A lot of the stress and anxiety that comes with moving can be eliminated simply by hiring the right mover to do the job. Before choosing a moving company it is always a good idea to do some research first, and to ask family and friends for the names of companies they would recommend. It can also be helpful to call organizations such as the Better Business Bureau for a list of suggested movers and an idea of what companies to avoid. It is usually a good idea to find out if the mover is a member of an association of movers or a certified reputable mover program.
The Consumer Checklist for Choosing a Moving Company
The Consumer Checklist for Choosing a Moving Company (hereafter the
"Consumer Checklist") and the associated
Good Practice Guidelines for Canadian Movers were prepared by a
multi stakeholder working group consisting of government, business, and consumer
group representatives and academics, under the leadership of the Office of
Consumer Affairs, Industry Canada.
The Good Practice Guidelines for Canadian Movers and the Consumer
Checklist were developed to complement legal protections already in place. It is
hoped that the existence of the guidelines and the checklist will assist movers
in identifying and adhering to high standards and will aid consumers in
selecting reputable, ethical and professional movers. The guidelines can also be
used as part of moving industry certification programs.
Start with these questions
Is the company aware of and agree to abide by the terms of the Good Practice Guidelines for Canadian Movers? Will the company provide you with a pamphlet which outlines customer and mover rights and responsibilities, as well as written material regarding mover liability for loss or damage, optional programs available, limitations on liability and additional costs associated with each level of liability?
Is the company insured?
Does the company have their own equipment, or will a sub-contractor or another company be providing this service? If so, which company? What is their record like? Be sure to get references.
Who will be providing services at the end of the move, such as the unpacking, claims settlement, and storage? Is it the same as the original company, an affiliated van line, or someone else?
If your belongings will be left overnight in a moving van, will the van be kept in a secure facility? Be sure to use a company that uses vehicles designed for household goods moving and storage.
Does the mover have a Workers' Compensation Board certificate? If not, you may end up paying for any employee injuries incurred while on your property.
Ask for an estimate
For any long distance moves, a reliable mover will ask to inspect all of your belongings in order to prepare a comprehensive quote. If the company says the inspection is not necessary or wants to provide a quote over the telephone, it would be advisable to deal with someone else instead. Be sure that everything you need moved is shown to the movers during the estimate, and find out how much it will cost if you need to add any extra items on the day of the move.
When asking for an estimate, make sure you give the mover precise information regarding the location of your old and new residence. Inform the movers of any obstacles such as stairs or escalators which will involve special navigation. To prevent being charged more than expected later on, always give the movers as much information as possible.
It is helpful to create an inventory list of everything that you want to be moved, from the basement to the attic, and be sure that special arrangements are made for goods that require special interest such as, electronics, appliances, and pianos.
Always get estimates and all other guarantees in writing, including the delivery date and the full name of the person who you spoke with.
The estimate will usually be on a company letterhead and will state the name, telephone number and address of the company. It should also include a full estimate of the number of boxes that need to be moved, the size and value of all items, the cost per hour or flat rate and payment terms, and the time of the services to be provided. If your items are being moved outside the country, make sure you get the name and address of the moving agents who will be handling your move at the destination as well.
• For any local moves, the estimate should usually provide the number of hours the move is expected to take to complete. Be sure the estimate is dated and includes the date of the move.
• Don't be afraid to negotiate. Beware of a price that is significantly lower than all others. This could be an indicator of sub-standard service or of higher charges to come afterward.
• Beware of movers who offer to leave out the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or who only accept payment made in cash. These are often indicators of a disreputable mover who is unlikely to pay claims or may not even deliver your goods.
Get the details
Who is responsible for packing? Ask about liability if you pack the items
yourself.
Can boxes from other places like a grocery store be used?
Should all owner-packed boxes be sealed and labeled?
Are any licenses or customs documents required, e.g.: at border crossings? Who
will prepare them?
Are there special seasonal rates or any other factors that may affect the cost of the move at certain times? It can often be less expensive to move between October and April, in the middle of the week, or mid-month.
If a deposit is needed, will the money be put in trust, as is required in some provinces and territories? Is it refundable? Discuss methods of payment at the outset.
• What are the terms and conditions for protecting your items under the mover's Extra Protection policy, including coverage for those items you have packed yourself? Is there a deductible, and if so, how much is it?
Making the best of your moving day
Be prepared when the movers arrive. Have all your things prepared to go because you will be charged an hourly rate for any time that the movers are waiting there.
Make sure your origin and destination locations are both ready. If you are moving to an apartment, book the elevator in the apartment building and notify your landlord or building manager of the arrival time of your movers. Arrange for any street parking when necessary.
When moving long distances, the Good Practice Guidelines for Canadian Movers specify that all items must be tagged and listed by the mover and a copy of the inventory must be given to you to keep in your records. Make sure to keep a copy of this inventory. When you arrive at your new destination, check off each item, and record any changes in the inventory before signing it. If you fail to do this, your mover may refuse your claim for any lost or damaged items.
When the loading is complete, do a walk-through of your property to make sure that everything has been loaded and nothing has been left behind in closets, behind doors, in attics or in garages.
Take any important personal documents with you. Back up the data on your computer and take both the data and the computer with you. Take all of your valuables such as, jewelry, prescriptions, and artwork, with you, and make arrangements for any perishable goods such as, food or plants, which might be damaged by heat or cold. Make appropriate arrangements for your pets.
Once the unloading is finished, do a walk-through of your property including all hallways and pathways to your property as well as the moving vehicle to be sure that everything has been unloaded.
