Category: Blog

It is no secret that cottage living in Canada is beautiful. Canada has some of the most spectacular lakes, forests, and mountains in the world making it very desirable for vacation homes. If you’re looking to buy a cottage, a great view isn’t the only thing you should consider. We’ve compiled a list of the most popular places, real estate trends, and pros and cons of cottage living to help you decide if investing in a cottage is right for you.

Top 3 Most Popular Places to Cottage in Canada

Sunshine Coast, British Columbia: Just north of Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast feels like a remote cluster of islands. These islands include waterside communities, ancient forests, inlets, and mountains. Just under a four-hour drive from Whistler, BC, the Sunshine Coast makes you feel secluded and yet still close to home.

Muskoka, Ontario: The heart of Ontario cottage country is Muskoka, Ontario. With 30 public beaches and over 1,600 lakes, there are many fun activities to do including boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming, waterskiing, cycling, ziplining, and golfing. Only about a three-hour drive from Toronto, Muskoka makes for a perfect spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia: Located in Northern Nova Scotia, the Bay of Fundy is home to some of the highest recorded tides in the world. There are tons of excursions and beautiful sites to see such as whale watching, fossil hunting, sampling fresh seafood, and touring the grounds of the award-winning Annapolis Valley wine vineyard.

Real Estate Market in Cottage Country

Real estate in Canada is shifting as the Bank of Canada interest rates climb and inflation is at an all-time high. Cottage prices in Canada are expected to reach an average high of $640,710 by the end of 2022, according to Royal LePage. Even though supply doesn’t match demand, there are many great options to consider across Canada to help satisfy your cottage craving. Instead of purchasing a cottage in the current market, there are always options to rent short term or for an extended period of time. By renting on sites such as; Airbnb and Vrbo, you will not have the major responsibilities and added expenses that come with owning your own cottage. Maintenance and bills are left up to the Host of the property. You, as the guest are only responsible to pay a nightly fee and take care of the property for as long as you’re there.

Pros and Cons of Cottage Country Living

Pros

• Quick getaway from the city
• Quiet living compared to city life, more relaxed and peaceful
• Stunning views
• More spacious property
• Close to nature, wildlife, lake/swimming, boating opportunities

Cons

• Fewer amenities nearby
• Will need a car or boat to go to majority of places
• Maintenance can be costly on both the cottage and property
• Any extras desires such as a boat, jet skis, canoes are an added expense

Over the past few years cottage living has certainly changed, but the beautiful views and relaxation have stayed the same. As you can see there are many advantages to living the cottage lifestyle, but it’s important to always do your own research before making the move.

At Atlas Canada, we understand the significance behind your collection. Whether it’s coins, cards, fine art, or something completely different, it is a personal and financial investment that requires the utmost attention when moving.

The last thing anyone wants is their prized possessions getting lost, damaged, or impacted by the moving process. Luckily, there are many ways to keep your collectables safe during the moving process.

Evaluating your Collection

Firstly, identify your collection and talk to your mover about it. For example, figuring out how many items are in your collection and the weight will determine a plan of action for your move. If your collection is made up of smaller pieces, such as comic books, stamps, vinyl records, toys, or similar sizes, consider bringing it with you in your car or small trailer, as it might not take up a lot of space. For larger collectables, you may want to consider choosing dependable movers and packers to help.

It is important to note that there are some items prohibited from being shipped on the moving van. For more information on non-admissible items, ask your Atlas moving agent.

Whether you seek the assistance of professional movers, or decide to move on your own, it is important to incorporate these steps early on:

• Make an inventory of all the items in your collection. This will help ensure all your items are in attendance and accounted for before moving day. It will also make the unpacking process that much easier, getting you back to enjoying your collection that much faster.

• Look into the specifics of safely transporting your collection. If you are a member of a collecting community, or perhaps have connections with collectors who have previously moved locations, reaching out for information and advice is an excellent option. Be sure to share this information with your moving professionals before they pack up the truck for transportation.

How your professional movers and packers help you move your collection

Our professional movers and packers are at your disposal and will assist you with top-of-the-line service to ensure a seamless moving process. Our trustworthy team of experts have experience securely packaging and transporting items that are rare and unique. You can rest easy knowing our team has dealt with large collections in the past and devise a comprehensive plan to transport the things that matter to you the most.

Moving can be one of the most stressful events in a person’s life, especially when doing it for the first time. Atlas Canada wants to make sure you understand how to make the best decisions to reduce stress and get you on your way. Whether you choose to move by yourself or with the help of our team of professionals, here are some tips to get you started.

Plan ahead:

Moving can be a complicated process. It requires coordination, organization, and planning to ensure everything runs smoothly. Lucky for you, Atlas Canada is proud of the work we do, and has an experienced team of Moving Consultants, Van Operators, and Professional Packers across Canada to help every step of the way.

Once you know you’re going to move, consider making a detailed list of tasks that should be completed before your big day.

Some of these tasks might include:

• Gathering estimates, hiring movers, and deciding whether additional relocation services are required, such as professional packers to handle your items safely.
• If you are not hiring movers, gather packing supplies from local businesses, online, or social groups to make packing and unpacking easier.
• Remember to schedule shutoff dates for your home’s utilities and other services, such as cable TV and Internet, at your old home and prepare for them at your new one.
• Cleaning your home before moving out.
• If you rent your old home, set up a move-out date as well as a final inspection with your landlord.
• Have a route to your new home planned. This is especially important for long distance moves and gives you the opportunity to implement planned pit-stops for longer drives.

For more information on moving, visit our resources tab for more tips, checklists, and other useful information.

Plan your first few days in your new home:

Once your new home has been established, the next step in your moving process should be to plan to make the first few days as comfortable and manageable as possible. It is important to note that you may arrive before your items, as previously mentioned in our “Moving Process” blog post. For this reason, packing a bag for the first few days is an excellent way to stay organized.

Some of these items include:

• Clothes; for work or casual wear. You can never go wrong with spare changes of clothes.
• Medications, toiletries, towels and other regularly used items.
• Bedsheets for each occupied room
• Charging equipment for your phones, laptops, and tablets.
• Some disposable dishware including utensils, plates, and cups.

Find dependable movers and packers

Trustworthy movers and packers will make the moving process that much easier. Reach out to local companies with good, honest reviews and ensure their services are legitimate. The last thing you want is a rogue mover. Price is also an important factor, but the lowest price should not be the only thing you consider. Make sure to check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Canadian Associate of Movers (CAM) to ensure their reputation is in good standing. Watch our “How to Choose a Mover” video to find out more!

Moving can be complicated. In fact, it is one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. There is a lot that goes into moving, especially when travelling longer distances, which is why Atlas Van Lines Canada is here to help every step of the way. What better way to move than to do it with professionals? Here is a quick step by step guide of what it looks like to move with the experts here at Atlas!

The Survey:

• Your Atlas Moving Consultant will meet with you to learn about your move, answer all your questions and explain how our Quality Assurance Certificate protects you.
• The Consultant will also do a survey of your home to make sure we understand your needs and provide you with an accurate estimate and moving plan.

The Estimate:

• Your Atlas Moving Consultant will provide you with an estimate and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We want to ensure you make an informed choice when selecting a moving company to take care of your move.
• Your Atlas Moving Consultant will also be provide you with a Transit Time Guide which includes an estimated delivery date for moving your possessions between your old and new homes.

Booking:

• If you choose Atlas Canada, we will walk you through and sign the Quality Assurance Certificate which outlines our essential moving services.
• A confirmation of your moving details and the Transit Time Guide will be provided to you in writing. At this point, our payment options will be outlined for your convenience.

Packing:

• Our trained team of Atlas Canada packing professionals has the resources to ensure all your possessions arrive safely to your new home. If you choose to pack yourself, we provide tips based on our experience to maximize packing efficiency. We also provide the best materials for packing at a reasonable cost.
• There are certain items that are prohibited and therefore cannot be transported by Atlas Canada. For these products, we can give advice on how you can transport o dispose of them safely.

Professional Van Operator:

• With years of moving experience, your Professional Van Operator  (PVO) will ensure the truck is loaded properly and safely. Your PVO is dedicated to satisfying you with their exceptional service.

Moving Day:

• Now we are ready to load your possessions. Your PVO will ensure that your house is protected during the loading process by putting up temporary banister padding, floor runners, plastic wrap, and blankets for furniture. You can rest easy that your items will be handled with care and packed safely.
• In addition to this, your PVO will create a detailed inventory of your possessions to keep track of your items.

Transit:

• Once everything is loaded, the Atlas truck will arrive at the government-inspected weigh station to ensure your estimated weight is accurate. Your possessions will make the long-distance journey in a specially equipped air-ride Atlas Truck, specifically designed for moving your household goods. This process may include a few days in secure storage.
• When crossing the border, your Moving Consultant will ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork and an understanding of all the requirements prior to your move.

Transit Protection Plans:

• In terms of transit protection, Atlas offers two coverage options for long-distance moves:
  • Full Protection: This option is valued at $10 multiplied by the weight of your shipment in pounds (lbs). This is a comprehensive protection plan for your possessions.

• • Basic Protection: $0.60/pound. For example, a 32’ TV would be covered up to $33.

Delivery and Unpacking:

• Your Professional Van Operator will contact you a minimum of 24 hours ahead of delivery to allow you to prepare for the unloading process.
• As the movers unload your possessions with extreme care, you can start checking off items on the inventory list to ensure all is in order.
• At this point, carrier-packed items will be removed from cartons and placed in your home as directed, as well as the removal of packing material and debris one the unpacking process has been completed.

After Move Follow Up:

• After your move is completed, your Professional Moving Consultant will follow up with you to make sure you are settled in and will provide you with a quality questionnaire.
• At Atlas, we strive to deliver exceptional service every step of the way, this post-move follow-up helps us understand how we can better serve our customers in the future.

Seasons are changing, and that means it’s time to get your garden ready to shine for the spring and summer months ahead. To help get started, we sat down with some expert gardeners who revealed their best gardening secrets to create a lively, home oasis.

Here are some tips from Canadian homeowners who can’t wait to get outside and work on their gardens.

Start Properly, Not Too Early

When starting your gardening after the winter it is important to be patient and let nature takes its course. Even if the ground seems like it is thawed, there are still insects and pollinators overwintering in the debris that need time to change with the seasons. With temperatures still changing rapidly, it is best to wait until the temperature evens out so that the seasonal activity of the ground is consistent.

Plan Your Layout

Take time develop a strategy and outline what will go where in your garden to make it easier when planting and buying. Knowing where things will go will help you decide how much you need to buy in terms of materials (dirt, woodchips, garden fencing, etc.). Spend a few days watching the weather patterns where the garden will be. Look for what parts are getting sun and for how long.

Do Your Research

Talk to other gardeners, workers at the garden center, and research online to clear up any questions you have before you start planting. Knowing what plant seeds you need and what type of soil they thrive in will help you when starting your garden.

Today’s gardener has shifted their focus on creating a greener and more eco-friendly atmosphere in their outdoor space. It is important to be mindful of providing habitats for insects, birds, small animals, and others living outdoors. The return to native plants and fostering a healthy and more sustainable planet has become a big part of many people’s lives.

DIY projects are a great way to personalize your home, expand your skills, and fill your down time with rewarding work.

As the world has been spending more time at home these days, we thought it was a great time to run a social media contest asking the public to show us their fun DIY home projects for the chance to win!

We received all types of entries from small art projects to big home renos and were amazed by the effort put into each piece of work. There was no project too big or too small because we know creativity comes in all shapes and sizes! With the help of our social media followers, we narrowed down our top 4 favourite projects we hope inspire you below.

Project 1: Recycled Bottle Cap Magnets and Buttons

– Made by Jenna L.

Get creative with what you already have and use old materials around the house. Save old bottle caps and turn them into magnets or buttons with your favourite sayings, logos or characters on them.

These cool DIY magnets and buttons are completely upcycled using recycled bottle caps, old magnets and earrings. They are environmentally friendly crafts that will bring a personal touch to your home and are also great as gifts.

Quick Tips for this DIY

• Test out different paints, markers, and any other decorating material on your bottle caps to see what works best
• Try to use bottle caps with a less colourful design on them for easier painting

Project 2: Upgrading Your Fireplace

– Made by Paul C.

If you have an outdated fireplace or are just looking for a new design, there are lots of DIY ways you can create a brand-new look. Paul’s DIY fireplace upgrade was a big project that began with ripping out the original material and covering it with reclaimed brick. A new mantle was built out of rough pine to give it a more antique feel and it turned out beautiful!

It is important to remember that all upgrades can always be customized to your style and budget. A simple coat of paint on your fireplace can do wonders in bringing the room together with a more current look and feel.

Quick Tips for this DIY

• Make sure the fireplace is completely cooled or has no risk of turning on during your project
• Make a plan for your design, including budget, colour scheme, materials and overall esthetic

Project 3: Homemade Stylish Signs

– Made by Tara H.

Get festive for the holidays and make some homemade decorations with the kids! Whether you buy craft kits and spruce it up yourself or make something from scratch there is lots of fun to be had with these DIY projects.

Crafting can become a great hobby and is always something fun to do with the whole family. Instead of hunting around the stores for the perfect holiday decoration why not create it at home!

Quick Tips for this DIY

• Make sure you measure but don’t stress if the cuts aren’t 100% accurate
• If you’re newer to painting or designing, practice on a sheet of paper first

Project 4: Reviving Your Old Deck

Made by Victor C.

Not all DIY projects need to be started from scratch. Sometimes it’s all about reviving an old piece, like this deck, and making it feel brand new again.

There are many different stages of DIY that go along with your level of experience. Some of the easiest ways to revive an old deck is giving it a good clean. This includes scraping off any loose wood chips, applying a wood cleaner, giving it a wash, and then putting a fresh coat of stain on top. These types of projects will protect your deck in the long run, create a cleaner look, and save you money.

Quick Tips for this DIY

• Research the best types of wood cleaners and finishes for your specific deck
• Rent tools such as power washers from your local hardware store

Moving during the current pandemic is a lot different than moving has been in the past. There are new precautions, mandatory rules, and behaviours that need to be followed.

Our priority throughout this pandemic has always been to keep our customers and our teams’ safe while continuing to provide exceptional quality service. Our team of professional movers are here to help you adapt to these new changes and make your move as stress-free as possible. The following tips were designed to help you prepare and feel more comfortable moving during a pandemic:

Tip 1: Research Your Moving Company

It’s important to stay informed and make sure the company you hire is following the correct procedures. Protect yourself and your family by researching your moving company before you start taking out your wallet. Search for a company that is clear with their COVID-19 procedures and is able to provide the level of comfort you are looking for.

Atlas Canada and our network of mover agents will continue to follow the recommended protocols of Health Canada, the CDC, and WHO. These help us ensure that there is a uniform set of guidelines and safety measures across all of our operations. If you have further questions about our safety protocols, please contact your local Atlas Van Lines moving agent to ensure peace of mind when moving.

Tip 2: Find a Moving Estimate

We know cost can be a major driving factor when choosing a mover, especially during the pandemic. Many people are planning their finances well in advance and considering all aspects of cost before making decisions. Atlas Van Lines can help you plan by providing you a moving estimate to ensure you know what to expect. Click to get your moving estimate today!

Tip 3: Plan Your Pre-Move Shopping

As many stores are limited to the number of people indoors or have resorted to curbside pick-up only, it is necessary to plan in advance what moving materials you will need. To try and limit the amount of contact you have with others, it’s best to plan what you need and where you need to go. What supplies do you need? What stores carry these supplies? Make a list to ensure you have enough packing and moving supplies so you don’t need to worry about running out last minute. If you can, try to limit yourself to 1-3 stores during your outing.

While shopping for moving supplies, don’t forget to pick up some safety materials as well. Make sure you’re stocked up on gloves you may need, hand sanitizer, cleaning products, and disposable masks. Having enough supplies will make it easier to follow health guidelines during your move.

Tip 4: Use Safety Supplies and Follow Procedures

Now that you’ve been able to go out and get all of your supplies, make sure you put them to use. Sanitizing and cleaning high touch surfaces before the move is important, but it is also important to try and maintain these efforts throughout moving day as well. Create a sanitizing station with all the essentials and assign one person to make sure high traffic areas are sanitized.

Tip 5: Designate a Point of Contact

Someone should also be designated as the main point of contact with the movers. This will limit closer contact with our team and your family to reduce any risk. Make sure you are following safety guidelines such as staying six feet apart, washing/sanitizing your hands, wearing a mask, and not removing your mask while interacting with others will help keep everyone safe.

By sharing the above tips, we hope to help you stay informed on how moving has changed during the pandemic and ways we can make the process less stressful for you. We can’t wait to help you Go New Places®.

Moving is an event that everyone can relate to. Whether you are moving to your first home, upsizing, downsizing, or even relocating for work, we all go through the process at some point in our lives.

There is a lot that goes into making a move successful and the process is time consuming to say the least. As professional movers we’ve shared some of our best tips on how to save money on a move, pack like a pro, and even settle in to a new city. But we wanted to hear first hand from you what tips and tricks you’ve learnt from your own experiences to make moving easier.

We ran a social media contest asking the public to submit their best moving tips for the chance to win a gift card to Home Depot and have their tip featured here in an Atlas Canada blog.

We were amazed by all the different tips we received and after much deliberation, narrowed it down to our 3 winners. Each tip was chosen for practicality and the ability to think outside of the box. Keep reading to see what our winners had to say and don’t forget to check the Atlas Canada Facebook page for more monthly contests!

Tip 1: Keep track of everything

Have a notebook for keeping track of all the things you have to do. Utilities to terminate and new accounts to open. All the persons and companies you have to notify of your address change. The dates completed, persons you speak with and confirmation numbers will all be in one place.”
– Susan H.

When it comes to staying organized while moving, it’s easy to lose track of what needs to be done. Having a notebook to write down your progress and to do list can put your mind at ease as well as help you stay focused during a busy time.

Tip 2: Use detail when labeling boxes

“When I label my moving boxes, I go into more detail than just writing “Bathroom” or “Bedroom.” I’ll list some of the main contents so that I can easily find items when I’m unpacking or when I’m trying to survive those first few days of having my life in boxes. So instead of just “Kitchen”, for example, my label will be “Kitchen: mixing bowls, strainers, cutting boards”. It is a little extra work up front but saves so much time in the end!”
– Alison G.

Labelling boxes is very important when moving because it allows you and the movers to know exactly where everything goes. This tip alone will speed up the moving process drastically. But taking it one step further and writing down specific items within the box will make finding whatever you need, when you need it, that much easier.

Tip 3: Use coloured tape or labels

“Use different colored tape to seal the boxes for each room you pack. Then when you arrive at your new home you can easily stick the coloured tape on each room’s wall and everyone will know which box goes where.”
– Monica L.

Coloured tape is a creative and effective way of showing which room each box should go in when unloading your belongings. For example, all the kitchen boxes could have blue tape on them and the kitchen door itself could have a blue sticky note to direct all helpers. Colours are easily seen from a distance making the unloading process much quicker and more efficient.

To celebrate the beginning of spring, we ran a social media contest asking the public to submit their best gardening tips.

The top 3 tips were selected to win a gift card to a garden centre of their choice and have their tip featured in an Atlas Canada Blog. The entries poured in from all across Canada and we were truly amazed by the knowledge, expertise and even humour added to these tips. Keep reading to see what our winners had to say and check out the Atlas Canada Facebook page Atlas Canada Facebook page for more monthly contests!

Tip 1: Use Organic Waste

“I use banana peels, coffee grounds, and egg shells to grow my garden. I chop my banana peels and add them to my soil around the garden. Bananas add potassium and nitrogen to the soil and it works similar to a slow-release fertilizer. The coffee grounds I also use for blueberries and azalea flowers mostly as they love acid. The eggshells I never throw out; I let them dry, crush them and then add them to the soil for extra calcium and to prevent vegetables from Blossom rot.”
– Barb M.

Who knew kitchen waste can be such a great organic fertilizer for your garden! Aside from using banana peels, coffee grounds and egg shells, citrus fruits can also be used to keep pests away from plants. However, it is important to note not all waste is good waste. Leave out any grease, oils, meats and dairy products as it will lead to a sloppy mess.

Tip 2: Use Wildlife to Your Advantage

“When you plant carrots, wait until rabbits come around your garden. If they sniff your carrots then don’t try any, you know they’re not ready yet. If they take one out of the ground, they’re ready! Rabbits know best!”
– Olivia A.

Attracting animals to your garden isn’t always a bad thing. Animals can sense when produce is ready for picking and if plants are poisonous. Toads, bats, and lizards help decrease the population of unwanted insects. Their arrival indicates that you have a healthy ecosystem to sustain them.

Tip 3: Fish as Fertilizer

“Use fish heads to grow the biggest and best tomatoes as it provides nitrogen and calcium during decomposition. Most gardeners will use the head, but any part will work. These nutrients encourage healthy leaf and branch growth.”
-Jo-Anne P.

Other than growing the biggest and best tomatoes, fish fertilizers provide natural nutrients to soil to help grow many different kinds of crops. The best way to use the left over pieces of fish is to blend or grind the scraps, then work it into the soil. Make sure to bury it deep to avoid attracting unwanted animals. The only disadvantage about using fish fertilizer is that it can sometimes be a bit smelly!

If you have the luxury of choice, consider moving during non-peak season when the demand for movers isn’t as high.

This season usually falls between the months of fall and winter when temperatures start to drop. As long as you properly prepare for the weather, moving during these months can save you money and time. Here are a few advantages to moving during non-peak season.

Lower Moving Costs

The number one advantage to moving during non-peak season is lower prices. Moving can be costly, especially if you are travelling long distance across Canada or the United States. The good news about moving in the slower season is that credible movers will lower their costs to attract more customers. If you have a strict moving budget, consider arranging your move during this time to save yourself a ton of money!

Flexibility on Dates

It is always a good idea to book your move as soon as possible regardless of the time of year. However, throughout non-peak season movers have much more flexibility in their calendars to accommodate your preferred dates. Unforeseen delays or changes do happen in the buying, selling and moving process. Knowing your mover has the flexibility to adjust and work with you will give you additional peace of mind during what can be a stressful time. In peak moving season which falls in the spring and summer, your mover should be arranged at least 6-8 weeks prior to your move to ensure you get your required date.

More Time to Settle in

People typically spend a lot more time bundled up indoors come winter. Especially if you have children, the outdoor activities and events start to wind down and shift inside. During this quieter season there is a lot more time to plan and settle in after a move. Unpacking, decorating and organizing your belongings are much easier when you aren’t juggling your time with outdoor activities and day camps. Find some time to scout out your new area and discover all the nearby attractions and amenities as well.