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An International Movers’ Do-It-Yourself Packing Guide

Simcoe Moving has been one of Canada’s most successfully international movers for decades. We dedicate ourselves to protecting our customers’ personal property by carefully packing every item. If you prefer to pack your own belongings before having them shipped overseas, our do-it-yourself packing tips may help:

  • Pack clothing separately from the furniture they’re usually stored in. Use boxes or hang items in wardrobe boxes designed specifically for clothing on hangers. International movers can sell you the appropriate boxes for a nominal fee.
  • Furniture drawers or cabinets should be empty and securely closed to prevent damage.
  • Pack pictures, mirrors or fragile wall art in specially designed picture boxes after wrapping them in bubble wrap.
  • Small appliances can be wrapped in foam or bubble wrap and packed in boxes, but be sure they are packed upright. Label the outside of the box clearly with “This Side Up.”
  • If you’re moving to a foreign country, make sure any large appliances can be used in your new home. International movers sometimes ship appliances overseas that are useless on arrival, and Simcoe Movers doesn’t want to do that.
  • Dismantle bed frames and tape all of the hardware to the frame.
  • Wrap mattresses and box springs in plastic or put them in a soft carton that is securely sealed.
  • Books are heavy; pack them in small groups in small or medium boxes.
  • Lamp shades should be nested inside each other when possible and wrapped in packing paper or a sheet before packing in a box.
  • Use a box specifically designed by international movers for china when packing dishes.
  • Line china boxes with several sheets of packing paper or bubble wrap, then pack each dish individually with 2-3 sheets of paper or a sheet of bubble wrap around each piece. Put heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top and add a few layers of paper or bubble wrap on top before closing the box.
  • Label any boxes with delicate items as “FRAGILE” in big, bold letters. International movers recognize this word around the globe.

As international movers, Simcoe Moving successfully packs household goods for relocation across town or around the world. If you aren’t sure how to pack for your international move, call us at 877-810-1047 for a complete packing and moving quote.

You Can’t Take It With You: What NOT To Pack For Your International Move

At Simcoe Moving, we’ve been packing and moving families internationally for years and we know exactly what you should and shouldn’t pack for any overseas relocation. We’ve put together a quick list of items that you or overseas moving companies in Canada should not pack when you’re preparing to relocate beyond Canada’s borders. You should either dispose of these items, give them away or make arrangements to have the items shipped to you if possible, or have us do the packing for you! As one of the leading moving companies in Canada, we have the experience to properly pack and transport your property. If you do end up doing your own packing, don’t pack the following:

  • Opened containers with liquids of any kind, particularly hazardous liquids such as oil, petrol, bleach, insecticides and antifreeze.
  • Open food items (due to danger of spoilage).
  • Perishable food and any produce items (due to agricultural restrictions).
  • Car batteries Plants of any kind (to avoid spreading plant diseases or insects).
  • Important documents, including deeds, birth certificates and financial documents.
  • Any documentation you may need for customs. Moving companies in Canada suggest that you keep these documents with you at all times.
  • Any luxury goods of high value, including fine jewelry, furs and collectables.
  • Firearms and certain weapons.
  • Aerosols (they could explode in shipment).
  • Fire extinguishers.
  • Prescription medications.
  • Anything illegal.

If you are unsure about a particular item, it’s best to consult with the consulate or embassy of your destination country in order to determine whether it can be shipped. Moving companies in Canada who regularly handle international shipping may also be able to help you.

Simcoe Moving is one of the most experienced international moving companies in Canada; we’ll be happy to help you determine whether an item is safe for moving. To save yourself the extra aggravation, we can also pack your belongings for you so that you don’t have to do it yourself. Our experience packing and moving will make your international relocation easier on you and your family. Call 877-810-1047 or visit us at Simcoe Moving for more valuable moving tips or to get a free quote.

Moving Companies In Barrie: Simcoe Moving Offers Tips For Relocating Smoothly

Simcoe Moving has been one the leading moving companies in Barrie for generations, ensuring that our customers who are moving internationally can safely let our professional movers take care of their possessions and deliver them in good condition. If you’ve already contracted with us, the most stressful part of relocating is already being handled. But what needs to be done that only you can do? We’ve put together a list of things to do that moving companies in Barrie can’t do for you:• Gather all of your important documents and put them in one place so you don’t forget them. Include academic records, important phone numbers, birth certificates, wills, medical records, passports, social security cards and any financial records. Moving companies in Barrie will agree that these documents should travel with you, not in a moving truck.

• Take the time to find out what you’ll need to do in order to get a driver’s license in your new home. Also inquire about automobile insurance and how to obtain it.

• Call your health insurance provider and ask if you will be covered in your new country or whether you’ll need to get a new policy through a local health care provider.

• Ask your bank whether they have overseas branches and ATMs in your new home country. You will also probably want to open an account in your new location. Be sure to find out what you’ll need to do this.

• Be sure to find out from the Department of State whether you and your family will need to get additional vaccines or take additional medications in order to fully protect yourself against serious illness.

• Find out how to register your children in their new school and make sure you have the necessary paperwork to do so.

Moving companies in Barrie can take the stress and tedium of packing your possessions and safely transporting them to your new location so that you can focus on other things. If you have any more questions about international relocation, call Simcoe Moving at 877-810-1047. We are one of Canada’s premier moving companies; Barrie residents have relied on us for years for local and international moving.

Unexpected Moving Expenses: Toronto Movers Can Keep The Costs Down

Many people who are planning a long distance move try to save money by doing the work themselves after they get a quote from Toronto movers. Unfortunately, they often miscalculate the true cost of moving because they don’t factor in many of the additional expenses involved. If you think renting a truck, packing your belongings and hitting the road will save you money, consider these unexpected moving expenses:• The cost of renting a truck or trailer as well as fueling it. The gas mileage on rental trucks is poor at best, and it can be terrible after you’ve loaded the trailer with all of your furniture and personal property. Plan on having to stop every few hours to fuel up.

• Hotel expenses. If it’s a long distance move, you’ll need a hotel or motel room each night so you can get a decent night’s sleep before driving again.

• Food and drink on the road. If it takes you three days to get to your new home, that’s three days of breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks at restaurants, which will quickly add up, particularly if someone else is riding with you. Toronto movers know you should never drive long distance by yourself if you’re inexperienced. A driving companion, whether it’s your spouse or a friend, is crucial to your safety.

• Damaged goods. Professional Toronto movers will carefully wrap and pack all of your valuables so that they aren’t injured during transit. Are you sure you are packing everything properly? If not, you may discover that you’ll be replacing damaged items when you get to your destination.

• Injuries, particularly back and knee injuries, are common when people are packing and loading their own possessions. You don’t want to end up with a sprained knees or an aching back that will need medical attention. Toronto movers don’t have to worry; they’ve been professionally trained to pack, lift and carry even the heaviest items properly so that they aren’t injured on the job.

After you’ve added up the total potential costs of moving yourself across the country, we’re sure you’ll agree that our Toronto movers are the most economical and stress-free way to handle a long distance move! Call 877-810-1047 to talk to one of our experienced, long distance Toronto movers.

Long Distance Movers: Getting An Accurate Moving Quote

When you’re ready to pack up and move across the country or overseas, getting an accurate quote from long distance movers is crucial to budgeting for your relocation. The various costs of moving can quickly add up and you’ll want to compare the available options in order to determine which one is best for you.Know What You Need

Do you want to have long distance movers come to your house and pack everything you own or would you rather save some money by packing up your belongings yourself? There’s a significant cost difference, particularly if you own a lot of fragile or delicate objects that will need to be properly cushioned to avoid breakage. You may save some money by packaging your own items, but keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for items you pack yourself.

Can Your Long Distance Movers Store Your Possessions?

In many situations, your international or overseas relocation could be delayed due to a lack of housing, customs regulations or other issues. If you might need to temporarily store your belongings at the end of your journey, you’ll need to let long distance movers know how long you might need to store your possessions in a storage facility or in containers. Some moving companies will give you up to thirty days storage at no additional cost, while others may charge a nominal fee. For the most part, they can store your belongings for up to ninety days, but the cost may increase incrementally for 30, 60 and 90 days.

Don’t Let Them Guesstimate

Some long distance movers will give you a quote based solely on the information you provide or an assumption of how much furniture the average individual owns. Unfortunately, these estimates are usually quite low and the movers typically revise their estimate once they start packing your belongings. Avoid unexpected increases by having long distance movers come to your house and put together accurate quotes based on what you actually own. Guesstimating the cost of a relocation can lead to unpleasant surprises when you arrive in your new home, so get the estimate in writing after they’ve evaluated your entire house.

To avoid misunderstandings and get the most reliable quote possible for you next move, talk to long distance movers who have years of experience and who are willing to itemize an accurate estimate based on your actual belongings. Simcoe Moving is standing by to give you the most accurate moving estimate in the industry.

Should Your Pet Move Overseas With You? Toronto Moving Companies Weigh In

Toronto moving companies can help you relocate overseas with minimal fuss, but one of the few things they can’t move for you is your pet. If you have a beloved family cat or dog, you know that it can be devastating to have to consider leaving him or her behind. Today’s families are increasingly opting to take animal companions with them when relocating internationally so that they have the comfort of their best friend in their newly adopted country. Toronto moving companies are experienced at packing and relocating entire families, but they can’t relocate animals, so be sure you talk to at least three airlines that are experienced with international animal transfers before proceeding.How Healthy Is The Animal?

Traveling by air or freight is very stressful and your cat or dog won’t understand what’s going on. Be sure that he is in good health and is young enough to weather the travel without complications that could make him or her ill. Talk to your veterinarian; he or she may be able to give your pet a prescription to relax him during the relocation. Most Toronto movers have heard about animals who suffered undue stress during a relocation flight, so give them a complete checkup before sending them overseas.

Consider Cultural Differences

Your black cat may be adorable, but there are some countries where a black cat is considered very bad luck. Be sure to do some research into whether your pet could be the target of suspicion or dislike in your new home. You’ll also need to talk to the consulate of the country you’re relocating to, as some breeds of pets aren’t allowed into some countries at all. A case in point is the American Pit Bull, which is banned in several countries.

Toronto Moving Companies Can Steer You Toward The Right Information

In most cases, the proper contact for finding out about international pet relocation is the Consulate, but you should also talk to Toronto movers in your area. They may be able to steer you toward additional companion animal relocation information that can help you determine whether relocating Fluffy or Rover is feasible or affordable. Simcoe Moving will be glad to help you find the answers to your international relocation questions; Call 1-877-810-1047 to get started.

Toronto Moving Companies Offer Delayed Deliveries For Overseas Relocation

Moving overseas doesn’t always have to be a rush job. Sometimes you need some additional time at one end of your relocation or the other in order to take care of unresolved issues or learn more about the country you’re moving to.If you’re considering an international relocation, there are several reasons Toronto moving companies now offer delayed delivery when families relocate, including:

• House hunting. When families relocate, it can be difficult to find a house, particularly if you don’t have time to shop around before you move. If you are moving and don’t want to buy a house immediately, Toronto Moving Companies can store your possessions for up to 90 days, giving you plenty of time to compare neighborhoods and check out schools while you stay in temporary housing or an apartment.

• Sightseeing. Toronto moving companies like Simcoe Moving Canada often suggest that you take some time with your family to explore your new country before settling in. If you’re moving to an unfamiliar locale, a few weeks traveling with your kids can give you a new appreciation for your adopted country and give everyone some quality family time before the realities of a new school system, new jobs and a new language set in.

• Stress Free Storage. Some families prefer to unpack only the essentials for the first few months in a new country, giving themselves plenty of time to discover just what they do and don’t need in their new home. This also gives the opportunity to reconsider their relocation without investing in a home and unpacking all of their possessions. As one of the premier Toronto moving companies, we are experienced at packing and storing our clients’ belongings so that you don’t feel rushed when you relocate. We’ll give you the time you need by storing some or all of your possessions for up to ninety days.

Toronto moving companies give you the flexibility of container storage and delayed delivery so that your family can ease into their international relocation. Simcoe Moving offers free estimates for international moving. Call 1-877-810-1047 to request an estimate.

Long Distance Moving Services Offer A Variety Of Transport Options

International relocation can be stressful, but choosing the right long distance moving services can minimize problems and get your belongings to you safely and on time. Most long distance moving services use four major modes of transport to relocate your property to your new home country. Motor carrier, rail, air freight and ocean freight can all be used either alone or in combination to move your belongings. Which ones they use will depend on three important variables.Your Destination Is Crucial To Long Distance Moving Services

Some countries have exceptional railway systems for transporting containers packed with your belongings, while others simply don’t have the infrastructure to move large quantities of good reliably. Long distance moving services will compare the reliability of the rail system to the reliability of motor freight in order to determine which is best. The same applies to air freight as opposed to ocean freight when moving overseas.

Your Relocation Time Frame: How Fast Is Fast Enough?

If you’re relocating to a foreign country and need to have all of your possessions within a very short time frame, long distance moving services will generally opt for the fastest form of transport available, which is generally air freight. Once your belongings have landed, a motor carrier will generally take them to your doorstep. While railways may be able to transport your materials as well, the frequent stops and length of the journey can mean delays. Motor carrier schedules can be more easily tailored to your time frame than train schedules. On the other hand, if you’d like to save some money and aren’t in a hurry, you can save some money by opting for ocean freight if it’s available for your overseas relocation.

The Cost Of Your Long Distance Moving Services

If you’re relocating overseas and will be taking your time looking for a home or apartment, you can save money on your long distance moving services by choosing the least expensive modes of transportation for your property. Air freight can be expensive, but ocean liners do take more time. They’re considerably less expensive, however, and your property can be stored until you need it if you can’t take delivery of it right away. Railways are generally less expensive than motor carriers because of combined loads and the regularly scheduled routes used.

Choosing the right long distance moving services relies on your understanding of the various forms of transport available as well as your personal relocation needs. In most cases, long distance moving services will combine two or more methods of transportation in order to meet your needs, your time frame and your budget. For more information on long distance moving services, visit Simcoe Moving or call 877-810-1047.

Undercover Boss and Anti-Fraud Public Relations Campaigns

We received a message from Rich McClure President CEO of UniGroup Inc. about the Undercover Boss and Anti-Fraud Public Relations Campaigns listed below:

At the Closing General Session of the Learning Conference, I announced two major public relations campaigns planned for United and Mayflower prior to peak season. On March 13 at 9:00 p.m. EDT/8:00 p.m.  CDT, United  was featured in an episode of the reality show Undercover Boss on CBS, and beginning in April, we are launching a national media campaign to educate the public about how to avoid moving fraud, with Mayflower as the face of the trusted, reputable movers. I believe that both of these opportunities will help improve our already strong brand recognition and drive business opportunities to the agency family during the summer season and beyond.

In December, I visited United agencies and preformed a variety of jobs undercover. Until the show airs, I can’t say exactly what happened during my time undercover, but I can tell you it was an enlightening experience for me to work side-by-side with our dedicated, frontline teams. I’m thrilled to share with the country what I already knew about you, our agents. You are the moving experts, who continually go the extra mile for their customers.

My primary reasons for going undercover were to learn more about the company and the dedicated men and women who work on the front lines, and I will be implementing some new programs internally as a result of what I learned. We have also hired a public relations team to help us maximize the unique opportunity that Undercover Boss presents and create goodwill with the general public. We will be doing media tours, social media campaigns and customer outreach.

Move of the Year!

United Van Lines (Canada) Ltd. is proud to announce we have re-qualified for 2010 as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies. Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies is Canada’s leading business awards program, recognizing excellence in Canadian owned and managed private companies.

We are proud to have achieved this award for a second straight year. We are still the only Van Line/Moving Company to have won this award.

We want to thank our employees and our Member community from coast to coast for keeping us there. We celebrate this outstanding achievement with all these extraordinary people whose collective talents and commitment make a difference to our customers each and every day.