How to Plan a Stress-Free Move in Toronto
Moving is one of the most stressful things most people experience in life. Not least of all, planning, packing, and managing the logistics for a move is a full-time job. If you work and can’t take time off, it can be even more stress-inducing as you’ll have to trust someone else to do it for you.
Whether you’re moving to Toronto from another city or moving from one part of Toronto to another, these insider tips from professional Toronto movers are guaranteed to help you relieve those pain points, save time, reduce anxiety, and live to tell the tale.
Understanding the Toronto Moving Landscape
It’s advisable to work with experienced movers who know the city. A professional Toronto mover will know the city from end to end and work quickly to avoid conflict from neighbours and minimize disruption to the normal flow of traffic on the street.
Here are five of our top tips for
anyone planning a move in Toronto:
1. Planning Ahead
The importance of planning can’t be overstressed! The better you plan, the smoother your move will be. Here are a few considerations to factor into your plan.
Timing
Start planning your move well in advance of moving day. Knock out the simple stuff first so you don’t have to worry about it later.
Create a moving checklist
You can start planning your move two months or more before moving day.
- 1. Start by researching movers and checking out your options.
- 2. Ask for written estimates from your movers and start a folder or a binder to keep everything organized.
- 3. Organize your utility changeovers and let companies know when you need the accounts shut off.
- 4. Look at all your stuff and decide what’s not going with you. Have a yard sale or find places to donate stuff you don’t want to move.
- 5. If you have large items, like a piano, or valuable items, like artwork, make sure you have the proper packing materials for them and that your mover can accommodate special handling needs.
Six weeks before
- 1. Order your moving supplies.
- 2. Measure large items to make sure they will fit in the intended space.
- 3. Start using up food and other items you don’t want to move.
One month before
By this point, you should also have chosen the mover you want to use. Schedule your move, confirm the details, and start packing!
- 1. Do a change of address with the post office.
- 2. Label boxes clearly with the contents and what room they should go in.
- 3. Make note of any items of value that might require extra insurance.
- 4. Separate your valuables and consider moving them yourself.
One week before
Contact your mover to confirm the arrangements.
2. Choosing the Right Moving Company
There are hundreds of moving companies in Toronto, and you want to be sure the one you hire is reputable, reliable, and will handle your belongings with care and respect.
But not all Toronto moving companies are legit. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re working with a good mover:
- Don’t pay the entire amount upfront. Most movers ask for a 10% deposit with the balance due on arrival at the destination.
- Check out their premises. If they don’t have their own trucks or contract out their services, this could be a red flag.
- Ask for recommendations from people you trust. Reviews are a good source, but if they’re all five-star, they might be fake. Nobody’s perfect!
- If the quote is a lot lower than the other quotes you’ve received, it’s not a good sign.
Be sure to get an agreement and quote in writing before you pay your deposit. A reputable mover will be happy to oblige.
3. Packing Tips
- Start by packing items you won’t need right away. Save the essentials until last and keep them together for easy access.
- Label each box by room and contents.
- Consider fragility of items and cushion them well.
- Clearly mark boxes with fragile items for special handling.
- Do not overload boxes so they are too heavy to carry. Heavy books are best packed in banker-style boxes.
- Colour coding boxes by room is also a good idea.
- Larger items and furniture should go first, smaller items and lighter boxes last.
4. Moving Day Tips
Moving day is here! In a perfect world, your mover will arrive on time, and you’ll be ready for them to work their magic. If you can’t be there, enlist someone you trust to liaise with the movers and oversee the process. They should stay until the movers are gone.
- Keep all your valuables and documents on your person.
- Point out all fragile or “white glove” items.
No matter how prepared you are, unexpected issues may arise. Be prepared, have an overnight bag with all your essentials, and make arrangements to stay elsewhere in case things take longer than expected. Having a trusted friend with you may help you to stay calm under pressure. If delays occur, speak to your moving company right away as they may be able to help.
5. Settling into Your New Home
Now that you’re in your new home, you can take your time to unpack and get settled. Take the time to get to know the new place, find the water mains, gas shut offs, electrical panels, and safety features.
- Establish utility accounts, cable, and internet.
- Make extra copies of keys.
- Consider changing your locks.
- Go shopping for all the essentials you need to feel like home.
- Introduce yourself to the neighbours and get to know the neighbourhood.
- Ask for recommendations for the best local services and restaurants.
- Find out about the trash and recycling pickup days.
- Plan a housewarming party!
Final Thoughts
With the right planning and preparation, a move in Toronto can be stress-free. Make a detailed checklist, order your moving supplies, and start knocking out those little tasks early, and by the time moving day rolls around, you’ll be ready to rock!
Choosing a reputable moving company is the best peace of mind when moving in Toronto.
Relevant for your move
An Ultimate Checklist for Change of Address in Ontario
Toronto Neighborhood Guide: Choosing the Right Area for Your Move
Pre-Move Decluttering: How to Lighten Your Load Before a Big Move