Moving Tips

“I’ll save so much money if I do it myself”

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The moving costs associated with a large house can often seem daunting, but these are often insignificant when compared with other such costs including Realtor fees and Lawyer Fees. Your regular homeowner is not accustomed to moving some of the larger/more fragile items in a house and is often ill-equipped. This results in damage to important items – which in turn leads to additional costs. Moving companies are experienced in carrying out moves efficiently, safely and quickly, so they will have refined their costs, saving you money and time.

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“MOVERS don’t care about my precious possessions”

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"Moving companies have a reputation to uphold, as bad reviews can often destroy a company’s chance of being booked for a moving job. This is why Freeman Movers take care not to damage items, and we have the most suitable equipment to pack up any type of items you may have."

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“I prefer to pack things myself so I know where everything is”

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Freeman The Mover Ltd offers professional packing and unpacking services for your household items. We exclusively use high-quality packing materials to ensure the safety of your belongings during transportation. If you choose professional packing, you remain in control – our packing experts will only pack items as per your instructions and transport them carefully for easy setup in your new home.

 

 

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Select a mover with a clean CVOR (Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration), which is a National Safety Code number issued to all commercial carriers in Ontario. The goal of this system is to monitor the safety of commercial vehicles and remove from service those operators who are unsafe. All commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators in Ontario must have a valid CVOR certificate and carry a copy in their CMVs while operating in Ontario. They also must perform their services at reasonable rates and within a reasonable time. Movers without a permit operate outside the law and may provide little, if any, protection for loss or damage to your belongings.

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Protect Yourself!

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• Choose a professional mover with a clean CVOR.

• Get a written, signed estimate, and have it available when you pay the final bill.

• Ask for an inventory and check it for accuracy.

• Understand and agree with the billing before booking.

• Have the mover explain his liability for loss and damage.

• Be at the destination at the agreed-upon time for delivery.

• Check the condition of your property before your move.

• Keep the lines of communication open with your mover at all times.

 

In this guide you will learn how to evaluate and choose a mover, how to compare moving charges and estimates and how to avoid and reduce loss or damage to your property.

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Before the Move – Get Recommendations

When shopping for a moving company, get recommendations from neighbors, friends and coworkers who have hired a mover recently. Ask for and check the company’s references and the Better Business Bureau. 

Trust Your Instincts
If a mover makes you feel uncomfortable, go with another company.

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Compare Costs

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Moving costs are calculated by different methods:

• Long Distance Moves - Rates may be based on the weight of your goods and the distance hauled.

• Local Moves - Rates are based on the number of workers used; the amount of time it takes to load, move and unload your goods; and the mover’s hourly rate of service.

 

 

Estimates

Movers are required to provide you with a free written estimate of the probable cost of your move. Preliminary, verbal estimates are allowed, but a written estimate is clear and advised prior to a move. The estimate should clearly and accurately describe all charges.

There are two types of estimates:

• A non-binding (hourly) estimate is an educated guess of what your move would cost based on the mover’s survey of your belongings. Your final cost can be more a non-binding estimate.

• A binding (flat rate) estimate is a written agreement that guarantees the price you pay based on the items to be moved and the services listed on the estimate.

Regardless of which type of estimate you get, you are best served by an accurate one. Show or provide the estimator with information about every single item to be moved, including items in the attic, basement, garage, shed, closets and under beds. Reach a clear understanding about the amount of packing and other services needed.

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Long Distance Moves

Charges for long distance moves are usually based on weight and distance. To determine the net weight of your shipment, the mover weighs the empty vehicle then reweighs it after loading your belongings into the truck or by other methods approved scale.

At your request, the mover will notify you of the weight and charges as soon as the net weight of your shipment is established. You are entitled to witness the official weighing of the loaded vehicle if you request to do so. The mover can also re-weigh the shipment before delivery at your request if it is practical to do so. You are responsible for the cost of re-weighing the shipment.

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Loss or Damages

Movers must assume some level of liability for loss or damage to your belongings during your move. Your mover’s liability will likely be less than the value of your goods. The mover is not liable for the full value of your property unless you pay an additional charge for that protection.

“Mover’s liability” and “insurance” are not the same thing, so it is a good idea to see your insurance agent to determine if you need additional coverage. Movers must explain their liability for loss or damage to your property.

The amount of the mover’s liability depends on the level of protection you select. The greater the liability assumed by the mover, the more costly the option is for you. In selecting a liability option, you should consider the following:

• The value of the belongings being moved

• The susceptibility of those belongings to damage

• The degree of risk you are willing to accept

• The cost of the protection

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All claims for loss or damage must be filed in writing with the mover, after all legal charges for your move have been paid. The mover must provide you with all of the information and forms necessary to file a claim. Report the loss or damage as soon as you discover it. File your claim as soon as possible while memories are fresh.

Claims must contain sufficient information to identify the property involved. A copy of the original bill of lading should accompany your written claim.

Your mover must acknowledge your written claim, and act on it (pay, settle or deny) within 90 days. Be sure to keep the damaged property. The mover has the right to inspect any damaged property before settling a claim.

If the mover will not voluntarily settle a claim to your satisfaction, you may file suit in a court of law. Depending on the amount contested, you may be able to use small claims court.

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Loss and Damage Exceptions

If the mover decides to reimburse you for, or replace, a lost or damaged item, the carrier may claim the item as it’s property.

You may include the following items in a shipment however, the mover is not responsible for the condition or safe delivery of:

• Coins, currency, deeds, notes, postage stamps, letters, drafts or valuable papers of any kind.

• Jewelry, precious stones, or precious metals.

• Items of extraordinary value.

• Items requiring temperature control.

• Household pets.

• Live plants.

• Perishable items.

• Furniture or other items made of pressboard, particle board or similar pressed material.

 

 

The mover is not liable for the loss of or damage to any article for the following circumstances

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• Breakage, when items are packed by you or your representative unless it can be proved that the breakage resulted from negligence by the mover in handling the articles.

• Internal damage to electronics (radios, stereos, CD/DVD players, televisions, computers, printers, scanners, etc.) when no visible damage to the external packaging or contents exists or if the item was packed by you or your representative.

• Loss or damage from insects, moths, vermin, mold, fungus, or bacteria within your belongings or that develop therein due to conditions present before the mover picks up your belongings.

• Loss or damage because the item was in an obvious state of disrepair at the time of shipment.

• An act, omission, or order, or loss or damage resulting from your inclusion in the shipment of such articles as explosives, dangerous articles or dangerous goods.

• Defective design of an article, including susceptibility to damage because of atmospheric conditions such as temperature or humidity changes.

• Seizure, confiscation or destruction under quarantine by order of any government or public authority.

• Acts of God

 

 

Movers will not accept the following items for shipment:

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• Explosives:

• Dangerous goods; or

• Property liable to damage the mover’s equipment or other property.

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Packing, Delivery and Inspection

Be there when your goods are packed, loaded, unloaded and unpacked. If you can not be there, have someone you trust represent you. If you are not there and delivery can not be made because of your absence, your property may be put in storage at your expense.

Review the inventory sheets of all items loaded into the truck. Be sure you agree with the company’s comments about the condition of the items being moved. You will be asked to sign certain documents. Ask questions if you do not understand the documents or process.

Check for damage, particularly to valuable items, while the mover is present. If there is a box or container that will not be packed right away, you and the mover should inspect it for signs of damage. Do not sign any delivery papers until you inspect your belongings and check them against the inventory. Record any damages on your copy and the mover’s copy of the bill of lading and the inventory form. This will help later if you have to file a claim. If you find damaged goods after the mover has left, keep the items and packing materials as they were in the box, or set aside damaged belongings that were not packed. Call the mover immediately and notify in writing so that a claims representative can inspect them.

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Payment of Charges

Unless you make credit arrangements, you must pay all legal charges for the move before your goods are unloaded.

If charges are more than the written non-binding estimate, the mover must unload and release all of your goods if you paid 110 percent of the amount of the estimate and supplemental estimates. The mover is required to give you at least 30 days to pay the balance.

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Complaints

If you are not satisfied with the mover’s service, you should first try to resolve your dispute with the mover. Many disputes can be resolved by asking to speak to a supervisor.

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