You’ve found the perfect new home, organized the address change, budgeted for all the costs associated with leaving one home and purchasing or renting another, scheduled the moving date, prepared for the massive task of packing. The thought of asking your friends, family and neighbours to do some heavy lifting and help with filling the moving truck has crossed your mind, but quickly been replaced by other important tasks. So how important is choosing a good moving company for your Surrey move, really?

It’s more important than you’d guess. The difference between hiring good Surrey movers and bad Surrey movers could be the difference between seeing your cherished belongings again, or in one piece. A good mover will be familiar with the legalities and your rights and responsibilities and won’t hesitate to explain the process to help you feel more secure about handing over your possessions to strangers. All Surrey movers should be familiar with the terms of the Good Practice Guidelines for Canadian Movers and the consumer checklist produced by Canada’s Office of Consumer Affairs.

The checklist has some tips for consumers who are hiring prospective movers, beginning with searching for reputable movers by word-of-mouth or by contacting the Better Business Bureau. Once you have created a list of possible Surrey movers, talk to them about their policies. Some questions you’ll want to ask include:

– Can you have their insurance policy information, a copy of their customer and mover rights and responsibilities, and other documentation related to liabilities for loss and damage, fees and limitations associated with liabilities?

– Who owns the equipment? Ask for references if they will be using a subcontractor or another company.

– Who will be helping to unpack and settle claims at the end of the move?

– If the moving truck will stop overnight, will it be held in a safe location?

– Does the company hold a Workers’ Compensation Board Certificate, or would you be expected to pay in the event of an employee injury?

Next, you’ll want an estimate. A good estimate will require an inspection of your property, knowledge about the beginning and ending addresses, the moving date and your account of all obstacles that movers will have to manage, such as staircases. An estimate that is too low should be suspicious: it could signify higher charges in the future, bad service or perhaps it did not include the local taxes. Make sure you receive the document in writing for your future reference.

Depending on your own personal needs, you may also need to coordinate additional plans and documentation. If the movers will be taking your belongings across the border, there will be border crossing paperwork required. There might also be a security deposit you must pay, or you might want to learn about extra services, including packing services to take that extra burden off of your shoulders. It would be a great idea to learn about Replacement Value Protection, too, so you are aware of your options in the event that one or more of your items are lost or damaged. Remember, though, that it is always best to keep your most treasured valuables, such as jewelry and electronics, with you at all times.

Whether you are moving into, out of or across Surrey, movers are there to help you. Learn about your options and be prepared for the big day; the more you know about what is available, the better choice you can make to ensure that you receive the best quality care you and your goods deserve.

Author Bio: Lorne MacInnes is Vice President of Ferguson Moving & Storage. They are a fast-growing Canadian Movers that have recently expanded into the Surrey Movers market.

Category: Advice
Keywords: surrey, movers, moving, services, business, bc, canada, storage, company