Category: Inner City Blogs

Before You Move Checklist- Most Important Things to Do

Moving can be an exciting and stressful experience at the same time. Whether you’re moving across the street, across town or to a new province, planning ahead is important to ensure a smooth and successful move. To help you stay organized, here is a checklist of the most important things to do before a move.

1. Declutter and organize

Before packing, it’s highly recommended to declutter and organize your belongings. This is the best tip to ensure your move goes smoothly. As movers, we have had customers with many items see their move finish surprisingly quickly when their things are organized and packed with minimal smaller loose items and clutter. We have also seen seemingly small moves take far longer than expected, largely because it was disorganized, with many items that needed to be better packed. Organization is the most important factor that can help you save time when packing and moving. Since the cost of your move is based on the time it takes, this will lead to savings on the day of your move.

Another important thing you can do to prepare for your move is to go through your belongings and get rid of anything that you no longer need or use. Consider donating or selling items that are still in good condition. When you have decided what you would like to move to your next place, remember that better organization is key to making your move go faster, more smoothly, and with minimal stress.

2. Create a packing plan

Create a packing plan and start packing non-essential items as soon as possible. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This can help you stay organized and make unpacking easier later on. Pack fragile items carefully, using bubble wrap or packing paper to protect them.

3. Notify utility companies and service providers

Notify utility companies and service providers about your move, such as your internet provider, cable provider, and utility companies. Make sure to schedule the disconnection of services at your old home and the connection of services at your new home.

4. Change your address

Change your address with Canada Post at least two weeks before your move. This can be done online or in-person at your local post office. Ensure you also update your address with banks, credit card companies, and other important organizations.

5. Hire a moving company

You will need to hire a professional moving company. Research and compare different companies to find one that meets your needs and budget. Make sure to get a written estimate and read reviews from previous customers. It may be tempting to go with the cheapest estimate you get, but we highly recommend that you consider the reputation of the companies you are considering.

It is common for less reputable movers to add unexpected charges that could significantly increase your bill. There is also the possibility of mishandling your things, leading to unnecessary damage. Additionally, some may not even show up on the day of your move with no warning beforehand, leaving their customers in a very stressful situation. It is not uncommon for us to receive calls, particularly at busier times for our industry, from desperate customers in need of last minute moving services to meet deadlines, whose movers did not show up without giving any warning. Unfortunately, due to reputable moving companies having limited availability for new bookings at peak times, having a less reputable company fail to show up often leaves the customer in a very difficult situation. These are just some ways that hiring the wrong mover can cost you, even if they initially get your interest by offering the lowest quote.

At Innercity Moving and Storage, we are confident that after doing your research, you will see that we are one of the best moving companies in the GTA. A reliable company you can trust to move your belongings efficiently and with as much care as possible. We have been helping people move in the Greater Toronto Area for over 30 years. Whether you are moving a house, condo/apartment or business, you can trust us to get the job done right, no matter how big or small, while delivering excellent customer service and honesty in our pricing.

6. Pack a first-night box

Pack a first-night box with essential items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. This can include toiletries, a change of clothes, bedding, and other necessary items.

7. Confirm details with your moving company

Confirm details with your moving company a few days before your move. This includes the date and time of your move, the address of your new home, and any special instructions. At Innercity Moving and Storage, we sometimes get calls from customers whose movers did not show up at the last minute on the day of their move. This will be fine if you choose us, as we have been in business for over 30 years and are a well organized and reliable company. But there are too many companies that could be better run. But even if the company you choose is one of these companies, calling them shortly before the move to confirm your booking is a way to significantly reduce the likelihood of being left stranded on the day you need to move.

By following this checklist, you can ensure a successful and stress-free move. Remember to plan, stay organized, and take the time to declutter and organize your belongings before packing. With some preparation and effort, you’ll be settled into your new home in no time.

The Ultimate Guide to Packing Expensive Items for a Move

Moving can be an adventure. You’ve found a great new place, but it may be bittersweet leaving your old home. Many find packing to be a tedious and overwhelming part of the process because you have to decide what to do with all of your precious belongings, especially the expensive ones. We’ve all heard horror stories about people who lost irreplaceable items during a move. No one wants to get to the other house and unpack a whole bunch of broken items, especially if those items are very expensive. I don’t want that to happen to you. Here are some tips to help you pack your more expensive items and make sure they arrive in one, undamaged, piece.

Be Careful When Packing

Do not pack fragile items together. They should be separated into individual boxes and labeled. The more expensive something is, the more susceptible it damage that can erase its value. Be wary of certain types of items because they are more likely to get damaged during a move. If you are packing jewelry or watches, do not put them in a bag with other fragile items. Remove any small light bulbs or silverware from drawers or keep them in their boxes so they won’t break.

Wrap Items in Bubble Wrap

It’s easy to roll a small item into a ball and tape the opening shut. The same goes for picture frames and other fragile objects. Wrap the items in bubble wrap to ensure nothing goes astray. Make sure you use enough to completely cover the object. Packing tape is important for sealing the bubble wrap around the fragile objects.

Pack Fragile Items First

Fragile items should be packed first because they can be broken if you do not pack them carefully and make a plan for how they will be stored until moving day then loaded into the moving truck. When you’re ready to pack the bubble wrapped items, you can even cover the tops of the boxes with packing peanuts, which will add another level of safety to fragile items.

Pack Items in the Right Container

In the simplest terms, the most important thing you need to do to properly pack expensive items is to pack them in a container that allows for air circulation. Some people also place their things in plastic storage containers with foam, tape or other materials to keep them from moving around. A move can be stressful on the most basic levels. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, if you don’t properly pack your items, you could be left smash to pieces while you get to the new place.

Hiring A Professional Packing Team

The next time you’re moving, don’t try to pack it all in a few days and if you feel overwhelmed, consider asking us to do this packing for you. But certainly, you don’t want to leave packing more expensive belongings to the last minute as you’ll have less opportunity to make the decisions that will keep them safe.

Consider your previous moves. Have you ever moved and had a problem moving expensive items? What was your experience? Tell us when you book the move, and we’ll offer you our packing services and/or the correct packing materials and storage containers to make moving your more precious items go smoothly.

For a trouble-free move, call the professionals at Innercity Moving and Storage

Seven Ways to Show Your Daughter That She Is Your Hero

Today, on this International Women’s Day, I am counting my blessings. I am the father of three beautiful young women. My eldest daughter is a newly qualified nurse. She graduated last year, in the midst of this pandemic and is out there, on the front-lines, serving the community by doing COVID tests and now she is working with the elderly in a long-term home that was devastated by an outbreak last year. My two younger daughters are still in high school. I want a great future for them and that is why I want them to know how proud I am. There are many ways we can show our daughters that they are our heroes.

1. Saying “I love you”

I want to be able to tell them every day that they are my heroes. My eldest daughter does great things for others as a nurse and that I am so happy she has completed her schooling and that I helped her to do this. My younger daughters have aspirations that will make them community leaders. One wants to become a psychiatrist, the other wants to work in social justice as a lawyer. You may not be able to give your children the world, but you can tell them how much you love them and the things you love about them. Texting her is a quick way to let your daughter know that you love her. Tell her to have a great day and you are thinking about her.

2. Encourage them to pursue their interests

We cannot always be there to guide and direct them but we can encourage them to discover their talents and explore them. Encourage them to try many educational fields and do not try to limit them due to gender prejudices. Give them a clear definition of success. A girl or woman who is goal-oriented is a woman who is on the right path. Having goals means that you have a direction.

3. Be a good example

We don’t have to be superheroes to be true heroes. Take the time to be an example. You do not have to cure cancer or be Spiderman. We can be strong in our faith, show faithfulness to our families, and by being loving to those in their lives including by showing love for our neighbors, just as we show love and appreciation for their moms. Be a role model. We want our daughters to learn by example, but that doesn’t mean we should allow them to become the worst version of us. Let them see that failures can create better understanding and that they show that someone is trying, so they are not afraid to make mistakes. We can model for them what we hope for them. Be patient with them, give them time and love them unconditionally. Teach them by example to show appreciation to the people in their life. I have learned from my daughters that not every girl gets a fair chance.

4. Celebrate their successes

One of the best ways to show our daughters that they are our heroes is to provide the best for them. This is not a parental or economic responsibility. It’s our responsibility. Raising a family and having children is an exciting and positive time. Our daughter should never know that it is anything less.

Watch their successes and show you notice by praising them and giving them what you can to help them improve and grow. When one daughter showed a proficiency in languages, I listened and supported her as she learned Japanese. When another showed a love of art and music, I encouraged her in violin lessons and purchased art supplies.

When my daughter graduated from nursing school, we could not celebrate it with the type of party I wanted to, but I look forward to doing that when we are able to gather. My second daughter graduates from high school this year and I cannot wait to celebrate that and reward them In order to show our daughters that they are our heroes, we need to teach them that there is great value in living life in a way that honors their creator and that recognizes the value of a life well-lived.

5. Be patient with them

It doesn’t matter if they are young or old, when you love someone, you are always patient and forgiving and try to be understanding when things don’t go as they should. They will turn out great if you take the time to listen to them, offer your advice and show that you are there for them. Remember that they are still children—even when they are 28! They will probably have their hard moments. And you will have your hard moments. But all in all, you will be proud of them and be patient when they make wrong turns. But love them and see the small steps that lead to larger steps. Be patient and loving. Always.

6. Let them try new things

As a father, you are a primary caregiver for your child. You provide them with guidance, structure, and guiding light. What they learn from you will be irreplaceable but so is the confidence to try new things. You were not born with the knowledge to build a fire, so how do you teach her that? Do not be afraid to be a mentor to her and let her test herself in the most basic ways. Do not be afraid to tell her “no” if she wants to do something that will endanger her life or the life of another. Allow them to be who they are. If you grow up always trying to hide from risks, it will have a detrimental effect on your emotional and mental health. The choice for girls and boys, is to not be afraid to try new things as that is the only way to learn, develop confidence, and become leaders.

7. Support them in difficult moments

Our daughters may face difficult moments in life. A lot of people do. But even when you are unable to show up for a sport or concert, write the cheque, or send the text, find a way to show your daughter that you are still in her corner and are there for her no matter what. My girls have overcome many difficulties, many of the times, all I could do was give them a hug and remind them they are loved. They have shown remarkable resilience. I have every confidence that they will overcome the challenges of today and tomorrow. I’m a lucky father to be a part of their story. I’m proud of all three of my daughters. Innercity Moving and Storage celebrates the International Day of the Woman. For your moving needs, contact us.