10 Tips on Hiring the Best Movers

Deciding who you should call to move your belongings can be a difficult decision. The moving industry is fraught with unethical business practices and scams. How do you find out who are the good guys and who will scam you? Our president, David Whittaker, has created for you a 10-step guide for choosing the right mover for your home and your family. Be sure to follow this checklist of questions to ask the next time you are talking to your potential mover!

10 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR MOVER

1- DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMNUNITY AFFILIATIONS?

Check to see if the company is a part of community organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce. Contact these companies, what do they have to say about your chosen moving company?

2- ARE YOU AFFILIATED WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU?

If so, what is your rating? Do you have any positive reviews? Any negative reviews? According to the BBB, were claims suitably dealt with?
The Better Business Bureau, or BBB, is an organization with the sole purpose of helping consumers find businesses they can trust as well as flagging all the businesses with a bad reputation. Consumers use the BBB as the first stop when filing a customer complaint. Businesses that have a poor rating or chose to not be rated raises a red flag to consumers. Be sure to check your chosen moving company’s BBB rating and reviews.

3- WHAT IS YOUR STORAGE SITUATION?

If I need my belongings held for a few days, will they be kept safe and secure? Where will they be held?

4- ARE YOUR WORKERS COVERED BY WORK SAFE BC?

The reason you want to ask this question is because you may be liable for injuries workers incur if they are not covered.

5- DO YOU HAVE DETAILED POLICIES?

Do you provide information that outlines customer and mover rights and responsibilities, as well as information detailing mover liability for loss or damage?

6- WHAT IS YOUR SAFETY RECORD?

Professional movers are transparent and more that happy to provide you with their track record.

7- ARE YOUR INSURED?

Ask them to provide you with their insurance company’s name and policy number. Even professional movers can make mistakes, but when they do, you need to know your belongings will be replaced or repaired.

8- DO YOU HAVE YOUR OWN EQUIPMENT AND EMPLOYEES OR DO YOU SUB-CONTRACT WORK?

Yes, we have 5-ton trucks, 2-ton trucks, and 1-ton trucks as well as full-time and part-time staff.

9- CAN YOU MOVE SPECIALTY PIECES LIKE MY POOL TABLE OR MY MOTORCYCLE?

Big pieces and delicate items need to be handled differently. Pool tables are unwieldy, and motor bikes must be prepared properly to prevent damage during the move. Follow the links for additional tips and information.
https://test-hendramoving.dev-digitaldot.com/movers-guide-to-transporting-motorcycles
https://test-hendramoving.dev-digitaldot.com/movers-guide-to-transporting-a-pool-table

10- CAN I GET THE ESTIMATE IN WRITING?

Lastly, make sure you get an estimate in writing! Make sure you read our guide on getting accurate moving estimates!

The following questions will prepare you with the tools you will need to confidently choose a moving company.

How to get an accurate estimate
These suggestions will prepare you with the tools you will need to confidently choose a mover for your belongings.

Travel time – old and new residence
Be sure to give detailed information on your old and new residence. Drive time can be lost finding addresses that may not appear on Google maps or are listed incorrectly.

Request a site visit
They are the professionals, and they will know the questions they need to ask to give you an accurate quote. Home visits are needed to inspect belongings and the environment for the move. You may have a driveway that is too narrow for the size of truck they are planning to use. Knowing this before hand will save you time and money.

Make an inventory
Create an inventory of your belongings. Taking the time to list special items that may need more attention and care when moved will help the mover accurately compensate for the time needed to make sure your belongings are moved safely and efficiently.

Pricing
Beware of a price much lower that others. This could be an indicator of sub-standard service or higher charges to come later.

Obstacles
Notify the movers of obstacles such as stairs or elevators. Accounting for this ahead of time will prevent surprise charges.

PACKING
Who is responsible for packing? If you expect your mover to pack, make sure it is included in the estimate. The more you prepare your belongings ahead of time, the less you will spend.

Estimating standards
For a local move, the estimate should provide the number of hours the move will take to complete. Make sure the estimate is dated and includes the date of the move. Don’t sign a contact unless these options are spelled out in writing. Contracts should be in your hands long before the day of the move to give you ample time to review. Presenting the contract last minute is a scare tactic often used by scam moving companies to rush you into signing a contract you have not had time to review.

Unscrupulous discounting/negotiating
Beware of movers who offer to forego the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or who only accept cash payments. These are often indicators of an unscrupulous mover and one who is unlikely to pay claims or even deliver your goods. If they will cut these corners, what other corners might they cut (or run into).

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out for a FREE ESTIMATE.