A long-distance move is often too complicated to handle on your own: you simultaneously need to find a place to live in your new location, continue working, take care of your family and pack your belongings. To partially spread out your schedule, it’s worth looking for professional movers https://realestatemovers.ca/moving-from-calgary-to-vancouver/. But before you sign a contract, look for the best company:
- Look for moving companies online and read reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Ask for recommendations from friends, family, coworkers or real estate agents who have recently moved.
- Contact at least three different companies to get detailed quotes. Once you get them, make sure you are aware of all possible costs and services. If you are happy with the figures, request a home visit estimate where a representative from the company will visit your home to provide a more accurate price with your belongings in mind.
- Inquire about how long the company has been in business, as well as their experience with long distance or specialized moves. Make sure the moving company is licensed and insured. In Canada, reputable movers must be members of the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM).
- Search for the company on the Better Business Bureau and Canadian Association of Movers websites to see if there are any complaints or negative reviews.
- Make sure the contract includes all details such as the date of the move, pickup and delivery times, total cost and any extras. Pay attention to the fine print, including cancellation policies and insurance coverage.
- Record all details and arrangements in writing, including any verbal promises made by the moving company.
To avoid running into scammers, losing time and property, and throwing money away, try to take a critical approach to the company’s evaluation. For example, you call a company near your home, and the manager does not want to provide a clear written estimate, or offers only vague rates without a detailed description. This may indicate possible hidden fees that will show up later and result in unexpected and inflated costs. Another problem may be the lack of a physical address, a professional website, or a presence on review platforms. This could indicate that the company operates in fly-by-night mode and is not trustworthy. Finally, if the moving company requires a large deposit or full payment before the move, be wary: a large upfront payment could be a sign of fraud, and you risk losing your money if the company doesn’t show up. As a rule of thumb, reliable moving companies usually require a small deposit and pay the balance upon delivery.