Client Login
If you’re moving house, the task of finding a reputable moving service company is probably the most important part of your relocation plan. There are many attributes that every good moving company should have like trustworthiness and a good track record for the services they provide. Whether you’re planning on moving from Calgary to Edmonton or you’re moving from Canada to the UK, you’ll need to know that you’ve found movers and packers you can trust to handle the job. You’ll be pleased to know there are a few things to ask a moving company that will let you know when you’ve found the right one.
We know it can be difficult to know how to choose a moving company, so we’ve gathered some of the best questions to ask movers. We think these questions will help to separate the good from the bad and help you to find a moving company you can trust.
How Long Has Your Moving Service Been in Business?
When hiring a moving company, it is essential to know how experienced they are. Be sure to ask about the length of time the company has been in business as this may indicate how many relocations they have executed. A moving company that has only been operating for two months will not have the same experience as movers who’ve been in the business for two decades. Over time, reputable moving companies will have gained experience with many types of relocations including local moves, long-distance moves, cross-border moves and international overseas moves.
Does Your Moving Company Have Any Professional Accreditations?
When it comes to knowing how to choose a reputable moving company, it helps to ask the company whether they are certified with the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). CAM is a national trade association that represents Canadian moving and storage companies and requires its members to meet strict standards and codes of ethics. Moving companies in Canada who join CAM are added to the association's directory which makes finding professional movers you can trust much easier. Organisations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) allow you to search their databases for trusted movers and packers who register with them for accreditation. It's worth checking with CAM and the BBB when looking for a reputable moving company.
Are Your Movers and Packers Employed or Contracted?
Whether a moving company uses employed staff or contractors may not seem like a big deal but when it comes to finding reliable movers, it makes a huge difference. You’ll need to be able to trust your movers because essentially you’ll be letting strangers into your home. In most cases, moving personnel should be subject to background checks to ensure the moving companies are hiring staff with clean criminal records and no history of theft in previous jobs.
How Big Are Your Moving Vans?
If you plan to move the entire contents of your home, it will be important to know whether the company you hire can handle the job efficiently. Having small moving vehicles will mean more trips during the moving process which can lead to higher costs. A quality relocation company will have a fleet of vans and trucks to suit the varying needs of its customers. Some moving companies can also arrange transportation to move cars, motorcycles and boats.
Is There Anything You Won’t Pack?
This is a worthwhile question for anyone looking for professional movers. In order to make effective plans, you’ll need to know if there is anything the hired team won’t load into the moving vehicle. There may be some items that your moving service company will refuse to pack, whether it’s prohibited by law or against the policy of the company. It's best to find out what cannot be loaded into the moving van so that you can make sure those items aren’t packed for transportation.
Will You Disconnect My Appliances?
Not all of us are blessed with plumbing or electrical knowledge so when it comes to disconnecting appliances like washing machines or hot tubs, it would be useful if your movers can do this job for you. Not having to hire additional service engineers to disconnect your appliances will save money and time. An efficient set of moving services will include disassembling and dismantling appliances and furniture in preparation for loading onto moving vehicles.
Do You Have Storage Services?
Plans can change at a moment's notice and hiring a moving company that can cover your additional needs like storage will prove to be priceless. If you’re planning a local move or one further across Canada but can’t take everything into your new home, you’ll need an alternative plan. Warehousing and storage services can take the pressure off you on moving day and can save you money when included in your moving package.
How Long Will The Move Take?
When you are looking for moving services, having an estimate of how long it will take to get to your new location will be helpful when making plans on moving day. There are many factors that can cause delays on the big day like bad weather and traffic. However, the length of time it will take to complete the task will depend on the size and complexity of the move, the time it takes to disassemble appliances and furniture and the location you’re moving to. Hired van drivers will know the best routes to take to avoid delays where possible and movers and packers will systematically pack and load the vehicle in a time-efficient manner. A pre-move survey will usually help movers estimate the duration of the job.
Do I Have To Get My Own Boxes?
A full-service moving company that offers packing services should have a supply of packing materials included. Whether you choose to pack the items yourself or not, you may be able to purchase boxes and packaging materials from your moving company. When you’re planning a local move or a cross-country move, your moving experts will have the right type of boxes and packing materials to suit your requirements. Ask about special crating services that can give your fragile and antique items extra protection during transportation.
What Do Your Moving Services Include?
When considering questions to ask your moving company, this question is probably the most important one to ask. Whether you plan to move a few blocks away or you’re planning an international move, you’ll need to know all about the services the moving company provides in order to make an informed decision. Do they provide packing services? Will they reassemble your appliances in your new home? Do they provide insurance? Having moving services that go beyond simply transporting your belongings from one location to another is what separates premium moving companies from basic movers. It demonstrates that house movers know what their customers expect from an end-to-end moving and packing service.
QMM Answers To Your Moving and Packing Questions
As an experienced moving company, that offers premium services that enhance the house moving experience, this is what our answers to these questions would look like:
QMM has been a leading moving and storage company for over 27 years and has experience with local moves, international moves, moves across Canada and services for those who plan on moving from Canada to the USA.
QMM is registered with the Canadian Association of Movers and the Better Business Bureau.
All QMM personnel are employed by the company. QMM never hire contractors.
QMM are Allied Van Lines’ most significant agent in Canada and have a fleet of moving vans and trucks to suit your needs. We also offer vehicle transportation which includes international vehicle shipping.
Under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act 1992 there are some items that are prohibited when it comes to moving across Canada. Find out more about non-transportable goods.
As a part of our premium moving services, QMM will disconnect appliances and dismantle furniture before your move. We will also reassemble furniture and reconnect your appliances when you reach your destination.
QMM have storage facilities in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Vancouver offering short-term storage and long-term storage options.
The duration of your move will vary depending on many factors. However, QMM’s experienced personnel strategically plan each move with systematic loading and unloading and drivers who take the most efficient routes during transportation.
Our superior moving and packing services include providing high-quality packing materials so your belongings are protected during transit. QMM also provide bespoke crating services for delicate items.
QMM provide a premium end-to-end service that includes:
Full-service packing with high-quality packing materials.
Assembly and disassembly of appliances and furniture.
Vehicle shipping.
Short-term and long-term storage solutions.
Fully trained and uniformed movers and packers.
Bespoke crating for antiques, fine art and other fragile items.
Full pre-move survey.
If you have any questions for us or need to know more about the moving and packing services offered by QMM, contact us now on 1.866.880.8681 or get a free quote online.
