For many years, the Canadian Association of Movers and the Better Business Bureau have worked together to inform Canadians about the importance of hiring a trusted moving company.
Moving Made Manageable: Tips for a Smooth Relocation
The prospect of moving to a new home can be thrilling, but the process itself is widely regarded as one of life's most stressful events. With so many details to coordinate, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. However, with some advance planning and guidance from trustworthy sources, your move doesn't have to be mayhem.
As May marks "Moving Month," Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) have teamed up to help make consumers' transitions as smooth as possible. Their top tip? Do your research to ensure you are working with a trusted business. The BBB is reminding the public to ensure they do their research and that they find someone trustworthy and qualified for their moving (and storage) needs.
Mary O'Sullivan-Andersen, President & CEO, BBB - Calgary office explains: "When researching online, the moving industry sees a higher number of fake reviews than other industries. By starting your research early, and working with an established company, you reduce the risk of scrambling last-minute and falling prey to scammers or inexperienced movers."
CAM president Nancy Irvine agrees, noting, "Don't just go for the lowest bid. Do your homework to find a mover you can trust with your belongings."
Unfortunately, some dishonest movers exploit consumers through tactics like drastically inflating costs mid-move or failing to deliver goods unless paid exorbitant fees. Many victims connect with such scammers through online classified ads. Consumers can better prepare themselves for moving season by ensuring a well-laid out moving plan, and being realistic with the planning.
To avoid this, BBB and CAM suggest researching companies thoroughly and checking their credibility on sites like BBB.org and Mover.net.
Moving day will likely still be hectic, but careful planning and vetting will provide peace of mind. As Irvine puts it, "When entrusting your possessions to someone, it's worth doing the background work to prevent heartache."
With some forethought and guidance from reputable organizations, your move can be more thrill than chill. Don't leave it to chance; let BBB and CAM help make your relocation a smooth transition.
To check out a company through the BBB, click here
To Find a Trusted and Reliable Mover from CAM, click here
Podcasts and other interesting articles
May 17, 2021 - BBB Press Release: Relocating from West to East? Beware of moving scams. In 2020, an unprecedented number of moving scams surfaced. The COVID-19 pandemic brought many challenges as movers couldn’t go into homes to verify shipment sizes - and scammers have used this to their advantage. Fraudulent moving companies have been identified and are purposely underestimating moving quotes for consumers who were inquiring online or by phone. These scams are particularly prevalent in cross-provincial moves from Ontario to the Atlantic Provinces. Read more below.
May 14, 2021 - Calgary Real Estate News: Moving month: how to choose a mover and avoid common scams. Liam McQuillan, general manager of BBB-accredited Highland Moving and Storage in Calgary, says it’s been an unusual year for the industry. He warns that “anybody with a truck” can post an ad on Kijiji and give a cheap moving estimate without even seeing your goods. That often means damaged or missing goods and zero accountability from the “mover,” or seeing an $800 quoted price balloon to $2,400 before delivery.
May 12, 2021 - DiscoverAirdrie.com: Don't be left in the dark while finding a reliable mover. May is Moving Month and the Better Business Bureau wants to make sure you're not left in the dark when it comes to finding a reputable mover. "We urge consumers to do their due diligence before hiring a mover," said president of the Canadian Association of Movers Nancy Irvine. "When trusting all of your belongings to someone, it’s worth doing the background work by researching your mover to avoid future heartache."
May 9, 2021 - WHNT News19 posted National Moving Month: Hire A Professional Mover You Can Trust. The Better Business Bureau offers tips on preparing for a move, finding a trustworthy moving company, and avoiding scams.
May 5, 2021 - Canadian Fraud News Inc. also posted the Tips for moving safely during the pandemic, originally issued by My Cowichan Valley Now (May 4, 2021). The Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) have begun a collaborative effort to ensure consumers know how to safely pack up and move during the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 7, 2022 – Ask BBB Podcast - Our annual 20-minute podcast with Jim Swan and Jennifer Matthews of the BBB Western Ontario where the BBB and CAM discuss all things moving, from planning your move, to options you can ask for from your mover, to things to watch out for to make sure you have chosen a legitimate, professional mover and not a scammer.
May 15, 2021 – Ask BBB Podcast – (21’3”) Topics include: conducting your move during COVID-19 and additional costs, what other work movers are doing during COVID-19 and a compelling interview with Jenny Wilcockson, organizer of the Facebook Group Scam Moving Company Victim Support Group.
May 8, 2021 – Ask BBB Podcast – (10'34") Topics include: reviewing finding a mover, the difference between long distance and local moving, and the moving contract.
May 1, 2021 – Ask BBB Podcast – (10' 40") Topics include: #MayIsMovingMonth with the #BetterBusinessBureau; who and what is #CanadianAssociationofMovers; how do you choose your mover; when to book your move; and how the moving scam works.
May 16, 2020 - Topics include: the pandemic, scam movers and general moving tips. Listen to what they discussed.
May 2020 Campaign: Make the Right Move During the Pandemic
Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) provide tips for hiring a mover
BBB Resources
