With millions of moves every year in the Canada, to or from Toronto, ON or elsewhere in Canada, it’s a minor miracle that most of them go smoothly, with no issues whatsoever. Hiring quality Toronto movers is a must, of course.
But even with so many smooth moves, scams or shoddy practices do occur. It’s in your interest to be informed about every step in the process.
Here are 7 ways to hire the right team for your move:
1. Don’t let your mover phone it in
A reputable Toronto moving company will take inventory of all your belongings and determine the bulk and weight of your move. The estimator should be thorough and check all of your storage places such as cupboards, drawers, garages and bookcases. A large component of the mover’s price is based on the weight of your stuff and the space your goods take up in the truck. Be sure you understand this estimate and that it is as accurate as possible.
2. Look for more than a cursory glance
An estimator who performs a quick walk-through without noting what you plan to move is going to be off the mark. A good estimator will ask questions about what you plan to take from your current house to your next home. So, be sure you are prepared to tell the estimator which items you don’t want on the truck – the items you plan to give away, donate to a charity, sell in a yard sale, or leave behind for the new owners.
3. Don’t pay a large deposit
Reputable Toronto movers won’t demand cash or a large deposit before moving. You should only pay upon delivery. If you pay in advance, you have no control over when you will see your belongings again. When you do pay, use a credit card to help protect you from possible fraudulent activity.
4. Avoid the name switch
Some Toronto moving companies avoid being assessed by the Better Business Bureau by doing business under a variety of names. Be sure the company has a local address and information about licensing and insurance. Their employees should answer the phone with the full name of the business.
5. Get references
If your friends and family don’t have recommendations, check out their reviews on reputable sites such as Homestars & Yelp.
Ask any mover you speak with for references. Tell them you want a list of three customers from your area who have moved in the past three months. Call those customers and ask direct questions about their experiences.
6. Avoid packing costs
If you pack your belongings yourself, the mover generally isn’t responsible for damage to them. However, if you have your mover do the packing, you may pay inflated prices for boxes and packing materials, not to mention time and labor. If you decide to have the movers pack, ask about the packers’ experience. Most packers are careful, but you want to avoid the chance of getting someone who tosses whatever they can into a box and then seals it up with little regard for breakage.
7. Beware of extra fees
Do you live in a two-story house or are you moving into one? Moving to or from a 10th-floor apartment? If so, you’ll likely be charged extra for the movers’ having to negotiate stairs and elevators. Have a narrow street that won’t fit a moving van? Expect a surcharge for the transfer of your belongings to a smaller truck for delivery. Make sure to ask your mover about any additional fees that may apply to your situation.
About Europa Moving & Storage Toronto
Europa Moving & Storage Toronto is a professional moving and storage company operating out of Toronto, ON, providing high quality local and long distance moving services throughout Toronto, GTA, Ontario and across Canada. Thanks to our country-wide network we are also able to service our clients’ long distance moving needs throughout Canada.
Call Europa Moving & Storage Toronto (416) 604-9904 for a FREE Consultation in regards to your residential or office moving needs to and from the GTA and Metro Toronto area.
