Downsizing into a smaller space is a very common practice these days. People want to live more and work less! One way to do that is to have less living costs—i.e.: smaller living space. Taking this plunge can be really exciting, but a bit overwhelming.

Take Mississauga, ON, for example (my hometown). There are all sorts of living spaces for people with different “space” needs. When I chose to downsize to a smaller space last year, I transitioned from a 3-bedroom house to a studio apartment. It was a big change.

Personally, this decision mostly had to do with my finances. Spending more than 60% of my income on my house seemed silly to me. Further, I hate chores (and smaller spaces require a LOT less of that!). Moving into a studio apartment was my way to save money—and it has panned-out very well.

Shortly after I booked my moving day with ABS Movers & Storage—a local moving company based in Toronto that has handled every move of mine, flawlessly—I began researching online about how I could possibly funnel my life and my belongings into a studio apartment before the movers arrived. Here are a few tips I followed that really helped me out:

1. Measure the new studio space
   I needed to do this for a couple reasons. For starters, I discovered a couple pieces of my furniture were not going to fit in my new space. I’m glad I figured that out before moving day; why pay to move items you can’t keep? And, secondly, I was able to give the measurements to ABS and get their advice on how many boxes of “stuff” would likely fit in the new studio.
2. Assess the space
   The studio I moved into has built-ins everywhere, cabinets, extra storage space, and shelves nearly to the ceiling. This helped me to know there would definitely be space for my trinkets and books. But, not all studios include as much storage space—you need to know that so you do not find yourself paying the moving company for belongings you can’t fit.
3. Declutter and get rid of stuff
   I’m not a hoarder, but I do tend to tie sentiment to inanimate objects. So, I sympathize if this tip is a tough one for you. Here’s what I did: I created two working sections in my home which included a “to keep” pile and a “donate or toss” pile. With every item I touched, I asked myself the same question: how long since I’ve worn/used/looked at this? If I could not honestly say “as recently as within the last six months”—the item was thrown in the “donate or toss” pile. If it had been worn/used/looked at in six months or less—I kept it. Of course, if it wouldn’t fit in the new space or was a duplicate of something else, it was immediately categorized as a donation/toss, too.

In less than a month, I was ready for ABS Movers & Storage to get me into my new place. If you’re looking to move  (whether you’re downsizing or not) and would plan to hire a trusted mover in Mississauga, ON, I would highly recommend their team!

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

Here at ABS Movers & Storage, we specialize in making people’s lives a bit easier during one of life’s least enjoyable experiences: moving. And, since we have been in the moving industry since 1988, we have heard our fair share of nightmare moving experiences from clients who have switched to using our company (after being taken advantage of by others). That said, booking your move with the wrong movers is, unfortunately, an easy mistake to make—so we would like to help you to avoid that. Of course, we hope you end up working with us here in Mississauga, ON; regardless, check out these warning signs that should help you steer clear of the “wrong” movers:

1. They haven’t been around long
   This doesn’t necessarily mean they are a “bad” moving company to be sure to avoid—but how can you know? If the company has not been around long, there are few sources to check to see what type of rapport and work ethic they have.
2. They do not have a website
   Again, this does not mean all companies without websites for you to browse are But, in 2017, most well-established companies have well-established websites. Consider that, before moving forward.
3. They will not give you a written quote
   There should be some paper trail, for your protection and for the company. Often times moving companies will want to visit your residence before giving a written quote. This is for accuracy and fleshing-out mitigating circumstances (steep hill to climb to home, narrow passageways/doorways, special items (like antiques or pianos), etc. Other companies will ask you a series of questions regarding your property, belongings, and dimensions to determine a quote. Either is fine! But, do yourself a favor: get it in writing.
4. They are unavailable—a LOT
   If you find yourself calling and calling without a return call—move on. There is no reason you should have to work hard for someone to want your
5. They are disorganized
   Your move should be as seamless as possible. An organized mover will do the following

– return your calls

– set an appointment/appointments—and keep them

– create a quote for you, timely

– instruct you on what to do prior to “moving day”

– document your belongings/show you how to document your belongings

– enlist the proper number of movers to get your home package/loaded in one day or less

– give you a realistic set of expectations for the move

6. They are rude to you
   You are the customer—no one should be rude to you. This is non-negotiable.

We hope you never have to deal with a less-than-satisfactory moving company. Beware of these warning signs, and you should never have to! If you live in Mississauga, ON, or the GTA, consider us as your reliable movers in Mississauga, ON for your next move. We would love to show you what a smooth move really feels like!

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

Everyone has an opinion about something these days, right? Me, too. Usually, I do not feel the need to broadcast mine—but I recently had a wonderful experience when I expected the exact opposite; so, I wanted to share.

I have moved many times, all over the Toronto, ON, area. My most recent move to Etobicoke was the most fluid experience of my life. And, I know it was because finally, I did it the right way and worked with the best, most professional moving company in the area: ABS Movers & Storage.

What set them apart for me? A lot. For starters, their website caught my eye (for your reference: http://www.absmovers.ca/). It is well organized and informative. I was able to figure out—from the comfort of my own home while sitting on my couch in the middle of the night—that they provide a plethora of services:

• Last -minute moves: This didn’t apply to my move, but it certainly has in the past. I wish I had been using ABS all along.
• Emergency moves: Before reviewing ABS, it never occurred to me that an emergency move could be needed. I’m glad I know, in case I’m ever in a situation that requires me to pack up quickly and move.
• Big or small moves: Oh, boy—my move to Etobicoke was a big one.
• Advance booking: I’m a planner. This worked out for me.
• Residential moves: Self-explanatory.
• Office moves: For those of you business owners!
• Next-day moves: Again, I am a planner—but for those of you out there who are not planners…
• Storage services: ABS provides many options for storing your belongings in clean, secure spaces.
• Junk removal: I had so much furniture I didn’t want to take with me—ABS took it and made my life easier.

Beyond their services, I found tips, testimonials, and an easy get-a-quote link. One of ABS’ team members called me the next morning in response to my quote request and made me feel completely valued. Naturally, I had a lot of questions (you see, I’ve used other moving companies in the past and there were a few experiences I did not want to repeat). He answered everything I asked without making me feel rushed in any way. I set up a pre-packing visit to firm-up our quote. We touched base again a week before the move, then again the day before.

On moving day, the team was right on time (actually, they were 15 minutes early!). Everything went so smoothly. I was needed a couple times to label boxes and add a few items to the inventory sheet—and that was virtually all I had to do the whole day, while I watched them pack and swiftly move my belongings to the truck.

The unload was even faster and just as seamless. Unpacking was easier than ever—because I labeled every box (per their suggestion).

Of course, I still do not love moving—but working with ABS Movers & Storage is as close to “loving” it as I have ever been! For a trusted and reliable moving company in Toronto, ON, give them a call!

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

Have you ever used a moving company? It’s surprising to me how many people can answer “no” to this. Moving is the worst without professional movers handling the brunt of the work. Although, not all moving companies are worth the money needed and I am certain there are countless individuals who have had bad experiences that left them jaded.

Here’s the thing: use professional movers. Even if you have never used professional movers before, give it a try. Or, if you have, but they were horrible, consider reconsidering with ABS Movers & Storage. Our team is exceptional and affordable.

Now, if you are a skeptic, let me just dispel a few things. We will NOT:

• Mislead you
• Oversell to you
• Make you feel like “a number” instead of a real person
• Overcharge you
• Be careless with your freight
• Practice dishonesty

So, what will ABS do for you? First, we will honor your wishes and aim to make your move as smooth as possible. Should you choose to work with our professionals, here are the things you can expect from us:

• Straightforward quotes, given in writing. If a professional mover can not give you a written quote, this could be a red flag. Of course, there may be a preliminary quote over the phone or online—but, before you move, you will want an in-home meet for a written quote. This protects you (and the company) from any surprises that could affect the cost.
• Helpful staff and helpful tools. You can’t have a successful move without experienced staff and working equipment, right? Moving trucks and other pieces of equipment need to be maintained and well taken care of. Here at ABS, we take pride in providing just this!
• Readily available information about our company. A quality moving company like ABS will have available information about the company, customer testimonials, contact information, a list of services for you to browse, etc. The website should be easy to navigate and informational—this shows a level of commitment to customer service that you deserve.
• A proven rapport. This is a bit difficult to measure. Here’s what you should look for:
  • How long has the company been in business? The longer, the better. Longevity in business shows a proven “name” within the community. ABS has been a trusted mover since 1988.
  • What are other people saying? How did they feel their move went?
  • Surely you know people in the Etobicoke and Toronto area who’ve used professional movers—did they use ABS? Another company? Why and what was their experience? Find out.
  • Your gut feeling. Everything will boil down to how you feel when you interact with the staff. Pick up the phone and see which companies give you “good vibes.”

So, when is your next move? If you need a reliable moving company in Etobicoke, ON—give our team here at ABS Movers & Storage a call!

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