Hiring the right moving company can save you lots of work, stress and headaches in the long run. Ensure that the company you hire upholds strict standards. How can you tell?
Do your research by asking questions. Is the company a member of the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM)? This organization exists to help people find reputable movers they can trust. To explore a company’s reputation, you can also contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and your provincial government’s consumer protection agency. Visit Mover.net to learn more about what CAM has to say – the first three things listed are:
- Ask three movers for estimates in writing
- Get the terms and conditions of your move in writing
- Ensure you know how your goods will be protected for loss of damage.
If a company representative does not know how to answer your questions or glosses over them, a red flag should go up.
Of particular importance are the financial considerations. Does the company have a minimum charge, and how are you charged after their minimum is met? Will you be charged for fuel or travel time to and from their office to your home? Will there be a fuel surcharge or a stairs or long-distance walk charge if they have to park the truck some distance from your door?
Is a deposit required? What payment options are available? Do they offer free quotes? How do they arrive at a valuation that is covered by insurance? It is also important to ask if they employ full-time workers or use temps, and whether employees are covered by Worker’s Compensation.
Ask how to contact the firm’s office on moving day, in case issues arise. If all the representative offers is a cell phone number, be suspicious. Visit the movers’ office to make sure it exists. Anyone can make anything seem legitimate online.
Have a moving contract that outlines what is expected. Read it and ask questions about anything you don’t understand.
Make sure you hire a moving company you can trust. That’s the key to a successful, stress-free move.