Deciding What to Move
The best time to purge your home of unwanted items is before moving; otherwise, you will be paying to move them. If you are moving locally and are on a tight budget, ask the moving company if they will consider only moving the larger pieces of furniture, appliances, and other big items.
Moving Quotes
Ask family, friends, or your realtor for a recommendation for a mover they have used. Then go to the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) website to ensure they are a member in good standing. You can also find a list of professional movers in your area on the website. All CAM members must adhere to the association’s standards of service and a code of ethics.
Unless you have a small apartment or condo, only get quotes from movers who will send a representative to your home and view the items to be moved. This will provide you with the most accurate quote. Moving consultants can also provide you with guidance, tips, and options to help you stay within your budget.
Moving Company Personnel
The quality of the personnel sent to perform the actual move can make or break a move. You want to ensure that the van operator and the crew sent to your home know how to safely handle your furniture and protect your home from property damage. You also want them to be respectful and trustworthy.
Ask if they have a background check program in place that you can verify and what kind of quality and customer service training they provide for their personnel.
Packing Services
Proper packing is essential to ensure your valued possessions arrive in good condition. If you are trying to save money, you can do your own packing, but it is always wise to consider having the movers pack your breakable items like fine china, crystal, and collectibles. One reason why is that most movers will not cover the cost of damage to items packed by the owner unless there is visible external damage to the carton.
Be sure to ask the moving consultant if you can purchase professional packing materials from them for your self-packing.
Cargo Protection
Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover damages during a move, particularly a long-distance move. Before you meet with a moving company representative, contact your insurance broker to see if your policy will cover you in these circumstances. There may be an additional premium for a special rider if your insurer is willing to cover the move.
If not, ask your moving consultant to explain what options are available through the moving company. You can purchase full replacement coverage from professional movers at a reasonable cost.
Delivery Schedule
If you are moving locally, delivery is usually the same day as the move-out or the next day if it is a large move. If you are moving long-distance, a “delivery window” will be assigned. The delivery window is based on the weight of your shipment and the distance between the origin and destination location. Be sure that the mover confirms this information in writing. Also, ask the mover if there will be any compensation if they do not deliver by the final date of the schedule.
For more information and to get a no-cost and no-obligation moving estimate, contact Premiere Van Lines toll-free at 1-877-671-6683.