13 Things You Can Expect When You Hire a Full-Service Moving Company

For Canadians, relocation is ranked among the top five stressful life events.

Ever wondered what helps them navigate the stress of moving seamlessly?

Well, the helping hand is a professional moving company. Hiring movers is a great option for people who cannot handle the moving tasks on their own. 

When you hire movers, you can expect everything to be done professionally and this can make a world of difference in the ease and efficiency of your relocation.

If you’re ready to move and have no idea about what to expect when you hire movers, let’s delve into the 13 most crucial factors to consider:

1. Assessing Your Moving Needs

This is an essential step in planning a successful move. In fact, this is the first step that you should expect from the Canadian moving company you hired. Only by understanding your specific requirements, the company can offer you the desired level of moving service. 

• Tell them the type of move you need

Before you hire movers, you will need to describe the kind of move you need- whether it is a residential move, commercial, short-distance, or long-distance move.

• Specify the Moving distance

Your distance from the current address to the new address will impact the services you need. Find out the distance between two locations and let the movers know about it.

• Size and complexity

The number of bedrooms and several belongings will also be considered to determine the size of the move.

• Storage requirements

Let the moving company know if you want to store your items for temporary purposes. You can get climate-controlled storage facilities to keep your belongings for either the short term or long term. 

• Any special item

Discuss with the moving company about any heavy or delicate item to move.   Your special item may include fine art, antiques, pianos, wine collection and delicate electronics. 

• Timeline

Share your desired moving date with the company and book services in advance to ensure you lock in your preferred date.

By thoroughly assessing your moving needs, the moving company can ease your process and make moving simple for you.

2. Free Moving Quotes 

Any good moving company will provide you with free quotes for the services you need. This is the second most important thing to expect when you hire movers. This will allow you to compare services based on their price. Also, this will make it easier to choose which service best suits the allotted budget. 

Moving cost across Canada depends on various factors so make sure to provide a comprehensive list of all items you plan to move. This way you can get accurate moving quotes based on the size and weight of your belongings.

Also, decide whether you need a full-service move (packing, loading, transportation, unloading) or special moving services. Adding more services to your list or handling some tasks yourself, such as packing will impact the quotation you get from the movers. Remember, choosing the right moving company & services will directly influence your moving decision. 

When to Hire Movers?

No matter your reason for moving, you might have a question about how far in advance should I hire Toronto movers. “As soon as possible” is the right answer and booking your move at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance is usually best to secure your preferred date and to get the best price.

3. Scheduling and Planning the Move

Once you inform the company about your requirements, you can expect that their customer support team will contact you to schedule and plan your move well. 

Usually, it is easy to get flexibility with the service providers, which allows you to choose a timeline that aligns perfectly with your needs. This happens because the moving companies keep open lines of communication with their customers, throughout the process.

Their customer support team often remains available to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have. 

In addition to the standard service, some good companies also provide helpful moving tips for stress-free moving and guidance on how to prepare a move, including packing, labeling boxes, etc.

4. Packing and Protecting Your Belongings

This is a valuable service provided by full-service movers. In fact, the movers are trained professionals who specialize in packing items securely. They have the expertise to pack both household and office items including heavy furniture and delicate items.

Some people may not be familiar with the dedicated packing materials used for packing items. These materials include sturdy cardboard boxes, high-quality packing paper, bubble wrap, packing tape and specialized containers.

If you hire a full-service moving company then they must have these supplies in their truck.

There are two kinds of packing services you can get with professional moving companies- Full-Service Packing and Partial Packing.

Getting a full-service packing is a perfect choice for those with busy schedules, and limited time. Whereas, you can choose partial packing services if you want to pack your items personally.

Read Also – 10 Questions You MUST Ask Before Hiring a Moving Company 

What do Moving Companies Pack for You?

Wondering, “What to expect when movers pack for you”? Typically, full-service moving companies offer comprehensive packing services that include packing nearly all of your household belongings.

This includes packing up kitchen items, clothing, electronics, furniture and more. The movers will arrive at your place with all the essential packing materials such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper and other packing materials to wrap and secure your belongings.

5. Handling Specialty Items and Fragile Goods

It’s natural to be concerned about special items breaking or getting damaged during a move. However, there is nothing to worry about if you are getting help from professional moving companies. They will take care of your valuable possessions to make sure they are safe and secure.

Movers are equipped to handle specialty items moving as pianos, pool tables, safes, and big instruments. By using solid boxes and extra strips of tape, the movers will ensure that the wrapping remains intact and prevent items from being damaged, scratched, or dented.

Also, movers can tailor their special moving services according to your needs and can pack your electronics, including televisions, computers, audio equipment, and gaming consoles.

6. Loading and Transporting Your Items

This is the fundamental service provided by moving companies. Once everything is packed and protected, the movers load your belongings onto the moving truck. They secure items using straps and tie them down to prevent damage during transportation to your new address.

7. Unloading, Unpacking and Placement at the New Location

Upon arrival at your new location, the movers will unload your items and even help with furniture assembly if required. While unloading heavy or delicate items, the expert movers use adequate lifting techniques and equipment like dollies and straps to prevent injuries and damage.

Unless you’re not doing the unloading and placement yourself, do not miss adding the unloading service to your package. These professionals can make it easy for you to place items in the correct spots.

Do moving companies unpack for you?

After the move is completed, and all your boxes are unloaded into your home, the next step is to start unpacking. It may seem easy to unpack your belongings, however, if you have kids, or you need to immediately get back to your job, getting a professional unpacking service is the right option. 

The level to which movers can help you with unpacking varies. There are some companies that can help you with unpacking the items that they packed while others can deliver your belongings to their designated places.  It is good to discuss your needs and inquire about what your movers can offer in unpacking.

8. Professionalism and Respectful Conduct

When you hire a moving company you can expect that their movers should prioritize professionalism and respectful conduct as it can make a huge difference in your moving experience. 

Whether you’re moving out of a home or an office, only a professional moving company will be careful in handling and moving items. With a friendly approach and communicating clearly, the movers will ensure you an efficient and smooth moving experience.

A hallmark of professionalism for moving companies is a customer-focused approach. Considering every move is unique, they may tailor their services to your specific needs and requirements.

9. Furniture Disassembly and Reassembly

For large furniture items, moving companies offer disassembly and reassembly services. They carefully take apart items like beds, tables, and cabinets before the move and reassemble them at your new location, saving you time and effort.

As a part of their service, movers help in disassembling furniture pieces for easier and safer relocation. This minimizes the risk of damage especially when moving through narrow hallways, stairways, tight corners, and multiple door frames.

Below are some of the common furniture items that movers disassemble and reassemble for you:

• Beds-Platform beds, canopy beds, bunk beds, and bed frames. Movers will disassemble the boards, and side rails, if necessary.
• Dressers- Movers will empty the contents from the large and heavy dresser first and then pack the dresser separately.
• Dining Tables- Dining tables with removable legs or extensions are often taken apart before loading.
• Sofas and Sectionals- Movers may remove legs or disassemble modular sections of sofas and sectionals. 
• Desks- This includes office desks or computer desks that are disassembled first to simplify the loading and unloading.
• Tables- This includes dining tables, coffee tables, and end tables.
• Exercise Equipment –Treadmills and weight benches will be taken apart to fit through doorways and hallways.

10. Addressing Unexpected Challenges

Moving can be complex, and unforeseen issues can arise in the process. Addressing unexpected challenges is an important aspect of the services provided by professional moving companies.

The common difficulties that arise in the moving commute include road closures, traffic delays, and other transportation issues. However, a good moving company always stays prepared with contingency plans and alternative routes to minimize delays.

11. Trash Disposal and Cleanup Service

After unloading and unpacking, movers can assist in removing packing materials and debris, leaving your new space clean and organized. Before your move, you can discuss junk removal and clean-up options with the moving company.

They will provide details about the services they offer and any associated costs. They can help you get rid of unwanted items or trash that you no longer wish to take with you to your new location. This may include old furniture, appliances, or general household items.

12. Insurance and Liability Coverage

Many prefer to hire a professional moving company so that the stuff doesn’t break, get damaged, or be lost during the move. However, no one can guarantee 100% safety as even the best moving companies can suffer setbacks or may end up damaging your household or personal belongings.

Fortunately, you can get various liability coverage options to protect your belongings during the move. These options can help cover the cost of repair or replacement in case of damage or loss. It’s essential to understand the types of liability coverage available and consider your specific needs when choosing the right coverage for your move.

If the moving company does not offer insurance or their coverage is insufficient, consider looking into third-party insurance options to ensure your items are adequately protected. Keep in mind that always a reputable moving company will be transparent about their insurance policies and guide you in choosing the best coverage for your move.

13. Clear Communication and Customer Support

As a part of their service, moving vendors offer excellent customer support. They are responsive to your inquiries and concerns, providing guidance and assistance throughout the moving process.

If you have hired movers or are working with a team, communicate well your moving preferences to ensure everything goes well and perfectly aligns with your needs.

Conclusion 

The 13 important things discussed above provide a comprehensive overview of clearly what to expect when hiring movers for relocation.  

So, when the time comes for your next move, make sure to hire a full-service moving company for a successful journey to your new destination.

Get in Touch with the Let’s Get Moving team

If you’re planning a move soon, and want to ensure a smooth experience, get in touch with the Let’s Get Moving team. The Company can provide valuable assistance and support in navigating a move during complex circumstances.

We take pride in exceeding the above-discussed 13 expectations and more. We have a team of trained professional movers who are dedicated to making your move successful and easy. 

Contact us today to schedule your next move and let us take the stress out of your moving journey.

FAQs

What should I do before the movers come?

It is best to prepare your property before the movers reach your place. Disconnect the appliances and pack your valuable items separately which may include important documents, jewelry, etc. If possible, try to clear pathways for the movers so that they can safely load and unload your belongings.

Should I help the movers I hired?

While it’s not essential to help movers you’ve hired, you can offer assistance if you feel comfortable. In most cases, the movers’ expertise is sufficient to complete the move without any assistance. They bring all the necessary equipment and skills to pack, load, transport, and unload your belongings.

Can I leave clothes in drawers when moving?

In most cases, leaving lightweight clothes in drawers is safe. Because these items will not add much weight to the furniture and safely transported to your new address.

Is $100 a good tip for movers?

Whether and how much to tip movers is entirely up to the customer. It is good to pay somewhere between 5 and 10% of the total move cost as a tip. This usually makes $50 to $100 per mover for a full-day move. However, for long-distance and complex moves, you can consider paying 20% of the total cost.

What do you feed a moving crew?

Although you’re under no obligation to feed the moving crew, it counts down to good manners to offer water or coffee to the crew.