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As we are now in the middle of winter in Toronto, Ontario and across Canada, and while some areas are feeling the winter more than others, cold weather and chilly conditions definitely have an impact everywhere in Canada.

Viktoria Van Lines Toronto provides residential moving services in Toronto and GTA 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 in Toronto:

Roll out the carpet

Prepare for your moving day by clearing a walkway from your home to the moving truck.

Rake up leaves, salt all the concrete surface around to help reduce ice and sludge, or shovel a path through the snow. This will help keep your Toronto movers safe while carrying items from the house to the truck. At Viktoria Van Lines Toronto, we usually roll out old carpets outside of the houses and on truck ramps to create slip-free pathways.

Protect your floors

With Toronto movers traveling in and out of your house on your moving day, the outside elements could easily be brought inside. Secure non-slip covers on your floors to help protect them, cardboard or plastic with grip would work as well.

Pack securely

When packing your items, make sure they are well secured and placed into moving boxes that will be able to hold their weight. Don’t overpack moving boxes.

If some items are fragile, wrap them in bubble wrap, newspaper, butcher’s paper or moving blankets. Insulate your items 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.

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 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.

No rush

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!

Be aware of 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.