5 Important Questions to Ask your Movers
You’re moving – that’s wonderful!
Before you hire your moving company and get started packing, it’s important to sort out some very important details.
To ensure your move is as smooth as possible, here are five questions you need to ask your movers before signing on the dotted line.
1. Ask for a detailed estimate
For local moves, most companies charge an hourly rate and can estimate the length of time the move will take. Most moving companies will also tell you that if the client is organized, the movers can better stick to their estimate. That includes ensuring all boxes are packed and sealed, there is arranging parking for the truck(s), and elevators have been reserved. Not doing any one of these things will add time (and money) to your move.
2. Ask if there are extra fees
These extra fees can include fuel surcharges, kilometre surcharges, extra insurance, stair fees, supply fees and travel time. Most companies will add travel time to their estimate but not always the time spent driving to your current home then driving back to the moving company’s depot once the move is complete. Some companies charge from depot to depot. If that’s the case, make sure you know where their depot is.
3. Ask if they have experienced movers
If there’s an awkward pause, that’s not a good sign.
4. Ask about the moving trucks
Do they have a million trucks? We find that the larger the company, the more chance there is of a mistake in booking, and it’s also more likely they will have inexperienced guys on their trucks. Also, do they have a variety of truck sizes?
The typical rule of thumb for moving is:
Bachelor = 1-ton truck
1 bedroom = 1-ton to 3-ton truck
2 bedroom = 3-ton truck
3 bedroom to 2 bedroom house = 5-ton truck
Any apartment bigger than 3 bedrooms or a house bigger than 3 bedrooms you will likely need 2 trips or 2 trucks.
5. Ask if they are licensed, insured and covered by WCB
Like any endeavour involving entrusting your items to strangers, it is always best to be prepared for the worst case scenarios. Your moving company should be confident and up-to-date with all their licensing and insurance. In regards to WCB, if you own your home and a worker is injured on your property, you may be held liable if the moving company is not insured.
After months of planning and organizing, when moving day finally arrives, you want to be able to trust your movers to get your belongings carefully and efficiently transported to your new home. If you have asked these questions, your move should be a stress-free success!
Planning a move? We can help! Call us for a free estimate!
