Many questions arise during a move. Whether it is your first time to relocate or you’ve done it twice before, it always feels overwhelming.  Each move is different; you’ll always have an important moving question that needs to be addressed.

Do I need a moving company? How much will my move cost? Because every relocation means removing everything you own from a familiar place and transferring them to a new house, or a new city, you will need to know exactly what you need to make the move a successful one.

We have prepared for you the most common questions about relocation to help you plan and organize a pleasant and stress-free move.

 

DON’T MOVE ANYWHERE WITHOUT ANSWERING THESE QUESTIONS FIRST

Research shows that moving is one of the most stressful events in life.  It isn’t a matter of just packing up boxes; it’s all about closing a chapter in life and starting a new one. Of course, it isn’t always easy to make.

What makes moving so stressful is that it is an emotional experience and a physically taxing one.

Below are some of the most common issues people ask before, during, and after relocation.

 

Critical Questions Prior to a Move

Where should I move to?

In many instances, people relocate because they want to find better job opportunities or to live in a more family-friendly place.  In such cases, they’ll look for the best places to live in Quebec or elsewhere in Canada.

Before deciding to relocate to a new city, research shows that people often consider climate, employment, education, housing, and safety as the most important factors when choosing a moving destination.  People also prefer to move to cities where they have family.

Luckily, many of Canada’s cities do provide all these and more.  The best way to know where to move is to do your research about the city and plan carefully. If you are still unsure of your moving destination, we have a guide for moving to almost every popular city in Canada and the USA.

 

How much will I spend on my move?

Once you’ve selected your moving destination, the next important question is the cost. The cost of your move is based on the distance of your move and the size of your move. If you are moving more than 50 kilometers, it is considered a long distance move. Moving companies charge long distance moves by pound and will weigh all your belongings before the move. To estimate the cost, a professional moving company will perform an in-home assessment prior to a move and provide you with an estimate of the cost.

For inter-city moves that are less than 50 kilometers, moving companies charge hourly rates which include a moving truck and 2 or 3 movers.

You also have the option of doing a DIY move with truck rentals. If you want to weigh your options for moving, learn more about moving with moving companies or truck rentals like U-Haul. You will surely get all the answers you need about the cost of hiring a mover or moving DIY.

 

Should I do my own packing?

Full-service moving companies offer packing services (complete or partial), depending on the customer. They also give you the option to do your own packing.

The most important consideration is whether you can get the packing done in time or if you need some help.  For large moves, the most difficult area in the home to pack is the kitchen. Many homeowners also find it difficult to prepare appliances and furniture for relocation.

You can decide to have movers pack all your belongings or just do partial packing – for hard to pack, odd-sized, or fragile items.

If you decide to pack on your own, you can cut down on your moving costs. You should know, however, that moving companies are not liable for damages to items they didn’t pack.

 

Do I need moving insurance?

While preparing for a move, you need to think about moving insurance. Talk to your home insurer about coverage for damage or loss of your possessions during transit.

Moving companies are required to provide basic insurance which translates to $0.60 per pound. If you have valuables, you won’t receive replacement value for broken, lost, or damaged items. You have the option to purchase additional moving insurance.

For DIY moves using a rental truck, your homeowner’s or auto insurance will likely not cover the loss or damage of your items.

Moving insurance can certainly give you peace of mind about the safety of your goods during a move.  If you are hiring a professional mover, check with the company about their insurance coverage.

 

How do I choose a moving company?

It sounds easy enough to hire a moving company but it is not a decision that should be made lightly. Considering the fact that you will be entrusting your possessions to your mover, you must make sure the company is legitimate and qualified to conduct removal services.

You can compare moving quotes to find affordable movers using online quotes. It is also important to find a company that specializes in your type of move, your area of destination, and has favorable ratings from the Better Business Bureau and online.

Once you have decided on these issues prior to relocation, you can now begin to plan how to conduct your relocation.

 

Answers to Questions on Moving Day

Moving day is exciting but it is certainly also stressful. There are ways to make moving a pleasant experience.

Below are answers to common questions about moving day that can help ease the stress.

 

What happens if my movers don’t come or come late?

Movers that don’t come or show up late is one of the most common problems on moving day. This hassle can be avoided by thoroughly vetting your mover. Professional movers are big on punctuality. There are movers, though, that don’t give an exact time and will ask for a window of one or a couple of hours. If this is not something you will stand for, make sure to hire a mover that can give you a firm commitment and it should be reflected on your moving contract.

If it does happen, keep this in mind:

• ✓ Don’t Panic. You could make really bad decision when in a panic.
• ✓ Call the moving company to ask what’s happened.
• ✓ If disaster has struck and the movers can’t come, you could look for last minute movers.

If you book a move with a reputable moving company, the chances of this happening is zero to none. Never hire a mover that does not have a landline you can call.

 

Can I help the movers to make the work go faster?

If you hire movers to load and unload and transport your goods, you can just let them do their job.  Movers are trained professionals with a system that gets the work done in less time.

If you want to help to get the job done faster, you can just make sure you are ready on moving day.  Unplug your appliances, make sure your refrigerator is empty, and clean an area for things you don’t want the movers to touch.

 

What should I do if the moving company bills me more than the estimated amount?

This type of problem has happened many times in the past but it can certainly be avoided.  The problem occurs when a customer’s boxes are already loaded in the truck before the customer is informed about the price increase. Refuse to pay the jacked-up price and the movers will unload your boxes.  This is, of course, a violation of industry regulations.

To avoid this kind of situation, it is important to do the following before a move:

1. 1. Ensure that your moving estimate is a binding, not to exceed estimate.
   2. The estimate should be based on an in-home inspection. Never accept a phone estimate.
   3. You should have an inventory of your household belongings for transport. If you add to the inventory, the moving company will have cause to increase the price.
   4. Before hiring a moving company, always check their complaints record with the Better Business Bureau.

If you have a complaint about a moving company, you can report it to your local Better Business Bureau.

What should I do if the movers are sloppy or unnecessarily taking too long?

It is understandable for customers to want a move done as quickly as possible, especially if the movers are charging hourly.  Reputable movers have trained professionals who move systematically and also want to get the job done fast so they can move on to the next customer.

If you feel your movers are taking too long or are being sloppy, you should contact the office and request for intervention.

 

Do I need to give movers food and drinks?

You are never required to give your movers snacks or food. You can, however, provide water to drink. Anything more than that is up to you.

Many problems on moving day can be avoided if you choose your moving company carefully.  It is important to plan a move well in advance and avoid making last minute decisions.

Start your search for good moving companies by using 5 free movers’ quotes from experienced and reliable moving companies for your relocation.

 

Bonus: Possible Questions and Issues After a Move

As a bonus, we have also included some questions that could arise after a move is completed.

There have been cases when consumers discover problems after a move. These problems could be for damaged items upon opening of boxes, lost items, billing problems, and more.  For this reason, it is important to inspect your goods, unpack your boxes, not too long after delivery.

 

Bonus # 1: Who pays if my items are broken or damaged during relocation?

While professional movers will do their utmost to prevent damage to goods they transport, accidents do happen. For this reason, it is critical that you check on the following BEFORE moving day:

1. 1. 1. The insurance coverage of your moving company
      2. The moving company’s policy about damage or loss
      3. The moving company’s claim process
      4. Your homeowner’s insurance coverage for loss or damage during a move

 

Reimbursement or replacement of damaged goods

A moving company is generally liable for any damage or loss. The bill of lading indicates the insurance that you and the moving company agreed upon. However, if you packed your own boxes, they may not be liable. It is best to check your paperwork.

If your move is covered by basic insurance from your movers, their liability is limited to $0.60 per pound. Moving companies generally include insurance based on the weight of your cargo.  In Quebec Province, for example, articles for a local move are usually covered for $2 per pound/article.

 

How and Where to File a Claim

In case of damaged items, you must first talk to the moving company for possible settlement. If you purchased moving insurance, you can file a claim with the insurer.  In case the moving company’s insurance cannot cover your losses, you can check your homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance.

You must notify the moving company and file a claim immediately upon discovery.  Claims against movers for damages must be filed within 30 days for local moves and 60 days for long distance moves.

 

Bonus# 2: What do I do if my household goods from a long distance move are delayed?

Moving companies are required to deliver your household goods at your new address by the date specified on the bill of lading.  If your delivery has not arrived past this date, you could be entitled to compensation.

You must lodge complaints about delayed or lost household goods in writing with the moving company. Verbal complaints don’t make them liable so make sure to put it on record.

 

Know your rights and Movers’ Responsibilities

It is important to know your rights and a moving company’s responsibilities to avoid headaches and stress. Consult the Consumer Checklist for Choosing a Moving Company for advice in choosing your movers.

 

Plan the best relocation using Free Moving Quotes

It may sound cliché but it is absolutely true. It pays to compare movers and moving quotes before hiring a mover.

Don’t look for a mover just a few days prior to your moving day. Don’t call around and ask for moving estimates over the phone.

The best way to hire a good mover is to obtain multiple moving quotes online from experienced and reliable moving companies.

You should compare written quotes and ask questions from moving companies. You must also back-check the moving company by checking with the BBB or from online moving reviews.  Lastly, always review your paperwork prior to and during a move.

Fill-out our quick online form to receive competitive moving estimates from top-rated movers near you.