It’s not easy to find a good mover. Take your time and do your research; you’ll be glad you did. You’ll save money, your belongings will arrive safely and you won’t have to stress about the process. Here are several steps to follow to hire the right mover.
Get recommendations
The best place to start your search for a mover is to ask for recommendations. It’s easy to assume that big-name companies will do the best job and even that they will offer the best price, but that’s not necessarily so. First-hand recommendations from people you trust are your best source of information.
Screen the moving companies yourself
Once you have a few recommendations, go online and do backgrounds check on the companies. Call the Better Business Bureau to find out if there have been any complaints against them.
Get an in-home estimate
Never accept an estimate given over the phone. Always make an appointment for the movers to actually see what they will have to move before they give you an estimate, and always get the estimate in writing. Be sure the mover sees everything that will have to be moved – the backyard, the basement, the attic, in all of the closets, etc. – before they generate their estimate. If, on moving day, the mover believes that you have significantly more to move than they originally quoted on, they can refuse to move your things for the original amount, so it’s important to be as accurate as possible.
Review the estimate
Each estimate you receive should include the following:
The words “written binding estimate”
Signature of the mover and date of estimate
Date of the move
Additional services required (i.e. packing)
Hourly rate and extra fees possible (driving time, tolls, etc.)
If you don’t understand something about the estimate, ask. If anything is ambiguous or unclear, as for a revised, written estimate.
Compare the estimates
Once you have compiled a few estimates from movers Montreal residents, it’s time to compare them to find the best value for your money. Don’t just opt for the lowest price. Take into consideration what you are getting for that money. Be skeptical of any bids are way below the average – that could be a red flag. The same goes for any bids that are way above the average. Take a close look and see what they offer that may set them apart. Are those extra services worth the extra money? If there are several bids that seem to offer similar services for comparable rates, don’t be afraid to negotiate.
The moving market is saturated, and movers are motivated to compete. It never hurts to ask! Finding a mover doesn’t have to be a daunting process. It’s just a matter of being diligent and thorough, and finding the moving company that will offer you the services you require at a price you can afford. There are lots of options out there, so start looking for a mover as soon as you know when and where you will be moving.
