When it comes to moving, choosing a licensed moving company is crucial to warranting your belongings to arrive at your new home securely and undamaged. However, with so many Calgary movers to choose from, homeowners are at risk of selecting unreliable companies that provide low-quality services for expensive price tags — leaving you unsatisfied and stranded with a hefty invoice.
Therefore, to educate our audience on what they should know about moving companies in Calgary, we’ve put together a comprehensive list to assist you before your next big move.
Choose Calgary Professional Movers By Their Expertise
When searching for Calgary movers, the first step to choosing a moving company is determining what type of movers you require. To help you narrow down the type of services you’re looking for, ask yourself the following questions:
- How far is your move?
- Roughly how many boxes do you expect to have?
- Are you moving in/out of an apartment or home?
For those of you who are unaware, some moving companies specialize in specific expertise. Beforehand, asking yourself these questions will have you narrow down the scope of choosing the best type of Calgary professional movers.
Types of Calgary Movers
Once you have answered the above-noted questions, your next choice is to choose between the following expertise of moving companies in Calgary, including:
You can also narrow down which moving companies will be best suited for your needs by also seeing if they offer packaging services and moving supplies.
What to Look For With Reputable Calgary Movers
Now that you understand the types of moving services you require, you can now go about looking for a reputable moving company in the area. But how do we know what makes a company reputable or not? One of the best things you can do when you’re shopping around for a moving company is:
- Don’t settle for the first company you meet with –get at least three estimates.
- Check their references and reviews online.
- See if they have been certified with the Canadian Association of Movers.
- Find out their moving policies and how they are going to protect your items.
- See if the company uses subcontractors for their equipment or their own
- Ask if they paid the hour, a flat rate or by the total weight of your items.
- Ask if they have insurance options.
Remember, credible Calgary movers will have a long trail of evidence for exceeding customer experience and sound business operations. Let’s look into a couple of these points in more detail.
Get Your Quote in Writing
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when choosing between Calgary professional movers is forgetting to ask for the moving company to provide them with a quote in writing. This can lead to hidden costs and unexpected bills at the end of your move that takes you by surprise. To avoid this, make sure to pay attention to the following when it comes to your moving quote:
- Give the movers all relevant information regarding potential obstacles such as stairs and elevators as they may charge extra. Therefore, it’s better to give these details beforehand.
- Ask if you will be charged extra should you add more items to your list on the day of your move.
- Do not pay your deposit in cash. If a moving company requests you pay for their services in cash before the move, this is a red flag. Cash does not leave a paper trail. Therefore, only pay your deposit with credit.
Look At Insurance Options
While some moving companies in Calgary offer insurance options, others do not. Ensuring your move is essential to make sure you’re covered should the moving company cause damage or lose any of your items. Generally speaking, moving companies’ liability is approximately $0.60 per pound per item, which is better than replacing damaged furniture and items in the event that something goes wrong. If you are unsatisfied with the insurance options provided by a moving company, you can purchase third party insurance from a broker in your area. Regardless, make sure to fully understand your insurance policy’s terms and conditions before agreeing to purchase.
Beware of Subcontractors
A red flag to pay attention to when speaking with moving companies in Calgary is whether they use subcontractors for their work or not for equipment and personnel. If they do end up using subcontractors, ensure you obtain all information about their track record and certifications. Subcontractors with moving companies are often sources of homeowner complaints. They can lead to a faint trail of responsibility if something should go wrong and a dispute is filed. Therefore, always ensure to know precisely who will be providing you with the services you are paying to avoid any potential conflicts with your moving company.
Final Thoughts
When approaching a moving company, it is crucial to establish an open dialogue with them from day one, so you are not surprised at the end of your move. Ensure that you notify the company of all the items you have and make sure to purchase insurance that you feel confident in just in case. Remember that it is always better to be safe than sorry in these types of situations.
After reading through our article, you should have the required knowledge to make an informed decision before reaching out for a phone or online consultation with a moving company. This way, you can move with confidence and a clear mind when moving into your new home.
If you would like to find out more information about how Simply The Best Movers can help you with your moving needs, head over to our main page to see our fully comprehensive list of services and resources for homeowners in the Calgary area.