Moving tips: How to avoid the common mistakes when moving in the GTA

When you are about to move, a lot of stress can come your way. It may be even more paralyzing if you live in a busy, hectic, and congested city like Toronto (GTA). Big cities are traditionally linked to moving problems, and Toronto is no exception. Because it has a continental climate, there is always a risk that the weather will turn bad. On top of that, Toronto is a metropolis ridden with traffic jams and unexpected road repairs.

We have prepared this guide and moving tips specifically for those in Toronto. Read on to learn how to steer clear of problems that might slow you down on a moving day in the GTA.

Sudden weather changes


It is no secret that Toronto’s weather is unpredictable. Sometimes, it’s only a matter of seconds before the clear blue sky darkens and lets storm clouds roll in.

Check the weather forecast a week in advance to plan your move. You will then have at least a rough idea of what to expect as the relocation date approaches. Keep tabs on the weather forecast throughout the week and check it the day before the move. In case bad weather comes out of nowhere, make sure all your belongings are protected. Use waterproof boxes, covers, and containers.

How to prepare for a move in any weather

  • Be sure to keep a towel and a blanket handy. You need them to wipe down boxes as you start moving them into the house. No matter how stressful moving is on a rainy day, everything should be okay if you don’t let your boxes get too wet.
  • Be prepared for slippery conditions. Get comfortable shoes that won’t slip in the snow or on wet pavements.

Consider extra help. You can ask your friends to help you with your move that day or call on movers to handle all moving day essentials and breeze through your relocation during inclement weather.

Traffic congestion and sudden repairs

Knowing how to get around busy streets is key to moving in a city like Toronto. Traffic can be one of the most frustrating problems on your moving day. The last thing you want is to be stuck in a traffic jam for three hours or be unable to move anywhere because a major highway has been dug up. However, this situation is commonplace in big cities, where you may be interrupted by construction workers or those who have staged a sudden protest.

It is worth planning which road you will take in advance. A well-thought-out route is key to success. You can use Google Maps to check if a certain road is being repaired or go to the official government website to see if any strikes or public works are planned. If possible, schedule your moving time for early morning to avoid peak traffic hours.

Time-saving tips

  • Plan several routes. If your main route is suddenly blocked, you can switch to Plan B.
  • Keep an eye on the situation. Leave the radio on or use a mobile app that tracks traffic jams. That’s how you can quickly change your direction if something happens.

Avoid the busiest hours. Schedule your move for a time when the roads are the least busy. A weekend day or early morning should work well.

Elevator issues

Many Toronto residents live in high-rises, and elevator breakdowns on moving days are not uncommon. It is a considerable nuisance when the elevator in your building breaks down, and you have to carry all those boxes downstairs by yourself. This can be stressful, tiring, time-consuming, and even dangerous.

Contact your elevator service a few days before the move. Make sure everything is in order to bar last-minute surprises. If your building has extra elevators, ask if you can use them in case the main one breaks down.

How to move out of a high-rise building

  • Coordinate with the manager of your building. Make sure they know you are moving on a certain date in advance. This way, the building manager should be able to help you with any access problems.
  • Protect your belongings. Add protective paper for your furniture to your moving day checklist so it doesn’t get dirty or damaged during transportation.
     

Be prepared for the unexpected. If the elevator is busy, you may have to wait. Allow extra time for this so that you are not caught off guard.

Last-minute packing


Packing takes time. Actually, it can be the most time-consuming part of the moving process. By waiting until the very last minute to start packing, you’re running the risk of having poorly packed boxes or forgetting something. This can lead to uneasiness on a moving day and item damage.

Begin packing at least one to three weeks before the move. You can start with things you do not use every day, like seasonal clothing, books, and kitchenware. Slowly, you will get to more important items. This way, you can pack all your belongings in an organized manner and sort them out more quickly when you arrive at your new place.

Packing strategies for moving

  • Pack room by room. Focus your attention on one space at a time. You do not want to run all over your home while grabbing things from everywhere.
  • Label each box. Buy a marker and write what is in each box. Then, you will not have to look for things when you arrive.

Invest in sturdy boxes. It’s better to spend a couple of dollars more on reliable boxes to have peace of mind that the bottom won’t tear and all your stuff won’t fall out.

How to hire movers

Use these basic tips for any type of relocation. Always plan enough time to deal with problems and crises that may come up. Allocate a whole day, not just a couple of hours, for the move, knowing that some things can go wrong and there is no need to rush. Put a few spare boxes nearby, as well as tape, scissors, and towels, so you always have extras to put away or repackage things.

As this process can be a hassle to organize, you may want to hire professional movers. Moovy specializes in removals and treats customers’ belongings with the utmost respect and care. When you work with us, you can rest assured that we will handle your items without damaging them. We know how to organize your move quickly, without any stress. 

What Moovy does best is help you keep the whole process of transition from one place to another simple and organized. This is why we recommend avoiding last-minute assistance from neighbors or friends and calling us instead. Our customers consider us one of the best moving services in Toronto.

You can always find more moving tips on our blog. You can also contact us to arrange a professional move or consult with our team to find out how much our services cost. We are happy to help you during such an exciting time as moving to a new place!