Are you planning to move across the border of Canada and the US? If you do, then you must be in need of a professional mover. However, in today’s world, it’s best to be more diligent when selecting a moving company. While there are rogue movers who try to be legitimate, you can still look into the provider’s background to make sure they fit with your moving needs. If you want to be more cautious with your choices, you need to be prepared when asking some questions. Here’s what you have to know in regards to choosing a reliable company when moving across the border.
- How long have you been in the moving business?
Asking how long they’ve been in the business can provide you an idea whether they have been experts in the moving industry. For instance, their valuable years of experience can help you determine whether they’re suitable for the job or not. Remember, knowing how long they’ve been in business means knowing whether they’re experienced, reliable and competent in the field.
- What’s your complete business name and business address?
There are scammers out there. If you don’t like to be fooled by these scammers, be sure to ask your potential moving service provider about their business name and address. When you request this information, you can rest assured of the company’s legitimacy. Moreover, it’s also essential to know the physical location, so you’ll be able to visit and check the place by yourself.
- Will you provide references?
Hiring a Canada US mover is not an easy job, which is why asking the moving company to provide references can be very beneficial. Once the provider gives you the information, you can now call their previous clients and ask whether they have work with their needs before.
- Are you affiliated with the Canadian Association of Movers or with a national van line?
In moving across the border, your safety should always be considered. That’s why it’s still best to verify whether your potential moving service provider is a member of the Canadian Association of Movers or if it’s affiliated with a national van line. By doing so, you’ll be able to make the right decision when it comes to hiring a moving company.
- Do you carry a license and insurance?
As a service provider, it’s important to ask whether the mover does carry a license as well as insurance coverage. In these types of situations, you should be more wary of your state’s requirements when it comes to moving companies. If your state requires the mover to be licensed, then you have to choose one who is authorized to operate in your place. You can seek help from your local licensing offices for more information. Furthermore, accidents may happen while you’re moving across the borders, which is why you shouldn’t hesitate to ask the mover whether they have insurance or not. In most cases, having insurance coverage can help protect your interests when something occurs along the way. Meaning, you’ll not be held responsible for any damages in the event an accident may take place during the work.
- Will you be the one to provide the moving service or will it be subcontracted?
While moving is tough work, you should inquire whether your prospective mover will provide their own trucks and personnel, or they will use subcontractors to get the job done? If they have the moving service subcontracted, make sure you ask whether the subcontractors are insured to perform the work for you.
- Do you prepare a cost estimate?
Of course, you always want everything to be put in writing. Thus you shouldn’t forget to ask whether someone is coming to your place to check the things to be moved so they can get ready for a cost estimate. That way, you’ll be able to have an idea about how much you’re going to spend for your move.
- Do you offer guarantees at your final price?
Price plays a pivotal role in the moving industry. However, try to be more mindful of some moving companies who will knock on your door and offer everything to you. Most of the time, being practical is good, but you should remember price itself doesn’t guarantee a high-quality work. For instance, be cautious about the potential guarantees the moving provider will offer you at the final price. This may include some warranties or compensation when the job isn’t done properly.
- When it comes to a long distance move, will you provide the services at the destination like unloading and unpacking?
Moving from one place to another is no joke at all. In fact, it requires time, money and effort to get the work done. When you’re moving to a long distance location, ask whether the services at the destination such as unpacking and unloading are still included in the agreed price. By asking this, you’ll know what to expect when you get to your destination.
Spending a little time to ask these fundamental questions will always be a worthwhile experience. You just have to think of it like a job interview by which you only want the best for your interests. With the information written in this article, we hope we’re able to provide you with insights regarding how to choose a mover when moving across the border. All in all, there’s nothing to worry about as there are several Canada US moving companies out there who are willing to help and provide you with an honest and efficient moving service you’ll surely enjoy.
James Duncan
James Duncan is a writer contributing for one of Canada US moving companies, the Augusta Movers. As a writer, he knows that readers rely on him for his knowledge on his topics, and as such he writes them with a creative flair he can call his own. He spends his free time grilling with friends.