Tips

Moving During a Pandemic: Everything You Need to Know

Are you planning to move in the coming months? With all of the new rules and restrictions in place because of COVID-19, it’s important to understand how moving has been impacted during the pandemic. Here’s the info you need when preparing for a move in the near future.

Is Moving Still Possible?

Yes, both moving and storage are considered “essential services” in Canada and many moving companies are still operating across the country. Some service providers, however, may have certain services restricted or might refuse new contracts, so it’s important to confirm availability and make any necessary arrangements. 

Is It Still Safe To Move?

While moving companies are taking all the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their customers safe, it’s important to review their COVID-19 policy before making a decision. You should only hire a moving company that has adequate protocols in place, including sanitization and social distancing. 

When Should I Consider Postponing?

If you or another family member is exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 or are in isolation, we recommend that you cancel or postpone your move to a later date. You should also consider postponing if you or a family member is in a high-risk group or if you’ve currently returned home from abroad. A new order has made it mandatory to self-isolate for 14 days if you have recently entered Canada.  

What Can I Do To Minimize My Exposure When Moving?

To avoid putting anyone at risk, we recommend that you limit the number of people who are present during your move. In Ontario, the current order limits gatherings to five people. If any of your helpers are feeling sick or are experiencing any symptoms, ask them to stay home. During the move, you should also protect yourself by wearing gloves and a face mask. Keep soap, sanitizer, and disinfectant available and clean your hands and any frequently touched surfaces as often as possible. When the movers arrive, give them space and let them do all the packing/unpacking and be patient as it may take longer to ensure everyone is kept safe. Before you arrive at your new home and after the movers have finished, give everything a thorough cleaning from top to bottom. When unpacking, use gloves and try to wait at least 24 hours before unpacking any non-essential boxes.

If you’re looking for a moving company that you can count on to move you safely during these extraordinary times, contact us at Ottawa Moving Logistics. Our drivers are following strict cleaning and sanitization protocols to reduce the risk to you and your family. They’re also cleaning the cab and paying attention to high touchpoints to reduce the chance of spread. To learn more about our COVID-19 policy, contact us today.

3 Reasons You Should Declutter Before Your Move

For most of us, decluttering isn’t something that happens very often, if at all. But one time when it should absolutely happen is prior to a big move. Sorting through your belongings and getting rid of what you don’t need or never use can make your entire moving process more efficient and save you a ton of time too. Plus, it can also save you money since there will be fewer boxes to move. If you’re still not convinced whether it’s really worth the effort, consider these 5 reasons why you should declutter before your move.

Minimize Stress When You Relocate

Multiple studies have shown a stark correlation between stress and mess. When we live in a messy environment with junk cluttering up closets, drawers and everything in between, it dramatically impacts our mental state, increasing feelings of anxiety, agitation, poor self-esteem, and more. So rather than bringing all of those negative emotions along with you, you can eliminate them instead by sorting through your items well ahead of time to clear out the mess so you can start fresh in your new home.

Save Time and Effort

The idea of packing up years’ worth of stuff can feel daunting and incredibly overwhelming for anyone. It’s always surprising how much stuff we can accumulate, even in a smaller home or apartment. But there’s no better time to start sifting through each room, bit by bit. We recommend recycling, tossing out or donating anything that you haven’t touched, seen or used in the past 2 years. If you start at least 3 months prior to your moving date, taking on one room at a time, you won’t get overwhelmed. And you’ll save a ton of time, energy and effort once it’s time to pack everything up.

Save Money on Moving Fees

Many moving companies charge by the hour. So if you’re planning to hire one for your move, you could even save on those moving fees since there will be fewer boxes to load up and transport, which means less time and less money wasted.

Looking for a reliable and honest moving company to handle your move in Ottawa? At Ottawa Moving Logistics, we are a family-owned company dedicated to making your moving day as expedited and hassle-free as possible. Our movers are professional, courteous, and here to provide the very best moving services to our customers. Contact us today to learn more about us or to get a quote.

Do I Need Insurance for My Move?

Not sure if you’re adequately covered for your move? Find out everything you need to know about insurance here for when you use your own vehicle, rent a truck or use a professional moving company.

Using Your Own Vehicle

Do you plan to move your own stuff in a van, big truck, or trailer that you own? If so, it’s important to check your home insurance policy for content coverage before deciding to go this route. If your policy does not have enough coverage, you’ll want to ask your home insurance provider about adding on more. 

Renting A Truck

You should never assume that when you rent a truck, your home insurance policy will cover it or that it will automatically come with the necessary coverages. Always check with your own provider first to find out what is covered before taking additional coverage from the rental company. In the event that you need to purchase supplemental insurance from the rental company, it’s important to know exactly what you need and how much, otherwise you could end up paying more for certain coverages you don’t need.

Professional Movers

Not all moving companies have adequate coverage, so it’s important to ask about their policy. If they’re not covered at all, it’s a bad sign and you should avoid the company altogether. Otherwise, you could be on the hook for damages that they cause. If the moving company does offer insurance, make sure you know exactly how much liability insurance they offer and if they are including replacement protection.

Liability Insurance

When it comes to liability insurance, most offer base liability that will only cover up to a certain amount of damage of each item based on weight (and it’s not much). However, there are few companies that have comprehensive plans that provide much better coverage, so it’s important to ask before agreeing to work with the moving company. 

Replacement Insurance

By law, replacement protection is required to be listed separately. If it’s included in the coverage, they must show what it’s covered for and the client has the right to decline it. If the company does not offer replacement protection, they will list an alternative provider that you can contact to pay for your own. 

There’s a lot you need to know when it comes to moving your belongings. That’s why our team at OML makes sure our clients have all the information they need from beginning to end. We also have a quality insurance plan that gives you the most coverage for your needs. Don’t make the mistake of choosing an amateur moving company to take care of all your belongings, leave it to the pros. 

3 Tips for Moving Your Kids Back from Schooll

With the cost of living being so high, it means many graduates end up moving back home after school until they can find a job and save up enough to afford a place on their own. This can often leave parents in a bit of a pickle, especially if they’ve moved or have already downsized. If you’re moving your kids back from school and aren’t sure what to do, here are 3 tips for a smooth transition.

Create a Space for Them

One of the most cost-effective options is to convert an empty basement into a secondary suite where they can stay for the time being. If that’s not possible, perhaps renovating the garage is. Putting on an addition might seem extreme but if you have an aging parent who plans to move in with you in a few years, now might be the best time to renovate and use it for your child until the time comes.

Make Storage Room

Your college grad will likely be moving home with a lot more stuff than they left with. It should be no surprise that they’ve acquired a lot of things that likely won’t fit in your home including furniture, appliances, and kitchen supplies. So be prepared to make room to store some of their stuff. Start by checking how much available storage room you have and then help them decide on what will fit and what will need to go. If you have limited space, renting a storage locker to house their belongings in might be a good idea until they can move out for good.

Determine How Much Stuff You Will Need To Move

Once they’ve settled on what items they’ll be moving home with, you can then decide on whether you’ll need to rent a van or hire a moving company. Your kid might think it’s best to rent their own truck and have their friends help pack it, but there are many reasons why this could be a bad idea. For one, if their friends break and damage something, it likely won’t be covered under your insurance. Your kid could also be held liable if one of their friends injures themselves during the move. Moving trucks are also difficult to navigate, especially if they’ve never driven one before which can put them and their belongings at risk. It’s always better to hire a moving company who can properly pack the cargo, safely drive the truck, and who will be covered by insurance if anything happens during transit. 

Don’t lose sleep if your kid is moving home after graduation. Call us at Ottawa Moving Logistics if you need to move them back from school. We can help take care of everything from the move to packing and storage. Contact us today to learn more about residential moving services.

Where to Sell, Dispose or Donate Unwanted Items in Ottawa

Have years of furniture and other belongings you want to get rid of before or after your move? Find out where you can sell, dispose or donate all your unwanted items in Ottawa.

Sell

There are a number of online sites and classifieds where you can sell your new and used items in Ottawa. Companies like UsedOttawa.com, VarageSale, Letgo, Kijiji Ottawa, Craigslist Ottawa, and Facebook Marketplace are excellent resources that you can use to list your articles for sale online in your community. If you don’t want to sell one item at a time online, you can reach out to sellmystuffcanada.com and they’ll come in and run a one-day sale from the house and sell everything for you! They will invite thousands of buyers who are looking for your items and even perform junk removal if there are any items that are leftover.

Dispose

If you have a number of items that are destined for the garbage, don’t just throw them to the curb. There are several junk removal specialists right here in Ottawa that will remove any items you no longer want while making sure they get disposed of properly or donated. Many also offer same day junk removal and will even clean up after. The local junk removal companies to review include Capital Junk, Junk That Funk, 1-800 Got Junk, Just Junk, A Man, and His Truck, and Take It Away Junk Removal.

Donate

One person’s junk is another’s treasure, so don’t forget to consider donating your items to a charity. There are a number of places in Ottawa that would be happy to take your unwanted items off your hands. Furniture Bank, Matthew House Ottawa, and Helping With Furniture will pick up items and give them directly to families in need. The Habitat for Humanity Restore, Salvation Army, and St. Vincent De Paul all have pickup services for your items that they resell in their own thrift shops. Plus, you can also drop off any items at your disposal to the local Goodwill or Value Village.

You don’t always have to get rid of your stuff, you can also store it if you would prefer. At Ottawa Moving Logistics, we will help you find affordable storage solutions for your home or office needs. Whether you are in-between homes or looking to downsize, we can help arrange short or long-term storage for you. Contact us today!

5 Common Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Organizing, packing up, and moving your life’s belongings is never a fun task to look forward to. But at some point, it just has to be done. When it’s time to haul your stuff out and relocate, make the process easier by learning about the most common moving mistakes and how to avoid them. Knowing these now can help you steer clear of any headaches for an easy and stress-free move.

Not Dejunking Beforehand

Since the moving process forces you to sift through all of the stuff you’ve accumulated over the years, there’s no better time to dejunk and determine what you can finally let go of. Skipping this step is a common mistake that homeowners make because it does require a little extra time and effort. But by getting a jump start on this, you can take on one area at a time, have fewer boxes to transport, and make your moving day much easier for everyone involved.

Procrastinating for too Long

Moving requires time and planning, so the earlier you can start, the better it will be for you. Procrastinating for too long will only pile on more stress. So get started early and chip away at your tasks gradually at least one month before your move out date.

DIY to Save Money

DIY projects can be fun, but not when it involves a move. Aside from having to depend on friends or family to sacrifice their time, doing it yourself can actually end up costing you more in some cases. Professional movers not only have all of the appropriate tools and supplies on hand, but they’re experienced at hauling heavy furniture and using the proper footing to avoid injury. Most reputable moving companies will also offer liability coverage or insurance to protect your stuff in case they get damaged during the move. So always weigh the pros and cons thoroughly before deciding on this.

Forgetting to Label

Remember, once your items are placed in your new home, you still have to deal with all of the unpacking. Forgetting to label the boxes according to their designated room can make this part almost as painful as packing. So be sure to have a marker handy for every box that you pack up and include a few details of the contents inside.

Not Packing Items Properly

Packing up items can be tedious. But if you run out of packing paper or bubble wrap, get more – don’t skimp! This mistake is easy to make and can leave you with a ton of regret when it’s time to unpack your delicate dishware that’s chipped and broken. It’s always worth it to ensure you have more than enough supplies to safeguard your fragile items during transport.

Place your trust in our expert team at Ottawa Moving Logistics for your next move. We offer full scale moving services for all of your moving-related needs. Call us today to learn more or to get a quote!

5 Ways to Ensure a Smooth Corporate Move

There is a lot of planning and preparation that goes into coordinating a corporate move. From making travel arrangements to securing special equipment, documents, and data – it’s a big undertaking. To eliminate the hassle and ensure your process is simple and headache-free, here are some helpful ways to ensure a smooth corporate move for you and your team.

Inform Employees and Keep Them Updated

The first step is to let your employees know well in advance of the move. Employees are the heart of any business, so it’s important that you don’t sidetrack them with the news. Tell them as soon as you know, or at least two months prior to moving. Your team will also need a good amount of time to adjust and prepare. So be sure to keep them updated on any new information so it doesn’t interrupt their workflow.

Create a Checklist

Once you understand what needs to be prepared for moving day, create a checklist to keep everyone and everything organized and on track. You can forward this list to your employees and give them a detailed outline of the steps they’ll need. If you need assistance, don’t be afraid to ask and delegate different duties to your team. Also, keep lines of communication open so you can address any concerns that they may have.

Get Rid of Unnecessary Items

If there are old printers, office furniture or other items lingering in your storage and office that aren’t used, make sure to get rid of them by donating them before moving day. There’s no point in bringing along unused items. And eliminating any excess stuff now will make the move go much faster.

Prepare Electronics and Special Equipment

Whether it’s standard office electronics or specialty equipment, certain items will need extra care and special packaging in order to be transported safely. Projectors, TVs, computers and the like should be carefully packed away with their cables to avoid losing or damaging anything. It’s also wise to back up your files ahead of moving day just in case something ends up damaged.

Book a Professional Moving Company ASAP

Hiring the right moving company can make all the difference between having a simple, problem-free move and having one that leaves you feeling stressed out and overwhelmed. With a professional team to oversee the process, they can assist with keeping everything on track. They will supply any needed equipment, pack up items properly, and ensure that everything arrives on time and safely at your new location.

Ottawa Moving Logistics offers professional, qualified movers who are ready to help make your corporate move simple and smooth. Whether it’s a small office or a large commercial space, our team of experienced commercial movers is ready to help. Contact us today to get a quote and lock in your date!

5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Hiring a Moving Company

Relocating is not a fun undertaking. Whether it’s residential or corporate, there are lots of tasks involved that are crucial for a smooth and easy process. But finding the time and ability to organize it all in between your day-to-day life can feel overwhelming. That’s why hiring professional movers is always worth it. They have the skills and expertise to ensure all of your belongings are handled with care and that everything is done correctly to avoid any mishaps. Here are a few more reasons why you should consider hiring a moving company for your upcoming move.

Eliminate the Stress

Handling a big move on your own isn’t easy. It requires plenty of time to organize and tackle all of the crucial details involved, such as purchasing moving supplies and having adequate protection for any fragile items that require extra care. With a trained team of professionals to lean on, they can take care of all the important details while keeping you on track and informed about the entire coordinated move.

You Can Rely on Them

You can’t always rely on friends and family to sacrifice a weekend afternoon to lug boxes. Hiring a moving company means you won’t have to worry about who will show up to help. They are fully trained and responsible for arriving on time to ensure the move goes off without a hitch.

Save Time

Professional movers know what they’re doing. They have all of the proper footwear, equipment, and experience to maneuver your belongings in a fast, efficient, and safe manner. They’ll carry everything for you, load up the truck strategically, and save you an ample amount of time compared to doing it on your own.

Safety

Lifting heavy pieces of furniture down and up flights of stairs and in harsh weather conditions can also become a safety hazard if you’re inexperienced. With the proper footing and experience behind them, movers can guarantee your safety and the welfare of your belongings as well.

It’s Worth It

When it comes down to it, having a team of professionals takes care of this monumental task is worth it. Aside from saving you time and aggravation, a trained and certified team can also offer you accountability and save you money by providing everything that’s needed in one sweep for an efficient and hassle-free move.

Our team at Ottawa Moving Logistics is comprised of professional movers who are trained, experienced, and dedicated to ensuring your move goes as easily as possible. Contact us today for a free estimate!

5 Benefits of Moving in the Winter

Does moving in the dead of winter sound like a bad idea to you? Not to us! Winter moves have many benefits over spring and summer ones. From saving money to less competition, here are 5 benefits of moving in the winter that could change your opinion after all.

Lower Costs

Winter is the slowest season of them all. Moving companies will often offer discounts and benefits to attract customers during this time of year. By booking a winter move, you can save significantly off the costs compared to the warmer months.

Less Competition

With fewer people moving this time of year, you have less competition to worry about. You’ll have a better chance of getting the moving date and time you prefer without having to search around elsewhere. With fewer clients on the go, it’s also less likely to experience delays. Movers can be more flexible if something comes up that could push your date out a few days.

Extra Time and Attention

With fewer moves to complete in a day, the movers can take their time and be more focused on your move. The extra attention that they can give you and your belongings will greatly reduce the risk of broken items or damaged goods.

More Storage Options

Finding out the last minute that you need storage in the summer can leave you in a bind. Not in the wintertime. If you need to store any of your belongings, you’ll have a better chance of finding space since storage facility occupancy rates typically drop in the winter months. This lets you take advantage of the open space and better rates.

Less Damage

Stifling hot moving trucks can cause sensitive materials to melt and breakdown. Electronics, antiques, vinyl records, and wood products tend to do poorly in the heat. If you move in the winter, everything will be kept cool in the back of the truck, reducing the risk of damage.

Our highly experienced and professional team at Ottawa Moving Logistics provides winter moving services that you can rely on. If you want to avoid the hassle of a spring and summer move, we can arrange to move you in the offseason. Our dedicated services ensure that you get the best move no matter what season it is. Learn more about our process and pricing today!  We’re ready to help you get your move on.

5 Things You Forget to Consider Before Your Move

Gearing up for a move can be daunting, which is why it’s always tempting to procrastinate as much as possible. But this can create far more stress when you’re pressed for time and still have an entire house to organize and pack up. The truth is, moving doesn’t have to be as painful as it seems. By starting early and being prepared, you can breeze through it with minimal hassle. To help you stay on track and organized for your big moving day, here are a few of the most common things you may forget to consider before your move.

How Can You Make the Transition Process as Easy as Possible?

Whether it’s your first official move or your tenth, the moving process can be chaotic, stressful and even confusing if you’re not properly prepared. There are lots of tasks involved and all are important to complete before the moving date, such as cancelling subscriptions and setting up utilities and other services before you arrive at your new place. One simple way you can stay on track and make the process much easier is by starting with a big To-Do list. Once you’ve done your research and know what things you need to tackle, write everything down and then prioritize it. As mentioned, the earlier you can start to chip away at your list, the easier the move will be.

Is It Worth Doing It on Your Own?

If you’re weighing the pros and cons of doing the move solo or hiring a company, make sure to carefully consider your options before settling on your decision. Even the best of friends can make a run for it once you mention your move, and there’s nothing worse than being stranded with little to no help, having to lug boxes on your own. Hiring a professional moving company may come at a higher price, but remember it’s always important to weigh the cost versus convenience, especially if you’re limited on time with a hectic schedule.

Have You Reconfirmed Details with Your New Landlord?

Be sure to speak with your landlord or property management company closer to your moving date to remind them and reconfirm those important details, such as reserving parking for the moving truck, reserving the elevator if needed, and any other details that they may have forgotten to mention way back when you first shook hands. It’s easy enough for those minor and necessary details to be forgotten.

Have You Said Goodbye to Your Neighbours?

If you’ve lived in your former neighbourhood for years, don’t forget to say goodbye to your neighbours. Even if you weren’t very close, it’s always nice to say a personal goodbye and wish them luck. 

Have You De-junked?

Finally, de-junking is always an important thing to consider before you move. Take the opportunity to sort through your belongings and toss or donate what you no longer use or need. This can also make the moving process go faster with fewer items to move.

Make your entire moving process as simple as possible with the help of Ottawa Moving Logistics. Our team is dedicated to providing honest and reliable moving services for residential or commercial relocations. Find all of the services you need, including special equipment and packing and unpacking services. Allow us to assist you! Contact us today to get a quote and lock in your date.