Four tips for hiring movers

We are talking about entrusting all of your worldly possessions to someone else so that they can get them from your old place to your new one. Do you know what you need? We do; here are our tips for hiring movers.

1. A good, detailed contract. A contract ensures and outlines all expectations. This is particularly true when you hire professional movers. You’re obviously the “who,” and your gorgeous new apartment is obviously the “why,” but we also need to know exactly “what,” “where,” and “when” in order to transport your items to your new place. There are usually a lot of details, and finding out about them on moving day is counterproductive. Think ahead.

2. Do your research. The first thing to do is find a reputable mover. Check online with the Better Business Bureau or the Canadian Association of Movers, and of course, ask friends and family members to refer companies they have used. Select a company that has a tried-and-true track record.When we meet customers to arrange their move, we need to know about everything they expect to take so we can prepare as accurate an estimate as possible. Ask us all of your questions before signing the contract: Insurance and liability, additional charges, any exemptions.

3. Tell us everything. If there’s an extra stop to drop something off, it’s extra time and will add to the cost – plus we need to pack the item so it’s accessible. Let us know of an item that may be difficult to move – or any concerns you have. You don’t want to find out on moving day that there are extra charges or unmovable items.

4. Get an estimate. In many ways, estimating is a science. Computers help, but the results are only as good as the information we input. Telling us on moving day that you forgot you want to take the shed in the backyard can hold things up for hours. It will also add to your costs. And speaking of costs, we need to know well ahead of time if you want us to provide the service of packing. Deciding this two days before the move likely won’t work. If you’ve been quoted only on moving and not on packing, you’ll need a new contract that reflects the cost of packing. If you do the packing yourself, read the contract as to whether or how much your items are covered, should damages occur. It is our responsibility as professional movers to ask the right questions, but until we develop ESP, we need to rely on you to explain what you need from us. A contract protects you as much as the movers, but only if you read it, understand it and abide by it.