Tips

5 Fall Adventures in Ottawa 2019

As a four-seasoned city, Ottawans know how to embrace and make the most out of every season – and of course, that includes the fall time. In fact, it’s one of the best times of year to explore and enjoy the city! Here are our top 5 fall adventures happening in Ottawa 2019.

Zombie Run

Embrace your zombie love while running from the dead at the annual Zombie Run that’s happening October 5th. If you love heart-pounding terror, grab your bravest and fastest friends to dash through a 2.5 km corn maze that’s filled with terrifying zombies. There’s no better time to practice your survival skills than now! Takes place at the Proulx Berry Farm.

Metcalfe Fair

If you’re looking for a day filled with classic fair favourites, the rural annual Metcalfe Fair is a must. You can bring out the entire family for a fun-filled day of country staples, like tractor pulls, live music, a classic car, and hot rod show, a fashion show, a Kidzland tent, and even a demolition derby! It’s the best way to spend the weekend with so many things to keep the family entertained. Takes place October 3rd and runs through the weekend.

Whisky Ottawa

When the temperature starts to cool off outside, there’s no better way to keep warm than at the Whisky Ottawa fest. This local favourite offers masterclasses from some of the world’s best brand ambassadors. You can also enjoy a night of whisky hosted at the Grand Tasting Hall in the Canadian War Museum with multiple vendors, eating contests, live tunes and much more. Begins on October 4th through 6th. Be sure to get your tickets early before they sell out!

Hike in Gatineau

Though not in Ottawa, Gatineau Park is only a stone’s throw away and is always worth a visit in October. Bring a friend or two to spend the day among the dazzling array of fall foliage throughout the area. It’s truly a spectacular setting to enjoy in the fall and one we always recommended. 

Pig Out at Mac n’ Cheese Fest

Dig into some of the best mac and cheese in the city at the Mac n Cheese Fest! You can enjoy so many different combinations and unique takes on this hearty and delicious Canadian classic. All of this is happening at city hall from Oct 4-6th and it’s free to enter!

Moving to the city this fall? Ottawa Moving Logistics has you covered for all of your moving-related needs. Get reliable, professional and dedicated service to ensure your move is smooth as possible. Contact us today to lock in your moving date!

Empty Nester Survival Kit

Not every parent gets overly excited when their kids finally move out. Many experience feelings of loss due to ‘empty nester syndrome’. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to better cope and enjoy this quiet time to the fullest – and you should since you’ve earned it! Here are 5 tips straight out of our empty nester survival kit for you to try.

Redecorate

Now that the kids are finally out of the house, you can officially redecorate it the way you like. That means turning their old room into a space that you can utilize. Need a Zen room to meditate? How about an art studio or maybe a library to read in? There are plenty of things that you can do to a small bedroom space without breaking the bank.

Travel and Explore

When you don’t have to care for your kids anymore, you’ll suddenly realize just how much more time you’ll have on your hands. And that means it’s time to do all those things you had planned to do but couldn’t, like taking a cooking class or a trip to Europe. Finally, you can get back out there and see the places you’ve always wanted to.

Take Back Your Social Life

It’s not uncommon for parents to lose their social networks when they’re busy raising a family. Now you can reach back to old friends and get back to your social life. Socializing will help to boost your mood and cope better with your empty nest.

Move to The City

Have you always dreamed about owning a property where you can walk everywhere? You can quickly ease your empty nester syndrome by purchasing a property in the city. This will let you be in the middle of all the action – theatres, sports venues, live music, world-class restaurants, museums, green space and more. Moving out of the suburbs into an amenity-rich area will allow you to live the active life you’ve been dreaming of.

Downsize

Another tip out of our empty nester survival kit is downsizing. Spending twice as much in energy bills, taxes, and the mortgage on a big home may not make much sense once the kids have moved out. Just imagine what you could do with all that extra money in your pocket each year by downsizing to a smaller property.

If you’re ready to move out of your family home and into something new, contact us at Ottawa Moving Logistics. Our professional and courteous move coordinators are ready to help you plan your entire move from beginning to end. Though we specialize in local and long-distance moves to and from the Ottawa area, we also offer a range of services from packing to home delivery and senior moving. Learn more about our services and why our customers have given us an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau.

Are You Hoarding 5 Tips for Getting Rid of Useless Items

Do you have boxes piling in corners, old magazines from the ’90s and other items you haven’t used in decades scattered around your home? Hoarding is best defined as a persistent difficulty with discarding possessions that hold no true value. It can also be related to compulsive buying, where you can’t stop purchasing items that will eventually just sit in the corner of your home collecting dust. If you fall under either of these categories, here are 5 tips for getting rid of useless items to create more space in your home and to improve the quality of your life.

Set Aside 30 Minutes A Day

Many hoarders struggle with organizing all their stuff and quickly feel overwhelmed by the entire process. You can cut down on the anxiety by putting aside 30 minutes a day to go through and clean out your stuff. It might not feel like you’re making a dent at first, but after a few weeks, you’ll be surprised at how much you’ve thrown away and cleaned up.

Everything Should Have A Home

How do you decide what stays and what goes? By following the rule that “everything must have a home”. Otherwise, it gets thrown out. This will ensure that you only keep the items you use and can properly fit inside the home. 

Create A Keep and Discard Pile

Avoid having an “unsure” pile. It either stays or it goes. You should also make sure that the discard pile is thrown out as soon as you are done organizing for the day. This can prevent you from having second thoughts and putting items back. 

Send Some Items to Consignment

Many hoarders struggle to let go of items because they have sentimental value. If discarding something is out of the question, why not give it to a consignment shop so that someone else can get some use out of it?

Call A Hoarding Cleanup Service

If the hoarding has become extreme and you don’t know where to start, there are a number of services available that can provide a deep cleaning of your home. Known as hoarding cleanup services, these discreet businesses can handle the most extreme and serious hoarding situations. They can take care of the cleanup, as well as the mold removal, sanitation, and insect and pest control.

Hoarding can prevent you from living your best life and relocating to a new home. But by following these tips above, you’ll be able to declutter your home and get ready to make the move you’ve been waiting for. When it’s time, call us at Ottawa Moving Logistics. We’re Ottawa’s number one moving team and are ready to help!

What Is The Busiest Moving Season And Why

Are you planning to relocate in the near future? Wondering if your timeframe might fall within the peak period for moving? Well, if you’re planning it in the summertime, that’s when the busy season really kicks off, and it can even extend into the beginning of the fall. We’ve got all of the information you need to plan out your upcoming move so you can avoid it or plan well ahead of time to beat the rush. 

The Summer Rush

School’s out which means more college students will be heading home for the summer. This is also a popular time when new graduates will be moving away to start new jobs. So, from early summer until September, you should expect the student summer rush to kick in, causing prices and demand to surge.

The Weather Is Ideal for Moving

If you’ve never had to endure a winter move, consider yourself lucky. Aside from it being bitterly cold, it’s also slippery, messy and more dangerous when you’re handling heavy, bulky items. So naturally, the pleasant summer weather makes it a more favourable time of year to move, especially in our northern climate here in Canada. With longer, brighter days, and no snow, ice or bitter winds to contend with, summer moves just make sense. 

It’s A Common Time for Leases to Expire

The end of June and July can also be common timeframes for leases to expire, giving many renters the push to look elsewhere and make a move. This is another reason why the summer tends to be the busiest.

More Free Time

There are many businesses that flip to summer hours during this time of year, giving employees more time to get off work early, take advantage of those long weekends and enjoy the weather. Since it’s a common slow time for many companies, people often have more free time to plan, prepare and book time off to get their home and family ready to relocate.

Popular House Hunting Time

Thanks to the nice weather, the beginning of summer is also peak time for homebuyers to get out on the prowl. With the sun shining, buyers can easily and thoroughly evaluate properties, including the condition of the roof, backyard and other important areas that would otherwise be covered in snow during the winter.

Once the summer season kicks off, you can expect moving companies to book up fast! So, if you’re gearing up for a move, make sure to plan accordingly and lock in your date. Plan ahead and book your date at Ottawa Moving Logistics now to get the professional and reliable services you can count on. 

5 Tips for A Smooth Transition to A New Neighbourhood

Moving to a new home and neighbourhood is a big change. So, if you or your family feel a little nervous, it’s completely natural. But there are some ways that you can help to make that process easier and more seamless. Here are our tips for a smooth transition to a new neighbourhood and how to get settled faster.

Call and Set Up Your Services

First things first – call well ahead of your moving date to cancel your current services, like internet, cable, and utilities and set them up for your new address. It’s also a good idea to call a week or so before moving just to make sure that everything is set up correctly, so you won’t be left in the dark or without Wi-Fi once you arrive at your new place. Having these taken care of is a good way to ensure your transition to your new neighbourhood starts off on the right foot.

Scope Out the Area

Once you’ve gotten your basic items sorted, get out and take time to explore your new neighbourhood. Find out what amenities are nearby, what the best local establishments are, or if there are any parks in the area for your dog to run around in. Scope it all out to get familiarized and excited about your new neighbourhood. 

Meet the Neighbours

While you’re out getting to know the neighbourhood, stop and introduce yourself to the neighbours. Don’t be afraid to make the first move and knock on their door to say hello. Meeting new people can always feel intimidating, but it can make a world of difference when you have a community to engage and interact within a new area. 

Volunteer

If knocking on your neighbour’s door isn’t your thing, then consider joining a volunteer group, a local workshop or meetup group so you can meet new people and make new friends. This is also a great way to learn more about the area and where the best spots are to check out. 

Do Your Research

Also, don’t forget to take advantage of the Internet! Do some research about the neighbourhood, look for a local Facebook group to introduce yourself online or check out a private social network like nextdoor.com. Libraries and coffee shops are also great hotspots to meet locals and find bulletin boards with upcoming events.

Are you planning an upcoming move? Get professional and reliable services to keep your belongings safe with Ottawa Moving Logistics. Contact us today to get a quote and reserve your date!

How to Choose Movers for Your Home

Choosing the right movers for your move isn’t an easy feat, especially if it is a large residential move for the entire family. If you’ve found your dream home and need to get ready to move, our expert residential moving services can help! We offer the professional, courteous, and reliable service that you can count on to ensure your moving process goes off without a hitch. When you’re ready to hire the best movers in Ottawa, Ottawa Moving Logistics delivers the expertise that you can trust.

 

We’re Family-Owned & Operated

 

As a family-owned business, we care about the quality of service that we provide to our customers because they’re also our neighbours and friends. We take pride in serving the members of our community for decades with top-notch moving services that we’d expect for our family.

 

We Provide Managers to Supervise Each Move

 

To ensure each move goes seamlessly as possible, we have designated supervisors and managers that oversee everything. So instead of placing your sentimental belongings with two novice movers and a truck, you’ll have a dedicated supervisor to keep everything on track and organized to keep the move professionally coordinated at all times.

 

We’re Here for You!

 

We know you get busy with work and family life. Adding a move on top of that can be stressful! That’s why we are open not just Monday through Friday but Saturdays as well. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule and make your move less stressful.

 

We Offer Everything You Need

 

Beyond residential moving, we’re a one-stop-shop for all of your moving related needs. From moving supplies to packing to storage and more –  our team is fully equipped. So you won’t need to waste any time calling around to find supplies or specialized services.

 

A+ Rating at the BBB

 

Providing exceptional service to our clients is always our first priority at O.L.M. But don’t just take our word for it! In addition to our excellent reviews from past clients, we’re proud to maintain an A+ rating at the Better Business Bureau. This highlights our dedication to our customers and our commitment to excellence.

 

Affordable Rates

 

We also offer affordable rates, which means you can hire our expert team for your residential move without breaking the bank. And we will always work with you to offer the best rates possible to work with your budget.

 

Moving can be stressful enough, which is why you should never leave your valuable belongings in the hands of amateur movers. This can equate to disaster if they don’t have the proper expertise to make sure that your items arrive all in one piece and without any sustained damage. At Ottawa Moving Logistics, get the reliable and professional service you need to sail smoothly through this process with minimal stress.  Get in touch today!

Should You Move in the Spring or in the Summer

Planning to relocate this year but not sure whether you should move in the spring or in the summer? Here, we compare both seasons to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of moving in each. This can help you make a better-informed decision for your needs and budget.

 

Spring Benefits

 

May is usually when the peak season kicks off for moving, and when the competition starts to increase. So if you want to move on a particular date, early spring is the best time to book a moving company while the demand is still slower. You’ll get more options and also a better rate.

 

Summer Benefits

 

Summer is the peak season to buy and sell a home, which means it’s a busy time for movers. However, it can also be the best time to move for some families since they don’t have to worry about taking the kids out of school since they’ll already be on summer vacation. This time of year also offers plenty of daylight hours, so you won’t be left moving in the dark.

 

Spring Cons

 

The springtime weather is not always on our side. Early spring often brings along uncomfortable temperatures and late spring can come with some unpredictable conditions too. For instance, March and April can change from warm and dry to cold and snowy, in the span of a week. If cold and wet weather is a concern, late spring or summer might be a better option. Another con with a spring move is that you may have to take your kids out of school right before the end of the term.

 

Summer Cons

 

Summer is the busiest time of year for movers, which means it’s the most expensive time to book. This can also make it difficult to get the date and time that you desire due to all the competition on the market. Scheduling during the busy system can also mean delays, so if you can’t be flexible in your closing dates, summer might not be the best season for you. You also need to consider the heat in the summer as the hot and humid temperatures can also make moving dangerous if you don’t plan properly.

 

So when is the best time to move? It really depends on your needs and budget. If you’re trying to save money and can be flexible, spring is the best time to move. If you have children and your budget isn’t a factor, summer is the right time for you. Regardless of the season, booking a reliable and professional moving company is always important to make sure everything goes as planned. Contact us today at Ottawa Moving Logistics, and we’ll explain all the options available to you to offer the best price and service for your needs.  

moving day

Getting ready for a big move but can’t shake the anxiety and stress that comes along with it? The anticipation of a big move is often worse than the actual day itself. Rushing to get everything done last minute is never a good way to ease into your new chapter. Instead, make sure to start good and early, and remember these tips to prepare mentally so you can take on your moving day without bother.

Plan in Advance

If you want to have a successful move, you need to have the entire process mapped out from beginning to end weeks in advance. This will not only help to reduce your stress and make you feel more at ease, but it will also ensure that you are fully prepared and not scrambling come move day.

Pro tip: Practice visualization exercises before the move. Close your eyes and visualize everything you need to do before and during the move step by step. This will help you stay organized and identify any steps you’re missing before they become an issue.

Say Your Goodbyes Early

If you’ve been in your home for a number of years, you’ve likely made a number of good friends in the neighbourhood. You may also be moving away from close family members. Saying goodbye to your family or close friends can often be one of the hardest parts about moving. Don’t forget to spend some quality time with them before you move away. Just be sure to do this well in advance, as the closer you get to the move, the more stressed you may feel with less time to spare.

Pro tip: To make the most of it, plan a farewell party so you can say all your farewells all in one easy sweep.

Get Excited About Your New Area

Moving isn’t always exciting for everyone. If you or one of your family members is having a hard time with the thought of moving away, you should try a few techniques to get everyone a little more excited about the new place. Research your new area to the fullest — all the close by amenities, restaurants, parks, and activities that interest you and your family. Talk about them or even plan a drive to get everyone more excited about your new hood.

Pro tip: Print pictures of these places out and put them on your fridge so you can remind yourself (or your kids) about the benefits of your new location and what they can look forward to rather than focusing on what they’re leaving behind.

At Ottawa Moving Logistics, we understand how taxing a move can be and how hard it is to prepare mentally for your moving day. That’s why we do everything possible to help make your move a smooth and easy one. From planning to packing, to storage, to move coordinators, we have you covered. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Ottawa Moving Logistics Commercial Moving Services

Looking for a moving company that offers the best rates combined with reputable service and experienced movers for your commercial move? At Ottawa Moving Logistics, you have the type of experience you can trust. We are experts at commercial moves and have everything you need to get the job done right the first time. Here’s what you can expect when you hire O.M.L.

Family-Owned Business

Our neighbours, friends, and family are our customers, which is why we truly care about the service and prices that we provide. For decades, we’ve been providing professional, affordable, and efficient moving services for corporations in and around Ottawa. We take pride in our approach and have built a strong, positive relationship in the moving industry because we stand behind our name and strive to make your experience as pleasant as possible.

A+ BBB Rating

We are proud to have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Through our continued customer service and commitment to excellence, we have maintained a positive track record in the marketplace and have gained trust and confidence from our customers.

Solution Specialists

We like to think of ourselves as solution specialists. We’ll find the best way to plan, manage, and move your commercial project. We do everything in our power to save you money and reduce your stress during your move.

One Stop Shop

We don’t just move your commercial space — O.M.L also takes care of a wide range of other moving needs. Our services include storage, supplies, packing, and even delivery for your furniture and appliances from the retail outlet. Whether you need to move a 1,000 sq. ft. space or 10,000 sq. ft. office, our teams are well-trained and well-equipped to handle the most complex projects.

Reliable and Efficient

Our company is recognized as being one of the most reliable, trustworthy, and efficient in the industry. We’ll deliver your project on time, stay within budget, and ensure there are minimal disruptions to your business or regular life. Best of all, our service is quick, friendly, and professional. Our team will go above and beyond to ensure you’re adequately informed every step of the way while protecting your belongings as if they were ours.

We are ready to serve you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even on evenings and weekends. You get many perks when you hire us. To learn more about our services and how we can help you with your next move, contact us today at Ottawa Moving Logistics.

5 Common Causes of Moving-Related Stress

Got a future move to plan for? Feeling overwhelmed and stressed out with everything that needs to be done? If you’re struggling to figure out where to begin, we have the tips you need to get a head start so that you can avoid the common causes of moving-related stress. Check them out below!

Leaving Everything to the Last Minute

Being unprepared and succumbing to procrastination for so long can often leave people scrambling a few nights before moving day to get everything done. But no matter the size of your move, even smaller loads require a good amount of time and preparation. To avoid this pitfall, start today by getting your to-do list written with all the tasks that you need to get done and organized.

Taking on too Much at a Time

Rather than exhausting yourself by tackling all the packing over the weekend, chip away at your list bit by bit each day. When you come home from work, carve out an hour each evening to get some items sorted before you sit down and relax for the rest of the night. This way, you can avoid taking on too much and feeling overwhelmed by it all.

Doing it Yourself

Moving is a big task. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to your friends or family and ask them if they can spare some time to help you with the packing and moving process. And don’t forget to offer them a reward like some food as a thank you!

Not Booking Your Movers ASAP

Booking your movers is one of the first tasks that should be at the top of your to-do list. This should be done as early as possible so you can secure your moving date and avoid being stranded without the moving company that you prefer. Remember, good movers tend to book up fast, so don’t delay!

Relying on Friends and Family to Move Your Stuff

With such busy and hectic schedules these days, it can be tough to get friends and family to give up their time to help with the move. Between renting a truck, relying on people to show up, and then delegating out tasks, it can often tack on more stress, especially if they end up damaging any of your valuables. Instead, you can hire a full-service moving company that can come to your home and take care of everything, from packing to unpacking, to moving and transporting your items safely.

To eliminate your moving-related stress, contact us at Ottawa Logistics. Our reliable and professional team can handle all your tasks and ensure your moving process is smooth and stress-free.