(NC)—Don't make your moving day more stressful than it already is. Make sure the mover you've chosen is reputable, certified, experienced and reliable. Canada's Office of Consumer Affairs has put together some tips for choosing a moving company.
• Ask questions – Does the company abide by Good Practice Guidelines for Canadian Movers? Have you been informed of your rights and responsibilities? Is the company insured?
• Ask for an estimate – For long distance moves, the company should come to your house to inspect your belongings and prepare a comprehensive quote – if not, try another company. For local moves, companies should be able to estimate the number of hours. All estimates should be provided in writing.
• Get the details – Who does the packing and unpacking? Can you provide your own boxes? Are any customs documents required and who completes them? If a deposit is required, will the money be put in trust? Is it refundable?
• Be aware of Replacement Value Protection – If your existing household insurance policy is not sufficient, you should check with the moving company for the cost of Replacement Value Protection, an agreement that makes the company liable for an estimated value of your possessions. Ask that it is actually Replacement Value Protection and not depreciated value only.
• Make the most of your moving day – Take all of your valuables with you in your own vehicle, such as jewellery, prescriptions, artwork and computer with backed up files. Make sure your new home is ready to receive your things.
Reputable companies will go over all of this with you and more. To be safe, use the Consumer Checklist for Choosing a Moving Company from Industry Canada, available by searching www.ConsumerInformation.ca.
- News Canada
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