Tips From Local Toronto Movers on How to Prepare for a Rainy-Day Move

moving on a rainy dayFinally, the big day is right around the corner! But, one look at the weather forecast leaves you moaning in despair. Apparently, Mother Nature has decided on a rainstorm for when your movers are scheduled to arrive. Relocating is already stressful enough as it is – of course, the last thing you want to deal with is a downpour!

At Firemen Movers, our professionals have overseen a ton of transfers in all kinds of weather. Rain or shine, sleet or snow, our experts have the following advice to help your move run smoothly, regardless of what it looks like outside your door.

Toronto Movers Share Tips on How to Prepare for a Rainy-Day Move

Add Extra Reinforce to your boxes

Cardboard boxes are a must-have for any relocation. They’re strong, sturdy, and durable – but not when they’re wet! However, adding extra packing tape – especially on the bottom of the box – will reinforce the structure and prevent sogginess and sagging.

Mark Items that Cannot Get Wet

While most items can handle a few drops of rain, there are indeed some things that simply must not get wet. Thus, it’s essential to mark these items clearly, so the movers know they require special attention. You can use brightly colored paper like yellow or fluorescent sticky notes, but just make sure the note is big enough to get noticed. Also, make sure to bring it to your relocation team’s attention before they start loading everything onto the truck. You may even want to set these more delicate things together, placing them in the corner of a room with another note about water susceptibility above them.

Use Plastic Mattress Protectors and Covers

Mattresses need plastic protectors even when it’s not raining. So, in the event of rain or other problematic weather, your mattresses should be shielded regardless. Other pieces of furniture like couches and chairs – basically anything upholstered – needs plastic sheet covering as well.

Don’t Forget the Beauty of Garbage Bags

It’s amazing how handy garbage bags can be during a transfer – and they’re waterproof too! Keep pretty much anything you can think of dry by placing them in garbage bags. Or, you can cut open the sides of the bag to create a plastic sheet for a makeshift cover. Lots of clothes on hangers, but not sure how to prevent them from getting drenched? Just poke a hole through the top of a garbage bag and slide a bunch of hangers through and – Voila! – an instant garment bag.

Call us today at Firemen Movers for excellent services at unbeatable prices!

5 Tricks for Packing your Clothes From Moving and Storage Experts in Toronto

packingUsually, unless you start packing for a move, you don’t quite realize just how much clothes you own. Multiplied by the number of people who live with you, and you may end up feeling like you’re drowning in a sea of outfits. The thing is, packing clothes can indeed be a tricky task, because not everything fits neatly into a box. While some things need to be left on a hanger, others may need extra care as they’re delicate or hold sentimental value.

So, what can you do to make sure everything survives the big move? Our moving and storage experts at Firemen Movers have the following tips to help you out!

Tips For Packing Your Clothes From Moving and Storage Experts in Toronto

#1 – Wrap Delicate Items with Clothes

Firstly, before we get into how to pack clothes, let’s address how useful everyday clothes like tee-shirts and sweaters can be as a protective wrap for breakables. With these thick coverings, you’ll prevent chipping, scratches, and other such damage.

#2 – Boxes

For the most part, items like jackets, shirts, jeans, underwear, and socks can be packed together in boxes. The key to proper packing, however, to ensure you don’t overfill the cartons. Doing so would lessen the structural integrity of the boxes, causing the material to crease, bend, and bow. Ultimately, this would result in a lack of protection, and possibly eventual breakage.

#3 – Wardrobe Cartons

Many people don’t even know wardrobe boxes even exist. At least, not until their moving and storage professionals offer the option to them. These cartons are great for dressier clothes that shouldn’t be folded, such as dress shirts, suits, or fancy gowns.

#4 – Garbage Bags

If you’re looking for a quick, easy (ad cheap) way to store several things that don’t need the protective security of a harder material, garbage bags are definitely the way to go. Also, in a pinch, they make fantastic coverings for clothes on hangers. Just punch a hole through the middle of the bottom of the bag and insert a group of hangers.

#5 – Leave your Clothes in the Dresser

When preparing for a move, feel free to leave your clothes in the dresser for the trip. However, to ensure everything stays within the dresser during transport, tape the drawers well to the frame of the dresser, so they don’t come flying off when the truck hits a bump.

Looking for moving and storage experts? Then look no further than Firemen Movers for quality assistance!

5 Things Firemen Movers do to Protect your Items

Moving Companies That Care – 5 Things We Do To Protect Your Items

Delivery Men Carrying Cardboard Box Against Truck

If you’re thinking of enlisting the services of our crew at Firemen Movers, then you may want to learn about what exactly we do to make sure your items are protected during a move. As one of the top moving companies in the region, our goal is to provide our clients with a smooth, seamless relocation. Are you better off transferring your household belongings yourself or calling on moving companies for assistance? Well, we believe that once you read through the 5 things we do to limit possible damage, you’ll quickly come to understand that only the professionals can give you a perfect move.

1 – External Bumpers

Inside and outside, we use bumpers pretty much everywhere, adding them to doorframes to protect against an accidental hit to your boxes, furniture, and other items.

2 – Protective Blankets

We wrap our own equipment in blankets to protect your belongings against unintentional scratches and dents, as we’re transferring your items from one place to the next.

3 – Modern Equipment

As well, we always use the proper equipment for relocation. For instance, we regularly use large, industrial-strength rubber bands to secure belongings during the move. On large items that may have swinging doors or pieces that don’t close correctly, these bands work well, wrapping around the items to keep them both closed and on the equipment. Also, this means your pieces won’t suddenly open during shipment, or even shift around creating a big problem.

4 – Heavy-Duty Wrapping

To further protect pieces, we often secure them with heavy-duty wrapping. Essentially, if we believe it needs to be wrapped for security purposes, it will be. Dining room chairs, buffets, wardrobes, kitchen tables – you name it, we’ll wrap it to protect it.

5 – Additional Attachments on Truck

As the last measure of protection, we also use special attachments on our trucks to ensure all objects are well-secured while on route. This prevents the load from shifting around and potentially causing serious issues.

Don’t you want one of the best-rated moving companies to oversee your upcoming relocation? Give us a call at Firemen Movers today and find out first-hand why our experts are truly excellent!

Top 10 Things to do in Toronto – A List From Firemen Movers

Top 10 Things to do in Toronto

Toronto MoversIt’s no exaggeration to say Toronto has what seems to be a countless list of attractions and landmarks, not to mention boutiques and trendy restaurants. But if you’re pressed for time, the following top 10 ten things to do in Toronto will certainly be worth the trip. If you’re planning on moving to this great Canadian city, don’t forget to call on your friendly, professional Toronto movers – Firemen Movers.

1 – CN Tower

In Toronto’s gorgeous skyline, the CN Tower is by far the most famous. In fact, one can say no trip to T.O. is complete without visiting this stately structure. Try to visit the LookOut level on a clear day, so you can appreciate the view over Lake Ontario and across the city from way up.

2 – The Eaton Centre

Similar in stature to NYC’s Times Square, Toronto’s The Eaton Center, just off Yonge-Dundas Square, offers countless opportunities to shop the day away.

3 – Toronto Harbour

Toronto’s Harbourfront, which looks out over Lake Ontario, is undoubtedly one of the most scenic places in the city. Now, the area sees more than 4000 annual community events, as home to the Harbourfront Center and a hub of many cultural activities.

4 – Kensington Market

Multicultural and vibrant, you won’t want to miss the downtown neighborhood of Kensington Market. Some of the areas most interesting and quirky community art galleries, vintage stores, and boutiques are in this area, working out of converted Victorian houses.

5 – Haunted Tour of Toronto

The Haunted Walk will lead you on a ghostly trek of Toronto’s past. Choose from three different spooky tours, with one of them offered in French. Get to know the scary mysterious behind some of T.O.’s classic landmarks.

6 – Distillery District Lights

The Distillery District, once the location of the Gooderham and Worts Distillery, is currently a super cool art and entertainment area. Here, you can see some of Toronto’s most popular galleries and venues.

7 – Casa Loma

Casa Loma TorontoA short subway ride away, venture further out into T.O.’s midtown to find Casa Loma, a Gothic-style house built in the early 20th century. Officially, it’s the only full-sized castle in North America, and now, it’s a converted museum.

8 – The Art Gallery of Ontario

The Art Gallery of Ontario, a stunning, glass-paneled construction, will stun you with more than merely its architecture. The nation’s largest collection of Canadian art is housed in this 480,000sq ft space, as well as international art that dates from the Renaissance era to modern-day pieces.

9 – Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

In the middle of Toronto’s entertainment quarter and suitably situated at the bottom of the CN Tower is Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. 16, 000 aquatic creatures call this place home, including wildly colorful fish from all over the globe, stingrays, sharks, jellyfish, and giant lobsters.

10 – Hockey Hall of Fame

Who boasts the most extensive collection of hockey gear and memorabilia from around the world? The answer is the Hockey Hall of Fame! This place also features exhibits on the game’s most iconic players, multimedia stations, and interactive games.

Still in search of friendly Toronto movers who offer quality services and a 100% satisfaction policy? Then, call our professional at Firemen Movers – Toronto movers that really care about your family move.

How to Save Money During a Move – Tips From Toronto Movers

Moving companies

Finally, after weeks and weeks of searching for the perfect place, you’ve found it! Certainly, it’s exciting to start anew in a fresh environment. But, along with the thrill comes the many costs of moving. Suddenly, bills start to pile up, and you’re left wondering how you’ll manage it all. You can’t exactly skip buying tape and boxes, can you?

Toronto Movers Share Tips On How to Save Money During a Move

Well, while there are certain items you’ll need for your big day, there are indeed ways you can save money during a move. Read on to find out how from our Firemen Movers. As one of Toronto’s top moving companies, we know every hack, tip, and trick there is!

Avoid Weekends and the Summer Season.

No matter which moving companies you contact for quotes, they’ll all tell you that weekday and off-season bookings are the least expensive options. Mid-to-end-of-month is also best to avoid as costs start to go up. With some flexibility on your end, you’ll be able to save quite a bit.

Scope Out Local Businesses.

A great many people turn to local businesses for free cardboard boxes. While it’s a cheap fix, make sure to select only the sturdiest boxes. As well, bookstores tend to have the best selection of boxes that haven’t had any run-ins with spilled liquids or mushy fruit.

Get Creative When You’re Packing.

Before purchasing bins, boxes or crates from moving companies, have a look around your home. With a creative eye, you’ll be able to discern other equally ideal containers for your moving needs. Coolers, laundry baskets, hampers, suitcases, and gym bags make for excellent options. Don’t forget to wrap items in bubble wrap – or towels, linens, and clothing – to avoid breakage.

Skip the Full-Service Option and Go Hybrid.

Instead of spending money on full-service assistance, carefully pick and choose what you really need. If you can pack and unpack everything yourself, then ask to have movers just for the loading, transport, and unloading portion of your move.

Understand Moving Charges.

Are you getting a package deal or an hourly rate? It’s essential to understand how you’ll be charged, so you can stay within your budget. Also, being organized beforehand will lessen the likelihood of extra fees for last-minute extras such as disassembly or additional packing supplies.

For more information on our relocation services or other tips on saving money during a move, call us today at Firemen Movers.

Cardboard boxes in room

Has Moving Left You with Cardboard Junk? Cardboard Box Recycling Tips

Moving to a new home can be an exciting experience! Going through all your items and deciding what to keep, discard, and donate can be a lot of fun as you reminisce on the memories you made over the years. Unfortunately, a part of moving involves waste production. Unwanted items, junk from the basement or garage, and used packing supplies often end up in the garbage, when they can be recycled or reused. If you’re wondering what to do with your cardboard moving boxes, here are some cardboard box recycling tips.
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