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.

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.