What to Know Before Hiring a Moving Company

Moving house involves dozens of tasks, and choosing who will carry your belongings is one of the most consequential. A good moving company can make the day feel manageable. A poor choice can lead to surprise charges, delays or damaged furniture. Knowing how movers price their work and what to check before booking makes it much easier to pick well.

Decide what kind of help you need

Movers offer a range of services, and you can often mix and match:

• Full-service moves, where the company packs, loads, transports, unloads and sometimes unpacks.
• Loading and transport only, where you pack and the movers handle the heavy lifting and driving.
• Labour-only help, where movers load or unload a truck you have rented yourself.
• Container or portable storage moves, where a container is dropped at your home, you fill it, and the company transports it.
• Specialty services, for items such as pianos, artwork, antiques or large gym equipment.

The more the company does, the higher the cost, but also the less work and time required from you.

Local and long-distance moves

Local moves are often charged by the hour, based on the size of the crew and the time spent, sometimes with a minimum number of hours. Long-distance moves are usually priced on the weight or volume of your belongings and the distance travelled. Long-distance moves may also be subject to specific regulations, and companies may need particular registrations to carry goods across regional or national borders.

How quotes work

Getting several quotes is one of the most useful steps you can take. There are generally three types of estimates:

1. Non-binding estimate. The final price may differ from the estimate based on the actual time, weight or services used.
2. Binding estimate. The price is fixed for the services and items listed, as long as nothing is added.
3. Binding not-to-exceed estimate. You pay the estimate or less, if the actual weight or time comes in lower.

Reliable estimates usually come from an in-home or video survey, where the mover looks at everything you plan to move. Be wary of a quote given quickly over the phone without anyone seeing your belongings, especially if it is far below the others.

What can affect the price

Several factors push the cost of a move up or down:

• The volume and weight of your belongings.
• Distance between homes.
• Stairs, lifts or long walks from the door to the truck at either end.
• Large, fragile or unusual items.
• Packing materials and packing labour.
• Time of year, day of the week and time of month, since weekends and month-ends are typically busier.
• Storage if your new home is not ready.
• Parking permits or shuttle trucks where a large truck cannot get close.

Ask each company to list any additional charges that could apply so you can compare quotes on equal terms.

Checking a company’s credentials

A few checks help separate reliable movers from risky ones:

• Registration and licensing. Confirm the company holds any registrations required in your area for the type of move you need.
• Insurance. Ask what insurance the company carries for its staff and vehicles.
• Reviews and complaints. Look for patterns in reviews rather than focusing on a single extreme comment, and check consumer protection resources for complaints.
• Physical address. An established company should have a verifiable address and a consistent business name.
• Written contract. Everything agreed should be in writing before moving day.

Warning signs

Certain behaviours are worth treating with caution:

• A large cash deposit demanded upfront.
• An estimate far lower than all the others.
• Refusal to provide a written estimate or contract.
• Pressure to sign quickly or blank sections on documents.
• A company that arrives in an unmarked rental truck when it advertised its own fleet.
• Changes in price after your belongings are already loaded.

Understanding liability and protection

Moving companies generally offer some basic level of liability for loss or damage, but basic coverage may compensate only a small amount relative to an item’s actual value. Many movers offer an option for fuller protection at an extra cost, under which they repair, replace or compensate for damaged items at their current value. Read exactly what is covered, what is excluded and how to file a claim. Your home insurance policy may also offer some protection during a move, so it is worth checking.

Preparing for moving day

A bit of preparation helps the crew work efficiently, which matters if you are paying by the hour:

1. Declutter before you pack; there is no point paying to move things you do not want.
2. Label boxes by room and contents, and mark fragile items clearly.
3. Keep important documents, valuables, chargers and a change of clothes with you, not on the truck.
4. Disassemble items like bed frames ahead of time if the movers are not doing it.
5. Arrange parking at both properties and let building managers know if lifts need reserving.
6. Take photos of valuable items and furniture before the move to document their condition.

When the movers arrive and leave

On moving day, walk through each room with the crew lead to point out fragile items and anything that is not coming along. Keep a copy of the inventory list if one is prepared. At the destination, check items as they come off the truck when you can, and note any visible damage on the paperwork before signing. If you discover damage later, report it promptly according to the process in your contract.

Tipping and final payment

Customs for tipping movers vary by region. Final payment terms should be set out in your contract, and paying by a traceable method gives you a record if any dispute arises later.