By Scott Hickling, Aurora Moving, Calgary

Choosing a Mover

Moving is almost always stressful, whether you’re going across town or across the country. Through careful planning, however, you can smooth out many of the “wrinkles” from your move.

Make arrangements for your move at least two weeks in advance. Ask for recommendations from friends who have moved recently, or contact the Better Business Bureau. Then get two or three written estimates from movers. It is often best to consider a mover with long standing in your community as your first choice, rather than simply choosing a mover from the classified ads.

Be sure you know exactly what you want moved and think about what you’re willing to move yourself. Keep in mind that rates for long-distance moves (50 miles or more) are based on weight and mileage, while local-moving rates are generally for a truck and crew on an hourly basis.

Show the move estimator everything you want moved – from the old trunk in the attic to the exercise bike in the basement. This is important, because you’ll be charged more for anything you add later. Also, discuss any special services you want, such as having a piano moved, temporary storage if you can’t go directly to your new home, or an exact guaranteed delivery date.

Ready to make a choice? Remember that the lowest price may not be the best value. If you’re using a small firm, for example, be sure that the price includes loading and unloading. Don’t be afraid to negotiate the rate, or inquire as to seasonal specials. It can be less expensive to move between October and June.

The Do-It-Yourself Move

You can save money if you prepare, pack, load, and unload yourself. Before you decide on the do-it-yourself approach, however, think carefully. Do you have the time, energy and skills for the job? Professional movers will pack your belongings in a day or less. Will the money you save by doing the job yourself be worth the extra time?

It is important to realize that you’ll be responsible for damage to any items you have packed yourself. Some movers have free pamphlets that give guidelines on proper packing methods (including office moving and household moving). Note that dangerous goods, such as combustible and corrosive liquids, explosives and compressed gases, may not be transported by a mover. Ask your mover for a complete listing of prohibited goods.

What if my china is broken?

Your contract with the mover covers how much compensation must be paid if your belongings are broken, damaged or lost during the move. The mover’s basic liability is $0.60/lb/item. So, if a 50-lb. television is lost, the mover’s liability on a released basis would be $30, regardless of the worth of the television. You can request a higher liability (replacement value protection) from the moving company, for which you will have to pay a premium. Even with this increased coverage, the maximum liability for any loss or damage is the greater of the value of the goods you declare, or $10/lb calculated on the total weight of your shipment. In no instance will the coverage exceed the actual value of the goods.

It is important to understand that the mechanical, electrical and internal workings of any electronics or equipment are exempt from insurance coverage. Some firms will compensate in cases where damage has occurred, but only if there is physical damage to the housing of the unit and the items were properly serviced by a technician prior to the move and after the move in.

You are responsible for transporting valuables, such as jewellery and important documents. Protect yourself from loss or damage by supervising pickup and delivery. On moving day, the driver will make a tour of your residence and note any deficiencies in the condition of your goods prior to the move. If the move is long-distance, all items will be tagged and a copy of the listing will be supplied to you for your records. Be sure to keep a copy of this list and, when you arrive at your new destination, check off each piece and note any changes to the listings prior to signing the inventories. Otherwise, your mover may decline your claim.

Claims against the moving company must be made within 30 days of a local move and 60 days of a long-distance move. This is generally the amount of time you need to look at everything and note any differences in condition from before the move. Finally, because you might have insurance coverage under an existing homeowner’s policy, in the event of damage to your goods, you may wish to contact your insurance broker. This could save you not only time, but money as well.

Paying for the Move

If you (rather than your employer) are paying for the move, you may be asked to pay before the truck is unloaded. This can occur on both local and long-distance moves. Payment is required in the form of cash, certified cheque, money order or major credit card.

If the move has been a good experience, the mover would be pleased to receive a referral letter and gratuity. Because moving is a service industry, positive feedback can go a long way to future business referrals.

For More Information

Should you have any questions regarding relocations of any kind, please do not hesitate to contact the Canadian Association of Movers or any of its members. They would be happy to discuss your moving and storage options, as well as your general moving or packing needs.

Scott Hickling of Aurora Moving & Storage in Calgary is Vice Chairman of CAM.