Life is complicated. We move through various stages throughout our lifetimes and they are each messy and significant and exciting and taxing. Moving is one of these times. I remember my very first move as a real adult (not the move out of my parents’ house, but the one right after that); it was emotional. In fact, I was torn-up about leaving my first little place, even though it was too small and the shower never really worked well. There was so much to do on my own since I couldn’t lean on my parents as much (they live about three hours away from my then-home in Brampton, ON). But, my mom gave me the best advice, and I want to share it with you. She told me, “if you want this part to be a bit less painful, include saying goodbye to friends in a special way—the way we did when you left here.”

I cried. She was so right. My parents sent me off the right way. We spent time together and laughed and shared sadness before I went off on my own. So, I moved forward with plans to close this chapter in my life the right way. Here’s what I did:

I hosted dinner
I’m not a big cook, but I can follow a recipe. Before the craze of packing began, I invited my favorite neighbors and friends to have dinner around my table with me. And, everyone offered to pitch in, so it became a potluck! The night was full of laughter and neighborhood gossip, shared recipes and heartfelt farewells. To be honest, it was overwhelming—but in that wonderful, cup-overflowing kind of way.

I threw a “packing” party
I enlisted the professional assistance from ABS Movers & Storage—but I wanted to pack my own things (I no longer feel this sentimental desire and have since used their amazing packing services in other moves!). So, I invited my two best friends who lived just around the corners and a close coworker, popped a couple bottles of wine, set out a cheese and vegetable tray with tons of crackers, and made a night of it. They helped me choose what to donate, what to sell, what to pack, and what they would “take off my hands!” As it turned out, I had far too many dishes and flatware; the packing party paid off for my friends, too.

I created a photo album
There were nearly 1,000 pictures in my phone from my year-long adventures in my first apartment, the farewell dinner, and packing party. I had them printed off and spent an evening alone arranging them in a beautiful photo album my mom gifted to me. This was a cathartic evening.

I made sincere plans to meet soon
My mom also told me, “saying goodbye is so much easier when you have plans to see each other soon.” I set a restaurant date with the neighbors two months out and a Skype date with my best friends for the very next weekend. Much, much less crying this way!

If you’re moving out of town, do as I did and make the goodbyes easier. And, give ABS Movers & Storage a call—they’re forever my trusted moving company in Brampton, Ontario!

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

The worst has happened, just as you feared: it is moving day and Brampton, ON, is white with blankets of slushy snow pouring from the sky. Or, it’s springtime and the first torrential downpour of the season has slammed your city. Or, the first hotter-than-hot day of the summer is melting the pavement… Whatever the conditions are, it can be frustrating to move when the elements are turned against you. And, changing the moving date—for most people—is out of the question (due to work, movers, time, money, lease-end date, etc.). When Mother Nature turns against you, you must make the best of it.

ABS Movers & Storage knows what moving in bad weather is like! We’ve done it all. So, check out some of our best tips for making the process—against the elements—a little easier:

1. Discuss with your professional movers!
   Prior to your move date, be sure you discuss the company’s policy on moves during inclement weather. There may be caveats that protect you, your belongings, and the movers in certain weather-related situations. Ask what conditions the movers can and can not/will not move your things in.
2. Do not wait until the last minute!
   Now, there are sometimes special circumstances which cause sudden, emergency-related moves (and, ABS can help you with that!), but most people know far in advance that they intend to move. Schedule your move at least a week or two before your current home must be vacated. This way, should weather turn against you, you and your movers have time to reschedule.
3. Be prepared!
   If you’re moving in the summertime, have plenty of water to consume and to share with your movers. This act of kindness will go a long way. If it’s cold, why not have hot chocolate or tea brewing to offer? Be sure you have proper clothing for that day. Your front door will be open a lot, so dress down or bundle up in preparation for the long day of loading ahead.
4. Weather breaks?
   Your movers may be able to shift the loading schedule back by a few hours based on the weather reports. If possible, wait it out.
5. Rain, rain, go away…
   Have extra trash bags available to cover your items and boxes, as needed, if moving day turns out to be rainy or snowy. Trash bags are an easy way to load up and add a layer of protection from precipitation. On that note, if you have special items which can not be exposed to moisture, purchase a few waterproof bins ahead of time to seal in your items.

Moving day is going to be a whirlwind of stress and excitement… And it is going to be a looooong, hard day. Do not make it harder on yourself by failing to prepare for bad weather! We hope these tips help and we look forward to handling your move for you! Give ABS Movers & Storage a call, your go-to movers in Brampton, ON.

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

You have decided to move out of your ‘rents house, have you? Congrats! Moving out and into your very first place in or near Oakville, ON, (or wherever you may live!) is a HUGE deal, and very exciting. The next few weeks or months leading up to your move will require a heavy dose of careful planning and serious “adulting.” So, the team here at ABS Movers & Storage wants to help you make a successful move in 5 easy steps!

Step #1: Keep communication lines open with your parents
I know it’s exciting to be inching near total independence but remember: seeing you go is a tough step for them. Even if they’re excited and encouraging—you’re their baby. Be sure to regard them in each step, ask for help, let them know you still need them in your life, and be sensitive to their emotions.

Step #2: Start saving money NOW
You will discover quickly that surprises somehow just happen when you’re out there in the world of adulting. 10% (or more) of everything you earn should go into a savings account for expenses/emergencies in the future. Further, if you haven’t already come up with your down payment or security deposit, make a realistic savings plan ASAP, so you’re ready when the time comes. Here are a few tips to help you get there:

• Go out to eat half as often as you usually do
• Trim unnecessary spending (salon, gym membership, shopping for wants instead of needs, etc.)
• Sell items you don’t need on social media or a local consignment store
• Travel less
• Carpool with coworkers, if possible

Step #3: Develop a doable moving plan
Remember your parents? Ask their advice. They’ve moved more often than you have, so they probably have valuable guidance to give you. Establish a goal date for moving—you do not have to stick to this (unless you’ve signed a lease already, of course), but it’ll help you stay on track. Decide the following:

• Will you use a moving company in Oakville, ON?
• Do you need to buy new furniture or are there pieces you’ll be taking with you from home?
• Should you pack your own boxes of items or will professional movers handle that for you?
• What items will you leave behind or give away?
• If you aren’t hiring a moving company, which friends and/or family members will you enlist for assistance?

Step #4: Set up utilities
There’s nothing worse than not having electricity or heat/air conditioning upon moving day because this little detail was overlooked. Believe me—people forget this detail. Don’t overlook this step! You’ll want to schedule service one to two weeks prior to moving, to be sure all is “on” when you arrive.

Step #5: Change your address
Don’t let your parents be responsible for your parcels. You’re independent, now!

When the time comes, give ABS Movers & Storage a call! Our professionals specialize in big, small, near, and far moves. We’d be delighted to assist you during this exciting step in your life!

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

Considering moving? It’s an exciting time! But there are many aspects to moving, whether it is a far distance or just across the neighborhood, which can add a layer of stressful planning to your plate. Many people move for a new job, a new school, a new love, or a growing family. Some are drawn to the allure of relocating to a new location and fresh start… Whatever your reason, this is an exciting time and you deserve to be prepared and thrilled about your next chapter!

Unfortunately, moving is not always the most enjoyable experience; procrastination gets the best of us at times and then, before we know it, we’re scrambling to get ourselves packed and moved! Here in Oakville, ON, the ABS Movers & Storage team has a few pointers to get you going in the right direction (before you find yourself scrambling!). Regardless of the reason you feel drawn to a new space to call home, you’ll need to ask yourself a few questions before you go! Read on!

1. How will you make your money?
   You may be surprised just how many people think they’ll “find something” for work quickly, once they move to a new area. Now, if you’re moving just across town, this is a non-issue. But, if you plan to change jobs based on a move, have something lined up before you take the plunge. If this isn’t possible, it would be wise to save up four months of savings to coast your bills and groceries until you’re employed, again.
2. How long do you plan to live in this new city?
   You should have some idea of how long you plan to live in your soon-to-be new city. Do you plan to live there for a few months? A few years? Forever? How long you intend to live in the new space will impact the way you plan and the amount of time you spend packing. For example, if you are planning on a short-term stay, perhaps you don’t need to hire movers or pack much at all—you can rent a furnished apartment.
3. Why do you want to move?
   There is a “why” behind every decision people make—what’s yours? Adventure? Savings? Fresh start? Downsizing? Once you know why you want to move, choosing the items you’ll pack or sell/giveaway is a breeze.
4. Can you afford to move?
   Don’t neglect to take a true inventory of your finances: can you afford to move? Some expenses to consider:

• Travel (by air or car or both)
• Cost for movers
• Packaging material
• Apartment deposits or closing fees

5. Do you need to hire professional movers?
   Only you know what you can handle yourself and what you need help with. Consider the hidden costs of moving your own belongings (fuel, rental truck, packaging material, multiple trips, etc.) and compare that total to a reputable moving company in your area!

If you’re excited to move and need some assistance, ABS Movers & Storage can be your go-to movers in Oakville, ON. We’d love to show you a smooth, stress-free, affordable move for your next adventure!

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