How To Choose Reliable Moving Companies

A move can be difficult for family, professional, or personal reasons. That is why it is essential to choose reliable moving companies and take necessary precautions to reduce stress and protect your property during the moving process.

With millions of moves involving moving companies in the United States and Canada each year, it’s a minor miracle that most of them go off without a hitch.

Of course, hiring quality movers is essential.

Even with so many smooth and hassle-free moves, scams and poor practices occur. It is in your best interest to stay updated on every step of the process.

Here Are Some Tips For Opting For The Best Moving Companies

1. Obtain References For Movers

If you don’t have recommendations from friends and family, get a list of reputable movers from reputed associations such as the American Moving and Storage Association, state movers’ associations, and the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM).

Request references from any movers you speak with. Inform them that you require a list of three customers in your area who have relocated in the last three months. Then, call those customers and inquire directly about their experiences.

2. Choose A Reputable Mover

The first and most crucial step in the moving process is selecting a reputable moving company. Look for a mover who can provide evidence of excellent customer service, truthful advertising, and sound business practices.

When looking for a mover, it’s critical to:

• Obtain quotes from at least three reputable movers and specify what you want them to include.
• Check references and see if the mover or moving company is a member of the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM)
• Learn how the company will handle your items during relocation.
• Read the content of the mover’s website and printed materials carefully.
• Determine whether they have a local presence and can be reached in the event of a problem.

Here are some red flags to look out for when opting for movers:

• First, they do not possess a physical address.
• They give you a moving estimate over the phone rather than in writing.
• They need a hefty deposit upfront.
• Finally, they are not listed with the CAM or the Better Business Bureau.

3. Inventory Of The Items To Be Transferred

A reputable moving company will inventory all of your belongings and determine the bulk and weight of your move-in person or via a virtual survey. The estimator should go through all your storage areas, including cupboards, drawers, garages, and bookcases.

The total weight of your belongings and the space they take up in the truck account for a large portion of the mover’s fee. Ensure that you comprehend this estimate and that it is as accurate as possible.

4. Obtain A Thorough Walk-Through

A good estimator will inquire about what you intend to bring from your current home to your new home. A moving estimator who does a quick walk-through without noting what you plan to move is likely inaccurate.

So, tell the estimator which items you don’t want on the truck—items you intend to give away to people in need, donate to a charity, sell in a yard sale, or leave behind for the new owners.

5. Don’t Put Down A Large Deposit

Before moving, reputable movers will not demand cash or a large deposit. You should make the payment only when the item is delivered. You have no control over yourself when you see and look toward your belongings again if you pay in advance. When you pay, use a credit card to help protect yourself from potential fraud.

6. Avoid Packing Costs

The mover is not liable for their damage if you pack your belongings. However, if you hire a mover to pack your belongings, you may pay exorbitant prices for packing boxes and materials, not to mention time and labor.

If you hire movers to pack, inquire about the packers’ experience. Most packers are cautious, but you want to avoid hiring someone who throws whatever they can into a box and then seals it up with a bit of regard for your item’s breakage.

7. Avoid Signing A Blank Moving Contract

A blank contract should never be signed. Instead, make a written record of everything. The mover’s estimate, additional fees, and your pick-up and delivery dates should be included. Check your contract to ensure that all of your belongings are listed.

You can’t expect your laptop to be in the box if it isn’t labelled on the inventory form you sign before the driver leaves. You cannot claim damage for an item not on the inventory list.

Moving contracts are classified into three types:

• A non-binding estimate on your moving contract means the company cannot ask for more than 10% more than the original estimate. Any additional charges for your move must be paid within 30 days of delivery.
• A non-binding to exceed the moving estimate on your contract ensures that you will not be obligated to pay for any deviations from the original estimate. The forecast is the most you’ll have to pay for any services.
• A binding estimate on your moving contract should be a guaranteed price for the move and all extras and moving services. If you request any additional moving services (such as unpacking), you must pay any further fees within 30 days of delivery.

8. Purchase Moving Insurance

If your belongings are damaged or lost, your household insurance and the mover’s insurance may cover you. Typically, your household insurance will cover you in a catastrophic loss.

The mover is not responsible under transportation law for carrying items of extraordinary value, such as works of art and antiques, unless that value has been declared. Some items, such as fibreboard furniture, have “vice,” which means they are designed to be assembled and left in one location for their useful life. When movers see this fragile item in your inventory, they may request a liability waiver.

Make Sure To:

• Contact your insurance provider to clarify your overall coverage for your valuable belongings while in transit.
• Purchasing the mover’s replacement value protection will protect your belongings in case of loss or damage.
• If you do not purchase replacement value protection, find out how much the moving company is responsible for if your belongings are lost or damaged.
• The mover’s liability is generally $0.60 per pound ($1.32 per kg) per item.
• Check if the mover and any subcontractors have workers’ compensation insurance.
• If you pack the items yourself, inquire about liability—generally, the mover is not liable for loss or damage to goods packed by the owner.
• If you pack the items yourself, inquire about liability—generally, the mover is not liable for loss or damage to goods packed by the owner.
• Pack special care items (such as glass, marble, and others) at “owner’s risk”—the mover is unlikely to be liable for damage to things that are not professionally packed.
• Check to see how to file a claim and if there are any time constraints.

Conclusion

To conclude, we suggest you look at these topics while considering that you need a mover providing the services you require while moving. These serivces may include single item mover, office mover, home mover, etc. For this purpose, we would recommend a company like Moving Champs Canada.

They are an extremely successful company dealing with difficulties that may arrive from relocation under one roof. We suggest you make sure that the moving company you have chosen has the necessary experience and reliability and can be trusted above all.

You should use all the tips and suggestions above before deciding if any of the movers you choose can handle your items without damaging them.

To know more, contact us through:

Phone: +1-6479322202

Or Can also mail us on: info@movingchamps.ca