When is the best time to move?
The busiest times for local moving companies are during the summer months, May 15 - September 15. At the end of these months, the volume of shipments is extremely heavy. This is the case for all professional relocation and local moving companies. Take all the factors into consideration when deciding on the best time for you to move. If you have some flexibility in your schedule, provide the moving company with a five-day window for loading your shipment. This will allow the individuals who schedule the drivers and moving crew member’s greater flexibility when scheduling your move. If possible, be flexible with your destination timeframe as well. Keep in mind that you most likely are not the only shipment the truck is moving. If you stay flexible, it should make a difference. Also bear in mind, Canadian winter weather does vary widely across the country, and can affect delivery schedules

How do I select which local moving companies will provide me with a free moving estimate?
Determine if you need a full service moving company. Research local, national or long distance moving companies. Ask your neighbors, friends, coworkers and family members if they can make recommendations.

When should I begin contacting local moving companies for free moving estimates?
Try to provide the local moving companies with as much notice as possible, especially if you are moving during the busy season as noted above. Six weeks from the actual move date is not too early for estimators to come into your home to complete what they refer to as a "visual survey of your household goods shipment." Add even more time to make a decision if you are obligated by your employer to submit moving estimates for a corporate relocation. Try to decide which mover you will use four weeks from your actual load day. Call the mover to confirm your booking and schedule your packing, loading and delivery dates. This timeframe can be shortened in the off peak season which is September 15 through May 15.

What happens when a relocation specialist comes to my home?
The relocation specialist will arrive at your home to complete the visual survey of your items. Once this is completed, the relocation specialist will calculate the weight, packing cost and any other charge related to your move. Remember that the relocation specialist must clearly see what you are moving in order to provide you with an accurate estimate. Crawl spaces, attics, and cluttered closets can be deceiving, so organize your house before the relocation specialist arrives. Don't be alarmed if the relocation specialist goes through all your cabinets and closets or looks under beds and on top of cabinets. He or she must be able to see what is moving and possibly needs packing. If you know of items that are out of view, be certain to point them out to the relocation specialist. If there are items you will be eliminating, be sure to point them out. A binding estimate is a contract that specifies, in advance, the precise cost of moving based on the services requested or deemed necessary at the time of the estimate. If additional moving services are requested or required at either origin or destination, the total cost will increase.

What is a non-binding estimate?
A non-binding estimate charges you according to the actual weight of your shipment and the actual cost of the moving services that are performed. You will still go though the estimating process to determine what your shipment may cost.
To verify the weight of your shipment, the driver will weigh his trailer prior to loading your shipment. Once your shipment is on board, the driver will weigh his trailer again. All other moving charges will be calculated at your origin address. If there are any additional charges that are incurred during the delivery process, the driver will provide you with the additional cost. This is a rare event, but it may occur.

How is the cost of my shipment calculated?
If you are moving to a new province, the charges are based on the weight of your shipment and mileage. These are referred to as the transportation charges. There are a variety of different moving charges that could appear on your estimate, so be sure to ask your relocation specialist to explain each charge for you. Some of the additional charges that may appear include packing, crating, valuation or coverage, bulky article charge for oversized items, and extra labor. Again, be certain you understand these charges so that you can accurately compare the estimates you receive.

How should I pay and what are the payment methods?
Tariff provisions require that all moving charges be paid before your shipment is unloaded at the destination. Payments can be made using cash, certified check, or money order. Other payment options such as a credit card can be arranged with your professional moving service provider. Discuss these options with the relocation specialist and/or the customer-service representative assigned to your shipment. In the event that your employer is paying for the move, the employer may pre-arrange to be billed via invoice. Whatever works for you is great. Just be sure to have this all worked out prior to packing and loading. If the method of payment is not established prior to load day, it can cause you problems on delivery day.

What is a Bill of Lading?
Every mover is required to prepare a bill of lading for every shipment transported. The bill of lading is the receipt for your goods and the contract with your mover for their transportation. The driver who loads your shipment must give you a copy of the bill of lading. It is your responsibility to read and understand the information on the bill of lading before you sign it. The bill of lading identifies the mover and specifies when the transportation is to be performed. It also specifies the terms and conditions for payment of the total moving charges and the maximum amount required to be paid at the time of delivery if you are moving under a non-binding estimate. Information regarding the valuation of your shipment and the amount the mover will be liable for in the event of loss or damage is also shown.

What is an Inventory?
The driver will inventory your shipment as he or she loads it. When completed, the inventory provides a detailed, descriptive listing of your household goods and the condition of each item when received by the mover. Be sure that everything listed on the inventory is correct. This is not always the easiest task, as you will find things written on the inventory such as PBO, which means packed by owner. The contents of this carton can't and won't be listed because the driver is not able to see inside each and every box. You will also find CP on a line item in the inventory. This means Carrier Packed container. These are two important listings. You will also notice that in the middle column on the inventory form a line that has many letters and numbers associated with a specific item but it may make no sense to you. This is where the driver uses inventory code to make note of the condition of that particular piece. To understand this code, look at the top of the inventory sheet for the legend that explains what that code means. For instance, SC – scratched; C – chipped; 3 – right side of piece; 8 - top of the piece. This is a simple way for the driver to make note of any irregularity or existing damage. Remember, this inventory is for you to keep track of what is loaded and the condition of each item. If damage occurs on a particular piece during the loading process, get the inventory tag number on that item and make a note in the far right hand column on the line that corresponds with that piece. This is the document that will be scrutinized when the claims process is initiated so it is important to have the damage clearly noted. This inventory should also be used at destination when your shipment is delivered. Use the inventory to verify the articles that are delivered and again note an exception to the condition of the items as they are brought into your home. Point out the damage to the driver. What often occurs is that a piece of furniture has been in your home for many years and you grow accustomed to looking at it in a certain place and in a certain light. When you bring that same piece into your new home, you may notice damage that may have been there for a long time. The driver will have noted the scratch or chip at your origin residence. If you are not sure if it was existing damage or new damage, ask your driver to explain the condition of the piece as he noted on the inventory during the loading process. This is the quickest way to clear up what is new damage and what was there all along. Our drivers are very careful about the way they handle your items and the inventory is their safeguard against felonious-damage claims. Use this inventory as a positive tool to make sure that you are protected just as the driver will use it to protect himself or herself.

Can I pack anything in the drawers of my dresser or desk?
All loose items must be packed in boxes to prevent loss or damage while moving. It is recommended that you pack all items and leave the drawers empty.

Will the driver load all the boxes that I packed?
Yes, as long as the driver deems them safe for transport.

How should I pack my waterbed?
Waterbeds need to be drained completely. Fiber-filled waterbeds need to be professionally vacuum-drained in advance of your moving date.

Can I pack and move my plants?
Most local moving companies will not take your plants. The stress and heat of being inside the moving trailer usually causes them to die. At Affordable Relocations, we're happy to work with you to move your plants, however we can not guarantee the safe delivery of them.

What should I do with my jewelry and other valuable items?
Items of extraordinary value such as jewelry, money, antiques, and stamp collections can be included in your shipment, provided that you notify your moving representative of these items before packing and moving day. It is strongly recommended that you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you or make other arrangements for their transport. Each mover has a slightly different procedure to follow as it relates to high-value items. Ask your relocation specialist to provide you with an explanation of the company's process. This is a confusing but important task, so make sure that you clearly understand the rules prior to load day.

How do I prepare my appliances for moving?
Appliances such as washers, dryers, and refrigerators must be disconnected, and the washer must have a stabilizer installed. Again, your estimator can help you understand how these items are serviced. All local moving companies have business relationships with service providers that handle this type of service. Full service local moving companies and national moving companies will also be able to provide all of the moving services you require. Be sure you know who your mover will be using as you will need to let these people into your home to provide the service.

Am I protected against loss or damage while my goods are in transit?
Yes, but how much protection you have and its cost to you depends upon the valuation coverage you selected. This can be one of the most confusing aspects to moving but it is important that you understand what is being provided to you. The valuation option you choose determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and the maximum liability of the carrier. The liability of a carrier for loss or damage is based upon the carrier's tariffs, as well as federal laws and regulations that have certain limitations and exclusions. Valuation is not insurance. This is important to understand. It is the liability of the moving company. Check with the provider of your homeowner's insurance to find out if you are covered for moving.