Tips

Moving in Winter Do's and Don'ts

Challenges can arise at any point during the year when you’re relocating. But of course, the winter season can be the most challenging, presenting a whole slew of issues that can be stressful and even unsafe. To avoid problems during the moving process, here are the do’s and don’ts to remember when moving in winter.

DO:

Do Start Packing at Least a Month in Advance

Getting a jump start on packing is one of the best ways to eliminate much of the stress when your moving date rolls around. We recommend giving yourself at least a month to sift through your belongings and pack them all up. This will also give you lots of time to pack up items carefully and safely.

Do Clear Pathways Around the Property

Prior to your movers arriving, make sure to create a safe environment around the property. For example, shovel any snow away from the walkways and stairs to ensure there’s plenty of room for them to maneuver with boxes and bulky furniture. Don’t forget to throw down enough salt and place plastic sheeting or heavy-duty mats to protect the floors inside from the messy weather.

Do Be Flexible

With the winter season comes unpredictable forecasts, which is why you’ll need to be prepared to be flexible. When booking your move, ask about rescheduling protocols in the event that a major storm arrives on your moving day. Also, keep a close eye on the weather leading up to the date and plan for extra travel time so you and the movers can arrive safely.

DON’T:

Don’t Forget to Protect Items From the Cold

Extreme temperatures can make certain items more susceptible to damage. Make sure to use extra wrapping and even thick towels or blankets to protect breakable items and electronics. You might even want to consider taking them with you in your vehicle to ensure they arrive safely.

Don’t Move in the Dark

Moving in the dark during the winter can be a recipe for disaster. It can be unsafe for you, the movers and your belongings. Try to schedule your move time earlier in the day when it’s still light outside.

Don’t Leave Everything to the Last Minute

Leaving packing and cleaning to the last minute can make the moving day more chaotic for everyone involved. The sooner you can get things organized, the easier and faster it will be on the moving day.

Ottawa Moving Logistics is here to ensure your moving day goes as smoothly as possible. Our expert team has taken on many winter moves and knows how to prepare for them. If you’re planning to move this winter, give us a call to arrange your moving date or to learn more about our services.

How to Pack Your Fragile Items for Moving

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!  

5 Moving Tips for Back to School

If you’re planning to move into a dorm room for the first time or a shared house, it can be exciting and overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. After all, it’s a big change and moving into a different space can come with its challenges. But with a little bit of pre-planning, you can make that transition easy and as hassle-free as possible. Check out our top moving tips for back-to-school planning below.

Moving Into a Dorm

Be Practical for the Size of Your Living Space

If you’re moving into a dorm, the typical size is approximately 12 by 20 feet. Usually, you’ll have to share with a roommate, making it feel even more limited on space. So be sure to not overpack. Only take what will fit. Overcrowding an already tight space can make it feel cluttered and claustrophobic. Stick with the essentials. 

Prioritize What You’ll Need

To avoid overcrowding your room, think about your daily activities and prioritize what you’ll need. For most dorms, this generally includes a bed, desk, dresser, bookshelf, lamps, and maybe a portable fridge if it’s permitted. 

Double up on Multifunctional Items

Storing items can be challenging in dorms, so be extra selective about the items you bring. Consider anything that can serve a dual purpose, like having a dresser that can be used as a desk, or a trunk that can be used as a tabletop as well as for storing items away when they’re not in use.  

Moving into a Shared Space

If you’re moving into a sublet or a home that you’ll be sharing with a few friends, first determine if it will be furnished or unfurnished. If it’s unfurnished, instead of spending a large sum of money on furnishings, search Facebook marketplace or similar sites to find what you need that’s gently used and at a fraction of the price. 

Coordinate with Friends

When moving in with friends, be sure to coordinate with them so you all understand who is bringing what to be clear on what is needed and not needed.

Book Your Movers Early

Even January semesters can be a busy time for moving companies, which is why it’s worth booking in your movers early. Once you know your moving date, lock in your moving company to make sure you’re not left doing it all on your own.

Ottawa Moving Logistics has you covered for all of your moving-related needs. Contact us today to lock in your back-to-school move!

A Simple Guide for Moving on a Budget

Expenses can quickly add up when you’re preparing for a move, which can make it a stressful process for anyone who’s tight on cash. But moving on a budget can be done when you plan ahead and know how to be a little strategic during the process. To help make your move as smooth and hassle-free as possible while saving some cash, follow this simple guide below. 

Get Rid of the Excess Stuff

First things first, spend time dejunking your home. We all end up collecting junk over the years, with many items being stuffed in drawers or on shelves that rarely see the light of day. Start by sorting through one room at a time and keep two bags or containers beside you to separate garbage from donation. Be strict with yourself and get rid of anything you haven’t seen, touched or used in the last two years. You could even make some extra money by selling items online or by hosting a garage sale. It’s a win-win!

Donate

If you have unused furniture or anything in good condition that you don’t want or can’t sell, donate it. Someone else could make use of and appreciate those items you no longer need. Eliminating unwanted or unused furniture means there will be fewer things to move, which will make it a faster and cheaper process on moving day.

Be Thrifty with Moving Materials

Purchasing boxes, tape and paper or bubble wrap, can also add up. Instead of spending more on packaging supplies, get a little thrifty. Use boxes from your local liquor store. Search on websites like Craigslist or Kijiji for free boxes that people want to get rid of. And use towels, clothing and other plush materials to wrap fragile items in to reduce the paper and bubble wrap.

Avoid the Busy Season

It’s not always an option to choose when you can move, but if you do have the choice, try to avoid the busy moving peak periods, which fall between May until September. You might be able to snag lower rates during off-seasons, and it will be much easier to lock in your moving date without having to compete. 

Moving on a budget doesn’t have to be stressful when you have the right moving team to support you. Get the best rates and service you can depend on with Ottawa Moving Logistics today. Contact us today.

6 Moving Supplies You NeedLike with any seemingly overwhelming task, having the right tools can make all the difference. If you’re facing an upcoming move and are dreading the packing process, here are the essential moving supplies you’ll need to sail through it with ease.

Multiple Size Boxes

Of course, you can’t pack up anything without boxes. But choosing the right kind of box is important. Make sure you’re using strong, sturdy moving boxes, and don’t forget to grab a variety of different sizes. You can purchase them from your local moving company, office supply store, or you can grab some free ones from the liquor store. You’ll need a good amount of smaller boxes for those heavier items and specific sizes for items like artwork or lamps.

Tape Dispenser and Packing Tape

To assemble and securely seal up those boxes, you’ll need a tape gun dispenser and tape. You can use standard packing tape or nylon lined tape, which is handy for any boxes that need extra reinforcement. Nylon tape is useful for fragile items as well since it’s impossible to cut or tear unless you use scissors. 

Permanent Markers

Labelling the boxes as you pack them up will save you so much time and aggravation when it’s time to unpack them. Use a thick marker so you can easily see your labels when you’re sorting through and shuffling boxes during your move. This will also make it quick and easy for the movers to place boxes in the correct rooms. 

Packing Paper

To prevent your belongings from being damaged during the move, use packing paper to wrap your fragile items up thoroughly. Avoid using newspaper since it can leave ink marks behind on certain items. Instead, use towels, tea towels and even clothing to add extra cushioning and protection if needed.

Mattress Cover

No one wants to arrive in their new home and discover a soiled and damp mattress. To keep your mattress clean and dry from the weather, use mattress covers to seal them and protect them during transport. Make sure you have the right size for each mattress so they will cover them completely. 

Basic Tools

Moving typically requires some basic disassembling, so have a few tools on hand. This includes a hammer, screwdrivers, utility knife, measuring tape, pliers, and a cordless drill.

Looking for a professional and reliable moving service in Ottawa that offers it all? Ottawa Moving Logistics has you covered for all your moving-related needs, including packing and unpacking too. Contact us today to learn more or to lock in your moving date.

5 Reasons to Settle in OttawaConsidering moving to Ottawa but aren’t sure if the area is the right choice for you? Find out what Ottawa has to offer you and your family below.

Affordable Detached Homes

With the market in full swing lately, bidding wars galore, and the average price of property skyrocketing across Ontario, there are still affordable detached homes to be found in Ottawa. The area is also rapidly developing, with newly built communities springing up all across the city. So if you’re looking for the chance to own actual land and a big, beautiful home, the Ottawa region is the best place to look.

A Big City With A Small Town Vibe

Few cities in Canada offer an authentic small-town vibe, and Ottawa is one of them. Here you’ll find kind, friendly people who always seem relaxed and happy – likely due to the low cost of living and high quality of life the residents enjoy. The city is also made up of small, quaint and unique neighbourhoods that offer different vibes to suit various lifestyles.

The City Of Festivals

If you love getting out and doing things, Ottawa is the place to be. The city never stops, even in the dead of winter. There’s always a festival going on somewhere across the city. From Canada Day to Bluesfest to Winterlude and every cultural festival you could imagine, there’s always something exciting to do here, no matter the weather.

A City with Unlimited Job Opportunities

Ottawa has always been known as a government city thanks to the Federal Government residing here. However, there are more job opportunities available than just civic duty. The city is littered with local mom-and-pop storefronts, along with big box stores and numerous big tech names such as Shopify, Adobe, and Amazon. There’s a healthy financial sector here too.

Welcoming Spot For Newcomers

The city has also been ranked the #1 best place for newcomers to live in Canada. So if you’re moving here from overseas, there are numerous programs that will ensure you settle in well. People from all across the world have chosen Ottawa over other popular hubs such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Ottawa is, in fact, one of the most diverse cities in all of Canada. It’s truly a city that recognizes our differences are what makes us stronger.

If you’re ready to relocate to the beautiful region of Ottawa, we’re ready to help you get there. At Ottawa Moving Logistics, we offer affordable moving prices for high-quality moving services. Contact us today to learn more.

What Does Packing and Unpacking Involve?

Packing and unpacking are the most time-consuming tasks during any move. But you don’t have to do it all on your own. Moving companies like ours offer packing and unpacking services to suit your individual needs. So instead of dreading the process, you can hand it over, and our team will take care of it all for you, saving you lots of time and effort. Here is a breakdown of our available services at Ottawa Moving Logistics.

Packing

The Complete Pack

For those who truly hate packing, this one’s for you. With the Complete Pack Service, we will come and pack up your entire home for you. We’ll bring all of the required necessities, including boxes, specialty boxes, tape, packing paper and anything else that might be needed to contain all of your belongings safely.

The Partial Pack

Need help with only a few key areas in your home? We can assist you with that too. Whether it’s the basement, kitchen, or garage that you just can’t face, you can direct us, and we’ll gladly pack up any of those chaotic odds and ends that you don’t want to spend time dealing with.

Help Me Pack

For those who are okay with handling the majority of the packing process on their own, but need some assistance to deal with one room or even just a few delicate, complex items, the Help Me Pack service is ideal. We’ll bring all of the moving supplies needed to securely and safely contain any of your oversized or delicate belongings.

Office Pack

Office moves can be complex, which is why you need an experienced and professional team or your side to help keep everything organized for a smooth process. Whether you have a large or small space to deal with, our team can tackle it.

Items That We Don’t Pack

It’s important to note that there are certain items that we can’t safely and legally pack up for you. This includes any hazardous materials, plants, perishable foods, explosives, liquids, or corrosive and flammable items.

Unpacking 

Can’t face the thought of unpacking? We can assist with that too and unpack all of your belongings once you arrive in your new home. 

If you’re planning an upcoming move, get the reliable, professional and dedicated moving services that have been trusted throughout Ottawa. Contact Ottawa Moving Logistics today to book your moving date or to learn more about our moving services and rates.

How to Find a Job in OttawaIt can feel like a daunting task when you begin searching for a new job. But thankfully, there are many helpful resources that can make it easier to find a job in Ottawa. Here are some tips to help with your job-hunting strategy.

Figure Out What You Want and Don’t Want

Before you begin your search, it’s important to first get clear on what you’re looking for. If you’re not entirely sure, start by outlining what you don’t want. This can help you narrow down your scope. Whether it’s something part-time, temporary, full-time, physically engaging or an in-office environment, take some time to get some clarity on this, so you don’t end up landing in a new position that you hate. 

Take Advantage of LinkedIn

If you don’t already have a LinkedIn profile filled out, make sure to complete one before you start submitting your resume. Most employers today will want to take a look at your profile to perform due diligence and view your employment history. It’s also a good place to build a network and even search for jobs. In fact, it’s a popular platform for job seekers since you can simply share your profile to apply to specific positions. You can set it up to receive notifications on job listings that suit your qualifications too.

Use Other Popular Sites

Whether you’re located in Ottawa or any other city, you can use digital job aggregator websites to see what’s available as well. For example, Invest Ottawa is an excellent place to browse job listings if you’re in the tech sector. Also, consider bookmarking the City of Ottawa job listings page. Some other general sites to view include JobBoom, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Monster, Workopolis, CareerBuilder, and Neuvoo.

Tune Up Your Resume

If your resume could use some love, the Ottawa Public Library has hosted sessions for this exact purpose in the past. They’ve also included workshops to help people rethink their career paths. So if you’re feeling stuck, keep your eyes peeled to see if any workshops are planned in the near future that could provide the guidance you’re looking for.

Talk to a Recruiter

Using a professional recruiter is one of the best ways to find what you’re looking for. They can help connect you to the right employer and even help you figure out your next and what direction you want to go in. 

Planning an upcoming move in Ottawa? Our team at Ottawa Moving Logistics has you covered for all of your moving-related needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services, rates, or to lock in your moving date.

Helping Your Parents With Their MoveMoving can be a tedious process overall, which is why it can be extra challenging and even dangerous for our ageing parents. Aside from being physically demanding, moving can take an emotional toll on them as well. To make the process easier and safer, here are some simple ways to help your parents with their move.

Encourage Them to Start Early

There’s a lot to do when it comes to moving, so the earlier they can start, the easier it will be. Downsizing from a family home can also require more time since there are so many memories tied to the home, and your parents will likely need time to process it all as they move through the packing stage. Be there to offer your assistance and emotional support while also gently nudging them forward to get through everything in time for their moving date. 

Help Organize

With so much to sift through, it can be easy to get lost or overwhelmed by everything. Help them stay organized by making a to-do list and a light schedule to help keep them on track. You can start in one room at a time and keep a separate space for any items that will be donated, sold or discarded.

Book Movers Early

Have your parents booked their moving date? This should be done as soon as they know when they will be moving since certain seasons can get busy, which means movers can book up quickly. To ensure they get their preferred date, call to book the movers well in advance, so they don’t have to stress about it later. Hiring a professional, reputable company will make the process much easier, safer, and smoother for everyone involved.

Help Clean

When everything is packed up, one significant way to help out your parents is by cleaning. Sweep and mop the floors and tie up any loose ends that need it so that it’s left in a clean and presentable state for the new owners.

Pack an Overnight Bag

Your parents will need some essentials that they can easily access while the moving process is taking place. Help them pack up an overnight bag with clothing, medications, toiletries, and anything they will need for a few days while the boxes are being unpacked. 

When you’re ready to book professional and reputable movers that you can count on to take good care of during your parent’s move, contact our team at Ottawa Moving Logistics

Top Canadian Cities for MillennialsHave you considered relocating but feel unsure about which area is the right fit for your Millennial lifestyle and needs? To help you make the right choice, here are the top Canadian cities for Millennials right now.

Ottawa

If you prefer somewhere that offers a quieter place where urban meets small-town living, Ottawa might be the best fit for you. Our nation’s capital offers it all, including good job opportunities, lots of green space to enjoy throughout the city, a low crime rate, reasonable housing prices, lower traffic congestion, and convenient public transit. There’s also a good variety of neighbourhoods here, from family-centric to trendy and hipster. Anyone who prefers a city that’s dialled back a bit from the typical urbanized chaos will enjoy Ottawa.

Montreal

It’s one of the most popular Canadian cities for Millennials to call home, and it’s not hard to see why. Montreal is a beautiful city that is far from boring. It’s busy and lively, with lots to see and do. It has a vibrant nightlife, lots of festivals throughout the year, and has a large population of young people. It’s also one of the most bike-friendly cities in Canada. If music, arts, and culture are your thing, this is an excellent spot to consider moving to.

Toronto

Toronto is the unofficial capital of Canada, and it’s a city that literally has something for everyone. As one of Canada’s economic powerhouses that have grown popular on the world stage, it’s an exciting place to live. It’s also one of the most diverse cities in the world, making it welcoming and accommodating to people from all walks of life. It’s easy to navigate, and it has many unique neighbourhoods with different characteristics in each. It’s also a fun city with lots of events happening throughout the year. Plus, it’s a major foodie hot spot. 

Kingston

Kingston is known as one of Canada’s most walkable and cyclable cities. It’s also ranked as the best for raising a family. It has a smaller population, making it a comfortable size for those who don’t want the big, hectic Toronto city life. Located along the shores of Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River and the Rideau Canal, it is a beautiful and scenic place to live. There’s lots of opportunity for outdoor recreation, along with great dining options, attractive neighbourhoods, historic buildings, and affordable living.

Planning to relocate this summer? Get the reliable and professional moving services you can count on at Ottawa Moving Logistics