Important factors to consider before hiring professional movers to relocate belongings across Canada, include costs, licenses, insurance, packing, and planning timelines.
Moving belongings across Canada can be an exciting but stressful endeavor. Hiring professionals across Canada movers helps ensure a smooth transition to your new home.
However, some key factors should be considered beforehand when selecting and working with a moving company for an across-Canada relocation.
Gather Quotes from Multiple Moving Companies
The first step is researching reputable moving companies that service routes across Canada. Be sure to obtain written in-home estimates from at least three movers.
Important details to ask about include:
- Cost structure – some charge hourly rates while others charge by weight or distance. Obtain binding estimates.
- Extra fees – fuel surcharges, stairs charges, packing supplies.
- Timeline – days in transit, potential delays crossing provincial borders.
| Moving Company | Cost Estimate | Time Estimate |
| A Across Canada | $3000 | 5 days |
| B Movers | $4000 | 7 days |
| C Relocations | $3500 | 6 days |
Verify Licensing and Certifications
Reputable movers must be licensed and certified by federal and provincial agencies. This helps ensure they are properly insured and meet safety regulations.
Be sure to verify:
- Federal motor carrier license
- Provincial moving certifications
- Cargo insurance – at least $100k coverage
- Workers’ compensation coverage
Not verifying licenses can leave belongings uninsured if lost or damaged.
Understand Insurance Options
In addition to basic cargo insurance from the moving company, additional moving insurance options should be explored:
- Third-party insurance agencies
- Renters or homeowners insurance
- Employer coverage if relocating for work
Evaluate your belongings and research options to determine ideal coverage in case belongings are lost or damaged during the move.
Make an Inventory List
Creating an itemized list of all belongings is crucial when moving across Canada. This inventory helps:
- Movers determine how many boxes, and personnel needed
- Confirm all items are accounted for when unloading
- Support insurance claims if items are lost or damaged
Use a digital spreadsheet or notebook to catalog furniture, box contents, valuables, and sentimental items room-by-room.
Guide the Packing Process
Clarify ahead of time what packing services your movers provide. Options include:
- You pack everything
- They pack some items (at added cost)
- They pack everything (highest cost)
Regardless, best practices when packing include:
- Use strong boxes & wrapping for fragile items
- Label boxes by room for easy unloading
- Pack a “first night” bag with essentials not being moved
- Keep valuables and important docs separate for transport
Carefully packing belongings yourself can save money. Evaluate time constraints and costs to choose what’s best for your move.
Define a Moving Timeline
Moving across Canada takes careful planning and preparation. Important timeframes to define include:
- Date movers come to transport belongings
- Number of anticipated travel days
- Planned unloading and unpacking date at destination
- Flexibility in timeline for potential delays
Build buffers into the timeline when possible in case of bad weather, border delays, or other issues.
Tip Movers for Good Service
Showing appreciation through tips is standard practice when receiving assistance moving. Budget ~10-15% of the total moving costs to provide tips.
Consider tipping higher for excellent service such as:
- Efficiently packing and loading belongings
- Preventing property damage
- Making a long-distance move less stressful
If issues do occur, note problems to the company before reducing tips. Hiring trustworthy across Canada movers for a long-distance relocation requires research and planning.
Evaluating multiple companies, verifying licenses, understanding costs and timelines, packing properly, and tipping for good service can ensure your belongings arrive securely.
