Getting an Estimate

Getting an Estimate

According to the Canadian Association of Movers, Canada’s moving trade association, more than five million people move every year within Canada. They want those moves to be as pleasant as possible and therefore, give consumers some strong advice: When planning a move get several cost estimates from different moving companies. Also, understand what services and charges you are being asked to pay for and why. The cheapest price is not always the best deal.

Here’s how it should work:

•Get a visual inspection. The best (and only) way to get an accurate cost estimate from a moving company is for them to come to your home and list every article they are moving. This will avoid surprises and extra charges later.

•The mover will calculate the approximate weight and cubic content of your articles and determine what is being shipped ahead of time or there is any special packing or crating needs.

•The mover will create a cost estimate based on the weight of your items and their seasonally-based transportation rate per 100 lbs. This basic pricing formula will include loading, unloading and carrying goods from your current home to your new destination.

•The mover will provide you with the list of extra fees, such as: working after hours, moving a piano, ferry charges, packing materials, crating services, third party or appliance services or extra cargo particulars.
• The mover will also provide you with any discounts – i.e. special offers or senior’s rates.

Knowing what to expect and getting several estimates will increase your chances of getting the best deal for your dollar and having a smooth move. For more information about The Canadian Association of Movers or to ask to refer a mover: visit: www.mover.net.

By: Andrew Brown and Sharon Osvald

Moving Seniors Part One

To help celebrate National Senior's Day, we are re-posting our post: Moving Seniors Part One:

Moving is difficult for anyone, but things become even more complex when the person moving is a senior. Often they are leaving a home they’ve lived in for decades and are in a situation where there may be healthcare concerns. They need to change their lifestyle.

There are so many questions that must be asked:

•Should they buy a smaller home or rent?

If there are health concerns it might not be wise to tie up your savings with the investment of a home. However, if you are still healthy and active, you may be unhappy in a boxy little rental with no garden or garage to putter in.

•Seniors are vulnerable to scams. Many of them haven’t moved in years and are unfamiliar with the costs or expectations of a move. How do they protect themselves?

When selling their home, a senior should use a licensed and reputable real estate agent. A real estate agent knows the legal issues involved in buying and selling a home. They can refer you to trusted lawyers and other services needed for moving. A good realtor will protect you. Unless it is a family member or completely trusted life-long friend, I don’t recommend letting anyone talk you into trying to save some money by selling privately.

Also, when choosing a moving company, find a reputable moving company with good references and lots of experience. Ask lots of questions. You may want to involve a family member or trusted friend to help you with this.

Finally, never give anyone your private banking information like pin numbers over the phone. (Never give anyone your pin number). It is probably a good idea to bring a trusted friend or relative with you to the bank, if you are unsure of yourself during the financial aspects of the transaction.

More next week on Moving Seniors- By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown

Moving 101 - Re-posted from Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Step One

Moving can be very exciting. There’s something wonderful about a fresh start, a clean slate, a new beginning. However, moving is also a very stressful time. There is so much to do, so many details to think of and so much to remember. To make your move a little easier, I’ve broken it down for you.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

• As soon as you have confirmed your move, firm up your moving plans. Whether you’re booking a mover, calling on friends or renting a vehicle, get these plans done as soon as possible. This is not one of those items you want to leave to the last minute. Since most people choose to move around the same time of year and time of the month, you may be surprised to find trucks and moving companies book up quickly. If you are choosing a moving company, get referrals and be sure you are dealing with an experienced and reputable company.
• If you are moving locally and can afford it, try to book a little overlap in your move dates. If you can give yourself a week or two where you can get into your new place, without having to rush out of your current home, this will allow you time to clean, paint and plan – decreasing your stress.

A Month or Two Before

• Declutter. Declutter. Declutter. The rule of thumb for keeping items is if you haven’t used it in six months- you don’t need it. I’ll be more generous and say one year. Now is the time for a fresh start. Get rid of those unused clothes, books, electronic equipment, papers and gadgets. Why pay to move things you are not using? There are many organizations like the Ontario Cerebral Palsy Organization and the Cystic Fibrosis Organization that will do donation pick ups right from your front door. If the season is right, make a little extra moving money with a garage sale.
• Contact your utility, phone and Internet companies to book the end and beginning of services.
• Create an inventory of items being moved and begin packing them in categories that make sense for you, i.e. “Knick knacks from Living Room” etc.
• Begin to use up food in your freezer and canned goods in your pantry. Again, it cost money to move these items and transporting frozen foods can be unsafe. Begin shopping with more of a short-term mind set.
• Notify your post office, bank, magazine/ newspaper subscriptions and family/ friends of your upcoming address change.
• Contact your insurance company about changes to your mortgage and content insurance.
• Research and contact schools your children may be attending (if applicable).

Visit www.movingagain.ca  for more info about how we can help you with your next move.

By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown

Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Mover...

There is such a large number of moving companies across Canada that sometimes it can be difficult to choose one to hire for your relocating needs. There has also been an increase of small "fly-by-night" moving companies (that are most likely unregistered businesses) as well, which can create confusion amongst which companies are reliable and which ones are scammers. Below I have listed the top 10 questions to ask prior to booking a mover.

1. What are the rates and is there a cheaper time to move? It is very common for moving companies to vary their rates through-out the month based on busy and slow times. The end of the month is one of the busiest times, which means you are more likely going to end up paying an increased rate for your move. If you can manage to move during the middle of the month, better yet a weekday during the middle of the month, many companies will drop their rates and offer you a deal.


2. Is there a charge for travel time? When paying an hourly rate, many customers believe the clock starts when the movers arrive at their door. In many cases this is not true. Most moving companies will start charging from the time they leave their location and will also charge you for the time to get back.


3. Is there insurance and what does it cover? Some companies will include insurance automatically into their rates, however others (especially "fly-by-night" companies) will not offer anything at all. Sometimes the insurance that is included in the rates will cover next to nothing after deductibles. Be sure to ask what there policy is, and have them send you a copy of their policy so you can read it over more thoroughly. Often, any boxes you pack yourself, particle/chip board furniture, and electronics are not covered. 


4. Are the employees covered by WSIB? Ask if the moving crew is covered by WSIB so you are not held reliable for any injuries that may occur on your property. 

5. Do you offer free in-home estimates? When receiving a quote over the phone, it is usually just based on averages from previous moves. The person on the phone does not know how much furniture and household goods you have, which varies from home to home. The best way to receive an accurate quote is to have a representative of the moving company come by and conduct a free in-home estimate. 


6. How will my furniture be protected? Damages can happen easily when furniture is not properly protected. A professional moving company will wrap all of your furniture in moving pads and occasionally shrink wrap to prevent damages. The moving pads will also protect the furniture from scuffing any floors or walls. If you are concerned with your flooring or have light coloured carpet, ask the movers to lay down floor runners. 


7. Are you members of any associations? Most reliable moving companies will be registered with the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM), and the company may also be registered with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Even if they are not registered with the BBB, still do a search on the company (www.bbb.org) as you can find useful information as to how reliable the company may be. If you can not find the company on the BBB website, or anywhere online when doing a basic google search, take that as a warning that they may be an unreliable "fly-by-night" company. 


8. Are there any hidden fees? Always ask if there are any hidden fees, as there have been tragic stories of customers who may think they are getting a deal, but later find out the mover charges for every step they take, or every box they lift. Surprises like these can lead to lawsuits involving extortion. Here is a perfect example.

9. Is there any risk with booking in the afternoon? During busy weeks moving companies will often book multiple moves throughout the day. If you are inquiring about a start time around noon, ask if there is any potential for delays. Sometimes moves are booked without knowing the exact size of the shipment, or a customer may be completely unprepared causing delays. Ask if this could happen, because if you need a guaranteed start time due to elevator schedules it is best to book a morning time slot. 


10. What differentiates your company from the rest? Ask the movers you are considering for hire why you should hire them. What makes them different from the rest? Sometimes companies will offer you discounts on packing materials, or include the free use of wardrobe boxes, flat screen t.v boxes, or mattress bags. You may find that they are a local family run business, which some may prefer to deal with over large corporate companies. It never hurts to ask about a companies history. 


Best wishes on your search for the right company!




By: Michelle Langdon and Andrew Brown

Save some time... and some money!

So you have booked your movers... now what?!

We all know that moving can be a very stressful, time consuming, and expensive transition. Being well prepared can save you both time and money on your moving day... and who wouldn't want that? Here are a few tips to help organize yourself as you await the big day.


1. Make a list - having a checklist of everything that must be accomplished before moving day is a great start. It will allow you to see what needs to be done, how much time you have to do it, and provides a sense of accomplishment as you check off completed tasks.


2. Downsize when possible - moving is a great time to figure out what items you actually need and use, and which ones you can do without. Downsizing the amount of "stuff" you have in your house will definitely cut down on moving time. Make a garage sale if possible and earn a little cash to help pay for the move.


3. Pack everything in boxes - besides the large furniture of course, pack everything possible into sealed boxes. One of the most time consuming parts of moving can be collecting small appliances, lamps, and items that are loosely thrown into baskets to be put on the truck. Loose items are not very stackable, requiring the mover to make multiple trips in and out of the house. When everything is sealed in boxes the mover can take multiple boxes in one trip therefor saving you time and money (and saving the mover some energy).


4. Disassemble bed frames - although most movers can do this for you, if you are looking to save some time and money, have your beds disassembled and ready to go. If you know of any other furniture that requires disassembly, let your mover know ahead of time so they can come prepared, or do it yourself to save some time.


5. Leave clothing in your dressers - if your dresser is strong and only has clothes in the drawers, save some packing time and leave them in the dresser. Most movers will wrap the dresser in moving pads to keep the drawers in place and prevent the dresser from being damaged.


6. Ask about wardrobe boxes - Moving Again Inc. offers their customers the free use of wardrobe boxes for clothing hanging in closets. Ask your mover if they have wardrobe boxes to offer you as it will save you packing time and save your clothing from being wrinkled or ruined.


7. Properly package electronics - Be sure that all electronics are safely packaged (original boxes work best) and all cords are tied together to avoid tripping. Moving Again Inc. offers the free use of flatscreen t.v boxes for those who no longer have the original. See if your movers offer anything similar, and let your movers know the size of the t.v so they can come prepared.


Best of luck with your move!


By: Michelle Langdon and Andrew Brown

Creating Curbside Appeal

If you are planning a move this spring/summer but still need to sell your home, there are some things you can do to make your house stand out above the rest. We’ve talked about staging the inside of your home, but many people neglect the outside – which is also important.

Here are a few tips:

1.The inside of your house can be pristine, but if you can’t get people through the doors, it won’t really matter. Start with the entrance. If your porch or front door has chipped paint or is looking tired, dress it up with a coat of paint. Sometimes just painting your front door with a more modern colour (black or a dark red) can make a huge difference.

2.Adding a few seasonal flower pots, some simple plants or flowers and mulch to your flower beds creates instant warmth. If you don’t want a lot of work, consider easy-care plants like hostas or sedums to fill in space and create beauty.

3.A fresh coat of white paint on window sills and tired looking garage doors will also spruce up the front of your home.

4.Get rid of the junk. You may not notice the broken barbeque or the ugly trailer at the side of your place with garbage that needs to go to the landfill site, but buyers definitely will.

5.Cut grass and trim hedges. Sometimes when people know they are moving they stop trying. Now more than ever your home must be “show-ready”. Make your home look like you care about it. This will tell buyers you aren’t hiding a lot of problems they can’t see.

Best wishes selling your home and taking the step to moving on.

By: Sharon Osvald in collaboration with Andrew Brown

The Flat Pack

With more and more of our readers buying flat screen televisions, we realized it might be helpful to know how to pack them if you are moving. So here is our version of "Step by Step" instructions of how to pack a flat screen television. Please note, it is safer and easier to do this job with two people than solo.


1) SUPPLIES (and TV's cords all unplugged and removed).

2) Remove tv stand from the tv... (be sure to keep tv stand, cords, and any tv related electronics together in one box so nothing is misplaced when reassembling)

3) Be sure all supplies are in the package (tv bag, two narrow 1/4" thick foam pieces, two 1/4" thick larger foam pieces)

4) Assemble box and place both narrow 1/4" thick foam pieces in bottom.

5) Place and wrap tv in protective bag.

6) Wrap the outside edges of the tv in both sheets of 1/4" thick larger pieces of foam and tape in place.

7) Place wrapped tv in box.

8) Be sure excess edges of the thick foam are tucked down the inner sides of the boxes so the tv is snug and does not move around.

9) Seal the box and handle with care.

Enjoy your safely packed Big screen TV!

By: Andrew Brown

While You Are Waiting

You’re moving.

Congratulations! Your house has sold or you’re nearing the end of your lease. You’ve already got your new home all arranged but you aren’t moving until the summer. There is nothing to do but wait. Not so. There is a lot you can do while you wait, that will make less work for you later on.

Here are a few ideas (besides packing of course):

•Have a garage sale. Take a look at all that extra stuff you’ve accumulated while you’ve been in your current home. If you haven’t used that tread mill, downhill skis or watched those movies in two years, it is time to get rid of them – and make a little money at the same time.

•Get rid of hazardous chemicals. Throw out your old paints cans and cleaning chemicals. Most dumps have special dates you can dispose of these chemicals. Check with your local landfill sites. Don’t forget to empty the fuel from your lawnmower/snowblower.

•Take a good hard look at your clothes closets. Again, if you haven’t worn something for a year – it is time to set it free. There are many places that would benefit from the donations of your gently used clothing, coats and bedding or towels. There will be less to move and you’ll be helping someone.

•Create your change of address list. With email this is a lot less expensive and time consuming than it used to be. Make a list of the relatives, friends and businesses/services that will need your new address.

•Contact your utility companies, insurance company etc. and make sure you have given them your end/ new start dates for services.

•If you are leaving the area, begin researching and making arrangements for a new veterinarian, family physician, dentist, optometrist etc. You can also take this time to research schools, family and recreational activities and churches.


Happy Planning!

By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown

Home Sweet Home?

If you are moving this spring or summer, you may be considering whether or not to purchase your very first home.
You are probably asking yourself: Am I ready to buy?

Here are some things to consider before taking the leap:

1. Are you really in a good financial place to handle such a commitment? Have you saved up the down payment? Have you paid off or in the process of regularly paying off outstanding debts, student loans or credit card debts?

2. Could you afford to pay your mortgage payments if the interest rate jumped? Currently, in Canada the interest rate for borrowing is at an all-time low. Many borrowers are paying 2% interest on their mortgages, but in the 1990’s people were paying closer to 14% interest. Although, you are able to lock in for a term where your rate remains the same, be certain you could manage an eventual price hike.

3.Have you truly considered the cost of maintenance, property taxes, insurance and utilities? Are you aware of the large one-time costs like legal fees, title insurance, home inspection, property transfer and taxes?

If you have prepared and are ready to buy your first home, here is a good website where you can learn more about how to arrange a mortgage, how to calculate what you can afford and much more at www.howrealtorshelp.ca/planning-finances.php#Buying-Step-4

Happy House Hunting! If we can be of help in your upcoming move visit www.movingagain.ca

By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown

Moving Military

For many Canadian military families, spring is the time of year you are anticipating a move to a new posting and military base. If you’ve never been through this process before, here is what you can expect:

1. The military will arrange a packing and moving company for you. A few days before your move, people will arrive and pack and box all the belongings you plan to move on the truck to your new destination. Although the lion share of the work is being done for you, purging items you really don’t use and compiling your belongings into practical groupings (for example by room) will make things easier for you once you arrive.


2.Be sure to keep important papers, jewellery, plants and items you will need during the move separately and bring them with you.


3.Not only will the packing company pack all of your belongings, but a company will unpack fragile items for you to ensure nothing has been broken in the transition.


4.Be very mindful before and after move of damage and marks that may already exist on your furniture, instruments or cabinets and take a thorough look at items after moved. If there is any damage, it will be repaired or replaced.


Wishing you and your family a safe and enjoyable move.


By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown

Moving Again's Top Online Moving Tips

With so many resources, tips and articles online, here are some of Moving Again's favourites. Enjoy!

How to Pack a Room:
http://www.servicemagic.com/article.show.Moving-How-to-Pack-a-Room.12079.html

Moving Out on Your Own - Prepare Financially. Are You Ready to Move into Your First Home or Apartment?

http://moving.about.com/od/preparingforyourmove/a/first_home.htm

Moving Your Beloved Plants:
http://moving.about.com/od/movingityourself/a/moving_plants.htm

Checklists for moving:

http://www.mysmartmovers.ca/Moving_Tips.html

Moving Seniors ~ Part Two

Last week we talked about the unique challenges of moving seniors. However, what happens when the senior selling or moving needs more assistance to live day to day.

Where do they go then?

Firstly, it is important to determine what assistance they need and to understand what options exist for them. Here are some types of providers that can assist you or your loved one when moving is required. This information was found in The Care Guide.

Independent/Supportive Living: Apartment Style accommodations exist with services like meals, home making, 24 hour staff and social activities. Sometimes they are rentals, life leases or owned.

Retirement Residences: Retirement Homes are supportive residential settings for people who can no longer manage living with independence. They offer meals, activities, 24 hour staffing, laundry, housekeeping services and various levels of personal care. Rates are not subsidized.

Assisted Living: This refers to providers that assist people who are frail, require supervision and hands-on personal assistance with daily activities like dressing or bathing. Often this care is provided in a designated section of the residence.

Long-Term Care Homes: Known as nursing homes, these are residences for people who can no longer live independently and require 24 hour-nursing services. Eligibility for placement is based on needs and is arranged by Community Care Access Centres.

For detailed information about these different types of living arrangements (in your area of Ontario) and even more services for seniors visit: www.thecareguide.com.

Some other helpful links are:

http://www.culture.gov.on.ca/en/seniorsguide/docs/seniors_guide_final_english_web.pdf

There are 14 Community Care Access Centres throughout Ontario in alignment with the Province’s newly established Local Health Integration Networks. To contact them or find more information online, including the local branch offices, visit: www.ccac-ont.ca

www.211ontario.ca

www.mymotherscaregiver.com

By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown

Moving Seniors ~Part One

Moving is difficult for anyone, but things become even more complex when the person moving is a senior. Often they are leaving a home they’ve lived in for decades and are in a situation where there may be healthcare concerns. They need to change their lifestyle.

There are so many questions that must be asked:

•Should they buy a smaller home or rent?

If there are health concerns it might not be wise to tie up your savings with the investment of a home. However, if you are still healthy and active, you may be unhappy in a boxy little rental with no garden or garage to putter in.

•Seniors are vulnerable to scams. Many of them haven’t moved in years and are unfamiliar with the costs or expectations of a move. How do they protect themselves?

When selling their home, a senior should use a licensed and reputable real estate agent. A real estate agent knows the legal issues involved in buying and selling a home. They can refer you to trusted lawyers and other services needed for moving. A good realtor will protect you. Unless it is a family member or completely trusted life-long friend, I don’t recommend letting anyone talk you into trying to save some money by selling privately.

Also, when choosing a moving company, find a reputable moving company with good references and lots of experience. Ask lots of questions. You may want to involve a family member or trusted friend to help you with this.

Finally, never give anyone your private banking information like pin numbers over the phone. (Never give anyone your pin number). It is probably a good idea to bring a trusted friend or relative with you to the bank, if you are unsure of yourself during the financial aspects of the transaction.

More next week on Moving Seniors- By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown

Staging For Success

Spring is just around the corner, now is the time of year that many will begin listing their homes to sell. If you are one of these homeowners and you can’t afford expensive renovations or changes in your home, there are some simple and affordable things you can to do make your house stand out ahead of the rest.

First impressions are SO important. Here are a few tips to make your house beat the competition:

•Clean. Clean. Clean. It might seem like a small thing, but a home that is dirty looks unloved and older. Making those windows, mirrors, floors, bathrooms and appliances shine will make a big difference.

•Clear away the clutter. People are looking for bright and spacious homes. The less items, knick knacks and excess belongings you have, the bigger and more open your home will appear.

•Sell, throw away or store extra furniture away in order to make your rooms as open as possible. You also won’t have unnecessary items to move to your new location.

•When setting up a room, don’t ignore focal points like fireplaces and large windows by blocking them with furniture or large television sets. Show off your house’s assets.

•Neutralize. You may love dark or vibrant paint colours, but the best way to appeal to the biggest group of people is to keep your paint colours neutral. They also make rooms appear larger.

Wishing you all the best in your upcoming move!

By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown

Dare to De-clutter

It is one of the least favourite but most important parts of moving – de-cluttering. Whether you are selling a home and need to stage it, are moving your business/office or just don’t want to pay to move items your family doesn't need or use, it is step one in planning a move. Here are some tips to get you going:

1.As soon as you begin contemplating moving, start thinking smaller. Begin selling, giving away and throwing out your excess belongings. A clear clutter free home will be easier to “stage” if you are selling and will even help you think clearer. Even if you’re renting, as soon as you decide it’s time to go – start thinking smaller, smarter and leaner. Ask yourself: “What do I really need?”

2.If you are like most people your “paper work”, photos, bank statements, saved letters and important papers are stored in not one – but several places around your home. Again, throw out what you don’t need and create one home for all these papers and belongings. Then when you move they can all go into one easy to access box.

3.Be ruthless. Take serious inventory of the items you have in your home and if you really need them – right down to furniture, clothing, appliances, toys, books and the dreaded knick knacks. It costs you more money to move items you don’t really need or use. Also, when you arrive at your new home you’ll have that sense of a clean slate to begin in a new home.

4.Despite the hassle, sometimes it is worth it to try and sell your items. Websites like www.kijiji.ca are free and easy to use. You will be able to connect with people in your area looking for the items you are selling i.e. a used computer desk, a toddler bed (that you haven’t used in six years) or one of your three stereo systems. The extra cash will also help go toward the cost of your upcoming move.

5.Garage sales are the best way to sell small or “cheap” items. Again, you might not think it is worth it, but it is not difficult to make two or three hundred dollars in a morning in your driveway. In the end it will cost you to take these items to the dump. Not to mention, if you are sentimental about a particular item, sometimes it is easier to let it go when you see someone else enjoying it.

Dare to de-clutter, you’ll be glad you did.

By: Sharon Osvald in collaboration with Andrew Brown

Preparing Your Items for Storage

Last week I shared some tips about what to look for when putting your items into storage. This week I want to share some ways to “prepare” your items for storage. Again, some of these come from the Canadian Association of Movers which can be found at www.mover.net.

•Wrap sofas and large upholstered items in protective material. Place sofas on sofa racks to keep them safe.

•Wrap finished furniture to protect it from scratches and marks.

•Moth proof and wrap rugs and place them on racks when storing.

•Wrap anything fragile like mirrors, pictures and smaller delicate items.

•Leave fridge and freezer doors open (or have them serviced) to prevent mold and mildew from growing in them.

•Consider purchasing depository insurance or for if you are really concerned: full protection to value. This will cost you a regular monthly fee, but may be worth the peace of mind, depending on the items.

•Do not store dangerous or perishable goods.

By: Andrew Brown and Sharon Osvald

For more info on how we can help make your move a smooth move, visit www.movingagain.ca

Storing Your Stuff

With our world being so mobile, it is more common for people to need to place their belonging into storage. It is important that you are certain your items are being stored safely and securely.

The Canadian Movers Association makes the following recommendations when choosing a storage facility:

1.Find out the reputation of the storage facility you are considering.

2.Make sure you completely understand the services that the company is offering, what your responsibilities are, the liability of the company in the case of damage or theft, how the items are secured and if you have access to your items while being stored.

3.Ask what the additional charges are. Are there charges for wrapping or protective materials, moth-proofing, packing items like mirrors or servicing appliances to prevent the growth of mildew?

4.Keep complete lists of all the items being stored. Compare lists with the company storing your belongings to ensure it matches.

5.Visit the storage facility to see if it is clean, dry and rodent-free. Ask about climate control and security.

For more information visit www.mover.net
By: Andrew Brown and Sharon Osvald

Damages

Damages: What to expect when you’re moving?

Besides having a mover pack up your belongings and selling them on E-bay, damages are the biggest fear when choosing to move your home or office.

Even the best movers can cause damage or scratches to your property when moving. Since home owners insurance doesn’t usually cover your items while in transit, it is so important that you choose your mover carefully, ask lots of questions and get things in writing. You need to know: Who is responsible for payment or replacement of furniture if it is damaged in the move? Does the mover pay for damages to items that we packed or they packed?

According to the Canadian Association of Movers, the liability for loss or damage is shared between the consumer and the mover. By law, a mover’s liability is only 60 cents per pound per article moved and the consumer assumes the rest of the risk. This is not something many consumers know.

The CAM says, “This means that for a 50-pound TV the mover’s liability is $30. This coverage is obviously not sufficient to protect the customer. Your household goods, on average are worth $10 per pound or more. A reputable mover will offer to accept the customer’s risk for a fee or include this coverage in the price of the move.” Make sure you clearly understand what you are getting and that it covers your needs and protects your belongings.

ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS!!

Get all your agreements in writing.

Choose your mover carefully and get lots of references.

By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown

Winter Moving Tips

Moving in winter months creates a few more obstacles than during the warmer summer months. As movers we must be extra careful to ensure that we are safe and that nothing of yours gets damaged in the process.

Along with Moving Again Inc., here are some tips to make your winter move run safe and sound.

1. Reduce the chance of slipping. We must be extra careful for our safety that we do not slip on wet and slippery floors. We also need to be certain that the furniture we are moving doesn't get damaged when we are slipping. It is important that you clear the pathway of ice and snow.

2. You may need to reserve adequate parking for the moving truck to park closest to the loading door. Again, please clear a pathway from the truck to the door we are entering into that is wide enough for the widest appliances we will be moving.

3. We lay down floor runners in the house to protect the floor from dirt and abrasion caused from movers who are still wearing their boots.

4. We always will put your bed into a mattress bag, but it is even more important in the winter time so that your bed doesn't come into contact with any dirt or snow. Your furniture is also blanket wrapped to protect the finish and to stop any doors or drawers from swinging open while they are being carried.

5. Please turn down the thermostat; the door is open anyway, and the movers go from freezing cold in the truck to hot and sweating in the house.

6. If you are happy with your movers then offer them a hot coffee, it goes a long way in showing your appreciation of the hard work they are doing.

Wishing you a wonderful winter move.

By: Andrew Brown and Sharon Osvald

Packing - Part Two

When preparing for a move, packing is a very important part of planning. Whether you hire your moving company to pack or decide to pack yourself, here are some important tips to keep your items intact when travelling from A to B. This is a continuation from last week, Packing Part Two.

The Basic Rules for Packing:

1.Large boxes should not contain heavy articles. Not only could the boxes tear but also they are extremely difficult to carry.

2.Standard-size cartons should be used for stacking.

3.Heavier items should be placed in the bottom of boxes, on their strongest side with items separated by cushioning material.

4.Boxes should be filled completely so they don’t cave in.

5.Cartons should be secured with tape and clearly marked. Properly calculating the required packing materials is a challenge. Movers estimate a standard number of containers for a move and then adjust for the customer's needs, such as for doctors who often have a great quantity of books.

6.Special items – statues, gun collections, crystal chandeliers – may require custom-made containers and special packing.

7.Movers cannot transport inadmissible items like explosives, ammunition, aerosol cans and flammables like gasoline, paints or cleaning fluids.

By: Andrew Brown- Taken from the rules of packing from the Canadian Association of Movers.

Packing to Move - Part One

When it comes to moving most people understand their need to enlist in some kind of help. However, you may not know the importance of having a professional pack your belongings, as well as move them. Packing is a bigger part of the move than most people would expect.

When hiring a moving company, people can pay to have everything packed, nothing packed or some things packed – depending on your arrangement. However, the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) recommends customers get at least some of their belongings packed by professionals. Here is why:

•Since movers are not responsible for damage to items packed by owners, professional packing eliminates worry about damages to their belongings.
•Items like breakables, china, artwork and mirrors are very fragile and can break easily if not packed properly.
•Movers use special-purpose packing materials.

Based on the CAM’s outlines and my own experiences, If you choose to pack yourself, these are the items I recommend you use:

•China Barrels for breakables such as dishes
•Wardrobe boxes for clothes
•1.5 cubic-foot box for books, canned goods and heavy items
•4 cubic-foot box for bulky items like kitchen items and lampshades
•Picture cartons

Come Back next week for more tips on packing and wrapping for your upcoming move.

By: Andrew Brown and Sharon Osvald

Getting an Estimate

According to the Canadian Association of Movers, Canada’s moving trade association, more than five million people move every year within Canada. They want those moves to be as pleasant as possible and therefore, give consumers some strong advice: When planning a move get several cost estimates from different moving companies. Also, understand what services and charges you are being asked to pay for and why. The cheapest price is not always the best deal.

Here’s how it should work:

•Get a visual inspection. The best (and only) way to get an accurate cost estimate from a moving company is for them to come to your home and list every article they are moving. This will avoid surprises and extra charges later.

•The mover will calculate the approximate weight and cubic content of your articles and determine what is being shipped ahead of time or there is any special packing or crating needs.

•The mover will create a cost estimate based on the weight of your items and their seasonally-based transportation rate per 100 lbs. This basic pricing formula will include loading, unloading and carrying goods from your current home to your new destination.

•The mover will provide you with the list of extra fees, such as: working after hours, moving a piano, ferry charges, packing materials, crating services, third party or appliance services or extra cargo particulars.
• The mover will also provide you with any discounts – i.e. special offers or senior’s rates.

Knowing what to expect and getting several estimates will increase your chances of getting the best deal for your dollar and having a smooth move. For more information about The Canadian Association of Movers or to ask to refer a mover: visit: www.mover.net.

By: Andrew Brown and Sharon Osvald

Avoiding Moving Day Disasters

Last week we talked about how to know you’ve found a good mover. This week I want to add to this theme by making you aware of some of the scams that people have faced when putting their trust in a mover and a few more tips to avoid this from happening to you.

According to Dakshana Bascaramuty’s Globe and Mail article Smooth moves: How to spot a moving day scam, many things can happen if you are not cautious when hiring a mover.

June to September is the peak moving season in Canada. If you don’t plan ahead, this can make you vulnerable to scams with movers being in such high demand. Last year, complaints from customers lead to arrests of a Toronto moving company.

These scams include:

1.Arriving several hours late for the move, causing large problems for people who are required to book a service elevator or who have to vacate their home at a set time to allow for the people coming in.
2.Holding furniture hostage. Bascaramuty talks about one Toronto woman was forced to lug her own furniture down to the loading dock because her movers were three hours late. The movers then placed her items in the truck, locked it and refused to move it or return it to her until they were paid over two hundred dollars .
3.Charging extra fees for moving heavier pieces of moving them to a third floor.
4.Double booking and not showing up at all.

Tips to avoid scammers :

1.Get an in-person quote from at least three companies. The mover should assess your home to see if you are both on the same page.
2.Get the price of the move and how long they estimate it will take in writing.
3.Be wary of the lowest quote. Know that the prices are comparable to their competition or they are likely just too good to be true.
4.Do they online operate from an elusive cell phone number? Make sure there is a physical address and that they are not just operating a side business.
5.If they only take cash for the job, do not charge you the taxes and will not take credit cards or a certified cheque, find someone else.
6.If someone tries to hold onto your items, charging you more than the agreed amount, if you have the quote – call the police. You don’t have to pay them extra.
7.Ask about their insurance policy; get them to explain it in writing in case things are damaged.
8.File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau if the company is registered with the Canadian Association of Movers.
9.Use real people references over anonymous online ones.

Remember these, and the tips from last week, and you should have a happy moving experience.

By: Andrew Brown and Sharon Osvald

How to Know You are Getting a Good Mover?

Choosing a moving company that will be responsible for all the contents of your home or office is an incredible leap of faith. How do you know if you are choosing a quality mover – when there are so many scam artists out there? Here are a few tips:
1. Have you ever seen their moving trucks around town? Is this a company used often and has a history of being reliable and capable?
2. How does the truck look? Does the truck have a sign that looks like an established moving company or is this a side business?
3. If you get a chance, stop when you see them working and watch them. Would you want them to treat your furniture like they are doing right now?
4. Talk with your friends, family, the superintendent at your apartment or manager of the local storage company; they see a lot of movers and get to know the ones with a bad reputation.
5. Do the movers have a contract that discloses all of the charges? If their price over the phone is too good to be true then it probably is NOT true. Get it in writing!
6. Are they members of the BBB and the CAM with a good reputation? Check them out.
7. Do they have a registered business name or do they operate from a cellphone?
8. Do they answer the phone in a proper business manner or do they wait until they find out what you want to announce they are a moving company?
9. Do they hide the fact that they also do garbage disposal and lawn maintenance when they are not busy?
10. Go with your gut. If you get a bad feeling or vibe from someone, you are likely right.
By: Andrew Brown and Sharon Osvald