Every antique furniture enthusiast understands its value and aims to keep it in good condition during a move. 

The pressure to keep your furniture intact during a move is manageable, but only with the right know-how and expertise. 

Here comes the role of a professional furniture mover, who packs, assembles, and disassembles your furniture items with care.  

These furniture removal specialists reduce the risk of broken or dented furniture, cut down on the time-consuming task of dismantling and loading, and ensure the right packing supplies are used. 

While it is helpful to have a professional by your side, it is also crucial to choose a reliable furniture mover nearby. 

This guide serves as a roadmap to help you understand the importance of choosing the right furniture moving company, outline steps to avoid common pitfalls, and share money-saving tips. 

Understanding Your Needs When Finding a Furniture Mover

Before you begin your search for a furniture moving service, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your specific requirements. 

By defining the scope of your move, you can narrow down your options and focus on a furniture mover company with the right expertise.

4 Reasons Why You Need to Choose Professional Furniture Movers

Choosing professional movers offers clear benefits that make the moving process easier and protect your belongings. 

While a DIY move might seem cheaper, the expertise, efficiency, and equipment that professionals bring often outweigh the initial cost, saving you from possible injuries, damage to your possessions, and unnecessary stress.

1. Safety and Expertise

Professional movers are trained to handle heavy and awkward items safely. 

They use proper lifting techniques and moving equipment, such as dollies, furniture straps, and ramps, to prevent injuries to themselves and damage to your home. 

This expertise is crucial for navigating tight corners, stairs, and narrow doorways with large items like sofas, refrigerators, and pianos. 

Their experience ensures that your furniture is moved securely, without risking personal injury or damaging your valuable possessions and property.

2. Efficiency and Time Savings

A professional moving crew can pack, load, and transport your furniture far more quickly and efficiently than you and a few friends. 

They work as a team, with each member knowing their role, which minimizes downtime. 

This efficiency not only speeds up the moving process but also allows you to focus on other essential tasks related to your relocation, such as setting up utilities or handling paperwork. 

By hiring professionals, you can complete a move that might take you a full day in just a few hours.

3. Proper Packing and Protection

Professional furniture movers have access to specialized packing materials and techniques to protect your valuables during the move. 

They use high-quality blankets, stretch wrap, and padding to prevent scratches, dents, and scuffs. 

For delicate or uniquely shaped items, they know how to secure them correctly to ensure they arrive at your new home in the same condition they left. 

This level of care and protection is hard to replicate with standard household supplies.

4. Insurance and Liability

One of the top reasons to hire professional movers is the peace of mind that comes with their insurance and liability coverage. 

Reputable furniture moving companies provide different levels of protection for your belongings, so if an item is damaged or lost, you are compensated. 

When you move yourself, you are personally responsible for any damage or injury that happens. 

This protection means you won’t have to worry about the financial cost of replacing a broken item or paying for a costly repair.

5 Steps to Choose the Right Furniture Moving Company

Among many furniture moving services, choosing the most suitable one takes time and research.

Here are a few steps to keep in mind when finding a furniture moving company. 

Step 1: Conduct an In-Depth Search 

The first thing you need to do is make a list of furniture moving companies near you. 

As you browse through company websites, pay attention to their services, experience, and the areas they serve. 

The most reliable companies will have a professional-looking website that is easy to navigate and provides detailed information about their operations and services.

A reliable furniture moving company will typically offer packing, furniture assembly and disassembly, storage, and junk removal services. 

Whether you have to dispose of old furniture items or move a pool table without taking it apart, a trustworthy moving company will take care of it all. 

You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, and colleagues who have recently moved. 

Personal recommendations can be a goldmine of information since they come from firsthand experience. 

Step 2: Check Your Moving Company’s Credentials and Online Reputation

This is the most critical step in choosing furniture movers. You must verify the credentials and reputation of each potential company on your list.

Licensing and Insurance

A legitimate furniture mover company should be appropriately licensed and insured. For moves within Ontario, check with the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). 

This ensures they meet industry standards and are accountable for their work. 

Insurance is non-negotiable; it protects your furniture in case of any damage or loss. Ask to see proof of insurance and understand what it covers.

Online Reviews and Ratings

Don’t just take the company’s word for it. Read reviews on independent platforms like Google Business Profile, Yelp, and Homestars. 

Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback. A company with a perfect five-star rating might seem appealing. 

Still, a mix of reviews, with the company demonstrating how they address and resolve negative feedback, can be a sign of a more transparent and customer-focused business. 

Step 3: Compare Multiple Moving Quotes 

After you’ve vetted your list, it’s time to gather estimates. 

One of the most important tips before choosing a furniture moving company is to compare at least three quotes from different movers. 

This allows you to compare not only the cost but also the professionalism of each furniture moving service.

Try Getting In-person Estimates.

A reputable company will come for a visual inspection of your belongings to provide an accurate estimate. 

Avoid taking quotes over the phone, as it is crucial for a furniture mover to inspect your items before giving a quote. 

This is a common red flag, as the final price can be significantly higher than the initial quote.

Review The Quote You Get 

When you receive a quote, make sure it is comprehensive and detailed. It should list all services included, labor fees, heavy item fee, and processing fee. 

Avoid Upfront Cash Deposits

Be wary of companies that require a large cash deposit up front. A reasonable deposit is usually a small percentage of the total cost that is deducted from the final bill. 

Step 4: Carefully Review the Contract 

Once you’ve chosen a furniture moving company, the contract is your final layer of protection. 

Read every line carefully before you sign. The contract should include the following:

A binding or a non-binding estimate

A binding estimate, as the name indicates, is a fixed pricing agreement that states the final amount you will pay after the move. 

This price remains the same even if the weight turns out to be more. 

A non-binding estimate is based on the visual inspection of your home or your inventory list. The price is not finalized at the start and may be adjusted based on what happens on your moving day. 

Dates and Times

The contract should specify the exact pickup and delivery dates and times.

Coverage for Damage 

Understand the different levels of liability coverage offered. 

Complete Value Protection is the most comprehensive option, while Released Value Protection offers minimal coverage. 

Discuss your options with the furniture moving company’s sales rep to ensure your items are adequately protected.

Step 5: Organize Your Logistics for Moving Day 

With the contract signed and the date set, it’s time to prepare for the big day. Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth process:

Declutter and Downsize

Before the movers arrive, downsize your home to free up space in your new home. This will save you time and money. You can hold a garage sale to sell your items or find places in Canada where you can donate things you no longer need. 

Have a Box With All Your Essentials 

Pack a box with essentials you’ll need on moving day and immediately after, such as important documents, medications, and toiletries.

Confirm with the Movers

A few days before the move, confirm the details with your chosen furniture moving service.

Common Red Flags to Watch Out for Before Hiring a Furniture Moving Company 

Identifying red flags when selecting a furniture moving service can save you from potential financial losses and poor service. 

Be on the lookout for these red flags:

1. Unprofessional Behavior

The company representative arrives late for the move and is vague about their services. They also fail to use the right packing material and handle your furniture poorly, causing damage to your delicate items. 

2. High-Pressure Sales Tactics

The moving company’s representative tries to pressure you into signing a contract on the spot or demands a large cash deposit.

3. Unbelievably Low Estimates

If a quote seems too good to be true, it probably is. Extremely low prices might indicate a company lacks experience, doesn’t have the proper resources, or plans to add hidden fees later.

4. No Written Contract

Always get a written contract before your move. A company that doesn’t provide a contract or avoids putting agreements in writing is a significant cause for concern.

Choosing A Furniture Mover For Home Staging 

A well-arranged furniture setup draws potential buyers when selling or renting your property. Professional moving companies can be beneficial for positioning heavy furniture, packing your items, or offering temporary storage options. 

Movers also assist with decluttering and depersonalizing by providing efficient packing services and safely storing items that might distract potential buyers. 

They can even help with assembling new furniture, ensuring every piece is properly placed to leave a lasting impression.

The Final Word

Moving is a significant life event, and the quality of your furniture moving companies can influence the overall experience. Take the time to research, verify, and carefully evaluate your options since your furniture is valuable. Whether it’s a local furniture moving service or a long-distance furniture removals company, make sure to do your homework and choose an insured provider. 

FAQs

1. How much do movers cost in Toronto?

The cost of movers in Toronto usually depends on the size of the home. A 1-bedroom move costs between $600 and $1,000, while a 4-bedroom move can be around $3,626. Movers typically charge an hourly rate of $120 to $140, and prices tend to rise during peak seasons, especially if an extra mover is involved. 

2. Do moving companies disassemble furniture items?

Yes, professional moving companies disassemble furniture items to make them easier to pack, wrap, and transport. This is especially helpful for large or oddly shaped items that might not fit through doorways or hallways. 

Whether you are packing a mattress, moving a bed, or relocating entertainment units, movers safely handle both the small and large parts of heavy furniture using the right tools. Movers typically bring shrink wrap, packing tape, tool kits, moving blankets, furniture dollies, and straps to prevent damage during dismantling. 

3. How far in advance should I book my movers? 

It’s best to book your movers at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially if you’re moving during the peak season (late spring to early fall). Booking a move in advance gives you ample time to research and secure a reliable company.

4. Can you hire movers to move furniture around your house?

Yes, many moving companies provide services to move furniture and other heavy items within your home. This service is often called in-home moving or furniture rearranging. People usually hire movers for this to shift heavy items between rooms, stage a house for sale, or clear a space for renovations without risking injury or damaging their floors.