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Business Travel, Corporate Housing, Lifestyle talk, Relocation, Toronto Family Travel, toronto toursim

How to Welcome an Employee Relocating

January 17, 2024

Thoughtful relocation support can make a big difference and can positively impact the performance and overall happiness of your new team member. So, how can you make your employee relocating feel right at home in their new city? Here are some ways that you can welcome your new employees so that you can make a great impression on them from the start.

Employee Relocating – Give Them a Welcome Pack

This is a lovely gesture that will make your new employee feel special. You can give it to them on the first day at work, or have it waiting for them at their accommodation. What should you put in it? How about:

  • A warm and friendly letter welcoming them to the city and the company.
  • A guide to the city with suggestions on interesting spots to visit.
  • Local snacks or cookies.
  • A bottle of wine or a case of local beer.
  • A map of the area where they will be living.
  • Coupons for discounts or freebies at local businesses.

Provide Them With Convenient Accommodation

Employee RelocatingPlacing your new employees in a hotel until they can move into a more permanent home isn’t a great solution, especially if they need to stay there for a month or longer. Instead, provide them with a furnished corporate housing apartment where they can enjoy all of the comforts of home, such as a kitchen, washer and dryer, living room, office space and parking.

Plus, make sure that they are located close to where they will be working. They are new to the city and they don’t want to be spending all of their time getting lost while commuting.

Create a Helpful Checklist

When locating a new province or country, there are a lot of things that your new employee will need to think about when getting themselves settled in their new home. This can be overwhelming for them, as there are so many things to do and it’s hard to know what is time-sensitive and what isn’t.

It can be very helpful to create a checklist for your employee relocating, to help them understand what needs to be done and what their priorities are. It will break down the large and overwhelming task into simpler and more manageable pieces. For reference, here’s a helpful checklist for employees moving to Canada from abroad.

Host Opportunities to Socialize

Employee RelocatingWhen your new employee arrives, they will likely not know anyone in the city and might feel a little bit lonely. You can make them feel more at home by hosting events where they will have a chance to make friends.

You can also offer information to them about other opportunities to meet people. If you aren’t sure what to suggest, ask your existing employees what events or get-togethers they attend or what things they did in the city to make friends when they first arrived. Many different activities and groups will welcome newcomers and make them feel like part of the community.

If you are looking for more information about employee relocation be sure to learn more about Employee Relocation and if you are looking for a place around Toronto, be sure to search which short-term rental works best for you.

Lifestyle talk

Trick or Treating Safety Tips Halloween

October 23, 2023

Trick or Treating Safety TipsHalloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for your little ones. They get to dress up in costumes and spend the evening knocking on doors and getting heaps of candy. It’s a quintessential childhood experience – but as the responsible adult, you play an important role in making sure trick or treating is done safely. Here are some trick-or-treating safety tips to keep in mind so that you can make sure your kids have a safe and happy Halloween.

Make Sure Their Costumes Are Visible

Wearing a black Batman cape at dusk means that drivers will have a very hard time seeing your child as they try to cross the road. Instead, go for bright and colourful costumes or attach reflective tape to the costume. Also, your child can carry glow sticks, a flashlight or any other type of flashing device to make them more visible in the dark.

Can They Move and See Clearly?

Sometimes the trouble with masks and hooded costumes is that they restrict vision. Your child may struggle to see out of the small eye holes in the mask, which could cause them to walk into traffic or take a nasty fall. It is better to wear face paint rather than masks so that your child’s vision is not obstructed. Also, make sure that their costume doesn’t restrict their movement and make them more likely to trip and fall over such as a long skirt dragging on the ground.

Be Smart Around Strangers

Some other trick or treating safety tips are to trick or treat in a familiar neighbourhood where you know most of the people who live there. Make sure that your child knows that they should never go inside someone’s house unless they know them. Only trick or treat at well-lit houses and do not approach someone’s property if the lights are not on.

Trick or Treating Safety TipsCheck Out the Candy Before Eating

When your child arrives home with a bag filled with sweets, make sure that you give it an inspection before you let them dig in. Watch out for any items that they are allergic to, or any sweets that look like they have been tampered with or are not in their original wrapping. You mTrick or Treating Safety Tipsight want to place the Halloween candy somewhere on a high shelf so that you can dole out a reasonable amount and avoid a candy binge sugar rush and subsequent crash.

Alone or With Adults?

Children that are quite young should always trick or treat with an adult, or at least with a responsible teenage sibling or family friend. However, your older pre-teen children may be able to trick or treat in a group without an adult. You know your own child and how responsible they are – so use your judgement. When they go out you should know what neighbourhood they will be trick or treating in, they should be contactable via mobile phone and they should agree to be back by a specific time.

Another thing to add is if your child is also showcasing some symptoms of a cold or flu, it might be best for them to stay home.

If you are looking for fun things to do or wondering where to buy a costume, check out this guide to find out the latest on what’s going on in Toronto!

Keep these trick-or-treating safety tips in mind for a fun and safe Halloween!

Energy Conservation, Lifestyle talk

Ways to Be Environmentally Friendly in Your Furnished Condo

September 26, 2023
Environmentally Friendly, Condo, Toronto, DelSuites

You might think that any impact you have on the environment is pretty small in the grand scheme of things – so does it really make much of a difference if you try to adjust your habits?

However, if everyone made some small adjustments then a big difference could be made. So, how can you be more environmentally friendly in your furnished condo?

Here Are Some Ways To Be More Environmentally Friendly In Your Furnished Condos

  • Open the blinds in the morning. It will let the sunlight in which will help to heat your furnished apartment in Toronto.
  • Switch to an environmentally friendly cleaner. It will ensure that fewer harsh chemicals are released into the environment and into the air you breathe. You can find one at a natural grocery store or even some of the mainstream ones – just read the labels carefully.
  • If you wash dishes in the sink under running water, you’re wasting a lot of water. Instead, fill up one tub with soapy water (look for eco-friendly bio-degradable soap) and then one with plain water for rinsing.
  • If you use a dishwasher, remember that thanks to the modern technology of most dishwashers it is no longer necessary to pre-rinse the dishes before you put them in. This saves you from wasting water – because sometimes you use more water to pre-rinse than you would for a full wash cycle.
  • When washing your clothes, try to use cold water and only wash during non-peak hours, such as 6-8 a.m. or 8-10 p.m.
  • Only run a full load in the washing machine. You use the same amount of energy to power the washing machine whether you are washing a full load of clothes or a half load.
  • Use a drying rack rather than using a clothes dryer to save energy. If it is sunny outside, put the clothes on a clothesline – they will smell amazing if you let them dry in the fresh air.
  • Did you know that energy escapes from your electronic devices, such as microwaves, televisions, video game consoles, and coffee makers, even when they are off and you are not using them? Use a power strip to plug them in and then flip the switch to the off position when these appliances are not in use.
  • When it comes to food shopping, try to buy from local farmer’s markets as much as possible. It reduces the carbon footprint because the produce doesn’t have to travel as far. Plus, it supports the local farmers and benefits the community.
  • When you get around, try to walk or take public transit rather than drive if possible. Toronto has a great public transit system that will get you anywhere in the city.

These are just a few of the ways that you can be more environmentally friendly when you are living or staying short-term in your furnished condo.  In addition, here are 5 ways to go green. These are small changes that won’t make too much of a difference to your lifestyle but when they add up they can make a big difference to the environment.

Book With DelSuites

Are you looking for a downtown staycation, a furnished short-term rental for your family to stay with you or have a business contract that’s extending your visit to Toronto?

Be sure to follow these great environmentally friendly tips and book an upcoming trip in a furnished short-term rental in Toronto with DelSuites now.

Customer Service Experience, Family Vacations in Toronto, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel, Uncategorized

Kid-Friendly Furnished Apartments in Toronto

September 17, 2023
Kid-friendly, furnished apartments, suites, Toronto, Family Friendly

Looking for a kid-friendly furnished suite for your vacation in Toronto?

As you plan and pack for your family vacation, you go through a lot of effort so that your whole clan will enjoy their trip. By the time you reach your destination, you’re all looking forward to enjoying a little extra quality time. 

As soon as you start unpacking, you don’t want to feel restricted by space, you want to be able to enjoy, cook together, and have space to relax on the couch and watch a movie together. This all comes down to finding a kid-friendly furnished suite that allows you to enjoy these moments.

Finding a kid-friendly furnished suite that’s right for you

As a parent, it’s reassuring to know that when you’re staying at a Delsuites downtown Toronto apartment, your family will be in an environment that’s as safe as your own home.  With a few simple adjustments such as cabinet latches, edge guards for tables and outlet safety covers, your fully-furnished suite can instantly be transformed to fit your family’s needs.

When you’re speaking with the Guest Service Team, it’s important to let them know what child-friendly items you may need during your stay. Right from the beginning of your stay, your complimentary airport pick-up will be equipped with comfortable CSA-approved child car seats, making your journey a safe and comfortable ride for everyone.

For infant bedtime, cribs and rocking chairs will help parents transition their babies into a new environment while bed rails and water-proof mattresses help to ensure that toddlers and older children are sleeping safe and sound. Child-friendly step stools offer your little one the independence they need to brush their teeth and wash their face at bedtime and in the morning. 

Among the other family-friendly services, a professional child minder can also be scheduled should you need in-suite child care.

On arrival, each child also receives an age-appropriate welcoming gift, a simple touch that offers parents the assurance that they’ve chosen the right home away from home for their family vacation.

Choose your kid-friendly suite here for your next 30+ day trip

Are you looking for a kid-friendly furnished apartment for your next trip? DelSuites have fully furnished units with full kitchens, separate rooms, laundry services and great amenities to help you. Look for furnished short-term rentals available now for Etobicoke, Toronto, Markham, Scarborough, North York and more!

Lifestyle talk, Toronto Condos

9 Benefits Of Renting a Furnished Apartment vs Home Buying

August 23, 2023

According to Canadian Housing Market Data for June 2023, the average home purchase cost is just over $700,000. With prices spiraling out of control and housing supplies hitting an all-time low, more and more people are considering renting vs. buying a house. 

While it used to be the conventional wisdom to purchase a house to build equity, the difficulty of affording a down payment in today’s market is quickly changing people’s minds. 

After all, no one wants to be house-broke and experience the stress and strain it can have on your quality of life. But there are plenty of advantages to renting instead of owning that many Canadians may not know about. 

In this article, we’ll discuss nine benefits of renting vs. home buying so you can decide what’s best for your lifestyle and budget.

Source: Pexels

1. You Get to Taste-Test Communities When You Rent

One of the most significant benefits of renting vs. home buying is that you can try the neighbourhood on for size. Renting allows you to sample different areas and determine if a community suits your lifestyle before making a major financial commitment. 

There’s no need to worry about selling your property or dealing with complex paperwork if things don’t work out. You can simply move on when your lease ends and try another area that may be better suited for you. 

This makes it easier than ever for renters to explore their options without worrying about being stuck in an unsuitable neighbourhood or town.

2. Kickstart Your Housing Journey With Lower Upfront Costs

Buying a home can be an exciting and rewarding experience; however, it’s not for everyone. Before making the decision, consider the upfront costs of buying vs. renting. In Canada, when you buy a house, the down payment is between 5% and 20%, depending on provincial regulations and may include closing costs such as lawyers’ fees or land transfer taxes, which can add up quickly. 

In comparison, when renting, there are usually no additional costs outside the first and last month’s rent, so you know exactly what you are signing up for. By opting to rent, you’ll forego those sky-high initial costs, allowing you to take the time to save for your future home. 

3. Wave Good-Bye to Property Taxes

Property taxes are an unavoidable part of home ownership in Canada and can represent a significant financial burden. The amount of your tax bill generally depends on where you live, as taxation rates often vary from one municipality to another. 

When it comes to renting, however, those pesky property tax payments become someone else’s problem! Your landlord is responsible for paying these taxes each year – leaving more money in your pocket that you can put towards other things such as savings or investments. 

Source: Pexels

4. Enjoy Deluxe Building Amenities When Renting

Living in a rental property allows you to take advantage of luxury amenities provided by the building. Many deluxe rental buildings come with amenities such as: 

  • Rooftop infinity swimming pools with private cabana lounges
  • Hot tubs and saunas 
  • Fitness centres
  • Billiards and bowling
  • Concierge services 

You can also enjoy community gathering areas like lounge rooms and outdoor patios for hosting events or relaxing with friends. With renting, you don’t have to worry about any added costs associated with maintaining these features – all the work is done for you! 

5. Maintenance is No Longer on Your To-Do List

When you rent, you no longer have to worry about the upkeep of a home. From broken doorbells to clogged drains, all the repair and maintenance issues become someone else’s problems. 

When something needs fixing, your landlord or property manager is only a phone call away. And because they are responsible for many properties, they can access reliable service providers and resources to complete repairs quickly and efficiently. 

As an example, DelSuites offers 24/7 emergency services, so you always feel secure knowing help is just one call away, no matter what time it is! So, if something unexpected happens in the middle of the night, you don’t have to worry about being alone and having to figure out how to fix it yourself. 

6. Never Worry About What Your Property Is Worth

Are you worried about what your property is worth? Renting provides a great solution to this concern. When you purchase a home, its value can fluctuate over time due to changing market trends or unexpected events. That means that an investment in home ownership could end up being less profitable than expected. 

On the other hand, renting eliminates the risk of potential devaluation and keeps your finances safe. The numbers are jaw-dropping, with Canadians losing over $990 billion in net worth in April, May, and June this year alone. 

You can maintain your financial security by avoiding these risks associated with purchasing property.

7.  Easy Moves and Downsizing

Moving can be a huge hassle, especially regarding home buying. Renting an apartment or house provides the flexibility to move quickly and without much fuss. Are you looking for something closer to work or school? If you need space for a growing family or want to downsize to a smaller place, sign a new lease and relocate on your schedule. 

Without selling, you don’t have to worry about real estate fees, appraisals, marketing costs or other associated expenses that come with the sale of a home. All you need to do is inform your landlord or apartment manager that you plan on moving out, and they’ll take care of the rest. 

8. Financial Security With Fixed Payments

Renters can know precisely what they’ll pay each month. This means you can budget accurately and won’t be subject to any unexpected increases in your monthly mortgage payments due to increased interest rates. 

On the other hand, homeowners may find that their payments are going up if interest rates rise; this could cause financial hardship if not adequately prepared. Renting gives you peace of mind that your rent payment will remain relatively consistent over time, allowing you to plan accordingly and stay within your budget.

9. Save on Monthly Utility Costs and Insurance Fees

Renting a furnished apartment in Toronto or home can be an excellent way to save money when it comes to utility costs and insurance fees. When you rent, you typically don’t have to worry about significant utility bills like water, electricity, and gas – those are usually taken care of by your landlord or rental property manager. 

On average, a homeowner in Canada can expect to pay between $200 and $450 on monthly utilities. In comparison, renters don’t typically pay more than $150 monthly – or less if their utilities are included.

On top of that, most renters also avoid paying for homeowner’s insurance – another significant cost savings. Homeowner’s insurance, on the other hand, can cost an average of $1000 a year. So, renting could be the smarter choice when it comes to your monthly expenses.

Rent With DelSuites and Save Yourself Time and Money

Renting vs. home buying each has its unique benefits. Furnished apartment rentals are an excellent option for those with an ever-changing lifestyle who want flexibility and want to save money in the long run. 

With home buying, you get the stability of owning your own place and being able to customize it as you please; however, this stability often comes at a higher cost. 

If you’re looking for a short-term rental while exploring different neighbourhoods or need temporary housing during relocation, DelSuites Luxury Short-Term Rentals are perfect for you.

Our properties are child-friendly, pet-friendly and located throughout the GTA, so you can find one in your ideal neighbourhood. We also offer many amenities, including fully furnished accommodations, on-site housekeeping and laundry services, and more. 

So, if you’re looking for the best of both worlds – the stability of home owning with the flexibility of renting – consider DelSuites. Contact us today to learn more about our Luxury Rentals in Toronto and start finding your perfect place.