Choosing a Moving Company

By Pierre Frappier

Much of the stress that comes with moving can be relieved by hiring the right people to do the job. When choosing who the right people are it is wise to do some research about moving companies before making a selection, and to ask your family and friends for the names of companies they recommend. It is also useful to call organizations and associations to request a list of suggested movers. Also, find out if the mover is a member of an association or van lines. It is a good idea to ask at least three movers for estimates (the pricing will usually be less if you are paying by the hour) and check references, so that you will have a better idea of your options.

The more that you do to prepare yourself for your moving day the easier it will be for all involved. Moving to your new dreamhome should be positive experience for you and your family. Choose a mover who will make your dream of a stress free moving day come true.

Questions to ask:


• Does the company provide literature regarding the customers rights and the mover's responsibilities?
  

• Will they provide an estimate in writing outlining all of the requirements for the move?
  

• Is the company insured? Ask for a copy of the policy with a phone number if you wish to verify.
  

• Does the company have their own equipment, or will they sub contract the job to someone else? If so to whom? Get references.
  

• If you have a long distance move who will provide services at the destination, such as unpacking, claim settlement and storage? Is it the same company or someone else?
  

• If your goods are left on a moving van will the van be kept in a secure facility?Some moving companies provide storage. If you require this visit the moving company's facility and ask to see goods already stored.
  

• Does the mover have a workers compensation board certificate? If not there is the possibility that, in the event of an employee injury during your move, you may end up paying compensation.
  

• If moving to the United States is your moving company properly licensed and do they understand the rules and regulation of border crossings? What are the company?s procedures for filing a claim?
  

• What are you covered for? Get it in writing.
  

• Are you required to put a deposit on your move and if so why? This is not standard practice.

Moving Check List

One to Two Months Before Moving

❑ Call moving companies and compare free estimates

❑ Have a garage sale

❑ Fill out change of address forms

❑ If moving a large distance make travel arrangements with airlines, buses, car rental agencies and hotels

❑Transfer memberships with churches, clubs, fitness centres, sports teams and civic organizations

❑ Obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and prescription histories and ask dentist and doctor for referrals and transfer prescriptions

❑ Set up a chequing account in your new city

❑ Check into the laws and requirements of your new city regarding home-based businesses, business licenses, garbage disposal, parking, city by-laws, etc.

❑ In the event that you need to file an insurance claim, take inventory of your belongings before they?re packed, and if possible take pictures and write down the serial numbers of any electronic equipment

❑ Make arrangements for transporting pets

❑ Start using up food items, so that there is less left to pack or< possibly spoil

❑ Give a close friend or relative your travel route and schedule so you may be reached if needed

Two to Four Months Before Moving

❑ Switch utility services to new address and inform electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscription, credit cards, telephone and cable companies of your move

❑ Arrange for help on moving day

❑ Reserve elevator if moving from an apartment or condominium

❑ Have appliances serviced for moving

❑ Clean rugs and clothing and have them wrapped for moving

❑ Plan ahead for special needs of infants

❑ Close bank accounts and have your funds wired to your new bank after making sure there are no outstanding cheques or automatic payments that haven't been processed

❑ Make copies of any important documents that will be mailed or carried by hand to your new address

❑ Check with your insurance agent to ensure you?ll be covered through your homeowner's or renter's policy during the move, or get insurance through your moving company

On Moving Day

❑ Double check closets, shelves, attic and garage to be sure they are empty

❑ Carry important documents, currency and jewellery yourself

❑ Depending on how far you are moving you may want to carry travelers? cheques for quick, available funds

❑ Ensure movers have all your destination details and exchange phone numbers and email addresses

❑ Before you leave town, contact the moving company to ask for the final weight and charges

After Arriving at Your New Home

❑ Renew your driver?s license and auto registration, showing address change

❑ Contact the destination agent to get an update as to where the driver is and confirm delivery date

❑ Shop around for new insurance policies, especially auto coverage

❑ Revise your will and other legal papers to avoid longer probate and higher legal fees

❑ Locate the hospitals, police stations, veterinarian and fire stations near your home

Packing is an aspect of moving that most people don?t look forward to. Following are a few expert tips to make the job easier.

Packing Tips

❑ Keep the following supplies handy for packing: boxes, marking pens, bubble wrap, newspaper, tissue, tape, scissors and a tape measure

❑ Pack audio/video equipment in its original box, label cables and tighten transit screws; if removing screws, tape them to the objects they were removed from

❑ Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box

❑ Leave "soft" items in dresser drawers

❑ Label each box and indicate the following: a) which room it should go in, b) whether it is fragile and c) if it should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first

❑ Cushion contents with packing material such as bubble wrap, newspaper or tissue; save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items

❑ Pack books tightly on end in small boxes; if musty smelling, sprinkle talcum powder between the pages and wrap the book before packing

❑ Have rugs and draperies cleaned before moving and leave them in wrappings for the move

❑ Carry all valuables with you

❑ Pack one box that you will take with you containing your clean bedding, change of clothes, toothbrush and paste, contact lens solution, medication (putting medicines in leak proof containers) and any other toiletries you might need right away, as well as some food