90 minutes from Toronto, Peterborough is a fine place to live, work, or do business.  No wonder people keep coming to take advantage of its great location, water access, low cost of living, and affordable real estate.

If you are moving to Peterborough, you probably called a couple of moving companies and asked for prices.

You’ll notice that moving companies have different prices for the same move. Don’t hire movers for moving to Peterborough without comparing multiple moving quotes.

First of all, not all movers are equal in terms of quality of service and qualifications. Newer moving companies attract customers by offering lower rates. More experienced and established companies may offer higher moving rates.

Compare all offers included in their Quote

Further, they have different standards – condition of moving truck, level of experience of movers (some movers employ student part-timers), level of insurance coverage, and other essential factors.

Depending on the conditions of your move to Peterborough, it is important that you compare multiple moving companies not only on price but all other offers that come with their moving quote.

And by the way, moving expenses can be tax-deductible. All the more reason you should get professional moving help to ease your move.  Learn more about claiming moving expenses on your tax return.

5 Factors to Compare Moving Quotes for Peterborough

When you are comparing moving quotes, the easiest thing to do is to look at the estimated cost. If you are using a mover for the first time, here are important things you need to check.

1. What is the size of their truck?

Don’t think that all movers use the same size of truck. Large moving companies have a fleet of trucks that consist of 16 ft., 20 ft., 24 ft., and 26 ft. trucks.

Movers will ask about your inventory and will use the right-sized truck to ensure your household goods can be contained safely and avoid making multiple trips.

Smaller moves that require smaller trucks will cost less than a bigger move needing a larger truck.

2. How Many Movers do you Need?

You’d think that 2 movers would be enough to move a 2 or 3-bedroom apartment. Sometimes, though, it depends on the stuff you are moving.

If you have heavy furniture, a piano, a pool table, and other hard to move objects, your move may require more movers.  You may also need to hire a moving company that specializes in moving a piano or pool table moving.

If you use fewer movers, the move could take longer and you could risk the safety of your belongings.

Adding an Extra Mover Costs at Least $30 an hour more

A good moving company will assess your inventory and recommend the right number of movers to get the job done efficiently and as quickly as possible. It is in both the interest of the customer and the company to do the move in as little time as possible.

Moving companies offer different rates based on number of men needed for the move.  If you select a mover offering a good rate for truck and 2 movers, you will add around $30 per hour for an extra mover.

3. What are the add-ons to the moving quote?

It is important to pay attention to the “pluses” as they could significantly increase the moving estimate. Some movers may provide a low quote for hourly rates or fixed rates but then have + fuel, travel time (minimum of 1 hour), stairs, or cost of supplies.  Other moving companies may have slightly higher rates because the quote is “all in”, meaning no add-ons for fuel and travel time.

If you are looking for the most cost-effective quotes, make sure to check for add-ons.

4. What is the level of insurance coverage?

The legally required insurance coverage for all relocation services provided by moving companies is basic insurance which is $0.60 per pound. Some moving companies go the extra mile by providing full insurance coverage for long distance moves or full-service moves.  These companies would generally have a higher rate than other movers because of the higher insurance cost.

Consider insurance coverage when comparing moving quotes.  If you obtain a moving service with only basic insurance and you have valuables to move, you may need to purchase additional insurance.

5. What is the weight used to calculate your moving quote?

For flat rates for long distance moving, movers will need to know the weight of your cargo.  They use weight and distance to calculate your moving costs.  An initial moving quote for comparison purposes may not be exact or final; your selected mover must take a physical inventory to provide a final and binding estimate.

Phone estimates are not reliable because movers won’t know your actual inventory. When comparing quotes, make sure that the weight factored in is equal.

Comparing moving quotes from different companies can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for. Don’t just look at the bottom line but rather make apples to apples comparison.  This ensures you get the best value for your money.

The Many Ways Moving Companies Make Moving Easier

Every year, droves of Canadians move either locally or across the country. Relocation has become more complex as more Canadians move into their own homes, move from Canada to the US and vice-versa, seniors downsize and move to retirement communities, and companies relocate employees more often.

In this regard, moving companies have expanded their services to accommodate the changing need of consumers.

Customized Moving Solutions Are Tailored to your Needs

Aside from offering a wider variety of services, moving companies have also innovated to be able to offer more customized and economical moving options.

Every move is different and customers have different needs and budgets. Take a look at the different moving options from professional movers.

Premium Moving Services for More Convenience

Many large and independent moving companies offer premium or complete moving services. This package is designed for individuals who desire “zero stress” and no hard work.

From Packing, Loading/unloading, Clean-up, and transport

It is a turn-key service wherein your designated movers will pack up, clean, and relocate the contents of your existing home to your new location. The movers will also unpack, set-up furniture and appliances, and organize your new home to suit your preferences. In essence, you leave one home and relocate to a new home without lifting a finger, so to speak. The movers will also provide all the moving supplies needed for packing your belongings.

More Expensive but 100% Stress-Free

Of course, this premium moving service will cost significantly more than other moving options. If it is a long distance move, companies will calculate costs based on distance and weight and charge for other services such as professional packing and the number of movers needed for the move.

This type of moving service is perfect for individuals who don’t have the time to do their packing and need more help for preparing for a move.  It is the easiest and most convenient way to relocate to a new home.

Regular Moving Services – Loading/Unloading and Transport

Many individuals don’t really need a turn-key moving service but require logistical support for loading and unloading furniture and boxes and delivering them door-to-door.  With this type of moving services, the moving company provides a clean and well-equipped moving truck as well as the movers you need to load and unload your belongings.

If it is a local move, movers will charge hourly rates. Delivery of household goods is usually same-day service.

With a regular moving service, it is also possible to add an option for packing services, such as partial packing of china and hard to pack items.  Inform your moving company if you need help with assembly and disassembly of furniture or appliance servicing.

Long Distance Moves Are Charged Flat Rates

For long distance moves across Canada, movers provide a flat rate by calculating the distance of travel and the weight of your goods. They do a weigh-in of the loaded truck and calculate your final moving cost.  Delivery could take a few days, sometimes weeks, depending if you obtain expedited delivery or not.

You can check these 10 handy tips to save money from moving expenses.

Economy Moving with Portable Moving Containers

There are people who want to pay much less for their move and are willing and able to take on more of the work. For those who wish to economize, portable moving containers is a cheaper option.

This option is offered by many companies such as United Van Lines. Moving containers can be a quick, easy, and cheap moving and storage solution.

A portable moving container (multiple sizes are available) is delivered to your address. You need to have parking space for the container in your front yard.

Benefits of Portable Moving Containers

Portable moving containers offers multiple benefits. Individuals can take as much time as they need to pack and load the container. Customers can also choose expedited or delayed delivery (depending on when you want your container to arrive at your new location). If you require temporary storage until your new home is ready, your container can be transported straight to storage without being unloaded.

You can save money by moving with portable moving containers.

Save with Consolidated Moving Services

You can get significant savings from consolidated moving services. Not all movers offer this type of moving service but it is much cheaper than a regular moving service. It is ideal for individuals who require loading/unloading and transport of household goods but are flexible regarding date of delivery and are willing to share a truck with other customers.

Consolidated loads from the same point of origin bound for the same destination can be billed based on space used.  Cost can be calculated based on linear feet or cubic feet.

Majority of moving companies, however, calculate costs for consolidated loads based on weight. Many movers arrange for regular trips for popular routes such as Montreal-Toronto, Montreal-Ottawa, Ottawa-Toronto, etc.

Cross-Border and International Moving Services

Cross-border and international moving is definitely more complex than an inter-provincial or intrastate move.  Not all movers provide cross-border moving.  Moving companies who do cross-border moves are knowledgeable about customs regulations and assist individuals with preparing documentation necessary for customs clearance.

You can check the biggest moving companies specializing in moving from Canada to the USA and vice-versa.

Get the Right Mover – Compare Free Moving Quotes to Peterborough

If you want to know how much your move will cost, obtain and compare 5 free moving quotes from our moving partners.

When you provide your information including date of move, location and destination, and size of your home (studio, 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom) and other pertinent details, you will receive competitive quotes based on your situation.

Don’t worry – these quotes are free and no obligation.  If you are not satisfied, you are not obligated to hire their services.

Our moving partners are fully insured and experienced in all types of relocation across Canada and the USA.

Go ahead, fill-out our short online form today. We look forward to helping you with finding your best moving company.