Six Tips for Hiring a Reputable Mover

Ontario's Ministry of Consumer Services has some sobering news. They receive almost 300 inquiries and complaints about movers every year. Those complaints include holding possessions for ransom, lost and damaged items, allegations of overcharging and poor quality service.

But there are some easy things you can do to protect yourself from unscrupulous moving companies. Many provinces have a Consumer Beware List where you can go to research any complaints that may have been filed with the ministry against a moving company you're thinking of hiring.
But, when you start shopping around for a mover, don't stop there. Here are six tips from the Canadian government on how to hire a mover:


Get References

Ask for three references from every mover you consider for the job and check them thoroughly. You can also ask friends and relatives who they would recommend.

Shop Around

Resist the urge to hire the first mover you get a quote from. Three written estimates from each of the movers you're considering will help you to compare costs and what services are available for the price. Remember, the cheapest deal isn't necessarily the best deal.

Invite Them In

Avoid dealing with anyone who wants to give you a quote over the phone. A reputable mover will come to your home to inspect your furnishings and confirm the approximate volume or weight and give you an accurate quote.

Before You Sign

If your move involves storing some of your things, ask to see the storage facility. If the company balks at that idea, hire someone else.

Your moving contract should include the following:

• The estimate and the date of the estimate. Under law, the final price charged can't be more than 10 per cent above the agreed-on estimate. This should include the cost per hour/flat rate and the terms of payment.
• The size and value of items.
• Who will be doing the packing.
• An estimate of the number of boxes to be moved.
• The number of movers, the number of hours and the size of the moving vehicle.
• In the case of border crossings, any licenses and customs documents needed.
• If your move is to be insured, you need the name of the person holding the policy.

Sign a detailed written agreement with the mover only after you have read it carefully. You need to understand what is included and what isn't.

Do You Need Extra Insurance?

Find out who is responsible for damage or loss. Reputable movers have insurance for such eventualities and you can buy extra insurance from them if you have anything of particular value to move. You also need to be aware that many moving companies won't cover your things if you've packed them yourself.

Your household insurance may already include coverage for goods in the event of an accident happening during the course of a move. You could also contact your broker to ask about buying extra coverage.

On Moving Day

Keep the agreement with you on moving day so that you can refer to it if there is a disagreement during the move or when you receive the bill.

Transport valuables such as jewelry, money or important personal documents yourself.

Any missing or damaged items should be recorded on the contract and/or inventory list before you sign off and allow the movers to leave.

If you do encounter a unethical mover, you can file a complaint on this Ontario government website.



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RELATED LINKS

How to Dodge Scam Artists and Choose a Good Moving Company
How to Read a Contract
How to Break a Sales Contract (in Ontario)

Marlene Alexander is a freelance writer and Dollar Store Diva. She writes tips and ideas for finding and using the best the dollar store has to offer.