Moving to a new place involves emotional as well as physical stress.
On the one hand, you may be dealing with the sadness of leaving your existing property, and on the other, you are worried about how to pack and move your stuff.
At this point, you must be considering hiring movers.
As a moving company with 13+ years of experience, we are sharing seven things that will aid you in selecting the right moving company and enjoying pain-free relocation.
Get Referrals
Let’s begin the process and get in touch with your friends, family members, neighbours, or coworkers who have moved recently.
Connect with them and ask if they have any recommendations for you.
While in the process of finding a moving company, getting to know others’ personal experiences will prove worth more than the online reviews.
What if you don’t get any recommendations?
In case you don’t get any personal recommendations to start your research, you can always find a good moving company online.
Check reviews on Google or Yelp for companies that are popular in your area. If you find a well-reviewed company, look over their website and check the kind of services the company offers.
Also, check the moving company’s track record with the BBB, which is easy to do online. It is good to choose companies that are BBB accredited or have good ratings.
Compare the moving estimates
Now is the time to connect with different moving companies. Get their numbers online and call their representatives to get an accurate quote. Once you have multiple quotes in hand, start comparing estimates.
While it can be appealing to choose the Toronto moving company that offers the lowest deal, make sure to get all the details of your estimate before making any final decision.
How do moving companies charge?
For local moves in Canada, professional movers can be hired on an hourly basis, and the hourly rate can vary from $150 to $250, excluding taxes.
Depending on your location, season, and distance, the total cost of hiring movers may vary.
The true cost of hiring a local moving company depends on the size and number of items you need to move.
This is the reason most companies ask for the number of boxes and furniture pieces to provide an accurate quote.
On average, a two-bedroom apartment usually requires 3 movers and costs around $800. The table below shows the estimated moving costs for homes of different sizes in Canada.
| Home size | Number of movers required | Average cost range |
|---|---|---|
| Studio apartment | 2 | $500-$1,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | 3 | $800-$1,500 |
| 3 bedrooms | 4 | $1,800-$2,500 |
| 4 bedrooms | 5 | $2,000-$2,700 |
| 5+ bedrooms | 5 | $3,000-$5,000 |
This gives you an idea to compare rates and prices of moving companies in your area.
Are moving supplies included in the estimate?
The cost of moving supplies like boxes and packing supplies is another consideration.
For a company like Let’s Get Moving, dollies, hand trucks, and straps are included in the estimate to facilitate the loading and unloading of the belongings.
However, for any specialized items like pianos or large appliances that require special equipment or handling, most of the moving companies ask for additional charges for their transportation.
Make Sure the Movers Are Licensed and Insured
While searching for registered movers in your area, you need to check if they are licensed to perform your type of move.
Some moving companies in Canada are restricted to performing only local moves, while others are approved to perform long-distance or commercial moves.
If any moving company you choose is registered with your province, especially if you are moving long distance, check if they have a license to make the move in the province of your destination.
On the other side, it is equally important to confirm that the moving company is insured.
We recommend you reach out to the customer support team to inquire about the insurance policies.
You can also ask questions like:
- What types of insurance do you offer?
- Can I customize the insurance coverage?
- Are there any additional costs associated with insurance?
- How does the claim work?
Take the time to thoroughly understand the terms and conditions of moving insurance and focus on maintaining open communication with the moving company’s customer care team.
Ask About Additional Services
Some companies go above and beyond to offer more than just basic services. You may call this an additional service that movers perform for you besides delivering your belongings from point A to B.
With most service providers, additional services come at an extra cost to you; however, pricing may vary depending on the service you choose.
For example, local movers usually perform furniture assembly or disassembly for no added cost; however, to professionally pack up your valuables, you will need to pay extra.
Some of the most popular additional services include:
- Managing Heavy or Special items Moving
- Storage Service
- Cleaning Service
- Junk Removal
Overall, getting additional services may add cost to the process, but sometimes, it’s required to make your move that much simpler.
From packing your items to taking apart furniture and offering cleaning services, the good moving company will be able to coordinate it all.
Be Clear About Your Moving Needs
Whether you’re moving to a new home, office, or a different location, understanding your requirements helps you plan and execute the move efficiently.
Here are some steps to help you clarify your moving needs:
Decide the type of move you need
Be clear whether you want to move household items or if you have office equipment to relocate. One service does not fit all.
Also, determine if you have any special items that require extra care or handling, such as fragile items, antiques, or pianos.
Create a budget
Calculate the budget for the move. Consider costs like packing supplies, transportation, and any other associated expenses.
Decide whether you need storage service
If you require an organized storage unit during your move, identify those options and book them in advance.
Create a moving timeline
Develop a moving timeline, including tasks and deadlines. Accordingly, start preparations and book your move in advance to avoid the last-minute hassle.
Verify the Address
It is essential to check that the moving company has a physical office or address. Having a physical address indicates that the moving company is registered with the Canadian Association of Movers.
Some moving companies provide misleading or non-existent addresses that make it difficult for customers to track them down if issues arise.
To avoid such scams, you can ask for a business card or check their website for a “contact us” page that provides a verified office address.
Make sure to confirm that the moving company’s address is listed and registered under the company name. Be wary of any address listed under any other name.
Watch Out for Red Flags
Keep an eye out for red flags during the estimate. For example, most of the moving companies will not ask for a cash deposit before the move happens.
If the mover seems interested in getting the money upfront, it might not be a legitimate business.
Furthermore, during the estimate, check how professional the movers seem.
If they don’t seem punctual, unsure of their abilities, or can’t sort your queries, look for another service provider.
Also, be aware of any moving company that shows up in a rented moving van. Remember, a professional company will always own its equipment.
Here are some tips that can help you avoid falling into a moving scam:
- Never pay a large deposit
- Request a Binding Estimate
- Avoid moving companies with a name-switch
- Get to know the packing costs
- Beware of hidden moving costs
- Never sign any blank moving contract
Conclusion
It may seem choosing the right moving company is a hard task for you. However, it only takes a little extra time and effort to find a good moving company in your area.
Do not forget to cover the above steps and tips that will save you a bunch of hassle and make the search easy for you.
If you want nothing but the best from a moving company, get in touch with Let’s Get Moving.
FAQs
What are the most important factors to consider when hiring professional moving companies?
When hiring professional movers in your area, always look for reputable moving companies with positive reviews and ratings from previous customers. Also, ensure the company is licensed and insured to protect your belongings.
How do I get recommendations for professional movers?
To get true recommendations for professional movers, seek advice from friends or family members who have recently moved in your area.
Check online reviews at Yelp and Google to learn about customer feedback. Another great way is to post inquiries on social media that help you get personal recommendations from your community.
What questions should I ask a professional mover before hiring them?
Before hiring a professional mover, ask the following questions:
- Are you licensed and insured?
- What services do you offer, and what is included in your quotes?
- Can you provide references or customer reviews?
- Do you have experience with moves of a similar size and distance?
- What is your estimated timeline for the move?
- What measures do you take to protect your belongings during the move?
- Are there any additional fees or potential extra costs?
What should I do to prepare for my move?
To prepare for your move, plan and schedule everything in advance. Sort through belongings and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard, and start packing early.
Remember, early planning is the key to a successful move, and it saves you from unnecessary costs and hassles.
What should I do if something is damaged during my move?
If something is damaged during your move, contact the moving company as soon as possible to report the damage. Refer to your contract and follow the company’s procedure for filing a claim to seek compensation for the damaged items.
How do I pay the movers?
Payment methods and terms may vary, but typically, you can pay movers by Credit Card, Cash, or Online Payment. Before the move, ask about the accepted payment methods and terms with the moving company to ensure a smooth payment process on the moving day.
Is a deposit required to book a move?
Yes, most companies ask for an initial deposit of around $100 to secure the booking. This amount is refundable in case you cancel the booking within a certain number of days prior to your move.
