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Just a reminder that we will be CLOSED on Friday April 14, 2017 for Good Friday. We will be open on Saturday April 15, 2017 from 9am to 2pm and on Monday April 17, 2017 from 8:30am to 4:30pm. I hope everyone has a safe and happy Easter Long Weekend.

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS! We are getting a ton of rain so we should see some beautiful flowers blooming in May. I wanted to give everyone a heads up that we will be CLOSED on Friday April 14, 2017 for GOOD FRIDAY! We will be open on Saturday April 15, 2017 from 9:00am - 2:00pm. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Wanda at 705-640-0040 or you can e-mail wanda@aspiremuskoka.ca You can also check out our website at www.aspiremuskoka.ca

It’s a warmer, wet, foggy kind of day here in Muskoka to start off another week of work and unpredictable weather. If you are worried about possible flooding and items being damaged, we can help. We still have a few 10 X 15 storage lockers available for rent at our SPEACIAL RATE OF $199.99 a month inside our climate controlled, secure building. Access is during our hours of operation only giving you the piece of the mind that your belongings are safe and secure. Our hours of operation are: Monday – Wednesday 8:30am to 4:30pm Thursday – 8:30am to 7:30pm Friday – 8:30am to 4:30pm Saturday – 9:00am to 2:00pm For more information please call Wanda at 705-640-0040 or you can e-mail wanda@aspiremuskoka.ca Check out our web-site at www.aspiremuskoka.ca Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter.

Old Man winter has reared his ugly head once again giving us more snow. Just when I thought the worst was over and the weather was going to get warmer and warmer Mother Nature intervenes and gives us another blast of winter. The only thing predictable about Mother Nature is she's unpredictable. The weather is not an issure when your storage locker is inside our climate controlled, secure building. You are able to drive right inside our ground level facility for easy off and on loading. Our "Wishing For Spring" SPECIAL is still on. Rent a 10 X 15 storage unit for only $199.99. That's a savings of $40.00 a month. For more information please call Wanda at 705-640-0040 or you can e-mail wanda@aspiremuskoka.ca Check out our website at www.aspiremuskoka.ca Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Hiring a Moving Company – Protect your Rights I dread moving. I dislike everything about it. The packing, lifting, loading, unloading, unpacking, organizing and cleaning. It’s so stressful, chaotic and can be a logistical nightmare. Much of the stress that comes from moving can be relieved by hiring the right moving company. Moving companies are not licensed by the province of Ontario but by doing your research you can find a reliable, reputable company to hire. Ask family, friends and co-workers for recommendations. It would be better to hire a local business to make checking references easier and the movers can come out to your house to survey the contents to give you a more accurate quote/estimate. Check with the Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services Beware List and the Better Business Bureau and you can ask the Canadian Association of movers for recommendation. Steer clear of the “Cash Only” companies and ones that give quotes over the phone. They cannot see the contents of your home and could end up charging you a considerable amount more than the initial quote. The Contract Before signing any contract, be very clear about your wants and needs. Ask “What if” questions. “What if your vehicle breaks down or is stuck in a traffic jam – will that end up costing me more.” You do have rights under the Ontario’s Protection Act when you hire a mover. Contracts for moving services must: - Be in writing - Clearly outlines the terms of your agreement with the moving company - Have the moving companies name, address and all contact information on it - Description of all services with itemized pricing list - Total amount that you will be paying – under provincial law the final price cannot be more than 10% above agreed price - Start and End Date of service - Terms of payment For you protection you can also include: - The estimate given - Moving Companies Insurance Information - Who is responsible for any damage If you signed a contract with a company who misrepresented themselves, you can withdrawal from the contract within 1 year. After Signing the Contract How and where you sign the contract matters. Depending on how and where you entered into your contract there are more rules. - If you signed in person in your home, it is a Direct Agreement under the Consumer Protection Act and you have the right to a “cooling off” period of 10 days. Which means you can cancel the agreement/contract without any reason within those 10 days. The 10 days start when you receive a copy of the contract. This still applies if your move happens within these 10 days but you will have to compensate the company for services rendered. - If you do not get a copy of your contract with the basic information required, you can cancel the agreement within 1 year. - If you entered a contract online, it is an Internet Agreement under the Consumer Protection Act and the company must give you a chance to make corrections before accepting it and if they don’t you can cancel the agreement up to 7 days after you receive a copy. They must give you a written copy of the contract, even my e-mail, within 15 days of accepting the agreement. - If you enter a contract by phone or mail, it is a Remote Agreement under the Consumer Protection Act and the company must give you a chance to make corrections before accepting it and if they don’t you can cancel the agreement up to 7 days after you receive a copy. They must give you written copy of the contract. Moving Day To make things go smoothly on moving day there is a few steps you can take. - Be ready when movers arrive - Move personal documents and valuable items yourself - Supervise the pick-up and delivery of your items - Make a note of any damaged or missing items. ITEMS CANNOT BE HELD FOR EXTRA PAYMENT The company cannot pack your belongings and then tell you that extra money, above what was agreed upon, is needed to finish the job. This happens more than you think. Under the Consumer Protection Act, that is considered unfair practice. If you decide to pay extra because you feel you have no choice, write on the invoice that you “Paid Under Protest” and keep a copy of the invoice. The entire process of moving, whether it is across town or out of the county, is exhausting. Just thinking of moving makes me want to take a nap. Hiring a moving company can elevate some stress and some back breaking work when you hire the right company. Make sure to do your homework before choosing a moving a company and I hope my tips help you hire the right one. wg