May is an extremely popular month for moving home, and many of you will have your moving and storage services booked. But have you chosen wisely?
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning that there were 700 complaints filed against home-moving and storage-related companies in 2018, and is taking the opportunity to advise the public not to take this decision lightly.
Danielle Primrose, president and CEO of BBB serving Mainland BC, said that some unscrupulous companies can damage the reputation of the whole industry. "Unfortunately, fly-by-night and no-name ‘truck-for-hire’ groups have been known to take advantage of the fact that consumers are under emotional and financial pressures, as well as time constraints when moving. Moving is beyond relocating items – many times it signals a fresh start or a transition and can be a difficult process. It requires time, patience, money and trust.”
Nancy Irvine, president of the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM), which has partnered with BBB, said research is key. She said, "We strongly urge consumers to do their due diligence before hiring a mover, as they would before purchasing any other major service. You are entrusting your entire lifelong belongings to someone you likely don't know. There are many factors to look at - not just price. Remember that the cheapest price might turn into the costliest move.”
The BBB identified four key problems that can arise:
- Missed delivery or pick-up dates
- Movers holding your belongings hostage and demanding extra payment
- Lost or damaged belongings
- Charges that exceed estimates provided
- Claim disputes for lost or damaged items
The bureau recommends everybody using a moving company does the following:
- Get three written cost estimates from different movers based on visits to your home, and get a contract. Find out whether it is a flat fee or based on an hourly rate. Be wary of movers who seem friendly but want to conduct business without a written contract.
- Find out how and when payment is required. Many companies require up to a 10 per cent deposit to secure your moving date and require payment on or before delivery. Find out what your payment options are and what method of payment is available.
- Ask the mover about their replacement valuation protection, which covers the total value of a shipment.
- Assess current and future residences for any accessibility challenges and discuss this with your mover. Additional charges may be incurred if there’s a problem with access or parking.
- Prepare for damage and pack accordingly. Even though trustworthy movers are trained to handle your belongings and your home with care, it is difficult to move an entire household without at least some damage. Take valuables such as jewelry and currency with you.
- Watch for red flags. If a mover does not provide replacement valuation protection details, a company address, proof of workers' compensation or a GST/HST number, keep it moving and find another company.
- Review the company's rating with BBB and their standing with CAM.
