There is a right way and a wrong way to move from one residence to another. In fact, there are multiple rights and wrongs connected to the moving process, and our team here at ABS Movers & Storage wants to help you navigate this life event the SMART way.

First thing’s first: what not to do. Check out this list of things to avoid during your next move!

1. Do NOT dismiss the idea of utilizing a moving company
   There are good moving companies and there are bad ones. Do you live in and around Vaughan, ON, and the Greater Toronto Area? Consider our professionals for your move. We offer an array of options so you can design the exact moving experience you wish to have:

• Last minute moves
• Next-day moves
• Emergency moves
• Junk removal
• Big and small moves
• Storage units
• Packing materials
• Packing services
• Advance booking

2. Do NOT pack everything
   …until the time is right. Approximately 75% of your belongings should be packed up 7-10 days before your move. And, by the day before, you should have completed packing everything. Or, if you opt to have the pros pack your home, set aside the items you will need for daily living. Which items will you want to access within the first 24 hours of living in your new place? Pack these separately.
3. Do NOT count on your memory
   Label every box—in detail. Draw thick arrows to show the direction you need certain boxes to face. Make lists. Label the rooms of the new house to help during the process of unloading the truck. Trust us.

Now you know what NOT to do. Here are a few tips from our expert movers in Vaughan, ON—to keep you sane and ready to go!

• Manage your packing process! If you have elected to pack your own belongings, work ahead in increments. Packing is tedious and grueling—we know. Commit to packing a box a day, or five boxes each weekend; whatever it takes to prepare you for Moving Day.
• Do not pack your closet—until last. All too often, homeowners pack “backward,” and then regret that they can not find anything when it is needed. If you pack your closet last, you will have access to your clothing and you will know exactly which boxes to turn to immediately, upon arriving in your new home. Plus, most professional movers offer wardrobe boxes which allow you to pack your clothing—still hung on hangers—directly into the wardrobe box.
• Haul the basics separately from the moving truck, if possible. If yours is a local move, bring over the essentials separately: medications, a few plates and pans to sustain you during the first week, toiletries, pajamas, pillows and immediately-needed bedding.
• Make your new place Home immediately. The sooner you get your belongings unpacked and organized, the sooner you will feel at home.

Ready to get started? We are, too! Give our team here at ABS Movers & Storage a call today!

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

There is so much to remember when it comes to moving from one house to another; from all the big items to the little things like paperwork. No wonder people “hate” moving!

In our years and years of working with residents here in Vaughan, ON, we have learned a few things about how to make moving a more stress-free process. Keep reading for our most beneficial tips and tricks!

1. Label Boxes
   If you don’t think this is important, ask your friends—at least one of them has made this mistake during a move, and it was probably the last time they ever forgot to label their moving boxes. The impact of not labeling your boxes is pretty big. Once moved, without the help of labels, you will likely find yourself tearing into boxes and boxes and scattering items everywhere just to find what you need. Tip: label each box with the name of the room it came from/belongs to, what’s in it (be as detailed as you like—more is more), annotate whether it is fragile or not, and draw thick arrows in the direction the box should be.
2. Prune, purge, donate, and throw away!
   There is absolutely no sense in packing things you do not need, like, or use. Moving is the perfect time to offload extra clutter. If you, deep down, know there are many items you no longer use or wear—wouldn’t it be nice not to pack these things? Ask yourself some of these questions to help you de-clutter before your big move:

• Has it been longer than a year since I wore this?
• Does this fit me anymore?
• Is this the décor I want in my new space?
• Is there someone I know who may love this more than I do?
• Is this item irreparably broken?
• Do I have multiples of this and, if so, can I gift the extras to someone?
• Thinking about my current style—does this work for me anymore?
• Have I been meaning to donate this?

3. Set aside an “essentials” box
   In HUGE letters, write “essentials” and “do NOT pack!” In this box, you will pack the items you want to keep with Essential items are as follows:

• Daily items: toiletries, medicine, Band-Aids, toilet paper, etc.
• Seasonal items: summertime may call for the kids’ favorite sandbox toys; wintertime may call for mittens and scarves and earmuffs.
• Routine items: are you a hard-core coffee or tea drinker? What about the multi-vitamins—do you take those each morning? Do you carry a lunchbox to work? Think about your daily routine and set aside these items.

4. Set-up your forwarding address ahead of time
   There is nothing worse than realizing you’ve missed bills or invitations because you overlooked informing the Canada Post! Don’t forget this important step of moving in Vaughan, ON. Our suggestion: five days ahead of time, begin forwarding your mail to the new house.

Want more tips and tricks like these? Give us a call here at ABS Movers & Storage. We can’t wait to help you with your next move!

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

Moving is stressful! It is expensive, time-consuming, and organization-intensive. If you are like me in any way, the latter is the worst part: organization-intensive. You see, not everyone has an abundant amount of organizational skills. At work, sure—I do. But, the moment I come home and look at my clutter, I want to scream. I don’t have the capacity to clean, much less handle a move from one residence to another without enlisting the help of a pro.

Luckily, a friend of mine mentioned ABS Movers & Storage nearby my home in Richmond Hill, ON. She told me the entire process from start to finish was seamless. And, I must say, I’m so glad I took her advice.

The team at ABS is the best. I felt like I had an event coordinator helping me navigate my moving “event,” and that put me at ease. Here’s a snapshot of my experience:

I called ABS and instantly felt comfortable
My friend told me about this part—but I really didn’t take to heart how important it is to be made to feel important by my chosen moving company. I had all sorts of questions about cost, options, timeline, packing, unpacking, junk removal, storage options, etc. Seriously, they were so nice to me; so informative and so professional. At no point did they make me feel like I was asking a silly question (even though I had a few!).

ABS’ prices are reasonable
Cost is such a big deciding factor—at least, it definitely was for me. But you know what? Their rates were much lower than I anticipated (after I scared myself with an internet search of national averages). Clearly, ABS believes in affordability for any move, big or small.

The ABS crew respected my time
This is a lost art these days: timeliness. But, I still expect this of people. On moving day, the moving truck showed up 10 minutes ahead of schedule and worked continuously and diligently throughout the entire process. I felt valued because they worked just as hard as they said they would (and they were friendly throughout the entire process)!

The ABS crew was careful with my belongings
You know how you can often feel like “no one” will be as careful with your precious belongings as you will be? Not true with ABS Movers & Storage. They were gentle with my fragile items and took special care of every single box they touched. Every. Single. One.

They left a lasting impression
From the initial phone call to pricing and finishing the unloading process at my new home—ABS was exactly what they said I could expect of them. It’s refreshing to receive good, honest, customer service. I will absolutely use ABS Movers & Storage again and recommend them to everyone I know in the Greater Toronto Area!

Are you moving soon? Give this moving company in Richmond Hill, ON a call and request a quote. You’ll love working with them!

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

I know; it is summertime right now—but it will be winter before we know it here in Richmond HIll, ON. Winter can show up without much warning at all and Canada winters mean freezing temperatures, deep snow, slick roads, and bitter wind chills. And, if you have ever had to move your household from one home to another (whether you chose to use professional movers or not), you know there are added difficulties that can make the whole experience miserable.

Our team at ABS Movers & Storage has been through many, many winter moves here in Richmond Hill—and we have learned a few tips along the way to share with you. Check these out!

1. Firm-up the details with your movers
   Winter is the off-season/slow time for most moving companies (shocking; we know…). So, moving in the winter is smart, actually. You will likely have a wider range of dates from which to choose; however, due to the cold season’s unpredictability, be sure to check in with your movers a week before and a couple days before moving day.
2. Watch the weather closely
   In the few weeks and days leading up to your moving date, check the weather forecast. If you become concerned there will be snowfall or extremely low temperatures, call the movers and express these concerns. Everyone is better off shifting the moving date (if needed) than getting caught in an ice storm.
3. Board your pets
   Moving is stressful—particularly for your pets. Strangers in and out of your home, furniture moving, lots of legs to dodge, and open doorways are just a few stressors/opportunities for your pets to be injured, under duress, or run away. You want to make sure your fur babies are in good hands!
4. Clear the driveway and walkways
   It is so dangerous to carry heavy furniture and boxes across icy sidewalks and driveways. Invest in some salt, do some shoveling or snow blowing—please! The movers will sincerely appreciate this!
5. Check the snowplow schedule
   The last thing you need it to be boxed-in by a freshly-piled bank of muddy snow from the city plow!
6. Have sheets and blankets available
   Envision: the movers are almost finished loading the truck and the sky opens up, pelting your neighborhood with sleet and slushy snow. Lovely. Having sheets or blankets on hand will help the movers keep your precious belongings protected.
7. Be flexible
   Moving is stressful and frustrating in the winter and the weather conditions only add to that. Remember, the movers can’t control the weather, so be understanding if the road conditions slow them down a bit. It is wiser to delay the move than to risk anyone’s safety. Also, on moving day, the crew is probably colder than they’ll admit, so a cup of warm coffee or hot cider on the stove goes a long way to keep everyone in good spirits!

Winter moving doesn’t have to be hard; you just have to be prepared for the added quirks the weather may throw at you! The Richmond HIll, ON movers at ABS Movers & Storage would be happy to be your trusted choice this winter! Give us a call!

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