Moving into Condos often requires SMALL moving trucks.

If you plan on moving into a condo make sure your truck fits. Developers are keen on installing cutting edge architecture and landscapes which lure us in, yet often make making in a real pain. Take the new Festival Tower Condo in Toronto for example. Completed in 2010 it was designed to be home of the Toronto International Film Festival. It has movie theatres, exhibition space and even office space for this special festival. It even has 5-star hotel services and penthouses named after film stars. But if you plan on moving into the Toronto Festival Tower, be prepared to rent a small truck. The Festival Towers loading dock has no posted height clearance, but it will be brutally obvious once your movers arrive if the truck is too tall for the roughly 12'5' height restriction. These are some sacrifices many developers make in order to improve functionality and aesthetics. Make sure your movers know if your condo has a truck height restriction. Reputable van lines such as United Van Lines & Mayflower Transit have a database of such addresses. Condo's can also make your local moves more expensive due to long walks. For example if you plan on moving into 360 Bloor St. E. townhouses at the back there is an extremely long walk for movers. This is further complicated by traffic/parking restrictions on Bloor St. If you pay your movers by the hour be prepared to bite the bullet at this location. On the plus side the townhomes have a stunning view of Rosedale from their spacious balconies.
The key point here is to take height restrictions and long walks into consideration when planning your next move. It will save unnecessary expenses or stress from doing it right the first time.

How to Ship Motorcycles - abbeyWood Moving GTA Toronto movers

Spring is in air and if you are like me, you’ve already had your motorcycle on the road a few times. As a young mover, I always dreamed of pulling up into a new city with my big rig, and rolling out the back door on a sleek motor bike. The problem is and always will be space. Simply throwing a motorcycle on the back end of any truck makes any owner nervous, especially if it is filled to the roof with furniture. The Solution is a motorcycle crate.



Motorcycle crates typically have a recessed or walled floor that stop the wheels from moving during transport. Air can be released from the tires to help the wheel fit snugly between the walls. Next, have four ratchet straps secure each corner of the bike to the corner of the crate. I prefer to have a second person compress the suspension slightly while I tighten the straps to ensure it is as snug as possible. Using the kickstand is not generally required but I do it whenever possible. Fully-walled, wooden motorcycle crates can provide the best strength and security. When moving in Toronto and Ontario, I can have my motorcycle on board the moving truck and load on top of the crate if needed. If by chance something fell and hit the crate the wood would be more than enough to stop the impact. Wooden crates can be bulky, but can be DIY with little experience or tools. The most practical and lightweight crates I have seen are the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle crates. Although more expensive they are highly portable and can break down and store easily. They consist of an aluminum base and cardboard walls. The Harley-Davidson Motorcycle crates can be purchased through Mackie Harley-Davidson in Oshawa Ontario.


Shipping a motorcycle on your next move does not mean you need a crate. A few straps and a steady driver is more than enough to get your bike home in a small trailer or flatbed. I once shipped 8 dirt bikes from Toronto to New Jersey with just straps. I had the bikes in a row perpendicular to my direction of travel. One person applied pressure to the suspension while I ratchet strapped all four corners of each bike. I then placed metal decking bars wrapped in furniture pads on each side of the bike to provide a secondary support if by chance the strapping failed. No kickstands were used in this case, and everything reached their destination safe and secure.

Drive safe & Keep it on two wheels.

Death, Divorce, Moving… In that order.

It is a fact Moving is the third most stressful life event, following death and divorce. We all can remember the wedding or funeral, but the house warming party always takes the back seat. Before your next move take a minute and look at why it can be that way. We move for many positive reasons such as a new promotion, home, or family. However, our lives are turned upside down when we enter a complete new environment, community and culture. The family life changes as we leave our routines, friends, schools and associations behind for new ones. Try convincing a child he must leave everything behind, I myself would have had to be dragged kicking and screaming. It is easy to understand why moving is traumatic, but very difficult to accept. Without familiar things to identify who we are, we often feel alone and out of place in a new community. Culture shock can help be avoided by researching our new cities and towns and preparation. United Van Lines has an Excellent “Neghbourhoods” package for every major city, listing popular schools, parks, organizations, landmarks, and night life. Ask your abbeyWood move planner for more information, resources and discount offers in your new community.


In the meantime the following suggestions may help make the move less stressful – and save you from needing a bottle of aspirin on the big day.


Prior to the Move
• Be Prepared – Advance planning and organization will make your move go smoother. Keep all documents related to your move in one, easily accessible location. Use a folder, notebook, or even a daily planner to keep track of important phone numbers and documents. Referrals for new physicians, maps of your new town and contact information for old friends are just a few more things that you may want to stash in your organizer.


• Makin' a List – Make a schedule of appointments to turn on and off your electricity, gas, water, cable and other fundamentals for your home. This is also a good time to do some online research on your new community. Make notes about restaurants and other places in the area.
Name the Place – Label each box with the name of the corresponding room. You can write directly on the box or to make it even easier, print out large computer labels and stick them to the box.


• Let Them Know – Fill out the United States Postal Service change of address form six to eight weeks prior to your move to make sure you receive your mail when you relocate. The form can be found at www.usps.com/moversguide/welcome.htm. And make sure you let the IRS know, too. A change of address form (Form No. 8822) is available on their Web site (www.irs.gov).


On Move-In Day
• Small Wonders – Try to keep children occupied. Have coloring books or other toys readily available to fill the children's time while the movers are bringing items into the home. Ask if your new neighbours have children that your children can play with during this time or if they know of a babysitter that would be available to help out.


• Fuzzy Friends – If you have a pet, put him/her in an isolated room with food, water and bedding. Post a note reminding everybody to keep the door shut; otherwise, your pet could get injured or even lost.


• Home Sweet Home – Begin by opening boxes that you will need first, such as ones that contain necessities like paper towels, trash bags and light bulbs. The easiest way to recognize these boxes is to mark them with a bright colored sticker or a special notation that makes them stand out from the rest. Take care of the bathroom and bedrooms first, and then move on to the kitchen and other living spaces. Keep a trash bag in every room, so packing materials can be discarded as you go.


• What's Cooking – Trying to fix a meal while still unpacking causes undue stress. Take this chance to find a new and different place to eat, or if you are feeling homesick, find an old favourite and enjoy a meal. If you don't feel like going out, c heck your new telephone directory for restaurants that will deliver or look back to the list you made from Internet research before you moved.
After Move-In


• Get Involved – Time, effort and courage will help you integrate yourself into your new community.
Remember...it's a gradual process, but your patience will be rewarded in the long run. Go for a drive, walk or bicycle ride to learn your way around and meet your new neighbors and see your new town.


• Join In – Look for clubs that match your interests. Running, reading, sewing…there are unlimited possibilities of organizations that can help you meet people in your new community. Check the local library or grocery store bulletin boards for notices of meetings. Don't forget that children's sports leagues, churches, and other parts of your life in your old community will still be available in your new one.


• Keep Smiling – Make sure you have “me time” everyday. Take a moment for yourself to figure out what you need to feel better during this emotional time. And, try not to sweat the small stuff. Remember that it is OK to miss the way things were, but take time to appreciate the new things in your life. Staying positive and keeping an optimistic attitude will help you adjust to your new home more quickly.


(Moving is rated as the third most stressful life event according to reports by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Employee Relocation Council to name a few.)

Canada and USA Rules on Importing Wine and Alcohol

Moving a wine collection across provincial, state or international borders is not a simple task. Federal liquor laws were first passed 80 years ago during the end of prohibition, so allowances for NAFTA and other trade agreements are not originally built into the legal structure. The general public is allowed to import Wine and other forms of alcohol for personal use under strict rules. It is illegal to sell wine out of province or country without a valid license and approval by each province / state liquor authority. Each province / state has their own unique set of rules, restrictions, and duties applied to the importation of alcoholic beverages. For example, Ontario allows 1.5 liters of wine to be imported for personal use duty-free after being out of country for 48 hours, or if taking up residency. Any wine imported above this limit will be subject to various duties and taxes. The CBSA has the legal authority to collect taxes and duties at the border. However, when moving with a bonded carrier such as abbeyWood your household shipment typically clears customs at an inland port such as STREAM in Mississauga, Ontario. The Majority of the charges are actually markups set by the liquor board. If the amounts are not paid the product will likely be confiscated (section 19 of the Liquor Distribution Act). New settlers taking up residency in Canada are typically allowed 1.5 liters of wine or 1.14 liters of alcoholic beverages or up to 8.5 liters of beer. Check with the appropriate provincial or territorial liquor control authority in advance of your arrival in Canada to find out the current restrictions and applicable tariffs.

Importing Wine into Canada
(Returning Residences over 1 year, Immigrants, Work Permits)

When moving into Canada your household shipment is entering under the designation of personal effects not for resale. Your wine or alcohol collection is part of this shipment but will be subject to duties, taxes or other service fees. In Ontario an Import Permit is required for any alcohol above:
• 1.5 liters of wine; or
• a total of 1.14 liters of alcoholic beverages; or
• Up to a maximum of 8.5 liters of beer or ale.
The Ontario Import permit is applied for and obtained prior to entering the country. It is typically mailed in and covers taxation at a provincial level only. Federal tax may still be applicable.
For Ontario, all alcohol imported with household effects:

-must be reported on the Permit of Application, and
-must not exceed: 120 bottles of spirits that are 750ml, 1L or 1.14L and 1200 bottles of wine that are 750 ml or 1L in size, and
-must have been owned, possessed, and used by you for at least six months before your return to Canada, if you have lived outside Canada less than five years, and
-must have been owned, possessed, and used by you before your return to Canada, if you have lived outside Canada five or more years, and
-must be imported from the same place you are returning to Canada from
Source: LCBO 2254

Check with the appropriate provincial or territorial liquor control authority in advance of your arrival in Canada as the levy varies per province.

Importing Wine into Canada
(For personal use, and when not moving)
Alcohol above the duty-free limit can still be imported into Canada, but taxation will occur. Residences are allowed to import alcohol for personal use, and different rates apply if they accompanied or unaccompanied across the border.

Ontario Alcohol Importation Requirements:
• Be an Ontario resident 19 years of age or older;
• Be bringing products back for personal use only;
• Returning residents are not exceed a total of 45-litres of beverage alcohol (any combination of wine, spirits or beer);
• Have all proof-of-purchase documentation including sales and credit card receipts ready to present to Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) officials when you are going through Customs;
• Pay all applicable import and excise duties, taxes and levies as detailed below.

As the second chart illustrates it is possible to have alcohol for personal consumption shipped back to your residence in Ontario unaccompanied but it is more expensive. You MUST use a freight carrier and not a postal service to transport the alcohol. LCBO will appoint a customs broker such as UPS Supply Chain Solutions and calculate the applicable taxes, duties, levies and broker fees. It is up to the shipper to make sure all requirements are met and documentation is fully completed. It is also the shipper’s responsibility to pay any additional storage, or service charges incurred.
When making a direct shipment you must:
• Be an Ontario resident 19 years of age or older;
• Be importing products for personal use only;
• Not exceed a total of 45-litres of beverage alcohol (any combination of wine, spirits or beer);
• Provide documentation indicating the value of your shipment (supplier invoices, etc.) along with proof of payment (typically a credit card receipt).
In addition, the shipment must:
• Be consigned to the LCBO c/o yourself on the shipment manifest or bill of lading;
• Be clearly marked as beverage alcohol on all transport and customs documentation;
• Not include any non-alcohol items, just beverage alcohol;
• Be accompanied by a completed Canada Customs Invoice (CCI) indicating the brand name(s), vintage if applicable, alcohol by volume, format, quantity and accurate valuation (as noted above). CCIs are available by clicking here.
Please see the CBSA website for current rates, and restrictions per province. Click here to view the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act (Canada).
Bringing Wine into United States

Importing Wine and Alcohol to United States
In contrast the United States allows 1 litre of wine duty-free but the taxes and duties over the limits are considerably lower. See the U.S. CBP site for info. You will have to pay duties and taxes for any additional alcohol based on the state law you plan to reside in. Often these taxes and duties are not charged at the border due to the CBP being concerned mainly with federal law. For many people moving to the USA this is a blessing because your household shipment clears at the border, and not an inland port. Individual state laws are typically enforced by the local state departments.

Toronto Bed Bugs Registry. Search 2270 Compaints within Yahoo! Maps

Ever wondering if the building you’re moving into has a problem with bed bugs? Well the Folks at The Bed Bug Registry made a free public database where users can submit reports about Bed Bug outbreaks. It is all displayed in a neat Yahoo! Map and complaints show up as dots in the appropriate location. An alternative method for searching allows you to type in an address and view the results. Beware that the site does have some technical bugs of its own, and reports may be false. Either way we are happy to see a new way to keep track of this growing problem.

Tip:
Click City Maps then Toronto for the reports to appear on the map. Simply searching Toronto from the main page will not display the report on Yahoo! Maps. I’m sure they will fix that flaw at some point.

take a look

Moving & Storing Oriental Rugs / Persian Rugs

Those of us who are lucky enough to own handmade oriental rugs truly know the presence they bring to a room. The charming pieces of décor are as beautiful as they are delicate. We at abbeyWood Moving & Storage Toronto would like to extend our knowledge and expertise in storing oriental rugs and provide a few simple tips in rug maintenance.
Authentic, handmade oriental rugs require special care. It is especially true for antiques. The best way to move and store an oriental rug is flat. Since rugs are very large and flimsy it is almost impossible to accomplish this. When the rug is too large the correct method to move or store a rug is by rolling the rug tight enough to hold but loose enough to prevent creases. I have personally been on moves where customers have insisted on folding their antique rugs. This is a bad technique because the bends can weaken the foundation and break it if brittle. Over time the bends will cause creases. Creases can be rubbed by hand or ironed out with the cotton/wool setting. To find the correct direction to press the crease out, rub your hand across the pile towards the fringe, you will feel smooth one way, and roughness the opposite. Always iron the rug in its original direction and not against it. Another simple technique is to gently pull one end of the rug overtop towards the other in the direction of the pile, a shake or two can help in removing creases.

Pile in or Pile out when rolling? First Consider: the condition of pile, if it is knotted, silk or fragile, foundation condition, are there splits or breaks? Is it brittle? These factors will help you decide which side to roll inwards. The pile is generally more vulnerable than the foundation, so in most circumstances we roll rugs with the pile facing inwards. If the foundation is weak or if a lining has been sewn in we may reverse this. Lining will always wrinkle so it is better to have that wrinkle than the pile wrinkle. Be sure to roll in the direction of the pile instead of against the pile to prevent abrading the pile and stressing knots. Rolling around a support tube is recommended. Acid-free archival tubes are the best of choice and are used in museums and galleries alike. The tubing is expensive and runs about $2.00 per foot. A more common technique is to get a 3” cardboard rug tube and cover it with acid free paper such as Tyvek. By using plastic or tough synthetic paper such as “Tyvek’ the rug is protected from acidic chemicals, insects, and moisture. Do not use Traditional newspaper as it often contains acidic chemicals. Getting he roll started is often difficult if done alone and lining it up perfect can be challenging. Take excess paper and tape it to the roll to provide a guide. This way when you roll it will catch under the paper and also line up straight. The perfect material to finish off your roll is a layer of muslin. It is a good dust and light barrier that will not harm your rug. Place the muslin near the end of the carpet so when you roll it hooks in. the muslin should be long enough to wrap around the carpet 2-3 times and fold into the tubing from the edges. Many Museums now use clear polyethylene instead of muslin because it adds flood water and insect protection. When storing oriental rugs for more than a few months it is advised to have them professionally cleaned, and sprayed with insecticides. It is also recommended to obtain an appraisal so that professional movers have the item covered under their transit protection plan.
Post Move Tips:
-Try to keep the rug out of sunlight. Rotate your rug every season to allow even fading from light. It also ensures that the rug receives even wear from traffic.
-Repair any damage before the problem spreads. Have a specialist re-fringe, over-round, or reweave your rug to maintain its appearance.
-Place pads or cushion underneath to protect from wear and tear. Thin rugs benefit greatly from the added protection.
-Vacuum both sides push and pull over the entire rug except the fringes. Be gentle to apply enough force to clean, but not damage. If the vacuum has a rotating beater brush it can damage the rug.
-Clean spills immediately. Do not use soap or bleach. Spotless Turkish towels and club soda work wonders.
-If the fringe needs straightening flip it end over end by grabbing one side and walking it to the other. Do not use a comb. When the rug is upside-down the fringe usually straightens out. A shake or two may help straighten the fringe.
-Deep-cleaning and insect sprays will prolong the lifespan of your rug. Once every year or two is recommended
-Always keep your rug dry

Turco-Persian Rug Co. Ltd. is a great local GTA business that can offer cleaning, repair, and appraisal services in addition to rug sales.
Rolled rugs at abbeyWoods warehouse are placed into dedicated carpet storage

GAP reopening at Toronto's Eatons Center

For the past several months abbeyWood has been storing, delivering and unpacking new product and fixtures for the newly renovated GAP store at the Toronto Eaton's Center. We had to combine various shipments from countless vendors for one lucky stores facelift. 25 people and 5 trucks later the product was all delivered Monday night. Expect a fabulous grand reopening on Thursday November 17th. There will be a 40% off sale and a professional photographer on hand this weekend to take free modeling photographs. Sorry we have no photos of a sneak peak, you will have to come and see it for yoruself. Be sure to check out the beautifully renovated Baby GAP, Gap Kids, and adult store next time your at the Toronto Eaton’s center. And yes, we moved everything in from the light bulbs to the tables.