Make no mistake about it moving is a frustrating and complex affair that nobody really looks forward to. Moving an entire home even in the best of cases requires a lot of hard work. While moving, the last thing you need is further complications. In many cases hiring local moving companies is a required part of the moving process. However, to cut down on complications, unforeseen annoyances, hidden costs and broken furniture it pays to ask your local moving companies questions before deciding on who to hire. By asking the following questions you can be sure that the company you hire is reputable one.
Ask Basic Questions
A professional moving company has a certain level of professionalism you should expect. Ask if they abide by and follow the Good Practice Guidelines for Canadian Movers. This assures that you can expect a certain level of service.
Concerning their moving equipment, ask who owns it. If the company uses sub-contractors or outside employees and equipment, ask who from and review this company accordingly.
Be sure that the company has a Workers’ Compensation Board certificate to cover employee injuries, if they do not, you may be held accountable for any injuries that may occur during the move.
What will it cost?
Before hiring any local moving company, get an estimate in writing. It would also be wise to find out if they will be charging a per hour rate or by total weight. Another important question is, will the move be done the same day or over several days.
Ask what payment methods are accepted early on in the process (cheque, money order, credit cards). As a note, beware companies that only accept cash payments or try to dodge the Goods and Services Tax, this is a sign of an untrustworthy business.
Inquire about additional fees. Things such as a residence that’s hard to get furniture into or one where you can’t easily get a van into to move items out of could incur extra costs. Storage fees may also apply if your new residence isn’t immediately available.
Do They Have Insurance?
Reputable moving companies offer insurance. Be sure to verify any moving company’s policy carrier and policy number. When asking about coverage from a mover be sure it is Replacement Value Protection. This assures you’re covered by the value you place on your property. Be sure that you get a copy of the agreement along with a written statement of any coverage limits.
If you have household insurance, check with your provider to see if they offer coverage for moving and be sure that it is All Risk coverage to protect you against any unforeseen events. Remember, without some form of protection most coverage is a base few cents a pound, which comes nowhere near to covering the true property costs.
When selecting a local moving company the key issues relate to professionalism, certification, transparency and costs. While it takes time to narrow down your choices you owe it to yourself to do the work required to make sure you’re hiring a professional. Saving a few dollars on moving expenses by using a less than reputable company can quickly snowball into a multitude of problems. Always go with a professional and ask questions before you hire any of your local moving companies.
In the Greater Toronto Area, Tender Touch Moving & Storage has been providing exceptional service to our customers for many years. Call today for an estimate!
