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Useful Packing Tips for Residential Moves in Toronto, ON

At Viktoria Van Lines Toronto, our residential moving services can include full-service packing services and packing materials, but you can still choose to do most of the packing yourself.

Toronto Packing Tips - Toronto Movers

Here are some useful tips to help you pack your belongings, and particularly those fragile or highly valuable ones to guard against in-transit accidents.

  1. Add Some Extra Padding – Even for moving relatively short distance, 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 begin unpacking and discover a few broken plates and saucers – it’s usually due to truck vibrations. The secret is to 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, china cups and the like should be packed separately with their cavities filled. Socks are perfect for this! Be sure to pack them 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. 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 ideal 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.

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.

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Some Tips for Self-Staging Your Toronto House

When potential home buyers are viewing a house for sale in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada, they are doing what we were all told not to do when growing up: judging a book by its cover. Your house is like an open book and proper home staging can encourage the buyers to make the offer that meets your expectations.

House Staging Tips Toronto - Home Self-Staging Toronto
If a professional home stager is not included in your real estate contract, the tips below can 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.

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.

Plastic Moving Bins Toronto - Plastic Moving Boxes Toronto
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Some Reasons for Using Plastic Moving Bins for Moving in Toronto

Aside from being an environmentally friendly alternative to cardboard products, plastic moving bins carry the benefits of convenience, protection, efficiency and reduced cost. Renting moving bins means eliminating the need to assemble or break down boxes, which results in significant time savings before and after your move in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada.

Since our moving bins are made of high grade plastic, they are built to withstand any damage while keeping your belongings safe. Plastic moving bins also stack very well as they were designed specifically for this purpose, meaning the potential for damage is eliminated. In fact, our moving bins come with a free delivery and pick-up, which can be arranged at a time convenient for you.

One thing most people don’t consider is how much effort the process of packing a moving truck takes. Stacking moving boxes safely while maximizing the use of space takes thought, care, and a little planning. For this reason our professional Toronto movers work with plastic moving bins and are typically able to reduce your overall move times significantly.

Let’s also consider the environmental impact and sustainability that these eco-friendly plastic moving bins provide. By helping to reduce the production and consumption of paper products, not only are you making a smart choice for your moving day, but also helping to save the environment.

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 Checklist - Toronto Moving Services
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Moving Checklist for Moving in Toronto ON or elsewhere in Canada

Are you getting ready to move in Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada? We prepared this useful moving checklist to save you some time and headache.

1 to 2 months before moving:

  • Contact Viktoria Vanlines Toronto for a free in-home moving estimate
  • Get packing supplies if you are packing yourself
  • Make any necessary travel arrangements
  • Arrange a garage sale
  • Get medical and dental records; ask your doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions
  • Transfer your memberships
  • 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 moving:

  • Reserve the service elevator if moving from an apartment in Toronto
  • 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 move
  • Confirm travel reservations if necessary
  • Check the contents of your safe-deposit box. Pack and carry all valuables such as jewelry, insurance policies, legal documents and important collections with you
  • Clean or arrange for a cleaning service to clean your home
  • 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 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 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 are clearly understood
  • Shut off all your appliances
  • Assist your Toronto moving company by making sure 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

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.

Asking Your Friends to Help You Move - Toronto Moving Company
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Asking Your Friends to Help You Move in Toronto

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

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.

While having your friends and family there to help you 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 your labour force is not as cheap as you thought.

Considering your budget, remember that moving yourself is far from cost saving. Your major expense will be renting a moving truck and any equipment necessary to aid in the move. And to be 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.

As a conclusion – your time, money, and energy are all very valuable, and hiring professional Toronto movers often saves you all three.

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.

Toronto Storage Facilities - Storage Toronto
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Some Useful Tips for Renting a Storage Facility in Toronto

When renting a space from one of storage companies in Toronto, you should understand that when choosing Toronto storage facility – there is a lot more than just picking a convenient location and finding the lowest price. And not only should you research different Toronto storage facilities /companies, but you need to also 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 primary concern, as nothing will cause you more stress or headache than getting your items stolen or damaged. When it comes to security, simply placing a lock on your storage locker is not a guarantee that the contents will be safe.

Using a good quality padlock is a prudent choice, but the chance of having your locker broken into will really depend on the overall security precautions taken by your Toronto storage company. In addition to an adequate security system with 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 get 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 companies in Toronto are in fact not climate controlled, and the ones advertising “climate controlled” Toronto storage facility often make a claim that is slightly misleading.

The final consideration is whether you will be hiring a Toronto moving 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. Also, when comparing the price of a locker in one Toronto storage facility to another, consider the ease of access to the locker in each 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.

How to Compare Moving Quotes - Toronto Moving Estimates
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Tips for Comparing Moving Quotes in Toronto ON

With a low barrier to entry and little regulation for its workers, many Toronto moving companies have come under fire for less than stellar performance. But that doesn’t have to be the case with your move. So doing your research when comparing Toronto moving companies and collecting moving quotes will help 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.

Here are some tips for comparing 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 also 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.

    It all raises a question: what are those moving quotes based on?

  2. Weight and Volume

    Well, the more space your belongings occupy (or for other companies, the more they weight), the higher your final price for the move will be. Weight and volume play a big role in your moving quote. Most Canadian moving companies, including us, charge per hour and per mover. 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 Services

    In most cases of a regular move, there is no need for you to consider charges for additional Toronto moving services. And then there are times when you need to move items like pianos and things get a little bit more complicated,  so you might need to hire an additional moving service in Toronto.

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 Toronto ON - Best Movers Toronto ON
/ By Tibor / residential moving/ 0 Comments

Useful Tips for Moving to a Big City like Toronto ON

When moving to or from a big city like Toronto, ON or any other heavily populated urban area in Canada, there is a always unique set of challenges to be faced with.

To prevent hassle and frustration with any local or long distance move in Canada we suggest doing some advanced planning, especially for moving to a big city like Toronto, ON. Below are three simple hacks to remember when you are moving to the big city like Toronto, ON or anywhere else in Canada.

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

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. Note that some buildings require advance notice and many restrict the use of the main elevators, so you may need to reserve a maintenance or service elevator for a specific time window. If all else fails, you may have to use the stairs. Also, ask the manager if the building has a luggage cart or dolly available for use.

Big city, small spaces

Get measurements of the spaces inside and outside of your new building. 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.

As we mentioned before, advanced planning can help save a lot of headache during your city move.

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.

/ By Tibor / residential moving/ 0 Comments

Information and Tips for Moving to or from Niagara Falls ON

Viktoria Van Lines Toronto offers a variety of moving and storage services for those moving from Niagara Falls to Toronto or moving to Niagara Falls from Toronto. We also offer add-on moving and storage services to help make your move easy and stress free, as well as packing services and packing supplies to help with your move and make your transition run smoothly.

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. Niagara Falls city 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:

Viktoria Van Lines Toronto team of experienced 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.

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.

/ By Tibor / residential moving/ 0 Comments

Some Tips for Moving to St. Catharines ON

Viktoria Van Lines Toronto has over 30 years of experience with residential and commercial moving services 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.

And 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.

Viktoria Van Lines Toronto team of experienced 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.

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.