Tips for Your Toronto Home Downsizing

At first it may seem like there is less to do when downsizing a Toronto home because you have less items to pack and move, thus the moving costs should be lower. On the contrary, the moving process during downsizing is actually longer than it is on a regular house-to-house or apartment-to-apartment move.

And we prepared some tips below to help you downsize your Toronto home in the most efficient way.

How to Prepare for Downsizing

Downsizing your Toronto home can be quite a challenge if you don’t know where to start from, and here’s the list to guide you step by step through this process.

  1. De-clutter. Begin downsizing your home by removing all the clutter and garbage that you may have inside the house. Throw away all the obviously unnecessary items like broken electronics, tools which are no longer working, old fashioned clothes you’re never going to wear again, broken hose in the garden, etc.
  2. Clear your attic, basement, garage, garden. The easiest way to continue downsizing is going through the least used rooms and premises in your home. In such areas of the house it is easy to store things you don’t want or need in the moment and then forget about them. But they are still there and will not clean themselves up.
  3. Clean up your car. If you have the habit of hoarding things, you may have been leaving stuff in your car as well. Remember to check under the seats and the trunk.

Steps to Downsizing Your Toronto Home

How to actually decide what is worth taking to your new home and why? These ideas will help you make a decision.

  1. Can you use it at all? There may be items in your home that are broken, torn, or worn out and are no longer serving you. So, how about just tossing them away? When downsizing from a house to an apartment this is the easiest decision to make – throwing away what is actually useless.
  2. Is it old fashioned? If you really care about fashion then this is an important decision to make. Do you have items that are out of fashion like clothes, shoes and accessories? Be honest with yourself. If you haven’t used it for the last two years, chances are you may never do it again. Things that you don’t want in your home and those that are outdated could go away.
  3. Is it of emotional value to you? There are items that are dear to us which hold an emotional value like gifts from people we love. Those could be souvenirs as well as practical items like clothes. Either way, if you really care about those items, pack them up and take them to your new home.
  4. Do you really need it? There are some things that we actually need and some – that only fill in the space in the shelves, drawers and racks in our home and collect dust. You don’t need to pay Toronto movers to move all that!
    Also, think if you have room for it. It is important to take measures of your future home and decide what will and what will not fit in it. Why would you pay to move your sofa if there is not enough space in the room for it? Make a floor plan of your next home in order to make the estimations right.
  5. What do you do with the items that are in good condition and can be used but you have decided not to take with you? You can organize a moving sale and sell whatever you can. Or, you can separate kids’ clothes and shoes and toys, and donate them to an orphanage.

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.

Some Tips for Moving Musical Instruments Safely in Toronto

So in this blog post we will provide some general tips and best practices which can help you move your instruments without damaging them, when moving to or from Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada.

An instrument’s tone and functionality can be greatly affected by the smallest change in shape or structure, so it’s worth investing your time into protecting them while moving. Every instrument is different in size, material and handling, and it can be difficult to provide specific guidance when each instrument requires its own set of guidelines for moving safely.

Pack Your Instruments In Proper Moving Boxes or Cases

If you kept the original boxes your instrument came in, then this will go a long way in making sure they are packed and secured safely for the big move. If you no longer have your original boxes, try your local instrument stores – you may be able to purchase boxes from there (or if you’re lucky, they might just give them to you for free!).

In some cases, especially for percussion instruments, it might be worth investing in some properly sized hard cases, to transport your instruments in the future without damage.

Add a Good Amount of Padding

Add as much padding as possible around the edges of your instrument, as it will prevent any scratches or dents should they accidentally get moved around during the process.

Make sure to put an emphasis on the sharper edges or corners of your instrument as this is where breakage usually occurs during the moving process. The good thing about instruments is that they are almost always hollow in parts, so there are often spaces where you can stuff more padding (you can use clothes, pillowcases or any other soft material).

Proper Flight Etiquette

If you are moving your instruments by airlines, contact your airline company first and find out about their services for moving instruments. Some airlines are more accommodating than others, but be prepared to pay extra to bring your instruments with you in your carry-on luggage.

If you are flying with a stringed instrument, make sure that all of the strings are loosened before flight, as changes in temperature and air pressure can tighten the strings and cause the ‘headstock’ of stringed instruments to occasionally break off because of tightness.

And when you arrive at your destination with the instrument, try to refrain from playing it within 24 hours, this way you can let it acclimatize to the new atmosphere and temperature of your new home. This is especially true if you have been transporting the instrument on a plane.

Planning Is Key!

Research Toronto moving companies and their policies for moving instruments, as some moving companies might offer services that specifically cater to moving instruments. Planning to move your musical instrument can be quite stressful, but one of the best parts about planning for this event is that you become aware of all the necessary protocol.

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.

How to choose moving company - Movers Toronto

Tips for Choosing The Right Toronto Movers

Toronto moving companies offer different services in different locations for different types of clients. This is unfortunate as moving time is already quite stressful for most people, and it takes a lot of trust to put your belongings in the hands of strangers. We prepared some tips to help you choose the right Toronto movers for your relocation to or from Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Toronto.

1. Does a Toronto moving company serve the area of your relocation?

First, you’ll need to ask is whether a Toronto moving company serves the area you are moving to.

If it only serves the area around a certain city and you intend to move long distance across the country or out of the country, then this obviously won’t work for you.

2. Does a Toronto moving company use good quality moving boxes?

Many Toronto moving companies use regular moving boxes that often collapse under heavy weight, don’t stack effectively, can get soaked and have to be thrown out after a single use. Companies such as Frogbox provide plastic, reusable moving boxes that stackable and waterproof, extremely useful for the moving process, and also environmentally friendly. If you want to ensure that your items are moved safely, it is worth considering a moving service that provides better quality moving boxes.

3. Do they offer a ‘full moving service’?

If you, like many other people, have a family with multiple school and work obligations, it can be difficult to coordinate all aspects of a move.

One of the best ways to ensure that the whole process is taken care of is to to hire ‘full service’ Toronto movers. Make sure that the company you are hiring offers full service moving before you confirm your booking with them.

4. Do they have a good reputation and testimonials?

As a client, you should never use Toronto movers that have a reputation for poor quality of service. Depending on your location, you are going to want to consider your options and choose the moving company that’s right for your unique situation. Good reputable Toronto movers will accommodate whatever your situation is.

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.

House Inspection Tips - Movers Toronto

How to Conduct a Proper House Inspection Yourself

Hiring a professional house inspector is a wise decision, considering the size of one’s investment when buying a house. However, it won’t hurt to try and do some of the work yourself. With the correct preparation, you can conduct your own house inspection and make an informed decision on your big purchase.

We prepared some useful tips below to help you.

Check for Roof Problems

One of the most important areas of an official house inspection is the roof. Roof condition can affect many other parts of the house, and can cause leaks which can be an endless money-pit. Make sure to get up-to-date information on the roof maintenance from the seller in order to make an educated decision.

Inspect the Plumbing

Test all of the taps and faucets, considering water pressure and keeping a sharp eye out for stains on the walls. Often liquid stains on walls mean a leaky pipe, and this can cost you a lot of time and money to repair.

Check for Hazards

Make sure when you walk around a prospective home that you take note of any potential dangers or hazards.

Hazards can come in many forms, so make sure to check for any and all kinds. Examples of potential hazards might be: broken branches on old trees, or large single pane windows on the upper levels of the house. These checks are of extra importance, especially if a child will be living in the house.

Check for Rotting Wood

This is a fairly common thing and can be found in most older houses. This is an easier part of house inspection by potential buyers as you don’t have to be trained to spot the rotting. Be aware though that many sellers will freshly coat rotting wood with paint, so make sure to be thorough in your assessment.

Check Mobile and Internet Connectivity

A way to test the signal in your prospective house is to make calls and visit some websites using your phone. If the signal is non existent, and you are a tech-savvy family, it might be worth reconsidering the location of your new home.

These tips were designed to be a starter guide for any house buyers that don’t have the expertise to conduct an official inspection, and can not replace an official house inspection from a trained professional.

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 office moving and storage needs in the GTA and Metro Toronto area.

Pet Moving Tips - Pet Movers Toronto

Tips for Preparing Your Pet For a Long Distance Move in Canada

Moving a live animal long distances to or from Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada can present a number of challenges, and in this blog post we’ll go over a number of tips to help you prepare for moving your pets safely and comfortably.

Microchipping your pet

Make sure to arrange to microchip your pet at least 2 weeks before your move so there’s plenty of time to register a second contact, as this could make the difference in keeping track of your beloved pet. This is a great way to track your pets should they go missing for any reason during your travels; and you can also add a second contact.

Familiarize your pet with its crate.

It is important that you purchase a crate that is sturdy and has enough space for your pet to be comfortable during the journey. In fact, for most pets travelling by airlines, a properly sized crate will be mandatory.

An extra way to help your pet’s feel better during the move is to allow them to spend time in the crate prior to moving day. We recommend doing this well in advance so that your pet has enough time to adapt to their new environment. Another good way to make them feel comfortable is to associate their new crate with some reward i.e. let them eat and sleep in the crate.

Exercise

Another way to make sure that your pet feels comfortable in their crate is to provide them with a sufficient amount of exercise before your moving date. Start increasing the length of your pet’s walks from the usual time prior to the move so that they feel quite tired during the move. Not only will this prevent your pet from getting antsy and wanting to escape, it will also significantly reduce their stress levels during the moving process.

Pack all the necessary supplies

Depending on what kind of transport your pet will be taken by to your new home, there will be different amounts of pet accessories you are allowed to take. However, it’s always important to pack as much as you can, as well as extras of everything your pet may need during the move, including any medication they may need to take, food, toys to keep them entertained, litter bags, leashes and grooming equipment.

Preparing your pet for a move is always going to be a challenging process, but if you do your research, take every precaution you can, then there won’t be a reason why your pet won’t reach your new home safely and happily.

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.

Viktoria-Movers-Moving-to-Western-Canada

Moving to Western Canada: Great Places for Living

Moving across such a big country like Canada can be a challenging task, as there is so much distance between its different provinces and cities. However, this shouldn’t hold you from considering a big transition such as a cross-country relocation. Canada is a vast country with a seemingly infinite number of beautiful sights and places to visit and reside. This is why it’s incredibly important to scope out your new potential places of residence, and to take in as much of the area as possible while you are visiting it.

In this blog post, we’ll talk about some of the best places to visit and live in Western Canada, and hopefully after visiting those places, you will feel more comfortable to make a decision that could change your life for the better.

  • Vancouver – As one of the most populous cities in Western Canada, Vancouver is a must-see when visiting British Columbia. The city is linguistically and ethnically diverse, and is one of the few cities in North America which has direct access to both the mountains and the ocean. Vancouver’s unique location and mild climate means that there is a host of activities that anyone can get involved with, no matter what time of year it is.
  • Whistler – As one of the best ski resorts in the world and a host of the 2010 Winter Olympic games, Whistler is a fantastic place for staying with family. Not only does it offer far more than skiing and snowboarding in the winter, there is a plenty of activities to get involved in during the summer months, from swimming in lakes to world class mountain biking and ziplining through the forest. If you are spending some time or living in BC, Whistler is the “perfect getaway” place.
  • Calgary – Calgary is a city in the province of Alberta. It is situated at the confluence of the Bow River and the Elbow River in the south of the province, in an area of foothills and prairie, about 80 km (50 mi) east of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies. Calgary is a city where you can explore the magic of the Canadian Rockies by day and be back in time for dinner. Calgary’s cultural scene is rich in its spectrum of arts and performing arts and city is proud of its ever-evolving culinary scene.
  • Edmonton – Edmonton is the capital of Alberta, and it’s located on the North Saskatchewan River and is the centre of the Edmonton Capital Region, which is surrounded by Alberta’s central region. Alberta’s capital city is always celebrating something, from arts and culture to food and wine, dragon boats, winter and even accordions. There’s more than 60 festivals to choose from, year round.

Those are just a few of the fantastic cities to be considered for relocation in Western Canada, but there are many more other attractions to discover in that great region, including Banff, Kelowna, Penticton, Kootenays etc. You are welcome to check Viktoria Movers Vancouver and Viktoria Movers Calgary Blogs for more tips on moving to Western Canada.

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.

Some Hidden Expenses of Moving Your House in Toronto

Budgeting for your Toronto house move might be challenging for some people and the idea of ‘saving up’ to afford to move houses certainly seems like a strange idea. And as you’ll see later in this post, it can be a good idea to avoid going into some unexpected debt on your moving day in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada.

Depending on a type of moving situation you are in, there will be different types of costs.

We never seem to factor these costs into the moving process, so in this post we will truly assess how much money you should have ready when planning a house move.

1. The first thing you should consider is transportation costs. Whether you are planning to hire a moving service or load up a van by yourself, you will still have to spend some money on transportation.

Many moving van rental companies in Toronto include extra costs depending on how far you are moving, not to mention a stipulation that you must refill the truck with gas upon its return.

Generally, Toronto moving service will cost you more than hiring a moving truck yourself, but with companies that value excellent customer service, you can trust that your items will arrive safely and in good time. This way you will have piece of mind as you won’t have added stress of planning your move around van availability etc.

2. Destination. Depending on where you are moving to, there may be some additional costs associated with moving houses that are not necessarily related to transportation.

For example, if you are planning on renting your new digs, there will almost always be some kind of security deposit required, but for certain managed apartment buildings there are likely to be extra charges such as move in fees, FOB rentals, parking spot fees and move-in damage deposits.

3. In addition to the above, it is likely that there will be some secondary costs associated with moving that you may not have taken into account.

For instance, people are often either upsizing or downsizing when houses, so either buying new furniture to fill out certain spaces, or disposing of old furniture that won’t fit in your new space is likely to cost you more money.

And while many people will make the necessary plans for these kinds of extra expenses, most people will not budget effectively to take into account all of these factors.

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 to Canada - Movers Toronto

Tips to Help you Move to or within Canada

If you are planning to move to Canada, you should be aware that it is very diverse in its landscape and climate, and that sometimes, depending on your location, the weather can be extreme to say the least. This can create numerous problems for people who are used to one specific climate.

Here are some tips to help make the transition for you and your family easier.

1. Be ready to drive – One of the most drastic changes to people’s lives when they move to a snowy, cold climate in Canada is the amount of driving that they will need to do.

Getting to places can become quite stressful and take a long time if one has to rely on public transportation, so be ready to invest in a capable vehicle and to spend significantly more on gas.

2. Change your driving habits – Driving in dry climates can be very different from driving in snowy ones. The good news is you’ll get used to your new roads quickly, out of necessity. However, it is still useful to re-evaluate your driving habits, as unexpected problems can occur when getting used to a new climate. Do your research, and remember that safety is of the utmost importance.

3. Invest in appropriate clothing – If you are moving to a cold climate in Canada, chances are the winters will be long and cold; this is why it is absolutely necessary to invest in appropriate clothing for the season. Depending on how cold the area gets, you may need some heavy-duty jackets.

Although for most snowy climates in Canada, it will be a good idea to simply pick up a high quality jacket, scarves and a pair of gloves.

4. Be prepared for some inconveniences – Aside from the standard clothing and driving inconveniences, there might be other challenges that arise when you move to your new location.

For example, going places will generally take longer, so it is important to plan accordingly. Also, power outages will be generally more frequent due to changing weather, so it is worth keeping some alternative forms of entertainment around the house for your kids, and making sure you have plenty of non-perishable food around for those long outages.

5. Try to stay active – Staying active when it’s cold outside can be challenging. You can’t exactly just step out of your front door, as you may have been able to do in your old location. But it is extremely important to find ways to get your fix.

You can join a gym, go for walks in a mall or try and take up some winter sports. Not only will these things keep you from gaining a few pounds, but will also help keep the winter blues away.

Those are just a few tips to make your transition easier, but there will be numerous other challenges that you never expected when moving to your new location.

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 Plants Toronto - Best Movers Toronto

Few Helpful Tips for Moving Your Plants in Toronto, ON

When you move your plants, to or from Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada, you want to ensure they arrive at your new home safely, and that you don’t lose those great memories associated with your old home. Here are some tips to ensure that:

Consider Moving at the right time – Try and move your plants either at the start or end of the summer, as the dryness can often stress plants and make re-planting them very difficult. Dry summers aren’t typically a problem in Canada, but it might not be worth taking the risk, so planning your move for the spring or autumn is a good idea.

Do your research – There are often unique problems that arise when moving plants, mainly due to their status as living things. Firstly, check with your Toronto moving company as to whether they can assist with moving your plants, some companies don’t have policies that allow for this. Secondly, be aware of long distance/cross country moves, as moving plants across international borders can be tricky and there are often strict regulations that can make this a tough process.

Move smaller plants yourself – For small house plants, try and move them in your car. Not only will it reduce the stress of wondering whether your movers will treat the plants correctly, but you can also watch and maintain them more closely.

Prepare for outdoor plants – It’s important to plan carefully, especially when moving outdoor plants. Try to prepare the planting site well before you arrive, so that as soon as you get there you can plant your favourite tree. Also, make sure to bring along some water to keep the roots moist during the trip.

Observe the changes – There’s nothing worse than arriving at a new garden and finding that it doesn’t fit the needs of your plants. Be sure to observe the soil quality and use plenty of plant food and water to help them adjust. Also observe the new climate, certain plants may not fair well in certain temperatures. Finally, it’s worth observing the air quality in your new home’s area.

Damage Control – There’s a number of steps you can take to maintain the general health of the plants prior to the move. Firstly, you can trim back any foliage that you think may interfere with the moving process and risk snagging the plant. You can also tie back any crucial branches or leaves that stick out to further prevent snagging or branches breaking. Finally, it’s a good idea to treat your plants for pests and diseases before moving, this will help you start your new garden without any worries of infecting other plants.

As you can see, there’s a lot of factors you’ll need to consider when moving your plants in Toronto. And if the tips above are followed carefully, moving your beloved plants should be a breeze and if you’re careful, your new home should have the charm of your old one in no time.

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.

Are Plastic Boxes Better for Eco Friendly Moving in Toronto?

Well, cardboard boxes may be cheap and useful, but they do little to help make your move more eco friendly, to or from Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada. That’s why most environmentally responsible Toronto moving companies are investing more and more in reusable plastic boxes for packing.

There are compelling practical reasons to do so:

  • Reusable plastic boxes are made from recyclable high-density polyethylene, which means they are better for the environment.
  • Various suppliers claim these boxes can be used for anything from 200 to 400 times. Cardboard boxes are used between 1 and 5 times before losing shape, strength and viability.
  • They are much longer-lasting – between 5 and 10 years according to estimates.
  • Plastic boxes are weather resistant, non-absorbing and more rigid than cardboard boxes.
  • No need for box cutters, and zero chance of sharp objects breaking through from inside, which also means more safety.
  • Greater convenience lowers labour time per trip, and a longer lifespan means a higher return on investment. So, all in all plastic moving boxes save costs for Toronto moving companies. In fact, if a plastic moving box was used 250 times, and initial investment was between 2 and 20 times the cost of a cardboard box, the reusable plastic box ends up costing 92% less than the alternative.

Does renting reusable plastic boxes from a residential Toronto moving company make sense? You can decide for yourself.

For more information, check out:

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.