Monthly Archives: July 2018

movers in Oakville, ON

Mistakes to Avoid During Your Next Move

Oakville, ON moversEveryone makes mistakes. But, this truth is of little comfort to the person who loses time and money during a move due to an avoidable mistake.   

Of course, there is no such thing as a 100% mistake-free move, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try to avoid the most common moving errors. All it takes is some planning, some common sense, and some advice from your Oakville, ON movers.   

The following are the top five most common moving mistakes to avoid.   

Mistake #1: Not Making a Moving Budget  

Careful budgeting is important for all life changes, especially moving. Setting a budget helps to control relocating expenses and, of course, everyone wants to spend as little as possible. But, before a budget is set, be sure to request multiple cost estimates from reputable moving companies to form a good idea of what to expect. Cost-cutting ideas:  

  • Ask friends to help pack. You can provide pizzas and drinks for friends and family who help you. This will cost less than paying professionals to pack up your home.  
  • Remember that moving costs are based largely on weight. The more unused belongings you throw out and donate, the less money you’ll spend on the move.  

Mistake #2: Failing to Research   

Never hire professional movers without doing research. Check out online reviews, ask coworkers and friends who they’ve used in the past and how the experience went, and jump on the BBB’s website at https://www.bbb.org/en/ca to check business ratings.   

Mistake #3: Assuming All Movers are Dishonest   

Movers, unfortunately, have the reputation of being dishonest—a reputation formed by the very few scammers out there with unethical business practices. The truth is, there are more trustworthy and long-standing moving companies across Ontario than scammers. To avoid working with one of the few rogue companies, do your homework.    

Mistake #4: Not Requesting an In-Home Estimate   

A price estimate over the phone is an inaccurate one, nine times out of ten. Remember that you are not a professional, so it is unreasonable for you to have to guess how much a drawer set weighs or how much space in a moving truck your belongings must require. Insist on the in-home estimate or find a company that will.  

Mistake #5: Choosing Movers Based Solely on Price    

Cheaper is not necessarily better. But, more expensive may not be, either. Are there services you don’t need and others you do require? If possible, compare at least four moving estimates (in-home estimates only) and pay close attention to the nuances of each: what’s included, additional services, etc. Cost factors include:   

  • Local moves. These are usually charged by the hour. 
  • Home size and weight. These two factors largely affect long-distance moves.   
  • Special items, such as pool tables, safes, antique furniture, hot tubs, etc.  
  • The distance of a move. There are major differences between local, long-distance, cross-border, etc. 
  • Add-on charges. Packing, unpacking, furniture disassembly and reassembly, storage, custom packaging and crating, etc.   

The Oakville, ON movers here at ABS Movers & Storage hope these tips help you to avoid common mistakes during a move. We’d love to earn your business. Please call us to set up an in-home estimate. We can handle local, long-distance, and cross-border moves. Our professionals can be reached at (416) 588-1499 or stop by at 17 Dora Avenue, Toronto, ON M6H 1J5 to discuss our storage, moving, mid-months specials, and junk removal services.

Avoiding Moving Scams

Whether you’re moving across town or moving to the other side of Ontario, one of your top priorities is to find a good, reliable moving company. One with kind, professional movers. Unfortunately, there are a lot of companies out there with less than honourable intentions and avoiding scammers can feel like a job in itself. Don’t worry. There are tell-tale warning signs to look out for, so you can choose the best Vaughan, ON moving company for your next move. Keep reading. 

Red-Flags

You don’t have to know everything about moving companies to spot a scam. These red flags should grab your attention:

  • A too-good-to-be-true estimate. If it sounds too good, it probably is. If one estimate is thousands and thousands of dollars less than the other two or three you’ve received, something is either suspicious, or there’s been a miscalculation.
  • Many bad moving reviews. We’re living in an age of information, so work this to your advantage. Check out customer reviews and testimonies online. Don’t only go to the moving company’s website; look at Google Reviews, too. On that note, be sure the moving company actually has a website.
  • No references. If you wouldn’t hire an employee without good references, do not hire a moving company without checking theirs.
  • Unprofessional behaviour.
  • Up-front payment in full. There is no reason in this day and age for a moving company to require full payment from you before Moving Day. There should be a deposit prior to, and a balance payoff after the move.
  • No estimate. Never, ever hire a moving company in Vaughan, ON without an estimate.
  • Unmarked truck. Legitimate moving companies have marked trucks. That’s all there is to it.
  • The company is listed on Ontario’s Consumer Beware List with multiple complaints or charges. To search, go here: http://www.consumerbeware.mgs.gov.on.ca/catsct/start.do?lang=en

Signs You’re Dealing with a Good Moving Company

Not all professional movers are bad. In fact, many are reputable and hard working. And, since Canadians move every seven or eight years, on average, it’s important to learn how to easily spot the good moving companies. Here’s how you know you’ve found a moving company to rely on:

  • Recommendations from people you know. Friends and family who’ve had good experiences will be more than happy to recommend the company they used. And, they can give you reliable customer testimonies.
  • Good online reviews. Remember, not every review will be positive (you just can’t please everyone). But, online reviews are helpful in giving you a general idea of what to expect. And, you can see how the company responds to poor reviews to make amends.
  • Good standing with the Better Business Bureau.
  • The company follows Good Practice Guidelines for Canadian Movers. To learn more, go here: https://ic.gc.ca/eic/site/oca-bc.nsf/eng/ca02030.html
  • Willingness to offer an on-site estimate.
  • Properly insured. Your property is too valuable not to have this.

For your peace of mind, call ABS Movers & Storage at (416) 588-1499. We are located at 17 Dora Avenue, Toronto, ON M6H 1J5 and we want to be your trusted Vaughan, ON moving company.

The Six Most Important Questions to Ask Before Hiring Professional Movers

When you’re preparing to move, it’s tough to make all the right decisions. From choosing the best Vaughn, ON movers to adequately sorting through all your “to keep or not” items, this list of questions will help to guide you, wisely, to the right professional movers for the job.

Six Questions to Ask

  1. How long has your company been in business?
  2. Is the moving crew a group of permanent employees or are they temporary/hired help?
  3. Does the company perform background checks on their employees?
  4. Does the company provide insurance and protection for belongings?
  5. Are on-site estimates an option?
  6. Are there any items that are not transportable? 

Areas of Interest

Gathering as much information as you possible will help give you a good idea of a company’s overall character and professionalism. For example, the longer the moving company has been in business, the better. A long-standing company is likely successful due to its rapport and good business practices within the community. Further, a company that performs regular background checks, on-site estimates, and employs their own employees to handle the actual move is a reliable one.

Insurance is a Must

It’s rare, but accidents happen. You want your belongings protected. Get details about the moving company’s coverage before booking your movers. Be certain you understand their insurance terms and any additions that may apply to your unique move. 

Why Have an On-Site Estimate?

Meeting with your movers to obtain an estimate at your home will give you realistic expectations regarding payment. It’s all too easy to underestimate the amount of “stuff” you have and overlook added costs (such as steep walkways or oversized furniture). 

Non-Transportable Items

As for the question above regarding non-transportable items, this is often overlooked. The truth is that there are a handful of items that many moving companies refuse to load or cover with loss- or damage-protection insurance. Most of these items should come as little surprise. These may include:

  • Fertilizers
  • Aerosols
  • Gasoline
  • Pesticides
  • Nail polish and remover
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Charcoal lighter fluid
  • Weed killer
  • Propane tanks
  • Pool chemicals
  • Car batteries
  • Cleaning solvents
  • Grand pianos
  • Antique pieces
  • Perishable food items 

Why it’s Important to Ask the Right Questions

Unfortunately, scams happen all the time. Asking the right questions from prospective Vaughan, ON movers will ensure you’re working with a company that will treat you well and take care of your belongings. It’s never a bad idea to learn as much as you can while during your search. Connect directly with each company and insist on an on-site estimate. Remember, there are all sorts of options based on the type of move you’re planning (local, long distance, last-minute), so don’t fall into the trap of obtaining online-only quotes.

The professionals at ABS Movers & Storage want to work with you and answer any questions you have about our Vaughan, ON movers. Call us at (416) 588-1499 or stop by to and visit us at 17 Dora Avenue, Toronto, ON M6H 1J5.

Budgeting for Your Big Move

Moving can be extremely expensive. Even small moves from one city to the neighbouring city can cost a small fortune, especially if you’ve foregone a budget and procrastinated. But, if you have time to research to find a moving company in Richmond Hill, ON and plan accordingly, you stand to save a lot of money.

First, keep in mind that the costs associated with moving go far beyond the packing supplies and rental fees. Often, there are also travel expenses, cleaning supplies and services, security/pet/utility deposits, storage unit rental, meals while travelling, lodging expenses (particularly for those traveling a great distance by vehicle), and so on. Make a list of anything you can think of related to your move—before, during, and after—so you have a clearer understanding of the money required.

Second, know that you may need to save up. As soon as possible, set aside funds to help yourself chip away at the expenses, preemptively. Here are a few ideas to help you earn additional funds in your free time:

  • Income from a yard sale. Ask your friends to pitch-in items they don’t want—the bigger the sale, the more visitors/customers you’ll have.
  • Earnings from selling a vehicle you no longer need.
  • Rental deposit return. This applies to current renters. Yes, you will likely have to wait until after you’ve vacated your apartment, but it’s helpful!
  • Hold a bake sale (if you know your way around the kitchen).
  • Bring gently used clothing and shoes you no longer wear to a nearby consignment store.

Thirdly, there are ways to save money—without compromising your sanity—during the moving process you may have considered:

  • Ask friends and coworkers if they have boxes and/or totes they could give or lend you.
  • Look for moving boxes at local businesses: grocery and liquor stores, office buildings, etc.
  • Move during the “off-season.” Often times there are moving discounts with moving companies in Richmond Hill, ON for scheduling during the winter or mid-week.
  • Rather than purchasing bubble wrap or packing paper, use newspapers, used/ripped gift wrapping, tissue paper, bath towels, and rags.
  • Take measurements at the new home prior to your move to make sure you aren’t paying a moving company to transport furniture that won’t fit.
  • Round up friends and family to help you sort, pack, and label.
  • Use a moving company. Rental trucks and doing everything yourself adds up. Often, you will need more time off work, experience unforeseen expenses, and load improperly, which may result in shifts and damages during transport.

I’ve handled many moves both personally and professionally, and I can tell you that there are specific questions you must ask when vetting a moving company. Asking these five questions will help lead you to the right movers:

  1. How long have you been in business? Do not choose a brand-new company.
  2. Do you have experience with my specific type of move?
  3. What services do you provide and are there discounts on “bundling?”
  4. What type of coverage/insurance do you provide?
  5. Do you give on-site estimates?

ABS Movers & Storage looks forward to becoming your trusted Richmond Hill, ON moving company. Give us a call at (416) 588-1499 or visit us at 17 Dora Avenue, Toronto, ON M6H 1J5 to discuss your upcoming move.