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

Staying Put Part Two

With the New Year around the corner, now is the time that many people begin to reflect on their lives, what they are doing and ultimately – where they are living. As you look at your current situation and your life goals the question becomes should I move or should I stay put? Here is Staying Put - Part Two

Some things to consider before you “leap”:

1. How will this move affect the people in my life?
Will moving to a new city or area improve your relationships with extended family or other loved ones? Will this move your children closer to grandparents who can lend support or will it separate you from a strong established support system? If you have children, consider the age of your children and their personalities. For some moving is an exciting adventure, for others it can be very traumatic - especially for a teenager.

2. If you are moving from a rental or a starter home, be careful when purchasing your next home. Low interest rates and easy credit can lure people into buying into a lifestyle they can not afford. Be sure to plan for emergencies in your long term budgeting.

3. Know the hidden costs. Many first time home owners are not truly aware of all the hidden fees involved when buying a house and moving. Lawyers fees, taxes, insurance and real estate fees can add up quickly. Even moving to a new rental adds up with the cost of shutting off services,various processing fees, post office costs and first and last rent. Before signing on the dotted line, be sure you've planned for all the expenses.

Next week we'll talk about how to make sure you are hiring a "good" moving company.
By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown

Twas the Night Before Moving

“Twas the night before moving
We’d just bought a house
Good thing the inspection
Didn't turn up a mouse!
No one was sleeping
We rolled in our beds
While visions of moving crates
Danced In our heads!”

Rather than the usual moving tip post, this week I thought I’d take a moment to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

If you are reading this blog, chances are you have either just moved or are planning a move. Here at Moving Again Inc, we understand that moving is one of the most stressful things you can do. We want to help you make this difficult transition easier.

I trust that you will be able to enjoy the upcoming holidays with family and loved ones. I also hope you find a moment to experience the real meaning of the season – the love of Jesus, coming to a world in so need of His love.

If moving is part of your new year, feel free to contact me by visiting my website www.movingagain.ca. We can help take you across the street or across the country.

Leave your favourite moving tip or story and come join the discussion on our face book page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Moving-Again/177993148882424 or on twitter @AndrewBrown80.

Have a Wonderful Holiday!
~A.B.
*Poem was written by realtor, Joanne McMaster at http://www.kapteyn.ca/
By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown

Staying Put? Part One

With the New Year around the corner, now is the time that many people begin to reflect on their lives, what they are doing and ultimately – where they are living. As you look at your current situation and your life goals the question becomes should I move or should I stay put?

Here are some things to consider before you “leap”:

1. Am I acting on impulse? Before making a life changing decision, be sure you have thought it through completely. Are you just mad at your boss, your landlord or your neighbour? Are you reacting out of boredom? It is easy to make big changes based on knee jerk reactions. Make sure your move is based on facts not emotional response?
2. Have you done your research? Have you weighed all the pros, cons and costs of moving. You may decide rent is a bit cheaper in another area, but is the neighbourhood as safe/nice? One place might charge less rent but not include utilities you are not used to paying. Is the cost of the move worth the final outcome? Can you really afford your current situation or is it time to downsize?
3. Are you staying put out of fear or lack of motivation? Is it obvious to everyone around you that your current living or life situation needs to change – but you don’t like change? Take an honest look at yourself and if you need to give yourself a push to improve your life – do it. ~A.B.

By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown

Moving with Kids ~ Part Two

Moving can be stressful for everyone, particularly children. As I mentioned last week, a little thinking ahead and careful parenting can make even the farthest move less difficult for your children. Here are some tips - this week we'll discuss what to do after moving to make things smoother:

1. For small children especially, it is important to be surrounded with things that are comfortable and familiar as soon as possible. Having their items in an accessible “Open Me First” box is a good idea. Items as simple as their favourite cup, breakfast bowl, books and play items will help them feel at home sooner.
2. Consider unpacking the kid’s rooms first or as soon as possible. The sooner they feel settled the better it is for everyone. It also shows them that they are your priority – not your stuff.
3. When possible, give your children a say in creating your new living spaces, i.e. paint colours, where furniture is placed and pictures hung up etc. This will help them to feel more in control of their environment.
4. If moving far from friends and family, take advantage of social media and technologies like Skype and Webcams to show your children they have not totally lost contact with the people they love.
5. Be intentional about helping your children and yourself make new connections. Sign them up for sports, attend church or clubs together - whatever works for you - in order to help them find good, healthy, new friendships.

By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown