Europa Movers Toronto

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

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.

Tips for Choosing a Storage Facility in Toronto

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When choosing between different Toronto storage companies, it’s important to understand that when choosing Toronto storage facility – there is a lot more than just picking a convenient location and finding the lowest price.

In addition to researching Toronto storage facilities /companies you will be storing your items with, you will also need to consider your specific storage needs when choosing the size/type of locker you will be renting (and if you need a locker at all) as well as other services offered by the storage facility in Toronto.

Security and safety should be your main concern, because nothing will bring you more stress than getting your items stolen or damaged. And when it comes to security, simply placing a lock on your storage locker will not guarantee that the contents will be safe. Using a good quality padlock is a smart choice, the chance of having your locker broken into will be influenced much more by the overall security precautions taken by your Toronto storage facility.

In addition to an adequate security system that includes a combination of security cameras and alarms, the surveillance cameras should be recording all input into a DVR that is indexed by time/date, and that allows video to be played back at least 2-3 months into the past.

The other concern most clients have is climate / temperature control, as there are some items which must be stored within a specific temperature range in order to avoid damage. A large number of storage facilities in Toronto areactually not climate controlled, and the ones advertising “climate controlled” Toronto storage facilities often make a claim that is misleading.

The final consideration is whether you will be hiring a Toronto moving and storage company to transfer your items into Toronto storage facility or if you will be handling this task on your own. If you’ve decided to work with professional Toronto movers, remember that you will be paying them by the hour for their services.

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

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.

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.