Your Trusted Moving Company in London, Ontario

Planning a move to or from London?

Located in Southwestern Ontario, London offers the amenities of a major city with a more manageable scale than the Greater Toronto Area. Known as the Forest City, London combines established neighbourhoods, extensive green space and trails, major healthcare and education institutions, and a growing employment base.

It’s also exceptionally well positioned. London sits along the Highway 401 corridor between the GTA and Windsor, with convenient access to communities throughout Southwestern Ontario and routes toward the U.S. border.

Whether you’re moving to London for work, attending Western University or Fanshawe College, relocating your family, downsizing, or preparing for a long-distance move across Canada, Atlas Van Lines Canada can help.

With more than 60 years of long-distance moving experience, a nationwide Trusted Agent Network and two experienced Atlas agents located right in London, Atlas provides the local knowledge and national resources needed to coordinate your move from beginning to end.

Moving to London, Ontario

With a population of more than 400,000 people, London is one of Ontario’s largest cities and a major regional centre for Southwestern Ontario.

The city is home to Western University, Fanshawe College and major healthcare institutions, along with employers across manufacturing, technology, financial services, education and professional services.

But London’s appeal isn’t only about employment.

The Thames River runs through the city, connecting an extensive system of parks and recreational trails. You’ll find historic neighbourhoods close to downtown, family-oriented suburban communities, newer developments on the city’s edges and a growing selection of condominiums and apartments.

For people arriving from the GTA, London can offer something increasingly difficult to find closer to Toronto: the services and amenities of a large city without quite the same scale of congestion and commuting.

Western University, Fanshawe College and Student Moves

London’s two major post-secondary institutions bring thousands of students, faculty and staff to the city.

Western University is located in north-central London, while Fanshawe College’s main campus is in the city’s northeast.

If you’re moving to London for school, pay particular attention to timing.

Late August and early September can be extremely busy moving periods, particularly around student-oriented neighbourhoods and residences.

If you’re moving into an apartment or condominium, confirm:

• your exact possession date
• elevator availability
• building moving hours
• parking and loading arrangements
• whether someone must be present to provide building access

Booking your mover early is especially important when your move coincides with the beginning or end of the academic year.

Getting Around London

London is well positioned for travel throughout Southwestern Ontario.

Highways 401 and 402 provide connections toward Toronto, Windsor, Sarnia and communities throughout the region.

Within the city, major routes such as Wellington Road, Highbury Avenue, Oxford Street, Wonderland Road and Commissioners Road connect London’s neighbourhoods and employment areas.

Public transportation is provided by the London Transit Commission (LTC).

London doesn’t have the same commuter rail system as the GTA, so where you live relative to work or school can make a meaningful difference to your daily routine.

If you’re relocating for a job at Western University, one of the hospitals, Fanshawe College or another major employer, it’s worth considering your commute before choosing a neighbourhood.

Parks, Trails and the Forest City

London’s Forest City nickname is appropriate.

The Thames River and its tributaries run through the city, and an extensive system of parks and pathways provides opportunities for walking, cycling, running and spending time outdoors.

The Thames Valley Parkway is one of London’s defining recreational features, connecting neighbourhoods and parks along the river.

Popular outdoor areas include:

• Springbank Park
• Gibbons Park
• Harris Park
• Westminster Ponds
• Fanshawe Conservation Area
• Trails along the Thames River

For cyclists, runners, families and dog owners, the trail system is also a great way to start exploring the city after you move.

Moving into a London Condo or Apartment

Apartments and condominiums make up an important part of London’s housing market, particularly downtown, near Western University and along major transportation corridors.

Before moving day, check with your building about:

• elevator reservations
• permitted moving hours
• loading areas
• moving-truck parking
• building access
• elevator protection
• move-in deposits
• insurance documentation, if required

Booking your elevator early can be particularly important at month-end and during peak student moving periods.

Share these details with your Atlas moving consultant so they can be incorporated into the moving-day plan.

Moving to a Newly Built Home in London

London continues to expand, with newer residential development particularly noticeable around the city’s north, west and south edges.

If you’re moving into a newly constructed home, keep your Atlas moving consultant informed about your possession date.

Construction schedules can change.

If your existing home closes before your new property is ready, Atlas agents can arrange short- or long-term storage until final delivery can take place.

Planning for that possibility in advance is considerably easier than trying to arrange storage at the last minute.

When Storage Becomes Part of Your London Move

Even without a new-build delay, real estate dates don’t always line up.

Atlas agents can arrange storage when:

• your existing home closes before your new home
• you’re renovating before moving in
• you’re staying in temporary accommodation
• you’re relocating to London before finding a permanent home
• you’re downsizing
• your possession date changes unexpectedly

Your Atlas moving consultant can incorporate storage into the overall relocation plan so your belongings remain secure until you’re ready for delivery.