Month: June 2019

Moving is a hassle and half before you even get to the big day, so it’s no surprise that most people don’t even think about the things that they legally can’t ask movers to haul for them from point A to point B. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back with the fast facts on what makes the No-Move list.

1. Hazardous Materials

Fireworks, Explosives, Ammunition, Oh MY! You may think to yourself while packing up that as long as you unload your weapon and nobody lights your boxes on fire, that you don’t even have to mention to your movers that you want them to haul these things. However, they are actually illegal to move, and you and the moving company could face some pretty serious repercussions if anybody found out the contents of your boxes. So be nice and play it safe, don’t ask your moving company to move hazardous materials.

2. Liquids

Now of course, you aren’t going to ask your movers to haul large tubs of water across the country, but did you know there are other liquids that you legally can’t have them transport? Paint, varnish, paint thinner, corrosives, gasoline, kerosene, oil, lighter fluid, propane tanks, heavy-duty cleaning fluids and chemicals are just scratching the surface on the liquids you cannot ask your moving company to take with the rest of your stuff. Even household items like batteries, nail polish, and nail polish remover are persona non grata in the moving game. And think about it, would you want any surprise leaks to turn your beautiful sectional pea green with a new Swiss cheese texture that exposes the springs and stuffing? We didn’t think so.

3. Pressurized Containers

Remember that in the process of moving, your items may get exposed to extreme temperatures, excessive pressure, bumps, and potentially drops, so make sure that the contents of your moving boxes can stand up to the challenge. Aerosol cans, fire extinguishers, oxygen tanks, and more make that infamous “can’t be moved” list due to risks of explosion.

4. Plants

Now of course, your prized hydrangeas aren’t going to hold up well squished in next to the college mini-fridge you keep telling yourself is going to make it to your office one day, but especially if you’re planning to leave Canada, remember that transporting plants across the nation’s borders can and will require a host of special forms, quarantine periods, and ultimately more hassle than they’re worth.

5. Perishable Items

This tip is on the house. In case this is your first move, no, you cannot take your meats and produce, frozen foods and dairy, or even your previously opened containers with your stuff in a moving truck. Since most trucks aren’t refrigerated, they will spoil, and they might leak out onto your other possessions.

So that’s it. The name of the game when it comes down to the don’ts of moving is if it leaks, explodes, corrodes, or perishes, don’t ask your movers to haul it for you. It puts them in a dangerous and awkward situation, and it could add a lot more stress to an already chaotic move. For more information, many online resources can also be found on the Matco website.

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From the sink you use to rinse your dishes to the dishwasher you use to wash your dishes, your kitchen needs a reliable plumbing system to keep it running properly and smoothly. Some plumbing issues can be fixed yourself, and others will need a plumber. Listed below are the top 4 kitchen plumbing issues that you may face and how to fix them.

1. Leaky Kitchen Faucet

The most common cause for a leaky faucet in the kitchen is a corroded piece inside of the faucet itself. The three pieces that can become corroded are the gasket, O-ring, and valve seat. If one or more of these items is corroded, you will need to replace them immediately. The dripping faucet happens because the faucet cannot hold the water back when these pieces corroded. Turn off the water, close the sink drain with a cover or rag, then take the faucet apart and remove and replace the corroded pieces. Be sure to remove any mineral deposit.

2. Dishwasher Backing up Into the Sink

Having suffered from this myself for a few months until I found a fix, I understand how frustrating and smelly this particular plumbing issue can be. The solution to this particular issue will depend upon why it’s happening. If the sink is clogged try this: put a cover on the sink drain and fill the sink with cold water before you run the dishwasher. Once it’s full, remove the cover and put the garbage disposal on so it can flush out the clog. If this doesn’t work, snake the drain. You can either hire a plumber to snake your drain or purchase one.

If the garbage disposal is jammed, just remove the drain plug to fix the issue.

3. Low Water Pressure

Although a nuisance, low water pressure in the kitchen sink is common. Typically, this is from a clogged aerator. Over time mineral build up can cause a block in the aerator. To fix this, remove the aerator and clean out all debris by dipping an old toothbrush in vinegar and gently brushing the aerator until the calcium and mineral build up is removed. Replace it when you’re done.

4. Broken Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal holds the disgusting task of getting rid of all the leftovers we shove down it within seconds. Unfortunately, sometimes things go down the disposal that should like potato peels, bones, or grease. When that happens, the disposal can get clogged. If this happens, first, try resetting it through the reset button. If that doesn’t work, run cold water down the sink for 15-20 seconds before putting the disposal on and 30 seconds after. If you’re still having issues, you may need to get a plumber there to see what’s going on with it. A good source for more information is the Drain Rescue website.

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People are relocating more frequently than ever these days. However, moving can be an incredibly stressful process if it isn’t handled with care and attention-to-detail. Hiring quality movers is an excellent investment that will pay off handsomely when you know your things are in the hands of experienced professionals. While most moves go generally smoothly in the hands of professionals, there will be a multitude of options to choose from. This can make the process of choosing the best movers seem overwhelming at first. You can utilize these four proven tips to make sure you choose the highest quality of movers for any small or large-scale move.

1. Ask About a Walk-Through

One excellent way to vet a moving company’s level of professionalism is to ask about the process they have for a walk-through. Ideally, no company can give you a 100% accurate quote for a project without actually seeing your things. There are exceptions for one-room moves or studio apartments. However, if you are moving an entire home, the best movers Toronto will likely want to do a walk-through to make sure both parties are happy with the provided quote.

2. Ensure Professional Equipment

Speak with the company directly about what type of equipment they are bringing. Any decent mover will have all the tools that are needed. A full-service moving company will also have moving pads, packaging and even boxes. You also want to ask about packing costs. This is often an add-on service that can get a little tricky. Movers may charge more to pack or wrap your things, leading to inflated prices. However, if you do choose to go this route you’ll need to dig into information about potential damages.

3. Follow the Rule of Three

It’s an old adage that you never should settle for a first offer. Even if you get a great feeling from the first moving company you contact, you should always get a minimum of three estimates from different companies. This will also help you see how various companies approach the chance to earn your business.

4. Get References on Moving Companies

One of the most overwhelming things you can do when you start looking for a moving company is to type in a generic search term. You’ll not only be overwhelmed, but you’ll end up seeing ads for months from moving companies you decided not to work with. If you are working with a real estate agent, ask that person for a referral. You can also ask friends, family members and co-workers in the area. Finally, there is a lot of power in online reviews that can help you choose the best movers for your particular move.

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