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There are many professional movers to choose from, from large movers associated with national or international van line organizations, to small, one or two person outfits who may be limited in terms of experience and equipment.
A good place to start your search for a mover is by talking to friends and family who have moved recently. Find out what they liked or did not like about their move. Most importantly, ask them if they would use the same mover in the future. Another source to use is to browse through your Yellow Pages. Keep in mind that being in the Yellow Pages is no indication of quality, or ethical dealing. You can, however, by closely examining the ads, make intelligent guesses as to which companies may be suitable.
Choose several to call for estimates. There are many variables that affect the cost of a move-and many of these cannot be determined unless a visit to your home is made. Certain simple, uncomplicated moves, most local moving can be successfully estimated by telephone, but be aware that any misunderstandings, omissions, additions, or unusual access or loading problems will incur additional charges-regardless of what the estimate says.
After deciding on several movers to call, arrange for each to send a representative to visit your home and perform an on-site survey. The representative will go through your home from basement to attic, physically inspecting all items to be moved. If you require the mover to pack some or all of your belongings, the representative will provide an estimate of the labor costs and the cost of the packing material. He or she will make a list of all items to be moved, and estimate both the total weight of the shipment and the space it requires on a truck. They will also inspect the area available for truck parking and note any special considerations that will have to be handled. This could include truck access that requires the movers to make either a "long carry" because the truck cannot be pulled close to the home, or a shuttle because it is impossible for the truck that is hauling the shipment to access the property at all. Other special considerations can include extensive carrying of the shipment up or down multiple flights of stairs, elevator access, and unusual or extra heavy items.
After performing the survey, and discussing insurance options with you, the representative will provide you with a written estimate of the cost of the move. Keep in mind that the basic estimate is just that-really no more than an educated guess. In these circumstances, your actual charges will not be computed until the shipment has arrived at destination-and you will be expected to pay the bill before the truck is unloaded. Some movers offer a binding estimate. These estimates run somewhat higher than non binding estimates, but the advantage of knowing the maximum cost is comforting to some people. Shipments made under a binding estimate are weighed after loading. With long distance moving If the weight is the same or more than the estimate, you pay only the estimated price. If the weight is less, you pay less. Ask to see the weight tickets from your driver upon delivery.
After receiving estimates, call your local Better Business Bureau. It is not realistic to expect that there have never been any complaints against a given mover, but it is realistic to expect that a mover handles complaints promptly, fairly and within the law. Avoid using movers who are not properly licensed to do business, or who do not possess legal authority to move your shipment.
When you compare movers who have given you estimates, do not rely on the final price alone to make your decision. There are so many variables involved in determining a price that a total dollar comparison is meaningless unless the estimates are comparable in other ways. Look at some specific areas of your estimates to compare. Start with where the mover has listed their estimate of the weight of the shipment. Are they close? Some variance is to be expected, but wide differences are not. The back of many estimate forms will break out how many and what kind of items are to be included. Did the mover include all items to be moved including furniture, boxes, and bulkier items? Are the counts of the different items accurate and consistent between estimates? Some movers will deliberately "low ball" or under count items to provide an estimate that appears lower than competitors' estimates. Yet, on move day, the prices will be amazingly consistent.
Make sure that all of your estimates promise the same level of guarantee for rate protection-either binding or non-binding.
If you are using packing services, how do the estimates compare when you look at the numbers of boxes required, their individual costs, and the amount of labor necessary to pack them?
On move day, how many vehicles, of what type, and how many men are required according to the estimates? Depending on the type of your move, you may be charged either on a weight and space rate, or on a hourly rate, based on the size of the truck and the number of men required. While smaller trucks and smaller crews command lower hourly rates, the advantage is lost if it takes substantially more time to accomplish the move because proper equipment is not used, or if there is not enough help.
Finally, compare the insurance coverage the mover is providing. There are various laws that mandate basic coverage depending on the type of the move and the jurisdiction. This coverage, however, is inadequate for the needs of many people. Movers offer various types of optional insurance packages at additional cost. These extra coverages should be clearly spelled out on the estimate form, including type, value of the shipment, rate and total cost. Some estimates will deliberately understate the value of the shipment, or not include any form of insurance in an attempt to show a lower cost.
Only after making sure all of your estimates are comparable, can a decision be made. Compare the costs various movers offer. Consider the reports you've received from the B.B.B. and other Consumer Protection agencies. Think about referrals and comments from friends and family. Then, make your selection and call the mover to schedule the move.
This was the article the following are some comments from Good OL Boys Moving!
Back to the $65 hr mover and the $150 hr mover!
Well the $65 hr mover by the way had no insurance of any kind for cargo or otherwise, had a toronto licence and was not licenced even to go to Brampton but was quoting on it, Had contract workers and was not paying workers comp, was not associated with any van line or franchise, was operating under 4 business names but had just bankrupted one of them because of huge ministry of Transport fines, had a huge list of complaints with the BBB, etc. etc. ( If you want to know who this is call and ask!).
The $150 mover was a member of a Van Line, arguably the largest mover in Canada and the Largest Corporate mover in the Country. They sponsored all kinds of community functions and were members of the BBB in good standing members of the Canadian Association of Movers with people on the executive and in good standing and operating newer and argualby the most well equipped trucks available in the GTA. No doubt in my mind a good corportat member of the community and offering a quality service.
Why are we depending on location between $89 and $109 per hour for 2 men and a truck (Mid Month)( Up to $10-30 per hour higher in summer depending on date and if we have to put on extra equipment and our costs go up for that date). Simply put we have to do some volume to give you this rate as our Hard costs are $63 per hour plus office costs. To supply you with proper labour it costs us $12-15 per hour plus employee related costs or $32 per hour just for labour + truck payments maintenance gas insurance costs are another $16 per hour, Advertising costs us $5 per hour ( some movers are up to $12 per hour). These are simply our basic costs but they add up to $53 You can't offer a quality service for $65 there is simply no way you still have to pay office staff and all office costs.There are ways to cut costs such as contract labour, no cargo insurance (local movers are not required by the province to have any), very little equipment, very poor equipment, no office, etc. We do offer mid month specials to keep trucks busy but still never go under $99 as we feel there is no point in working for free, we still have to pay office staff etc.
Bottom Line is we offer the best possible service from $79 per hour. We don't have the overhead of the $150 hour nor do we have as fancy equipment nor a huge warehouse and we employ great people because this is where the largest part regarding quality put into your move is. We pay employee related costs and we are loyal to our employees as they appreciate being treated properly as well.
I hate to use this phrase " You pay for what you get! "
We would appreciate your comments on this page!
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