your friends and family there to help is 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 helped out during the process and provide dinner (and possibly drinks) afterward.

Combine all of these factors with the financial cost related to repairing damages, and your labour force is not as cheap as you previously imagined.

The bottom line is that the last thing you want on a day that is already full of stress is an additional headache to deal with. Your time, money, and energy are all very valuable, and hiring professional Toronto movers often saves you all three.

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.