Monthly Archives: July 2017

Downsizing And How ABS Movers Can Help!

Downsizing is all the rage right now. There are tiny house movements on countless shows, channels, documentaries, and viral videos. Of course, a tiny house isn’t for everyone—but downsizing is worth considering for your next move. Even though having an enormous, spacious home may seem like a dreamy idea—what with the extra-large sofa you could fit or the additional storage space for your Christmas décor to live in—a large new home isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Check out these reasons to downsize for your next move:

You save money
A smaller house payment brings you more financial freedom. Ever heard the term “house poor?” This means that a homeowner lives in a property that drastically affects their disposable income for the worse. The mortgage, rent, and cost of repairs (when those come due) are devastating enough that funds feel “tight” on a regular basis. Imagine a monthly bill 40-50% less than what you currently pay—doesn’t that sound dreamy?

You save time
The bigger the house the bigger the chores. As my mother always said, “I never wanted a bigger house—I wouldn’t want to clean it!” True words. What would you do with the time you saved in less square footage to sweep, mop, vacuum, dust, etc.?

Less inventory
Often times, homeowners in Brampton, ON, looking to downsize worry about what to do with all of their stuff. Luckily, there’s a moving company nearby who can help with this! The professionals ABS Movers & Storage are skilled Brampton, ON movers that helps fellow residents move from home to home seamlessly. And, downsize when needed! How our team can help you downsize:

  • Junk removal: Whatever items you need to have removed from your home—big or small—our team will handle it for you. This service is fast and affordable and our team recycles whenever possible to be kind to the environment.
  • Storage services: Sometimes, there are items too important to hang onto, but there is or will soon be no space for them. At ABS, we will happily pack, ship, and store your items for you so you can live smaller, more comfortable, and clutter- free.

Less clutter, less house, less stress
A happy home is one where you feel most calm. Typically, clutter or “light” hoarding lends itself to a more chaotic vibe. In fact, there are medical articles written by reputable physicians and holistic experts who agree: less clutter actually boosts health and vitality. When our home lives are (or appear to be) disorganized and full of unnecessary clutter, our physical and mental well-being can be negatively affected. In many cases, people with disorderliness surrounding them feel less energetic and less efficient, which combine to make daily life feel burdensome. Fatigue, stress, and anxiety are all common physiological responses to an overwhelming home.

Don’t take our word for it; evaluate your own home and your next move. Do you want less stress and less space to keep up with? Whatever you choose for your next home—big or small—call ABS Movers & Storage; our team will get your belongings there safely!

ABS Movers & Storage | 17 Dora Ave Toronto, ON M6H 1J5 | (416) 588-1499

Budgeting Your Move in Brampton, ON

Moving in the next year? Whether you plan to move 12 km down the road into a small one-bedroom apartment or from Brampton, ON, to NYC with your whole family in tow, moving is expensive. It is no secret that moving adds up financially, very quickly. Movers, packing materials, a rental truck… It can be overwhelming. And, summer is the most popular season for moving—there is often a premium added based on demand!

Don’t be discouraged; ABS Movers & Storage wants to help you save money during your summer move. Here’s how:

Reduce your load
We all have items we no longer use but hang onto. Whether it is an old couch that’s far outlived its time and place in your home or clothes you never wear or boxes you haven’t opened since three moves ago, moving to a new place is the right time to begin sorting and evaluating what needs to come with you to your new home. What can you live with and what can/should you live without? The weight and/or floor-space of your load are usually big factors in determining the total cost of your move. Consider throwing away, selling, or donating the items you no longer have a use for. Chances are you stand to reduce your load by up to 40%. So, get to sorting!

Compare, compare… and, then, compare again.
While you budget for a summer move, take the time to compare moving companies. There’s a lot to look at: full-service movers, packing and unpacking, storage options, long-distance move options, junk removal, and the list goes on. Questions to ask:

  • Are movers paid by the hour?
  • What is included in different “packages?”
  • Are big furniture pieces possible (i.e.: grand piano or an extra-tall armoire)?
  • How long can items remain with the company before storage fees apply?
  • Do they service move across Canadian borders into the US?
  • Does the company offer emergency moves, military moves, next-day moves, etc.?
  • What are the insurance options to keep belongings safe?
  • Is there a difference in the rate at the beginning vs. mid-month?

Be prepared
Preparation is key to any significant life event; especially a move from one home to the next. If you have chosen to pack your own belonging, be sure to have this 100% completed before the day movers will arrive. Group heavy boxes with other heavy boxes and lighter boxes with other lighter boxes. Be sure to clearly label each box so unpacking will go quickly and smoothly. Also, fragile boxes/totes should be clearly marked. If you have chosen to have your belongings packed for you, be sure to take the appropriate time off work and other engagements to be fully present. Keep pets out of the way. Have all items you do not intend to move either sectioned off and out of the way or removed from your home prior to the movers’ arrival.

Our team hopes to be your trusted Brampton, Ontario moving company when the time comes. The ABS Movers & Storage staff is professional and skilled—we will treat your home and family with dignity and care from start to finish! Call us today!

ABS Movers & Storage | 17 Dora Ave Toronto, ON M6H 1J5 | (416) 588-1499

5 Tips To Prepare For The Big Move

Moving is an exciting life change, but it does come with its own unique set of stressors. You could be moving cross-country or cross-town and the fact remains: moving requires a lot of you. Without help, you are required to handle the planning, budgeting, equipment rental/purchasing, problem-solving, packing, insurance, storage arrangements, transportation, and logistics.

A professional moving company can be a BIG help.

ABS Movers & Storage wants to make life easier on you during one of the most exciting—and stressful—life changes. Whether you have made the decision to use a professional moving company in Oakville, Ontario for your next move or not, there are some very basic rules-of-thumb to getting you and your home ready. These 5 Tips to Prepare for the Big Move should help you out:

  1. Know what is and is not going with you
    What you intend to bring with you should be made clear. Also, some items cannot be moved with all moving companies, so be sure to ask about restrictions/added fees. If you have any of the following, be forthcoming about these and find out what details and restrictions may apply:
  • Some household chemicals
  • Paints and other liquids
  • Cash
  • Pets
  • Important papers
  • Photographs
  • Food
  • Medicine
  1. Who’s going to pack?
    Determine early on whether or not you intend to pack your belongings or if you prefer to have the professionals do this. If you decide to handle this portion of the moving process yourself, that’s perfectly fine! Just be sure you’re ready BEFORE the movers arrive (so as to avoid added fees) and be sure you employ the following:
  • Pad EVERYTHING with newspapers, bubble wrap, or blankets
  • Label each box according to the moving company’s instructions (this may include a description, room association, labels such as “heavy” or “fragile,” or your name)
  • Keep heavy boxes grouped together—this helps the movers in planning how to load the truck
  1. Financially protect your belongings
    Use either the moving company’s insurance (if you feel confident and comfortable with it) and/or contact your insurance company to add or review the protection you have on your possessions prior to packing and moving. This is too important. Do not skip seeking coverage for your things!
  2. Prepare your personal “go-bag” and first-night necessities
    Are you moving far away? Plan what you need in your personal vehicle to sustain you for your trip and first night in the new home! We suggest a small cooler with easy-to-eat-while-mobile goods:
  • Bottle water
  • Soda or sports drinks
  • Sandwiches
  • Apples or grapes
  • Energy bars
  1. Keep track of your stuff
    We suggest you make an itemized list of your possessions—including the type of item and quantity. Most moving companies will provide you a list to fill out. In addition, we have had clients who take pictures of their most important items to keep a record of the condition (in the case of family heirlooms and irreplaceable keepsakes)—this helps for insurance purposes.

We would love to alleviate your pre- and post- moving stressors! Give ABS Movers & Storage a call today!

ABS Movers & Storage | 17 Dora Ave Toronto, ON M6H 1J5 | (416) 588-1499

Preparing Your Home: Getting Ready For Your Professional Movers

Moving is a big deal and preparing for it is a real challenge. For some of us, moving comes all too often and for others, there is the One Great Move which brings us to our forever home. Regardless, no matter how many times we do it, the process of moving never seems to get much easier, does it?

There is an endless list of stressors leading up to Moving Day: Have we thought of everything? What do we need to take and what should we get rid of? Have we packaged our treasured items safely? Will our furniture be ok cross-country?

Sound familiar? Here at ABS Movers & Storage, we handle all types of moves and are the most reliable movers in Oakville, ON for families—big and small, short and long-distance. What’s more, we help you to think of everything! ABS has helped families with every kind of move you can think of.

Now, even if you do decide to hire professional movers, you still have a job to do to prepare for them. Check out these tips to ensure your move goes smoothly from start to finish:

Ask Questions!
This starts with your first meeting. You want to be sure to ask questions throughout the process. Not all moving companies have the same policies, and every family has a unique set of needs. Here are some sample questions:

  • What are the weight limits?
  • Are there any restricted items?
  • What paperwork is required?
  • What are “additional” charges and what are basic, inclusive fees?
  • How long can my things be stored?
  • How far is your move limit?
  • Do you service only intra-Canada or do you handle moves into the US?

Empty your fridge!
This seems like a no-brainer, but this is a good tip to help you not to waste groceries and money. When you are within that 2-month window of moving (or shorter, if your move is more sudden), begin planning your meals based on the food you already have. The less you have to take with you or throw away, the better. How do you do this? Here are some ideas from previous clients we’ve gathered:

  • Select an item (cream of mushroom soup, for example), and do an internet search of ideas to make with this item
  • Make casseroles
  • Make soups
  • Use salad dressings as marinade
  • Prepare cold salads made of frozen veggies, pasta, and dressings/mayo/yogurt and spices

Photograph your belongings
It’s important you know the condition of your items before movers take over. This will help; in the rare event something is damaged.

Categorized “junk”
Choose professional movers who handle “junk.” Examples of junk are your old, worn out, inoperable items you know are unworthy of donating or selling. Here at ABS, we will take these off your hands and dispose of them properly, so you don’t have to.

Need more tips? Give our team a call. Our professional movers want to make this part of your life easy; leave the burden of moving to ABS Movers & Storage!

ABS Movers & Storage | 17 Dora Ave Toronto, ON M6H 1J5 | (416) 588-1499