How to hire right moving company.
With millions of moves every year in the Canada, it’s a minor miracle that most of them go smoothly, with no issues whatsoever. Hiring quality moves is a must, of course.
But even with so many smooth moves, scams or shoddy practices do occur. It’s in your interest to be informed about every step in the process.
Here are 11 ways How to hire right moving company.
1. Get recommendations.
Ask friends, coworkers, and local real estate agents. Look in the phone book for moving companies that have offices near your home. You’re going to want to get an in-person estimate of how much
your move will cost. Don’t rely on any estimate that comes from someone who hasn’t looked in every one of your closets. Don’t assume that big-name companies are best. Do not get estimates through websites that offer to “find you a mover.” Find the mover yourself and avoid the numerous scams associated with some of these sites. And don’t use household-goods brokerage services that find a moving company for you―they are not regulated by the laws that movers must follow.
2. Do an initial screening.
When you have a list of recommended movers, go online to do a quick background check (you can do a more thorough check later). Call or go to the website of the BBB (www.bbb.org) or Home Stars (https://homestars.com). You also can call or e-mail the Trust Pros ( https://trustedpros.ca) to see if a moving company is a member, which means it has agreed to abide by the organization’s published tariffs and to participate in its arbitration program.
3. You should end up with at least three companies.
If you’re moving to another province, ask if the company will give you a written binding estimate or, even better, a binding not-to-exceed estimate. Both types of estimates put a guaranteed cap on what you will pay for your move. Estimates for interstate moves will be based on the weight of the items you’re moving and the distance of the move. Either way, estimates for these movers are based on the amount of time the move will take.
4. When an estimator comes to your home.
Show him everything you want to have moved―in the closets, the backyard, the basement, the attic. If on your moving day the foreman believes you have significantly more stuff than was calculated in your estimate, he can “challenge” the original estimate (before everything is on the truck, not after). He can’t force you to pay a higher amount, but he doesn’t have to move your stuff for the original amount, either. And at that point you probably don’t have a lot of other options. Find out how long the company has been in business. (You want one that’s been around a few years at least, and ideally 5 or more.) By the time the estimator leaves, you should have collected all of the following:
- The company’s full name and any other names under which it does business.
- The company’s address, phone numbers, and e-mail and website addresses.
- Names and contact information for the company’s references.
5. Review the estimate. How to hire right moving company.
The estimate may be a combined document that, when signed by you and the moving-company representative, serves as your order for service and bill of lading, too. These, along with the inventory list created when your goods are loaded, are the basic documents any mover should provide you with. If you’re not sure about anything in the estimate, call and ask. And have the company send you a revised written estimate if necessary―don’t just take someone’s word for anything. How to hire right moving company.
6. As you get estimates.
Keep this folder open in plain sight as later estimators come in. This shows them you’re doing your homework, which encourages them to be honest and perhaps give you a more competitive quote.
7. When you’ve gotten all your estimates in, compare the bids.
Be wary of any company that comes in much lower than the others. Look at high bids to see where the extra costs are coming from. Call and ask questions if you don’t understand anything. If you have several reasonable-sounding bids from reputable companies, don’t be afraid to negotiate to get the best possible rate. Especially in a market where there’s lots of competition, most movers will work with you on pricing.
8. Now check out the contenders in more detail.
Take the information you’ve gathered and get back online. First, make sure they’re incorporated in your province ―and confirm how long they’ve been in business. Some have searchable databases of businesses online, if not, call the number in the government pages of the phone book.=
9. Now you can select a mover.
You should feel confident about any company you’ve run through the checks above. Confirm the dates and details of your move, and make sure you get a signed order for service and a bill of lading. How to hire right moving company.
10. On moving day, get a written copy of the mover’s inventory list,
Provide the movers with specific directions for getting to your new home, and make sure you have a number where you can reach the movers throughout the move.
Let us help you settle in
The last thing you want when your property arrives is a moving Alberta company that dumps and runs. Real Estate Movers , we’re not finished until you’re completely satisfied. We unload and unpack with as much care as we packed and loaded. If you have any concerns or in the unlikely event anything is lost or damaged, we promise a prompt response. Simply call your agent, our customer service department at +1 (877) 992 – 4766
