How to Choose a Moving Company

Working with a qualified and reliable moving company can be huge stress relief when planning any move. But how exactly do you go about choosing the right one when there are so many moving companies to choose from?

Here are few pointers to get you started:

Do Your Research: Always shop around for a moving company by asking for recommendations from your family, friend, or colleagues. Contact your local Better Business Bureau or movers association to see if they have a list of recommended moving companies who are certified. Check out online reviews through sites like Yelp.ca.

Ask the Right Questions: Don’t be afraid to “interview” your moving company. YOU are hiring them after all. Questions to ask include:

• Do they know about and agree to abide by the terms of Industry Canada’s Good Practice Guidelines for Canadian Movers?
• What are your rights and responsibilities during the move? What are theirs? What is the liability policy for loss and damage and are there limitations on it?
• Is the moving company insured and if so, who is their provider?
• Do they provide their own equipment or will it be subcontracted? If it’s going to be subcontracted, find out the name of the subcontractor and ask for some references.
• What will happen if your belongings need to be left overnight in the moving van? Where will the van be kept?
• If you items are going into storage, where will that occur? Is it the moving company’s own storage or a third party’s?
• Does the moving company have a Workers Compensation Board certificate?

Always Get An Estimate: We always recommend only accepting an estimate if it’s delivered AFTER the moving company has actually seen what is being moved. If a moving company says they can provide a quote online or over the phone, it’s usually a red flag. On your end, always make sure you give the moving company as much information as you can about your move including where you are moving from, the location of new residence, an inventory of what you want moved, and a description of any items needing special attention (i.e. piano).

Always get estimates in writing including the delivery date. A proper estimate should be dated and on company letterhead. It should include the moving company’s name, telephone number, address and a full description of everything to be moved, the cost per hour, and timing of services.

If any of the moving companies you contact offer to forego GST or say they only accept cash payments, be wary. It’s often a sure sign of an unscrupulous mover.

Pay Attention to Detail: Are you packing or is the moving company? What kind of boxes can you use? Should you seal and label all boxes? Are there any special seasonal rates you can take advantage of (i.e. October to June, mid-month)? How much deposit is required and is it refundable? What payment options are available?

These questions will act as a great starting point in choosing a moving company that holds integrity, value, and honesty in the highest regard.

References:

The Consumer Checklist for Choosing a Moving Company. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2015, from https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/oca-bc.nsf/eng/ca02029.html

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If you have more questions about what to look for in a moving company, contact Wai and his qualified team of experts today at www.askwai.ca or 604.721.1800 (Vancouver); 780.709.4358 (Edmonton). They have helped hundreds of first time buyers, investors, and retirees just like you relocate to their dream home.