Much of the stress that comes with moving can be relieved by hiring the right people to do the job. When choosing a moving company, it is wise to do some research before making a selection, and to ask your family and friends for the names of companies they recommend. It is also useful to call organizations such as the Better Business Bureau for a list of suggested movers. You may want to find out if the mover is a member of an association of movers or a certified reputable mover program. 

The Consumer Checklist for Choosing a Moving Company

The Consumer Checklist for Choosing a Moving Company (hereafter the "Consumer Checklist") and the associated Good Practice Guidelines for Canadian Movers were prepared by a multi-stakeholder working group consisting of government, business, and consumer group representatives and academics, under the leadership of the Office of Consumer Affairs, Industry Canada.

The Good Practice Guidelines for Canadian Movers and the Consumer Checklist were developed to complement legal protections already in place. It is hoped that the existence of the guidelines and the checklist will assist movers in identifying and adhering to high standards and will aid consumers in selecting reputable, ethical and professional movers. The guidelines can also be used as part of moving industry certification programs.

Follow this checklist to help reduce the chance of this sort of problem happening to you.

When Mr. R moved from Vancouver to Toronto, he contacted three major moving companies for estimates before choosing a mover and, as added protection, he bought extra insurance from the mover. The movers alone cost about $10 000.

When his belongings arrived, several rare, framed prints valued at about $50 000 were missing, so he immediately contacted the moving company's head office.

Not only did the company accuse him of making a bogus insurance claim, because none of the packers recalled seeing the missing prints, but also added that it couldn't be held accountable for the actions of the packers because they were independently contracted casual labourers and not full-time company employees 

Start with these questions

1.     Does the company know about and agree to abide by the terms of the Good Practice Guidelines for Canadian Movers? Does the company provide you with a pamphlet that outlines customer and mover rights and responsibilities, as well as written material regarding mover liability for loss or damage, optional programs available, limitations on liability and additional costs associated with each level of liability?

2.     Is the company insured? Ask them to provide you with the insurance company's name and policy number.

3.     Does the company have their own equipment, or will a sub-contractor or another company be providing the service? Which company? What is their record like? Get references.

4.     Who will be providing services at the end of the move, such as unpacking, claims settlement, and storage? Is it the same as the original company, an affiliated van line, or someone else?

5.     If your belongings will be left overnight in a moving van, will the van be kept in a secure facility? Be sure to use a company that uses vehicles designed for household goods moving and storage.

6.     Whose storage facilities will be used - the company's or a third party's? It's a good idea to visit and check out the company's offices, storage facilities and vehicles before you move. Does the mover have a Workers' Compensation Board certificate? If not, you may end up paying for any employee injuries during the move.