Toronto Movers

 

The moving industry generates many complaints across the greater Toronto area annually. Complaints range from dings, dents and scratches on household items to holding personal belongings hostage until additional money is paid.

Be sure that you hire a mover with a good reputation, references and that you understand the fine print of your contract. You should also plan six to eight weeks in advance to book a reputable moving company during the busy spring to Labour Day period.

Here are our Top 10 Tips on Hiring a Toronto Moving Company:

Step 1: Collect competitive estimates.
Obtain written estimates from at least three moving companies, and make sure they’re based on an in-person assessment of your current space and belongings. Online and phone estimates are available, however in person estimates with accurate assessment of both space and belongings make for a more accurate quote.

 

Step 2: Check their license and insurance.
First and foremost, determine whether a mover is licensed and insured. Contact the Toronto Better Business Bureau to see if there are complaints against the company. Ask for and call all three references to gauge the mover’s professionalism and reliability. Choose a company with excellent customer service.

Step 3: Know whether an estimate is binding or non-binding.
Ask about rates. Be aware of any conditions that may lead to additional costs, such as moves over a certain mileage or goods over a certain weight. Ask what happens if goods are damaged, and under what conditions is the mover responsible and for how much. With non-binding estimates, the moving cost is based on an estimated hourly rate and/or the estimated weight of the cargo. The risk is that it can be difficult to know how heavy a house’s contents might be or how long they’ll take to move. Beware that there are no guarantees that the final cost won’t exceed the non-binding estimate.

Step 4: Ask for all your options.
Understand how packing options affect the price. For example, if you pack certain goods yourself, can you save some money? Or pack everything yourself with portable containers that are delivered to your home. You pack them, and the company transports them to your new home.

Step 5: Confirm the Crew
If you are moving a long distance, inquire about tracking options so that you can find out where your belongings are. Ask for crew contact information such as name and cell phone in order to contact them if necessary. Be sure they can guarantee a delivery date.

Step 6: Understand the fine print.
Be sure you understand how materials affect costs and that it’s covered in the contract. Many consumer complaints relate to add-on costs from packing materials such as bubble wrap and boxes. Some furnishings, such as your baby grand piano, may require special handling that adds to the bottom line. There may also be limits on the company’s ability to handle and transport some items such as barbecues and firearms, which will result alternate arrangements.

Step 7: Plan ahead and ask for specials.
Check into whether there are special deals the company offers; and ask whether they give auto club (CAA) or senior specials. In addition, many companies offer mid week and off prime time hours discounts.

Step 8: Get a signed contract.
A signed contract should include price, pick-up and delivery dates, packing services and mileage, plus policies regarding payment, insurance and guaranteed services. Make sure the contract has a toll free customer-service number on it that you can call with any problems.

Step 9: Ensure that you’re insured.

When you secure a moving company, you’ll need to consider what kind of insurance coverage to purchase. While moving companies are held accountable for the goods they transport, there are different levels to consider, with “released value” and “full value protection” being the most common. Under released value, the basic, no-extra-charge option, the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound—not much at all if an expensive item is damaged.

Step 10: Don’t pay until you’re satisfied.
Many companies will ask for deposits and thats OK. However do not make any final payment until all items have been received and reviewed for damage.

 

 

 

 

In summary, you should look for:

• Quality references
• Written Rates
• Confirmation of Insurance
• Packing options
• Tracking options
• Guaranteed service
• Written contract

 

 

Tips & Warnings

• Rates are higher from May through September, the busy season for moving.
• Should you require Storage facilities should be secure from theft and wet weather.
• Get the truck driver’s cell phone number so that you can keep track of his progress.
• Fly-by-night movers. Ask for physical office address and look to see if they’re in the Yellow Pages.

 

Pulling your hair out because you’re moving soon?  This really doesn’t have to be a stressful time. Here are some tips to help you achieve a smooth move. Why spend your hard earned money on a professional packing company with a little planning and innovation you can do it yourself.

* Create a checklist for yourself and include everything that you need to do before during and after the move.

* Decluttering will make it easier for you.  There are many charities that will come and pick up clothes, items and even furniture.

* Obtain quotes for a moving company, referrals from friends and relatives are usually your best choice. 

* Start collecting boxes.  Try your local grocery store or even a friend with a company who can lend you free boxes.  Remember it is better to have light boxes and heavy ones.  The heavier ones will just hurt your back.

* Label all your boxes with the name of the room in the house they will be going into.  Also specify what is inside, winter clothes, games, etc. 

* Make sure you specify which way is up and fragile with a thick felt marker.

* Use newspaper only to wrap those items which will not be ruined by the transfer of newsprint. Use your own linens to wrap delicate items. A roll of bubble wrap is also worth having on hand.

 * For larger moves colour coded stickers on your boxes can be useful then when at the destination put colour coded stickers on the door frames so your mover knows what goes where.

* Be methodical. Pack each room as you go, this way you will not miss anything.

* Give yourself plenty of time. Do not underestimate just how long it will take you to pack. This is especially true if you have lived in the place for sometime.

* Sometimes the move does not take place at midday as your lawyer has specified. In case the move is delayed and you do not get moved in until late in the evening prepare with what you will need to get to bed and take care of the unpacking the next day.   Keep the kids toys and electronic games handy.

* If you can find a babysitter for the children under 12 and for any pets it will make it even smoother as accidents can happen.

* Disconnect all the major electrical/gas appliances for the arrivals of the movers. They are not trained gas fitter or electricians and indeed it is now illegal for them to get involved in disconnection/reconnection of appliances.

* Disconnect the telephone before you leave the house and arrange for the phone to be connected at your new place.

* Plan your unpacking so that you unpack the most important rooms such as the bedroom; kitchen for basic food and kettle; bathroom.

* If you are relocating pets ensure that their new home is ready for them: gates closed; fencing in good order. Keep a close eye on your dogs and cats they have been house trained at your old house at the new they may decide to ” mark their territory”.

* Moving is stressful and tempers may get heated.  Take a break when everything is moved in.  Open up that bottle of wine, toast your new house this is where you and your loved ones will live.  Imagine how you will feel once all the boxes are unpacked and the furniture is in its place. 

* Don’t forget your toolkit for disassembly and reassembly.   The movers may not do it.  A good idea to check with the company if they will do it for you.   Make sure that your box for screws and bolts is handy.

* The movers will place the items in the rooms you designate. However,

they are not there to help in your feng shui.  Decide in advance where you want your furniture placed and stick to it.

* In advance arrange with the post office to set up a forwarding address. Forwarding

can take some days so give them plenty of notice. Email/ text/ mail everyone with your new address.

* During the 2-4 days after you have moved in take the opportunity to say ” Hi” to your neighbours.  It is a good idea to build a good rapport with your elderly neighbours especially if they stay at home during the day and watch what is happening.  An instant security system for your new house.

Enjoy your packing, moving and remember it is all worth it in the end.