Europa Movers Toronto

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

Colour Coding Tips for Residential Moving in Toronto, ON

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Planning for residential moving in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada can be a challenge as there is a lot involved: wrapping, packing and moving, and then almost just as much to do when reaching your new home. One of the ways to help things move more smoothly is to use colour coding.

The idea of colour coding is pretty straightforward: different colours communicate information about the items contained in each box, such as type, location or how fragile it might be. During any move, communicating this information is quite important, and unlike written labels – colours are easily seen and rarely misread.

There is many ways to apply a colour-code system. The most common system for residential moves in Toronto, ON and elsewhere in Canada is matching items with the rooms they are destined to be placed in so everything can be transported directly from room to room. For example, if Mary’s room is coded yellow, then Mary’s possessions are placed into yellow-labeled boxes which can then be taken directly to Mary’s new room at her new home.

It’s not hard to find colour stickers, and at Europa Movers we’re happy to provide them upon request. It’s best to keep the large stickers for the boxes themselves, and use small stickers for individual items so they can be identified for packing in specified boxes.

Benefits of Colour Coding For Residential Moving

  1. Visualizing The Move – With everything that needs to be done during a typical residential move across Toronto or elsewhere in Canada, ticking off a list may not be enough to ensure accuracy. Having a colour-coded plan of your home with something visual to refer to, revealing clearly what packing has been done.
  2. Strategic Packing – The general advice is to start packing a few weeks before your moving day to decrease the pressure of the project. With a colour code, you can strategically divide the packing work over your available time. For example, red items should be packed on the first night, blue – the second night, yellow – over the first weekend etc.
  3. Clearer Labeling – Written labels are perfectly fine, but we all know that we recognize colours much more easily than written words. Having items from a specific room, or of a specific type, identified by some colour makes it easier for people to find, organize and do the packing. It’s also important for identifying fragile items for your Toronto movers to be aware of.
  4. Better Prioritizing – This is loosely related to strategic packing, but it refers mainly to identifying specific boxes for priority attention, so during residential moving the items that need to be unpacked and set up first can be easily located. For example, practical things like a coffee machine, cutlery, bowls and cups, flashlights etc.
  5. Faster Unpacking – Just as the packing can be a long process, unpacking requires some time and effort too. With a colour code system, boxes can be easily associated with specific rooms and locations. So, the items can be taken to the right place immediately, with no need for searching.

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.

Packing Tips for Toronto Residential Moves

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At Europa Movers Toronto, our residential moving services can include full-service packing services and packing supplies, but if you still choose to do most of the packing yourself – below are some useful tips to help you pack your belongings, especially fragile or highly valuable ones to prevent in-transit accidents.

Toronto Packing Tips - Movers Toronto

  1. Add Some Extra Padding – Even short distance moving, to or from Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada, has its share of risks, due to bumpy roads and sudden stops. So feel free to add extra padding! Bubble wrap and newspaper are the common favourites, but don’t forget unconventional alternatives, such as sweaters, scarves, blankets and even socks.
  2. Plates and Dishes – If you discover a few broken plates and dishes during your unpacking – it’s usually due to truck vibrations. To prevent that, 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 mentioned plates and dishes above, but keep in mind that jugs, glasses and the like should be packed separately with their cavities filled. You can use socks for this. Be sure to pack your dishes 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 might be unstable, and the towels provide great buffering going around tight corners, and the shades can be boxed.
  5. Electronics – Most Toronto residential movers usually advise electronics to be packed in their original boxes – but chances are they’ve been thrown out long ago. You can wrap each component separately, then secure the main items (DVD player etc) with some 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 residential moving services will offer them, but be sure to fill the space between the mirror and the box walls. A blanket or sweater is great 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.

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.

Helpful Moving Checklist for Moving to or from Toronto

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Are you planning your move in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada? We prepared this helpful moving checklist to save you some time and effort.

1 to 2 months before your moving:

  • Contact Europa Movers Toronto for a free in-home moving estimate
  • Get packing supplies if you are packing yourself
  • Make any necessary travel arrangements
  • Organize a garage sale
  • Get medical and dental records and ask your doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions
  • Transfer your memberships and fill out change of address forms
  • Record serial numbers of electronic equipment
  • Start a moving expenses log, as some of your expenses may be tax deductible

2 to 4 weeks before your moving:

  • Book the service elevator if moving from an apartment building
  • Transfer your newspaper and magazine subscriptions to your new address in Toronto or elsewhere in Canada or discontinue delivery
  • Switch utility services to your new address – inform telephone, cable, hydro companies of your relocation
  • 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
  • Prepare your children for the move by encouraging them to prepare their own special box with toys, games and snacks for the trip
  • Start packing (if you are packing yourself)
  • Number all of your boxes, label each box according to its contents, specially mark fragile contents and keep an inventory list

A few days before moving:

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

On the moving day:

  • Make sure your Toronto moving company 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
  • Make sure you shut off all appliances
  • Assist your Toronto moving company by ensuring that items are delivered to the correct room
  • Carry all important documents, currency and jewelry yourself
  • Complete a last minute check of all rooms and closets

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.

Comparing Moving Quotes for Moving in Toronto

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

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

  1. Free vs. Obligation

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

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

  2. Weight And Volume

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

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

  3. Additional Moving Services

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

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

Tips and Hacks for Moving to a Big City like Toronto ON

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If you are moving to or from a large city like Toronto ON or any other heavily populated urban area in Canada, there is a unique set of challenges. And the key to preventing hassle and frustration with any local or long distance move in Canada is advanced planning and this rule holds true especially for city moves.

Here are three simple hacks to remember when you are moving to the big city like Toronto ON or anywhere else in Canada.

Tips for Moving to Toronto ON - Best Movers Toronto ON


Check your route, the traffic, and street situation in Toronto

Whether you’re familiar with the area or coming in from out of town, it’s often worthwhile to plan your route through the city. If possible, do a dry run in advance of your move day. Drive the route at the same time you will on the big day and note the traffic, the streets (alleys, turning lanes, one-ways, etc), and where and how you’ll park the moving truck in the neighborhood for unloading (unless you are hiring professional Toronto movers who would help you with all aspects of your move).

Navigating in your building in Toronto

Check with the management of your new building in advance. If you’re moving into an apartment or high-rise, you’ll need to know the building’s policies on moving in and moving out. Some buildings require advance notice and many restrict the use of the main elevators. You may have to reserve a maintenance or service elevator for a specific time window. If all else fails, you may have to use the stairs. Ask the manager if the building has a luggage cart or dolly available for use.

Big city, small spaces 

Take measurements of the spaces inside and outside of your new place. You need to ensure that everything you’re bringing with you will fit through doorways, around corners, and in tight hallways. Make sure all large or oddly shaped furniture items will fit in the elevator or in the stairwell.

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 Useful Info for Moving to or from Niagara Falls ON

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Niagara Falls, Ontario, is a Canadian city and the famous waterfalls at the same name, linked with the US by the Rainbow Bridge. Its site on the Niagara River’s western shore overlooks the Horseshoe Falls, the cascades’ most expansive section. Elevators take visitors to a lower, wetter vantage point. The riverbank features a promenade and an observation deck atop 520 ft. high Skylon Tower.

Population of Niagara Falls was estimated as 82,997 during 2011 Census.

The city of Niagara Falls has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa/Dfb) which is moderated to an extent in all seasons by proximity to water bodies. Winters are cold, with a January high of −0.4 °C (31.3 °F) and a low of −7.8 °C (18.0 °F). Summers are warm to hot, with a July high of 27.4 °C (81.3 °F) and a low of 17 °C (62.6 °F).

Moving to Niagara Falls ON - Best Movers Toronto ON


Economy & Employment.

Recent development has been mostly centred on the Clifton Hill and Fallsview areas. The Niagara Falls downtown (Queen Street) is undergoing a major revitalization as the city is encouraging redevelopment of this area as an arts and culture district. The downtown was a major centre for local commerce and night life up until the 1970s, when the Niagara Square Shopping Centre began to draw away crowds and retailers. Since 2006, Historic Niagara has brought art galleries, boutiques, cafés and bistros to the street.

Here is more information on living in Niagara Falls ON: www.niagarafalls.ca

And here’s a quick video for you to learn more about living in Niagara Falls ON:

Europa Movers Toronto offers a variety of moving options for those moving from Niagara Falls to Toronto or moving to Niagara Falls from Toronto, as well as some add-on moving and storage services to help make your move easy and stress free. We also offer packing services and packing supplies to help make your transition runs smoothly.

Europa Movers Toronto team of experienced residential movers have all completed professional training and customer service training to ensure they are there to meet your needs throughout your move. Our fleet of trucks is fully licensed and insured, so you, your family and your belongings are protected and secured. Regular maintenance ensures our vehicles and specialist moving equipment are kept to a high standard, helping us move you swiftly and reliably.

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 to St. Catharines ON

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Europa Movers Toronto has over 30 years of experience with residential and commercial moving services, including moving to or from St. Catharines ON.

St. Catharines is the largest city in Canada’s Niagara Region and the sixth largest urban area in Ontario, with 96.11 square kilometres of land. Population: 135,711 (2011 Census). St. Catharines’ climate is humid continental, and is has a unique micro-climate because of the moderating influence of Lake Ontario / Lake Erie and the sheltering effect of the Niagara Escarpment to the south.  As a result, the city receives numerous frost-free days and frequent thaws in the winter. The summer season is predominantly warm, sometimes hot, with an average high temperature of 27 °C (81 °F) in July and often high humidity.

Here’s a quick video for you to learn more about living in St. Catharines ON:

Economy & Employment. As the largest city in Niagara and home to regional government, St Catharines offers the region’s biggest and most diverse job market, with opportunities ranging from retail and service jobs up to high-level professional jobs in the public and private sector. A new hospital promises to boost local skilled employment levels, Brock University and Niagara College keep expanding, and the call centre industry is hiring.

Europa Movers Toronto team of experienced residential movers have all completed professional training and customer service training to ensure they are there to meet your needs throughout your move. Our fleet of trucks is fully licensed and insured, so you, your family and your belongings are protected and secured. Regular maintenance ensures our vehicles and specialist moving equipment are kept to a high standard, helping us move you swiftly and reliably.

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.

Safe Winter Moving Tips in Toronto

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We are now in the midst of winter in North America, and while some areas are feeling the winter more than others, cold weather and chilly conditions definitely have an impact everywhere across Canada. Europa Movers Toronto work year-round to move people in and out of their homes and with approximately 14% of Canadians moving each year, it means that our Toronto local and long distance movers need to be prepared for all types of weather.

Here are some tips on moving safely in winter:

Roll out the carpet

Start your moving day by clearing a walkway from your home to the moving truck. Rake up leaves, salt concrete to help reduce ice and sludge, or shovel a path through the snow. This will help keep Toronto movers safe while carrying items from the house to the truck. At Europa Movers Toronto, we roll out old carpet outside of the houses and on truck ramps to create slip-free pathways.

Protect your floors

Most people who live in cold climates know the pain of the accompanying snow, rain, and mud. With people traveling in and out of your house during a move, the outside elements could easily be brought inside. Secure non-slip covers on your floors to help protect them, cardboard or plastic with grip work well.

Pack securely

When packing your belongings, make sure they are secured and put in moving boxes that will easily hold their weight. Don’t overpack moving boxes. If items are fragile, wrap them in bubble wrap, newspaper, butcher’s paper or moving blankets. Insulate your goods so the elements don’t ruin pricey or priceless items, including electronics, which are susceptible to frost and moisture.

Glass and plastic items can become weakened and more breakable when they are exposed to cold elements and condensation can impact sensitive wood finishes, electronics, and antiques. Even wood glue will become sensitive to the heat fluctuations.

Watch the clock

You should never rush a move, especially in cold, wet, and icy conditions, but do remember that winter months give less daylight, which impact visibility and the quality of lighting. Do your best to plan ahead so that you are using the daylight hours wisely.

Have the clothes fit the part

Wear sensible and close-toed shoes with a good grip on your moving day. Choose clothes that can be layered – it will be a cold day, but the activity of moving will quickly warm you up. Layers allow you to easily add or take off clothing items. Hand warmers/pocket warmers are helpful too.

Fuel your body

Start the day well fed and fueled – a hearty breakfast will give you the energy to keep going with the heavy lifting. You might be tempted to drink lots of coffee to stay warm, but make sure you also drink plenty of water to keep hydrated, or substitute coffee for hot water with lemon, ginger and honey.

Take your time

Slow down when moving in wet, icy and snowy conditions. Rushing can lead to slips and spills and can result in injury or damaged belongings. Plan for the move to take longer than usual, as you navigate winter conditions. It may add some costs or delays to your day, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Know the warning signs

Though you may not be outdoors for extended periods when moving, it’s always best to be safe and know what the symptoms are for exposure to cold temperatures. First aid training is always beneficial, but if you don’t have any training you can educate yourself and anyone helping with the move in regards to the warning signs for issues such as hypothermia.

Remember about your furry family members

Moving is already a stressful time for your pets, but the added stress of cold weather can further impact the way they react to the situation. Make sure to pay extra attention to those furry family members, to help alleviate any anxiety and to make sure they have a comfortable move in the cold and wet weather.

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.