Let us be honest—you do long-distance moving only occasionally (kids off to college, changing cities for a promotion, that kind of thing). That means you are not familiar with the market, and finding the right Toronto movers is often a guessing game…but it does not have to be!
Follow these seven tips to find the right moving company confidently (and save yourself thousands of dollars in inflated invoices and hidden charges):
1. Get Referrals from Friends and Family
Ask around to find out if your colleagues, friends, and family can recommend a mover they had a pleasant experience with. This can be a great starting point for finding a long-distance moving company but do not accept suggestions blindly. You should still do your due diligence to find the right same-day long-distance movers for you.
2. Read Reviews Online
Online reviews can be incredibly illuminating! You can see what kind of experiences people have had lately and if there are any callouts (or red flags). The number of reviews makes a difference, too; the more there are, the better.
At Rent-a-Son, for instance, our Toronto movers have a 4.8 rating from more than 900 (!) Google Reviews and 4.1 on Facebook (out of 5 for both).
3. Do Your Due Diligence
Whether you want to make a relaxed move or use same-day long-distance movers, you must do your due diligence. That means:
- Getting quotes from three or four companies (be precise in your requirements).
- Speaking to their team (to see what their attitude is like).
- Understanding what your rights are if they are late, or lose or damage your items.
4. Make Sure They Do Not Just Contract Everything to a Third Party
Beware that your moving “company” is not just an outsourcing business—i.e., taking contracts from people like you and sending them to third-party movers. When that happens, there is a risk of inflated invoices, lack of liability, and theft.
Ask directly if they will be coming in their own trucks.
5. Beware of the Large Cash Deposit in Advance (Big Red Flag!)
If the person on the phone is adamant about a big cash deposit before the move, that is a huge red flag! A small deposit is normal, but if you are being pushed and coerced into paying a hefty amount upfront, it may be time to walk away from these movers.
6. Check if They Are Accredited
Confirm the validity and standing of your moving company by checking the Better Business Bureau, HomeStars, and the Canadian Association of Movers (the only official national association for moving companies).
Rent-a-Son, for example, is registered with the BBB and CAM; we are HomeStars Verified and eight-time winners of Best of HomeStars.
7. Get a Quote in Writing (and Try to Eliminate Surprises)
Whether getting a quote, preparing an inventory of your items, or entering a contract, you should have everything in writing. The less left to a “he said, she said” scenario, the better your moving experience will be.
Or You Can Just Work with the Best Long-Distance Moving Company
Rent-a-Son has been featured in BlogTO, TorontoRentals.com, and The Star, and we are known for professional, dependable services. Nothing is a higher priority than delivering great experience and value for you!