Month: <span>September 2016</span>

Moving with pets can add a wrinkle to your moving plans, as you can imagine. While we all become consumed with the usual chores of wrapping and packing our possessions, and organizing a workable moving schedule, a similar level of preparation is needed to transfer a pet from its familiar surrounds to a new home in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada.

And this is not as simple as it sounds.

It’s easy to understand why you might overlook your pet during the planning process. After all, you probably consider your pet as a member of the family rather than another item to pack away, so you might assume that your dog, or cat, or rabbit or hamster are coming with every other family member. But there are specific considerations to be made when moving with pets.

Some Issues When Moving With Pets

Almost every kind of animal has a fear of new surroundings, and it causes them anxiety. For this reason alone, taking a proactive approach and properly preparing your pet for the move is important. Here are some of the core issues that you should address.

1. Prepare the Paperwork – This is particularly important when your residential move takes you to a new province or to a new country. Of course, you should always have your pet’s license, medical records and any other documents in proper order anyway. But be sure to check them and update if necessary before the move. If your dog is due for a rabies shot, get it done. And don’t forget to check the specific legal issues for the province, territory or country you are moving to. Overseas moves will require a Pet Passport for the animal, and there are set immigration laws when bringing animals into the US.
2. Purchase a Suitable Pet Carrier – It makes sense when traveling long distances by public transport (train or plane) to put your dog, cat or other small animal into a pet carrier. But there is sometimes a temptation to ignore such things when traveling in your family car. That could be a big mistake, with animals often getting restless and distressed during long journeys. The distraction they might cause if free to move around your vehicle could be dangerous. So I recommend always placing your pet in a suitably sized carrier.Pet carriers must be large enough for the animal to comfortably lie down, turn around and stand in its natural position.
3. Prepare Your Pet – When moving with pets, it’s a good idea to prepare them for the ordeal by giving them a bit of practice. Generally speaking, if an animal is not used to travelling in an automobile, then they are likely to get very distressed. So, in the run up to your move, put your cat, puppy or hamster in its carrier and drive them around. You can pair it with family days to the local park, or to the mountains or local forests, but the important thing is that you show your pet that everything is okay.If your pet is to travel by plane or train, then consider that they will be stuck in their carrier for several hours from departure to arrival, with the carrier picked up and moved around by strangers. So, try to make their carrier homey, with their favourite toys and matted with their favourite blanket or pillow to keep them as comfortable as possible.
4. Show Them Love – Sometimes making a long journey in good time is the priority. In such cases, we can keep our stops to a minimum – but spare a thought for the animal you are bringing with you. Bring some food and water especially for them, and make regular stops where they can get out and stretch their legs. The recommended frequency is once every 2 hours or so.If you are sending your pet via train or an airline, chances are they will be traveling as cargo (though small animals may be permitted to travel with you). Make sure your pet is properly fed and watered before departure and attach a small, accessible water-bottle so your pet can drink when necessary.
5. Hire Professional Toronto Pet Movers – Finally, you may want to take the hassle out of the whole situation and hire professionals to move your pet for you. This can cost a bit but the investment is worth it if for nothing more than the peace of mind that you’ll have. Check out Worldwide Animal Travel for more details on their services.

About Viktoria Van Lines Toronto

Viktoria Van Lines Toronto is a professional Toronto moving and storage company, providing high quality local and long distance moving services throughout the GTA, Southern 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 Viktoria Van Lines Toronto (647) 344-1554 or Toll Free: 1 ( 877) 399-1315 for a FREE Consultation in regards to your residential or commercial / office moving needs to and from Toronto, the GTA and across Canada.

So often in the build up to moving we overlook the aspects most taken for granted, sometimes even deciding to ignore them. A perfect example is moving insurance. I moved four times and started to develop a system for myself. I spend weeks strategically packing things away (room-by-room), checking lists and colour-coding boxes, double checking vehicle availability to make sure the truck arrives on time, and triple checking things at my new abode.

Moving insurance was never high on my list of priorities, and for a few good reasons: it’s an extra expense; my Toronto 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.

• Many Toronto 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?

Whether offering local or international residential moving services, your chosen Toronto moving company is obliged to be insured. But 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 in Toronto 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 Toronto 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. Many Toronto moving companies 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 of the above means that you should fully understand the conditions and scope of coverage before signing any contract with Toronto 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

Most Toronto moving companies are more than happy to sell you additional insurance. It’s always a good idea to consult your insurance broker separately to get a good overall assessment of the options on offer.

For the most part, the types of coverage that Toronto 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.

About Viktoria Van Lines Toronto

Viktoria Van Lines Toronto is a professional Toronto moving and storage company, providing high quality local and long distance moving services throughout the GTA, Southern 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 Viktoria Van Lines Toronto (647) 344-1554 or Toll Free: 1 ( 877) 399-1315 for a FREE Consultation in regards to your residential or commercial / office moving needs to and from Toronto, the GTA and across Canada.

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 the entire experience. Overseas moves may present very specific challenges that can sometimes catch you off guard.

And 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.

About Viktoria Van Lines Toronto

Viktoria Van Lines Toronto is a professional Toronto moving and storage company, providing high quality local and long distance moving services throughout the GTA, Southern 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 Viktoria Van Lines Toronto (647) 344-1554 or Toll Free: 1 ( 877) 399-1315 for a FREE Consultation in regards to your residential or commercial / office moving needs to and from Toronto, the GTA and across Canada.

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 Toronto moving company and as much help and advice as you can get your hands on.

Here are twenty tried-and-true Toronto 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 Toronto 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 Toronto 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.

About Viktoria Van Lines Toronto

Viktoria Van Lines Toronto is a professional Toronto moving and storage company, providing high quality local and long distance moving services throughout the GTA, Southern 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 Viktoria Van Lines Toronto (647) 344-1554 or Toll Free: 1 ( 877) 399-1315 for a FREE Consultation in regards to your residential or commercial / office moving needs to and from Toronto, the GTA and across Canada.

If you are moving within a city, in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada, moving your car is hardly going to be an issue. But when it comes to long distance moving in Canada, 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.

About Viktoria Van Lines Toronto

Viktoria Van Lines Toronto is a professional Toronto moving and storage company, providing high quality local and long distance moving services throughout the GTA, Southern 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 Viktoria Van Lines Toronto (647) 344-1554 or Toll Free: 1 ( 877) 399-1315 for a FREE Consultation in regards to your residential or commercial / office moving needs to and from Toronto, the GTA and across Canada.