Toronto Furnished Suites Archives

What Should An Employer Include in a Job Relocation Package?

April 2, 2019

When a company seeks to relocate an employee, they often offer a job relocation package as an incentive.

When an employee decides to uproot themselves and their family to start a new life, this is when they are at their most vulnerable. Offering a comprehensive relocation package to cover the costs associated with the move is a way of showing an employee how much you value them. It will allow the employee to relocate in a smooth, easy way that will allow them to focus on their job without too much hassle.

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So, what should a job relocation package include? Here are some of the basic expenses that most packages will cover:

Location Scouting Trips

Many relocation packages will cover the cost of the employee taking a trip to the new location so that they can “scout out” the area and look for housing. This not only gives the employee a chance to look for a home, but it also offers a chance to get a sense of the new area and figure out what neighborhood of the city they want to live in.

Home Sales/Buying Expenses

A typical relocation package will include the costs of selling the home and purchasing a new one. This includes closing costs, real estate commissions and other expenses that are normally associated with buying or selling a home.

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Moving and Storage Expenses

Usually a relocation package will include moving expenses. This includes core relocation costs such as shipping cars, packing, household goods and unpacking. In many cases it will also include the cost of insurance for items while they are in transit.

Some employers will simply reimburse their employees for the moving costs, while others will pay a lump sum that employees can use for moving costs.

Temporary Living Expenses

Most standard relocation packages will also include the cost of temporary living expenses for the employee while their family travels to the new location. For example, the employer might cover the cost of travel, mileage, hotel costs and food to get to the new location.

The package should also cover temporary accommodations, such as a furnished apartment, for at least the first month until you get settled into your new permanent home. Furnished apartments are available to rent on a flexible, short term basis, they offer excellent amenities such as laundry and parking and they are well-located.

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Other Miscellaneous Costs

Many standard relocation packages will also include a miscellaneous expense allowance. This could cover cleaning services for the old home, the cost of relocating pets and other expenses that may arise during the move.

Make Your Employees Feel Welcome With A Job Relocation Package

When you are providing your employees with a relocation package that covers all of the basics, you are ensuring that their move goes smoothly and that they are happily settled in their new home.

About me, Business Travel, Corporate Housing, Downtown Toronto Condos

The Livmore: Toronto Living for Everyone

February 7, 2019

Toronto is one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in North America. It’s known for its robust arts and entertainment scene, it’s dazzling selection of international eateries, it’s world-class museums and it’s many exciting festivals. Toronto living is for everyone – no matter what you love you’ll find it here. Whether you enjoy shopping for unique styles, admiring works of art, relaxing in quiet parks, listening to live music or coffee-shop-hopping, you’ll discover a corner of this city that fits.

The best way to make the most of Toronto is with a stay at the Livmore. This downtown apartment building has a prime location.

Toronto Living – Condos Of All Sizes

The solo traveler who seeks out a compact, yet practical studio with everything they need for a connected and comfortable stay. The family relocating to Toronto and needing space for their children to sleep and play. With studios as well as one, two and three bedroom condos, there are furnished accommodations just the right size for everyone’s needs. Plus, they are equipped with features such as a full kitchen, washing machine and dryer, luxurious bathrooms and spacious closets.

A Range of Activities

Keep up your active lifestyle while on the road at the gym and fitness area – or relax and centre your mind in the yoga studio. There’s also a theatre and screening room, which is a great place to enjoy your favourite films on the big screen. (If you have a furry companion, there’s even a dog spa and outdoor dog area for them to enjoy.)

Plus, you have the option to use the party room – a private function area with kitchen facilities. This can be very convenient if you plan on hosting an event during your stay.

For Every Stage of Life

It’s quite clear – the aspects of Toronto living that will appeal to a couple in their 20s will likely be different than those of an older traveler, or parents visiting with young children. Depending on your priorities, you might be seeking out the nightlife and live music scene of this Canadian metropolis, or you may be more interested in quiet cafes and walks along the waterfront.

The good news is, the choice is yours. These furnished apartments in Toronto are right in the heart of the city, so the options are right at your fingertips.

It’s all about versatility! For more info on downtown Toronto living, contact us today.

Downtown Toronto, Food & Recipes, Lifestyle talk, toronto toursim

5 Downtown Toronto Restaurants to Dine At

November 1, 2018

Downtown Toronto Restaurants – With such a multicultural population, there is a varied culinary landscape – you can take a trip around the world every time you go out to eat. Toronto’s pubs and bars have also been elevating their menus, in order to attract drinkers with a discerning palate. There’s something for every appetite and taste in this great city.

Here are a few great downtown Toronto restaurants to check out during your stay at the Livmore:

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka – Downtown Toronto Restaurants

When you are craving a big, steaming, satisfying bowl of noodles – this is the place to go. This restaurant originated in Japan in the 1980s, when founder Hitoshi Hatanaka made a goal to create delicious ramen and dedicated himself to perfecting the recipe via trial and error. Santouka serves up rich, fatty broth with fresh, springy noodles and delicious pork cheek that just melts in your mouth ~ Only a 10 minute walk from The Livmore building.

Richmond Station

This unique restaurant only buys whole animals, so the kitchen is always coming out with creative uses for the variety of off-cut meats. They are committed to local ingredients and they also make most things by hand – doing all of their butchery, curing, aging, fermenting and baking in house.

This means that everything they serve is delightfully fresh and expertly made. Stop by for lunch (13 minute walk from The Livmore) on a Saturday or Sunday and you can enjoy the Slow Roast – a mouth-watering joint that the team has left in the oven overnight.

Eggspectation

After you’ve enjoyed the Toronto nightlife, you’re going to want to treat yourself to a delicious late brunch the next morning at this downtown Toronto restaurants. Head to this stylish chain (8 minutes from The Livmore) which serves classic American breakfast fare.

It’s a great way to start your day off right – with hand-squeezed juices and real-fruit smoothies and a mouthwatering selection of breakfast dishes – such as Breakfast Poutine with smoked bacon, homemade gravy and cheese curds, Maritime Lobster eggs benedict or a Montreal bagel with cream cheese and wild salmon.

Kathmandu Restaurant

Treat yourself to flavourful and spicy Nepalese and Indian cuisine at this local favourite. They have a Tandoor oven that gives the meat that irresistible smoky, oven-baked taste. Try the Goat Curry – cooked with ginger, garlic, tomatoes and hot spices. Or, share an “Everest Feast’ with your friends – a huge platter that includes everything from Chicken Tikka to Tandoori Prawn to Naan, Basmati Rice and Dessert. Go for a stroll while staying at The Livmore – 21 minute walk from the Livmore

The Elm Tree

This family-run modern Mediterranean restaurant prepares classic pasta and meat dishes with fresh and high quality ingredients. It’s also known for its cocktails and craft brews – and only a 3 minute walk from the Livmore

The Elm Tree is one of the most highly ranked restaurants in Toronto on TripAdvisor and it has a Certificate of Excellence, so if you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a special meal – it’s a good bet.

What are some of your favourite downtown Toronto restaurants?
Let us know in the comments below – we always love getting new recommendations!

Business Travel, Corporate Housing, Lifestyle talk, Relocation

Digital Nomads and Working Remotely

July 13, 2018

Cue the rise of digital nomads, a freelancer, employee or business owner who uses technology to be able to travel the world while getting work done. A digital nomad could have a number of careers, including freelance writer, translator, software designer, blogger, programmer, website builder, graphic designer – or perhaps a combination of these. They could also run their own business – there are a number of businesses that can be built online that do not require their owners to be based in any location.

When digital nomads book accommodation on their travels around the world, they are not looking for the same things that typical travellers seek. Vacationers look for comfort and entertainment – they are mostly concerned with the quality of the swimming pool and whether they can order a cocktail from their sunlounger. Digital nomads, although they will certainly have time to relax and enjoy while they are in a destination, may be more concerned about whether or not the WiFi will be fast.

Why Digital Nomads Love Furnished Apartments

When it comes down to it, one of the very best accommodation style for digital nomads are furnished apartments. Here’s why:

These apartments can be booked for a longer term stay, for a few months or longer. This works well for digital nomads, as they often tend to travel more slowly and stay in one place longer than those on vacation.
However, rather than typical apartments there is no need to sign a minimum 1 year lease having to make a big commitment – which is ideal for a nomadic lifestyle.
Furnished apartments often have a separate living space to the bedroom, so that digital nomads don’t have to try to be productive while sitting up in bed. Some furnished apartments even have a desk or workspace area!
The apartments are equipped with high speed internet, which is essential for getting work completed online.
The kitchen allows the digital nomad to cook for themselves, so that they don’t have to eat in a restaurant for every meal.
A well-located furnished apartment means that the digital nomad traveler will be in an advantageous location, close to lots of amenities and the top attractions in the destination as well.

Most importantly, a furnished apartment feels more like home. It doesn’t have the impersonal feeling that a hotel room can have. This is important, because the digital nomad lifestyle isn’t the same as a travel lifestyle. It’s more like living on the road than traveling, so digital nomads tend to really appreciate the little things that make them feel comfortable and at home in their accommodations.

To learn more about the furnished apartments we have to offer, please contact us today.

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

Tips for Summer Relocation

May 28, 2018

Summer relocation has a lot of advantages. If you have children, it’s less disruptive than uprooting them in the middle of the school year. Plus, they have some time to make friends and get to know your new neighborhood before school begins in the fall. The weather will mean that you can get outside and explore your new area.

However, there are some challenges for summer relocation. Read on to see our simple tips.

Summer Relocation – Book in Advance

Relocation services are busy in the summertime, as this is the most popular time of year to move. The high demand might mean that it’s hard to book a moving company and that the price will be higher. It’s like trying to book a flight over Christmas or Thanksgiving!

However, you might save money if you book in advance. Also, try to move on a weekday or during the middle of the month, as these times are not as much in demand.

Get Up Early

On a hot summer day it’s a good idea to book your moving company to arrive as early in the morning as possible, when the temperature is still quite cool. It will be much more comfortable than trying to carry boxes and load up the truck in the heat of the afternoon.

Stay Hydrated

Speaking of carrying boxes and other strenuous activity in the summer heat, make sure that you stay hydrated! Keep a bottle of water with you throughout the day. You can also invite the moving crew in for a cold glass of lemonade to give them a break!

Consider How the Heat Will Affect Your Belongings

Keep in mind that there are some things that should not be put in a moving van during the summer months. For example, if you pack your candles they might melt. Or, your electronics can overheat and become damaged. Aerosols should not be boxed up in the heat for long periods of time.

When you are packing items, think about how they will be affected by the heat. You might want to bring valuable or heat sensitive items to your new home separately.

Have a Yard Sale

Summer is peak yard sale season, which is good news. Why? Because you can sell the items that you don’t need anymore and reduce the amount of items you have to move, making the relocation process easier for everyone. If you can advertise your yard sale well, you’ll be able to get rid of a lot of unnecessary items and make some money for the move as well.

These are just a few tips to keep in mind when moving during the summer months. It can be a stressful and complicated task, but it doesn’t have to be. Relocation to Canada has taken second place among global destinations preferred for employees moving abroad for work – here’s why.

Contact us to find out more about our furnished, serviced (and air-conditioned!) apartments – perfect for short term accommodation when relocating to Toronto.