Are you getting ready to downsize into a condo? Alternatively, maybe you’re planning to renovate your living room and need somewhere to put all your furniture. Storage units are great ways to keep your things safe and in a convenient location. They come in a wide range of sizes and can be helpful in all sorts of situations. However, there are a few factors you should consider when getting ready to use one.

The Size and Type of Unit

Depending on what you are storing you might be able to roughly measure out how much space you need. For example, a five-foot-long sofa would need a unit that’s six feet wide or larger so it can fit through the door and lay flat on the floor. Make an inventory list of items you will be storing and buy bins when appropriate, stacking them as you go to see how they will fit in a unit. You can also decide if you would prefer a climate-controlled unit if you are storing more temperature-sensitive items.

Location, Location, Location

Depending on why you are renting a storage unit will help you decide how close it should be to you. City locations can be more costly due to the limited space, but ultimately more convenient. If you are moving, you might want to choose a unit closer to your new address so you don’t have to drive as far.

Security and Accessibility

Storage units typically have 24-hour camera surveillance and allow you to access your unit after hours if needed. Check for other features, such as bright lighting and pin pads or locked doors, which provide an extra layer of security. Ask staffing-related questions, such as whether they are available to help move your things and when they are on the premises.

Online Reviews

Often, the most telltale sign of the customer service you can expect from a business comes from honest reviews. Go through the ones listed on Google and see what people are saying. They’ll share details and experiences the storage unit owner might not be willing to. 

Payment Policies

Estimate how long you will need your storage unit. Many facilities offer discounted rates for longer rental periods, but if you move your things out sooner you could be stuck paying because of your contract. Note any pricing variabilities and ask about payment options.

At Ottawa Moving Logistics, we have storage solutions to meet your needs. Whether you require assistance with moving items out or securely storing them away, we can help you get organized! Contact us for more information.

Whether you’re doing a DIY move or hiring professionals, furniture can be vulnerable to damage. That’s why it’s worth taking a few extra precautions to ensure your items are fully protected for the move. Here are some of the best ways to protect your furniture when moving so you can keep your belongings safe and scratch-free.

Use the Right Supplies

The reality is, there is never a guarantee when it comes to avoiding damage, but using the right supplies is the first step for reducing the risk. In addition to your standard moving boxes, make sure to have bubble wrap, corrugated cardboard, plastic stretch wrap, sealable bags and covers that will fit overtop of your mattress and couch. These will add another layer to buffer any potential bangs or falls when they’re being moved around.

Prepare Furniture Before Wrapping

Before you wrap up your furniture, take a few moments to go over the surfaces with a soft microfiber cloth. This will remove any dust or dirt particles that could cause scratches when they’re being handled. 

Disassemble Pieces

If your furniture has multiple pieces, don’t forget to disassemble the components. This includes removing glass panels, knobs, or drawers. Wrap and tape them up separately and place smaller individual items inside the drawers if possible. This will keep everything together to make it quick and easy to assemble them. A bonus tip is to snap a photo of your furniture for easy reference so you can remember how to put them back together. 

Double Wrap Any Glass

Any glass components should be given double the protection. So make sure to reserve extra wrapping for those delicate pieces. Cover them in a soft thick and durable fabric before adding the wrapping. 

Use Old Blankets

Old blankets can also work well to protect your furniture, especially if you end up running out of plastic sheeting. This will also add some cushioning when they’re being packed into the truck. Additionally, you can use your own linens, towels, and clothing to place around vulnerable sections of your furniture if need be. 

Pack Belongings Strategically in the Truck

For DIY move, it’s important to be strategic with your packing process. Rather than rush to pack up the truck, take a few moments to consider placement. Start with heavier boxes, keeping them at the back of the truck and on the bottom. This will provide a wall of boxes that your furniture can lean against while you secure it with rope to prevent any shifting during the drive.

At Ottawa Moving Logistics, we provide all the moving services you need to make the entire process easier for you. This includes using the proper materials to diligently wrap and secure all furnishings to keep them safe and damage-free. Contact us today to book in your move!

Whether you’re moving from a small apartment or a 3-story bedroom, every move requires prep work. And the sooner you can get started, the faster and smoother your moving day with go. Even if you’ve hired a moving company to help you, it’s important to have a few things sorted and ready beforehand. Here are some things to keep in mind to prepare for movers before they arrive.

Seal Up All Boxes

Any last-minute items or boxes should be packed up, sealed, and ready to go before the movers arrive. If you’re transporting any items in your own vehicle, pack them up ahead of time to get them out of the way so they don’t get placed in the truck.

Sort Out Parking for Movers

It’s one of the most important details that can easily be forgotten amongst all the commotion – parking. Be sure to make parking arrangements ahead of your moving day so the movers can arrive and park with enough room for them to transport your items into a large truck. Most movers will call on the moving day once they are en route so you can inform them of where to park.

Protect your Interior

There’s going to be a lof foot traffic during the moving day and it’s critical that you take steps in protecting your flooring and belongings from damage or unpredictable weather. Reduce the risk of mud and dirt from ruining your floors and make it safe for the movers maneuvering with heavy items by using nonslip runners in key areas. Check with your moving company to see if they provide carpet runners to protect the flooring. Also, when you’re moving during the winter, don’t forget to clear and salt the walkways and steps.

Make a Plan for Kids and Pets

Since moving day can be very busy and chaotic, it’s a good idea to make plans for your pets and children. Ask a family member, friend or neighbour to mind them during the process. This will keep them safe and out of the way so the movers can get the job done efficiently and safely.

Planning an upcoming move? At Ottawa Moving Logistics, we’ve been serving the Ottawa area for years, helping residents move safely and easily without any hassle. Get in touch with us today to get a quote!

With so much commotion and chaos during a move, it can be easy to forget half of the things you own, even in a small apartment. Taking inventory of your stuff is a smart and simple way to ensure that everything you own makes it to your new location, even if the movers take inventory for you. If you’re unsure about how to inventory your items during a move, here are some tips to guide you.

When to Make Your Inventory

Most moves typically include an initial stage of decluttering. Make sure to wait until after you’ve dejunked and eliminated any excess items that you won’t be taking with you. 

Why Is an Inventory Necessary?

Though it may seem like a lot of work, making an inventory is as simple as snapping photos and making a list of your belongings. Aside from helping you keep track of what you own, this will also be handy – and in some cases necessary – when you’re filing a claim for your homeowner’s insurance if something gets damaged, taking renter’s insurance or filing a police report if something gets stolen. So it’s well worth the effort.

Here’s How to Make an Inventory of your Items During a Move:

Outline Three Columns

Whether you’re using plain old paper or a spreadsheet, make three columns, designating one for the Item’s Name, one for the Item’s Condition, and the third for Estimated Value.

Start With One Room at a Time

It’s best to begin in one room at a time to keep it easy. Choose one area to start and move in a clockwise direction, taking note of every single item you have while paying close attention to anything that’s of high value. But also include smaller items and knick-knacks. The more detail, the better. When listing them, use point form to describe the condition and estimated value in their designated columns.

Snap Photos

Having a photo inventory can help make everything easier when you can visually refer to your inventory. So keep your phone or camera beside you and snap photos as you go along. If possible, consider printing them out to attach and match them with the items. You could also take a video of each room to save time and effort. Just make sure to save the videos to a separate hard drive or USB for safe keeping. 

When you’re looking for a reputable moving company in Ottawa, we have you covered at Ottawa Moving Logistics. Contact us today to learn more about our moving services and how we can help you, even when you’re down to the wire.

If you’re planning to move in the near future and are working with a tighter budget, you might be wondering how you can do it in the most economical way. And whether you’re moving a small apartment worth of belongings or an entire house, it can add up! But there are some strategic ways that you can save on fees and maintain your budget. Check out our pro tips below to help cut costs on moving day so you can make your hard-earned money stretch further.

Dejunk First

Doing a purge of your stuff is by far one of the best ways to lower your moving costs. By getting rid of any unused and unwanted stuff, you’ll have less items to pack up and move, which will save time, effort and money. Aside from cutting costs, dejunking before moving to a new location is the best time to eliminate clutter and start afresh.

Source Out Free Boxes

One essential part of moving is getting the right boxes – but like everything, this can add up quickly. To save money, we recommend searching for free boxes. Search online through your local area listings (Facebook marketplace, Kijiji or Craigslist are great options for this) or ask around through family and friends. Alternatively, using boxes from the LCBO can help reduce your costs. Just keep in mind that you’ll need sturdy boxes that can handle weight and movement during transport, so make sure the boxes are in good condition and are thick enough. 

Be Strategic with Your Moving Date

Certain dates and timeframes are cheaper than others when it comes to moving. If you have flexibility with your moving date, your first goal should be to avoid the busiest and priciest times to move. This is typically anywhere between May and August and any time during the weekend. Ideally, if you want to save more, aim for a moving date in September and April, during the week or middle of the month. Moving companies are in less demand during these timeframes, giving you more options and lower fees.

Get Multiple Quotes Before Choosing a Mover

One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving is jumping on the first quote they receive from a moving company. While this makes the process easier and faster, it certainly won’t help your budget. As a rule of thumb, always seek out at least three or more quotes from movers so you can compare the price, reputation, and customer satisfaction to ensure you choose the most qualified one at the best price.

Pack Up Early

While DIY packing can be tedious and time-consuming, it will save you money. To avoid feeling overwhelmed by the process, start early so you can tackle it gradually, one room at a time. This way, you can have it all done in time without having to stress a few days before your moving date.

Ask Friends or Family for Help

If it’s too much to handle on your own and you don’t want to dish out more for packing services, enlist the help of your friends or family. This will speed up the process significantly and help you get organized and ready in a fraction of the time. Offering to reciprocate in the future is a great way to entice them to free up time to help you.

Moving doesn’t have to eat away at your budget or time when you hire the right company. At Ottawa Moving Logistics, we have you covered for all your moving needs. We are a family-owned business that cares about the level of service we deliver. So when it’s time to move, give us a call to get a quote or learn more about how we can help make your move an easy and pleasant experience. 

Hiring a moving company is the most important step for any move. It can literally make the difference between having a hassle-free process that ensures your belongings arrive undamaged and enduring a nightmarish scenario that can lead to headaches, discrepancies, and serious regrets. To make sure you hire the right one that can give you confidence and peace of mind, we’ve compiled some of the key questions you should ask when hiring a moving company. Check them out below.

Are They Licensed?

Make sure to ask if the company is licensed, bonded and insured. They should be able to provide you with their license number to verify. This will help you avoid landing in any scam situations that could leave you stranded or out of pocket. 

What Liability Coverages Do They Offer?

Before you place your valuables in the hands of movers, you’ll want to know that they’re covered in the event that something happens and causes damage. Always inquire about the moving company’s liability coverage and get details on exactly what it covers. They should provide more than just the basics. Even if you have to pay a little more, it’s worth the peace of mind to keep your belongings safe and insured.

Can They Provide a Binding Quote?

Ask about how they calculate their fee and if they can provide a binding quote. Most reputable moving companies will provide this or offer a not-to-exceed estimate to ensure you’re not left with a much higher rate than what was quoted. Additional fees should also be clearly outlined, such as for travel time.

Can They Provide References?

Never hire a moving company without obtaining references. It’s the only way to really know what you can expect. Before deciding who to hire, ask them for references. Also, search through online reviews either on their website or via other business pages and social media to learn more about their reputation.

Do You Have a Cancellation Policy?

Be prepared for delays and a potential “raincheck” in case something happens, like an unexpected snowstorm. Ask about their cancellation policy and what happens if bad weather is expected on your scheduled moving day.

Are There Restrictions On What You Can’t Pack?

Certain items that can be hazardous won’t be accepted by moving companies. Instead, you’ll have to transport them on your own. This usually includes paint, varnish, gasoline, kerosene, propane tanks, and chemicals.

Do You Subcontract?

Some moving companies will hire subcontractors who are not direct employees of the company. This means they won’t necessarily follow the same set of standards and policies. Always ask, and if they say yes, keep looking.

Get the confidence and reliability you can count on for all your moving needs at Ottawa Moving Logistics. We offer a range of services that can make you move so much easier. Contact us today to learn more or to lock in your moving date!

Boxes endure a lot of handling and shuffling during the moving process, which is why there’s always an extra level of concern when it comes to transporting fragile items. Protecting delicate belongings starts with the right packing methods. To make sure your delicates are snug and secure during your move, follow our expert tips below on how to pack your fragile items for moving so they can arrive safely intact.

Place Heavier Items in Smaller Boxes

Packing heavier items in large boxes leaves extra room for them to move around and break. Instead, reserve smaller boxes for heavier stuff. This will keep them snug and make it easier to place extra padding in and around the box to keep everything securely in place during the move.

Avoid Using Damaged Boxes

If you’re reusing old moving boxes, avoid using any that are severely damaged, weak, and flimsy. These can easily collapse when packed up into the moving truck. Stick with sturdy boxes that are thick and strong.

Don’t be Shy on the Tape

When packing up fragile items, don’t be shy on the packing tape. Use extra layers on the bottom and around the seams to secure the contents and box, especially when packing up items with more weight.

Use Clothing and Linens as Padding

A pro moving tip that can protect delicate items while making your packing process more efficient is using clothing, towels and other linens as padding in your boxes. Wrap glassware and any other breakables in your linens and clothes. You can also place them at the bottom and along the sides of the boxes for extra cushioning. It’s a great way to save on packing supplies.

Use Packing Paper to Fill Spaces

Packing paper is helpful for filling in glasses and anything that has a hollow space. This reduces the vibrations during transport that can damage delicate items. You can stuff them with paper and wrap them up in your linens.

Label Fragile Boxes Clearly

To ensure fragile boxes are as clear and visible as possible, we recommend using a different colour marker when labelling. A red marker is usually best for grabbing the attention of movers so they know to be extra cautious when handling those boxes.

Use Movers that You Can Count on

Using a moving company that has a good reputation can make all the difference on your moving day. At Ottawa Moving Logistics, we provide all of the moving-related services you need, including packing fragile items and more. Our team is professional, experienced and respectful of every move. We take every precaution to ensure every item arrives safely. 

Contact Ottawa Moving Logistics today to book in your moving date!