There are many moving services available to help homeowners and businesses move to a new location. From basic transport services to full-service packing and storage, the right company can make a major difference in the stress level and cost of your move. To ensure you hire a reputable, trustworthy company, do your research and vet potential movers. Ask friends and family for recommendations and look at online reviews. You should also verify a moving company’s licensing and insurance.
The type of move – local, long-distance or international – has a direct impact on the type of London Ontario moving services you require. Some companies specialize in local moves, while others excel at moving families and business across the country or even overseas. To get an idea of how much your move will cost, request estimates from several movers and compare pricing structures. Beware of quotes that seem too good to be true, as they often are. Look for transparent pricing and a breakdown of all fees to ensure you’re not getting ripped off.
Other deciding factors include whether you need a specialized service like disconnecting and reconnecting appliances or complex home entertainment systems, storage or specialty item moving. Some movers offer these services at an additional cost, while others build them into the overall cost of your move. If you’re unsure what your specific needs are, ask the company to provide you with a detailed inventory and an in-home survey. You should also decide if you want a binding or nonbinding estimate. A binding estimate locks in your final price once your shipment has been packed and weighed, while a nonbinding estimate can shift slightly if any items are added or removed from the inventory.
Once you have a list of potential candidates, ask to see proof of their insurance and licenses. A reputable mover should be happy to provide this information. If a mover is hesitant or doesn’t provide this information, consider taking your business elsewhere. Insurance is vital, as it will cover your belongings in the event of damage or loss. Look for a minimum of 60 cents per pound coverage on each item, which is the lowest amount most movers will pay.
You should also ask the moving company if they have any prohibited items. Some movers will not move cash, valuables, medication or certain electronics due to their fragility or potential for theft. In addition, some movers will not move exercise equipment like treadmills and ellipticals or charge a higher fee to do so. If you have an expensive item that is important to you, check with the moving company about their policies before hiring them for your move. They should be able to tell you whether they have the proper equipment and training for such an endeavor or if a third-party vendor is required. Having this information will help you avoid any surprises when it comes time to sign the contract.