How to Assemble A Play Structure

Buying a new play structure from Rona or Costco? Or just moving a play structure from one house to another? There are certain tools and tips you should be aware of to make the assembly process go smoothly.

Play Structure Assembly Steps

Most children dream of having their very own playset in the backyard. This can be convenient for parents too, especially if you don’t live within close proximity to a park or a playground. Depending on how much time and money you wish to invest, you have a few options for creating your own backyard playground for your kids.

Buying a Used Outdoor Playset

You can often purchase a used kids playset at a fraction of the cost of buying new. As children grow up, parents find they have better uses for the yard space occupied by the playset, and so you can usually find ads in your local newspaper or online, and if you’re lucky, you might even find one for free. Keep in mind that your investment will be in the time required to dismantle, transport and reassemble the playset in your own backyard.

Assembling A Play Structure

Buying a new play structure from Rona or Costco? Or just moving a play structure from one house to another? There are certain tools and tips you should be aware of to make the assembly process go smoothly. Read more

Moving a backyard playground can be quite a process. Follow these tips below to make sure the process is completed properly and with minimal hassle.

1. Dismantle the Playground
2. Moving the Playground
3. Reassemble the Play Structure

How To Dismantle A Backyard Playground

 
1Review the user’s manual to familiarize yourself with how the playground was put together.


2Take pictures of the playground. Examine how it is put together and figure out what the fewest possible separations will be that will allow you to move it in flat sections. Pay special attention to how the accessories are attached and take extra photos before taking them apart.


3Take measurements of the height and width of the play structure to ensure that it will fit in the truck or trailer.


4Remove the swings from their hinges and store them in garbage bags or boxes, taking extra care not to tangle the chains.


5Unscrew the slide, monkey bars, crossbar and ladder.


6Place all the items in the truck or trailer with added padding between the wooden pieces and strap everything down securely.


7Be sure to clearly label and store all the screws and bolts in plastic bags or by securing with tape.

Moving A Playground

Reassemble the Playground

Assembling A Play Structure

Buying a new play structure from Rona or Costco? Or just moving a play structure from one house to another? There are certain tools and tips you should be aware of to make the assembly process go smoothly. Read more

Planning for A Hassle Free Moving Day With Kids

Moving day is always busy and when you have children, it can be downright hectic, but with advance planning you can save yourself a lot of hassle and keep your kids happy too. Here are some helpful tips for planning for moving day with kids.

Moving day is always busy but planning ahead can make the day go much more smoothly, especially for those with kids!

Winnipeg Housing Prices Rise in 2013

With Winnipeg’s warmer weather heating up the real estate market, many people are gearing up for the spring home buying season. Manitoba had one of Canada’s best-performing provincial economies in 2012, and the housing market continues to reflect that healthy growth. This means that potential home buyers can be confident that their new home purchase will retain its value and even increase in the months ahead.

If you are thinking about moving into a new home, right now is a good time to buy before property values go up even more. Those who are holding out for a decrease in prices are likely to be disappointed as Winnipeg continues to be a leader in the the real estate market.

The strength of Winnipeg’s housing market is a result of:

• low mortgage rates
  
• high employment levels
  
• an influx of new immigrants
  
• Manitoba properties have long been undervalued
  

The housing market is in the process of catching up and bouncing back. The declines in property values that occurred in the early 1990s are definitely a thing of the past. In fact, there has been no other period in Manitoba’s recent history when property values have increased at a faster pace than in the past decade. Add to that the chronically low apartment vacancy rate and the increase in rents – it has now become more affordable for many families to take the plunge and buy a home.

Many home buyers in the Winnipeg area are already turning a profit from the sale of their starter homes and they are now moving on to buy larger properties.

There is currently an increased demand for:

• detached bungalows
  
• standard condominiums
  
• and two-story homes
  

With many falling in the $200,000 to $300,000 range. That means that Winnipeg home buyers need to be prepared for competition and expect to encounter multiple offers, bidding wars and the possibility of paying above the asking price for their dream home.

Whether you are just entering Winnipeg’s real estate market or looking to upgrade to a brand new home, now is a great time to buy. By doing your research, being motivated and prepared, you can enter Winnipeg’s real estate market with confidence and buy the house of your dreams this spring!

Preparing for a move is a busy time and changing your mailing address and setting up utility providers before you move is a very important step. Not only will you this ensure that you have heat and water in your new home, but you will also be sure to stay current with bill payments and continue to receive any government benefits to which you are entitled, without interruption.

The following checklist provides some handy information on the necessary steps you need to take change your mailing address, to make your move as smooth as possible.

Household Utilities

Make sure that you read your metered utilities before you move in/out to avoid an inaccurately estimated bill. Have this information handy when you contact your utility company. Be sure to cancel your current utilities in advance and schedule a shut off date. You will want to set up your new utilities at the same time, to be sure that everything is turned on when you move into your new home.

In addition to the standard household utilities, you will want to contact your service providers for telephone, cell phone, internet, cable TV and satellite.

Change of Address
City of Winnipeg – Province of Manitoba – Canadian Government

To be sure that your payments stay on schedule, you receive your benefits on time and you keep your licenses current, it is important that you notify the appropriate organizations and government agencies to update your contact information, preferably before you move.

• Manitoba Health
  (can be changed through the Province of Manitoba’s Change of Address Service)
  
• City of Winnipeg: Property Assessment and Taxation
  (can be changed through the Province of Manitoba’s Change of Address Service)
  
• Canada Revenue Agency:
  http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ncm-tx/chngddrss-eng.html
  
• Employment Insurance
  http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/benefits/answer_eiaddress.shtml
  
• Canada Pension Plan & Old Age Security
  http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/oas/pension/answer_cppaddress.shtml
  
• Canadian Passport (no address change required)
  http://www.ppt.gc.ca/support/faq.aspx?lang=eng&id=q4003
  
• National Student Loans Service Centre
  https://nslsc.canlearn.ca/eng/default.aspx
  
• If you own a firearm, get in touch with the Canadian Firearms Centre
  http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/online_en-ligne/add_adr-eng.htm
  
• Update your voter’s registration with Elections Canada
  http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=vot&dir=faq&document=faqreg&lang=e#a2
  

Drivers License Address Change

Update your Drivers License, Vehicle Registration & Insurance.

You must report driver’s license address changes in person within 15 days to your Autopac agent or any Manitoba Public Insurance Service Centre. Manitoba Public Insurance can be reached at 204-985-7000 in the Winnipeg calling area.

Manitoba Public Insurance Website: http://www.mpi.mb.ca/EIC/Guide/CardChanges.html

Banks & Credit Cards – Financial Institutions

It is essential that you contact the banks, financial institutions and credit card companies that you have accounts with, providing them with your updated contact information and address change. You can do this by calling the toll-free customer service number on the back of the card or by visiting the appropriate website. Even if you decide you want to change your branch, most large banks will not require you to change your account. They will simply need to update their records with your new address.

• RBC Royal Bank
  http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/email.html
  
• Bank of Montreal
  http://www.bmo.com/home/personal?nav=top
  
• Scotia Bank
  http://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/0,,342,00.html
  
• TD Canada Trust
  http://www.tdcanadatrust.com/products-services/banking/index-banking.jsp
  
• Sears Credit Card
  http://www.searsfinancial.ca/creditcards.aspx
  
• BMO Mastercard
  http://www.bmo.com/home/personal/banking/rates/mastercard
  
• Visa Credit Card
  http://www.visa.ca/en/index.jsp
  

Forward Mail

To catch any items you may have missed, be sure to fill out a change of address form at the post office or change it online to have your mail forwarded to your new address.

Change your address with Canada Post online:
http://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/personal/productsservices/receive/coapermanent.jsf

Other Change of Address Tidbits

• Library card with Winnipeg Library
  
• Winnipeg Free Press
  https://selfserve.winnipegfreepress.com/cbwebserver/ChangeAddress.asp?temp=0
  
• Winnipeg Sun
  http://www.winnipegsun.com/subscribe/manage
  
• AAA Alarms
  http://www.winnipegsun.com/subscribe/manage
  
• Healthcare Providers – Doctors & Dentists
  
• Delivery services
  
• House & contents insurance
  
• Domestic and household service providers
  

When preparing your household items for a move, special attention needs to be given to your home electronics. Not only are these items valuable – they can also be very delicate and fragile.

The following tips give some helpful suggestions on safely packing a variety of electronics including plasma, LCD and flat screen televisions, stereo equipment, personal computers, printers, surround sound systems, DVD and VCR players and more.

1Call the professionals

Before attempting to move your wall-mounted television, TV antenna or satellite dish, be sure call your moving company for their suggestions. If you are unsure of how to dismantle and reinstall your electronics you can call one of Winnipeg’s many experts in this area such as Winnipeg Geek Squad

Professional movers may also offer the added service of packing sensitive electronic items like plasma televisions to minimize the chance of damage occurring by jarring, static electricity or extreme temperatures.

GoGetter Tip!

Tips for Moving in Winnipeg’s Cold Climate

Suggested Packing Material for Electronics

6Gather and use proper packing materials

The following items should be used to adequately protect your electronics and ensure their safe arrival at their new destination.

• Sturdy Boxes: It is recommended that you pack your electronics using the original packaging, if available. If that is not an option then it is advised that you use brand new boxes for electronic items to ensure the maximum integrity of the carton used to transport your valuable items.
  
• Bubble Sheeting: Be sure to purchase a generous amount of bubble sheeting (bubble wrap) to protect the glass screens on your televisions and computer monitors from scratches and breaks and to minimize the impact of shock and vibrations. Pay special attention to the corners and edges and use foam wedges or shoulders (if available). The use of proper cushioning material cannot be stressed enough.
  
• Anti-Static Loose Fill: It is very important to note that regular Styrofoam loose fill (peanuts) cause static electricity which can damage electronic items. Make sure that you stock up on anti-static loose fill for packing your home electronics to fill up extra space in the packing box as extra protection.
  
• Packing Tape and Cloth-Backed Tape: While regular packing tape can be used to seal up your packing boxes it is a good idea to invest in some cloth-backed tape to secure bubble sheeting on any glass surfaces or where there is concern about abrasion or marking of the surface. If cloth-backed tape is not available, masking tape can be used instead since it is generally easier to remove and less likely to leave glue residue on the surfaces of electronics or glass screens.
  

Don’t Have Packing Material on Hand?

GoGetter can pack your electronics for you! Call us before hand to discuss so we can be sure to have all materials and supplies on hand for packaging your electronics.

To purchase packing material GoGetter suggests purchasing boxes at Kemel Cartons, and all other packing materials from stores such as: UHaul or SSInc.

Items to move in your own vehicle

• plants
  
• pets
  
• grocery items (eggs, fruit, vegetables, milk)
  
• wine
  
• small electronics (iPods, laptops, batteries)
  

5 Pack Sensibly

When packing for a cold weather move, you need to think ahead. Be sure to get expert advice on how to bundle up your precious belongings for a ride in an unheated moving truck. Most electronics are highly sensitive to moisture and drastic temperature changes can destroy plasma televisions. So too, wood furniture can crack when exposed to freezing temperatures so extreme care is required.

6 Protect Your Floors

Before moving day, be sure to protect high traffic areas in both homes from snow, sand and water. You can use heavy cardboard or plastic sheeting secured with heavy duty tape or tacks on carpeted areas. This will not only keep your floors clean but it will also prevent falls on slippery floors.

7 Be Prepared

Be prepared and think ahead by keeping extra sand and shovels available in case of unexpected snowfall on moving day. It’s also helpful to have extra hats, mittens and lots of hot drinks on hand to keep you, your helpers and your movers warm and in good spirits.

Most moving companies will not transport your fish but some will move the actual aquarium, as long as you are willing to sign a damage waiver since a bump in the road and a shifting load can easily cause damages. You will need to take care of moving your fish in your own vehicle.

The following suggestions can be helpful in preparing for your move:

Moving an Aquarium: Tip #1: Preparing to Move the Aquarium

1 While the fish are still in the aquarium, disconnect the power and allow the tank to cool down for about 30 minutes. You will need to preserve the water and use it to transport your fish, the aquarium filter and any plants.

2Soften a net in warm water and use it to gently place each fish into a sealed bag filled with oxygen.

3Place the holding bag into a padded, compartmentalized container so that an even temperature can be maintained. You may wish to use a battery-powered air pump or an air stone too. You don’t need to worry about feeding the fish since they will be too stressed to eat and food will degrade the quality of the water. In fact, it can be beneficial to stop feeding the fish for a day or two before the move to prevent contamination.

Moving an Aquarium: Tip #2: Preventing Breakage to the Aquarium

Make sure you have bubble wrap and old towels or blankets on hand. You will need them to wrap the aquarium, the filter media and heaters. Keep in mind that the heater glass is extremely fragile so extra care will be required to wrap it safely to prevent breakage.

1Cover the tank with blankets and bubble wrap carefully securing with tape. You may want to put extra padding in and around the corners in case the edge are bumped.

2Take apart the filter system and individually wrap the smaller pieces and pack carefully in a large container, ensuring that lots of tape and bubble wrap are used as the filter media is especially delicate. Do not try to move the aquarium without removing the decor and gravel first or you will run the risk of having them bang against the glass and breaking it. Use containers to stack and transport your aquarium decor and stacking rocks. Make sure you don’t overload the containers to avoid damage to each item and to make for easier transportation.

3Using a scoop, place the aquarium gravel into plastic buckets and be sure that the lids are closed tightly to avoid spillage or contamination.

Moving an Aquarium: Tip #3: Reassembling the Aquarium

1Once your aquarium arrives at your new destination, choose a location that is within close proximity to plugs and outlets and that offers a stable and even surface. Make sure that the tank will not be placed in direct sunlight or be placed too close to high traffic areas.

2Add the transported gravel and plants to the tank first. Then gently fill the tank by syphoning in filtered water without disturbing the landscaping and reassemble the attachments, the lights, heaters, pumps and filters.

3Check and adjust the temperature, pH balance, chlorine and saline levels to ensure optimal water integrity and add a dose of stress reducer to the water to help calm the fish. Make sure that the temperature of the water in the tank is the same as that in the containers holding your fish.

4Slowly acclimate your fish to the new location by placing the holding bags into the aquarium to equalize the water temperatures and then gradually adding some of the new water to the bags to let the fish adjust. It’s best to start with your hardiest fish first to establish the nitrate cycle and then gradually introduce your other fish, just as you would when adding new fish to your aquarium. Keep a close eye and slow down the process if you notice any distress.

5Once all the fish have been added, be sure to test the water integrity on a daily basis and pay close attention to how your fish are behaving. With patience and keen observation you should be able to return the aquarium habitat to normal quite quickly so that you and your fish can both enjoy your new home!

Whether you are looking for novel ways to organize and declutter your living space, or are trying to get the most functionality out of a small room, IKEA Winnipeg offers affordable, funky ways to furnish your home and lots of inspiration, ideas and decorating options.

1IKEA Opening Day in Winnipeg Tip #1
Plan Ahead

Before you go out the door, take some time to browse the IKEA catalogue or visit their website to figure out what you want to buy. IKEA’s website allows you to create a printable list that you can bring with you to the store or save for later. Make a note of the names and models and consult the floor plan to get an idea of where your items will be located. You can also check that the items you wish to purchase are available before going to the store. Don’t forget that you can also make purchases online using IKEA’s handy shopping cart!

Make sure that you wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for an indoor, heated space. Don’t forget to gather all your measurements, paint and fabric samples before heading to IKEA’s grand opening!

2IKEA Opening Day in Winnipeg Tip #2
Arriving In The Showroom

When you arrive at IKEA on opening day your first stop will be the Showroom. Before you start browsing and exploring the sights be sure to get a map and orient yourself. Make sure to get a pencil and a shopping bag which will both be readily available upon entering the store. You will be gathering small items and noting larger items for pick up in the Marketplace.

3IKEA Opening Day in Winnipeg Tip #3
Don’t Forget To Take a Break!

One of the highlights of shopping at IKEA is taking a break and enjoying a meal in the restaurant. The menu items are very tasty and affordable and if you save your receipt you can often enjoy free promotions when you pay for your purchases in the Marketplace.

4IKEA Opening Day in Winnipeg Tip #4
Loading Up Your Cart

Once you have toured through the Showroom, you will arrive at the Marketplace. The first thing you need to do is find a cart. You will begin loading the items you wish to purchase at this stage. Remember to ask for assistance if you are having difficulty locating an item or if it is too big to move yourself. Don’t forget to get any extra items that are required for your purchases since some items require specially designed accessories.

5IKEA Opening Day in Winnipeg Tip #5
It’s Time to Check Out

Once you have all your items gathered on your cart, it is time to head to the check out. Keep in mind that GoGetter will pick up your goods at the store, deliver the goods to your home and assemble it for you when we arrive. Give us a call and we’ll be on our way!