Monthly Archives: March 2018

MOVING? BE EXTRA CAREFUL WITH THESE 3 ITEMS

Moving is a hassle—especially when you have difficult-to-move items to bring with you to your new home. But, just because something is particularly difficult to move does NOT mean you need to consider leaving it behind! Choose to work with a reputable moving company (like ours, here at ABS Movers & Storage) and utilizing these helpful tips so you can be sure your next move flies by, smoothly!

These three categorical items are those you want the pros at ABS handling for you!

  1. Fragile keepsakes
    This category includes many different items such as artwork, china dishes, costly technology devices, and antiques. All of these are uniquely difficult to move safely, but usually too precious and/or expensive to leave behind. Professional movers—the good ones—have a protocol for how to handle and transfer items like these. Further, there are often additional insurance selections for you to choose to protect these items and your peace of mind!
  2. Plants
    For many homeowners, plants are a fundamental part of the household; leaving them behind or allowing them to be thrown out is simply not an option. For those moving from one residence to another for the first time in 5-10 years or more, there are years and years of tending and maintenance that have gone into these extensions of the family! They need to come with you. But, you can’t just pack them in a box and keep your fingers crossed for good luck. Plants need sunlight, stability, airflow, and TLC. Our experts advise homeowners to move their plants inside the cab of the moving vehicle (if possible) and/or inside the cab of their personal vehicles during a trip from one home to another. This way, you can ensure nothing tips, spills, or breaks. And, your plants will be happy in a temperature-controlled space!
  3. Extra-large furniture
    Examples of extra-large furniture include:
  • Pianos
  • Big appliances (televisions, stereo systems)
  • Armoires
  • Some couches

These items may take an extra few steps. We recommend you measure the doorways and stairwells in your new home so you know your current items will work where you want them. In the event you find they won’t fit—you have some decisions to make:

  • Sell the pieces
  • Donate
  • Decide on a different space in the new home to house your extra-large item(s)
  • Back out of the move! (Kidding—you can’t do this if you’ve already closed on the purchase…)

Once you’ve decided what will fit, our professionals will come equipped with exactly what you need (be sure to advise them of your extra-large items prior to moving day): dollies, furniture blankets, straps, moving pads, safety equipment, and the right amount of manpower.

If you currently reside in or near the moving company in Toronto, ON area, give the experts here at ABS Moves & Storage a call! We will happily move your difficult-to-move items for you safely and efficiently!

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

POST-MOVE: HELPING FIDO & FLUFFY GET USED TO YOUR NEW HOME

If you have ever moved with a pet, I salute you! It truly is its own battle, isn’t it? I remember relocating once from the States to right here in moving company in Toronto, ON with my two four and five year old cats in tow. One was terrified of the passing vehicles and scenery—the entire time—and felt most assured of his personal safety under my legs (which made driving a nightmare). The other had the time of his life every waking second of the trip. He perched himself on top of the driver’s-side headrest and sang at the top of his lungs each time a semi-truck or bird passed by.

So, cheers to those of you with fur babies who have moved or are preparing to move! But, what about after the move, when the moving company has finished their final unload and the reality of a new space is now your present reality? This transitional phase can be a tough one for dogs and cats alike. No matter how much they loved or hated the moving process, they just don’t understand what’s happening and where their familiar smells and sights have gone.

Though, there are six really helpful tips the team at ABS Movers & Storage want to give you to help your furry loved ones adjust. Check these out!

  1. Talk to your pet(s)
    They may not understand what you’re saying, but they do understand socializing and they will find comfort in your calm tones and company. Studies show animals feel included and loved when their owners chat with them often—so be talkative! Used words they’re familiar with and tones they associate with positivity.
  2. Give them their favorite items
    Just as with children (and, some of us adults), animals have comfort items, too. Couch cushions, pillows, a certain blanket or mat they claims as their own—these are all items with familiar smells (including theirs) which will comfort your pet in the new, strange space.
  3. Establish a routine ASAP
    Cats and dogs really depend on a daily routine. So, as soon as you arrive in your new home, seek to establish the routine they had before. This includes an eating schedule, a space to perch or sleep, etc.
  4. Prioritize them
    If you are able, arrange to spend the first several days with your animals to minimize his/her alone time. If you must return to work right away, spend extra time with them in prior to and immediately following work hours.
  5. Keep them safe
    Update identification collars, learn about potential risks in the new neighborhood (children, other dogs or cats roaming around, or environmental hazards). Building confidence in your dog—especially—could go a long way; so, introduce them to neighborhood pets when/if possible right away.
  6. Be patient and extra loving
    It is your job to minimize anxiety during this transitional time. Unpack sooner rather than later, hold off on inviting guests over until the animals seem comfortable in their new environment, and be gracious if there is a potty accident or another issue.

The team here at ABS Movers & Storage hopes you’ve found these 6 tips helpful and look forward to helping you with your future move!
ABS Movers & Storage | 17 Dora Ave Toronto, ON M6H 1J5 | (416) 588-1499

MINIMIZING FOOD WASTE PRIOR TO YOUR BIG MOVE

Moving is a significant expense, whether you choose to use a professional moving company like ABS Movers & Storage or not (though, it’s more expensive, in most cases, to do it without expert movers). That said, no one wants to add to the expenditures of moving by wasting good groceries in the fridge, pantry, and cupboards, too! As the days and weeks roll by and moving day fast approaches, I would like to offer you some advice regarding how to get the most from your already-purchased groceries so you don’t find yourself wasting them!

  1. Do a bit of inventory
    First, check out your fridge and freezer and see what side items, veggies, and proteins you have. Make a list. Next, survey your cupboards and pantry goods and make another list. From these two lists, you can match items that will make full meals and lunches. Be sure to make note of the items the must be used in the near future, so you’re sure to use those first.
  2. Embrace vegetarian ideas
    Bear with me, here. Most households stock up on canned goods, grains, pastas, and frozen vegetables. Instead of preparing the meat-centered meals you may be used to, consider creating some creative, vegetarian dishes from the pantry items you’ve found—so you have less to pack. Ideas:
  • Chili—made of beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, etc.
  • Vegetable stew—made of potatoes, carrots, corn, and broth.
  • Stir-fry—peppers, onions, garlic, carrots, broccoli, rice, etc.
  • Pasta salads—made of anything you can find to add to pasta and mayo or salad dressings.
  • Soups—tomato soup or broth-based with farro or rice and any canned vegetable will be tasty!
  • Quesadillas—use up the cheese you have in the fridge and add beans, corn, tomatoes, and other odds-and-ends veggies you have in surplus.
  • Casserole—use up beans, cream cheese, spinach, etc. and some of your boxed goods like cornmeal or flour.
  1. Donate what doesn’t work
    If there are any non-perishable items you’d be happy to part with or that will not work within the meal planner you’ve created, bring them to a local food bank or church to donate within your community. Items which are always welcome:
  • Canned meats (chicken, tuna, salmon)
  • Canned vegetables (corn, black beans, garbanzo beans, spinach, canned tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, bean salad, etc.)
  • Canned soups (chicken noodle, beef stew, tomato, butternut squash)
  • Boxed goods (pasta, rice, instant noodles, microwave popcorn)
  • Unopened seeds (sunflower, popcorn, sesame)
  1. Host a dinner party
    This is a good way to get rid of a large amount of food while connecting with loved ones. Who doesn’t love a night of wine, casserole or stew, and friendship? This also gives you a good excuse to spend time with friends before you move—especially if you’re moving far away.

The experts here at ABS Movers & Storage can help you with your moving company in Caledon, ON move whenever you’re ready! You just worry about cleaning out those grocery items and we’ll take care of the rest!

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

ATYPICAL USES FOR EXTRA SPACE IN YOUR NEW ABODE

Probably the most exciting part of moving into a new home is the fresh start you have in designing and decorating it just the way you want it. Plus, the newness of new spaces and extra rooms present a variety of possibilities! So, while you’re preparing for Moving Day with ABS Movers & Storage—your trusted Caledon and Toronto, ON moving company—here are a few useful approaches to getting the most out of your extra space!

Storage and Access
We all have items we don’t use regularly but, still, want and need. So, it is a good idea to create a space in your new home set apart just for these. Ideas can range from informal to highly regulated. Spaces often used for storage are among the following:

  • Large closets: shelving can be added, totes can be labeled and stowed up high.
  • Spare bedrooms: even rooms you plan to use for guests when they’re in town can be used for storage. There are fantastic organizational systems, shelves, filing cabinets, and even regular cabinetry you can add along two or three of the walls to stow holiday decorations, crafts, important documents, overflow shoes and clothing (like dress shoes and date-night apparel), bulk items, books, and photo albums.
  • Garages: perfect for keeping your tools, overflow canned goods, extra chairs for when you have guests over, and household cleaning materials. Remember: use the vertical space you have and hang tools, add cabinets for canned goods and drinks, etc.
  • Attics: though I’m a big fan of encouraging homeowners to utilize their attacks as usable space, they are also a perfect place to store seasonal items like seeds for the garden, hanging flower plants you have to take down during our cold Canada winters, heirlooms, large holiday décor, cots, etc.
  • Small office: this is another great room to add cabinets for important documents and logistics items.

Utilizing spaces in your home you don’t use on a daily basis is a smart way to free up space in other rooms to be used for their intended purposes. Cutting down on clutter means your bedrooms can be used for relaxing and sleeping, your living room can be used for daily gatherings with the family, and your garage can fit both cars in it!

Specialized and Dedicated Uses
Expand your creativity and choose to dedicate a room for something you’ve always wanted to have inside the home. Examples:

  • A home gym. Let’s face it—if it isn’t easy to access, you might talk yourself out of your fitness goals!
  • A game room. What a great way to connect with your family weekly!
  • A craft room or workshop. Are you artsy? Do you write? Developing your hobbies is easy when you have a dedicated space to do so.

We hope these use approaches to using the extra space in your new home come in handy one day soon! Remember to give the trusted professionals here at ABS Movers & Storage a call before your next move!

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