As you prepare for your move, you may be feeling a little anxious of the prospect of relocating to a new neighborhood. I can guarantee you that you may have “a million things on your mind”. To help minimize your stressful situation we have put together a list of frequently asked question, (FAQ), along with their answers. If there is something that requires further information, please contact one of our friendly sales representatives.
1. When is the best time to contact a mover?
2. I may need some items packed.
3. Can I do some of my own packing?
4. What will I do about my antique items?
5. How much will my move cost?
6. How can i obtain an estimate of moving costs?
7. How long will the move take?
8. What is a 'window' on long distance?
9. Who can I call if I have questions while my belongings are being shipped?
10. When will my belongings be delivered?
11. What is the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?
12. Will there be extra charges if I am moving into or out of a multilevel building?
13. What if the truck can’t park up close to the house?
14. What are these documents for?
15. What payment options are available?
16. What is the extra coverage and what does it cover?
17. Does the moving company offer storage and what type of storage?
18. My appliances, what will I do with them?
19. How will Budget protect my upholstered furniture?
20. Is there anything I should keep with me and NOT load on the truck?
21. Is there anything that I can’t have moved such as plants & pets?
22. Will they transport my vehicle?
23. What are the Do’s and Don’ts of moving?
1. When is the best time to contact a mover?
At Budget Moving we specialize in last minute moves. Of course the more notice you can give your mover the easier it will be to accommodate your schedules.
2. I may need some items packed.
At Budget Moving we understand that you may need some of your prized possessions and fragile items packed for your move. Please ask your sales representative for a price list.
Click Here for packing suggestions
3. Can I do some of my own packing?
Yes, you can pack your own items if you wish, this is a great way to save yourself $$$. If you need any supplies we do offer free box delivery. Speak to your sales representative for more information.
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4. What will I do about my antique items?
At Budget Moving we understand that you may have special items that need extra attention. For this very reason we have modern moving equipment and team leaders to assist in these special circumstances.
5. How much will my move cost?
The cost of the move depends on the type of move you require:
- Local moves are priced according to an hourly rate. The cost will be determined according to the manpower multiplied by the duration/time of the job.
- For long distance moves within Canada, your charges are based on the weight and space of household goods you wish to ship. At the time of your estimate, your sales representative will be happy to explain the itemized charges on your estimate. If you need information relating to packing, crating, uncrating and coverage, please contact one of our sales staff for more information.
6. How can I obtain an estimate of moving costs?
To receive an estimate, fill out the on-line form and a sales representative will contact you to set up an appointment for a free on-site or if you prefer an estimate via e-mail or by phone.
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7. How long will the move take?
Your sales representative will be able to determine the time frame once all the relevant information is collected. Once you are ready to schedule your local move with Budget Moving, we will set up a date and time that best suits you.
8. What is a "window" on long distance?
When your move is first booked, it is difficult to estimate exactly when the driver will arrive at your home. We will give you a range of 3-4 days during which the driver will arrive. You will receive notification 48 hours in advance of the day that the driver will arrive at your home to load or unload your belongings.
9. Who can I call if I have questions while my belongings are being shipped?
Once your goods have been picked up, the first contact department is the Dispatch department, and secondly, the sales person who helped plan your move. Your sales person should have given you the name and telephone number of a contact person in that department. But, at any time during your move you can always contact Budget Moving at 204-947-1516 or you may also email: customerservice@budgetmoving.ca
10. When will my belongings be delivered?
Before your belongings are loaded on the truck, you and your sales representative should have agreed on a delivery date.
In reference to long distance moves, you will receive notification of delivery 48 hours prior to delivery. You, or someone you have designated on your Budget Moving paperwork to take your place, must be present to accept delivery and pay all charges. In the event that no one is available, your shipment could be placed in storage at an additional charge. Be sure that you give your sales representative contact numbers where you can be reached throughout the move.
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11. What is the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?
A non-binding estimate requires you to pay based on the actual items you requested us to move and the actual services performed. There is no limit. A binding estimate is a price that has been given to you based on your information that is guaranteed by your sales person not to exceed 10% of the price given. That is unless additional services are performed that are not specifically listed on your paperwork. You must complete additional paperwork for any items to be added to your shipment or to have additional services provided.
(b) Where do "extra charges" come from?
If you have not included areas such as, an attic, crawl space or storage shed in your initial conversation then these items are considered extras.
Often these storage areas are forgotten when working up an estimate and remembered only when it is time to load the truck. The cost of moving these additional items would have to be added to the estimate. To avoid this situation, be sure you have highlighted all of these areas to your sales representative at the time of the estimate. For a free online quote, please click here.
12. Will there be extra charges if I am moving into or out of a multilevel building?
If you live on the second or third floor of a building, the foreman may have to charge for "stair carries” on long distance pick ups. However, on local moves this is included in your hourly rate. Your sales representative will let you know if the situation at your current home will require these charges. Since your sales representative does not visit your new home, you will have to let him/her know about the layout there.
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13. What if the truck can’t park up close to the house?
As a customer it is advised that you highlight any parking regulations and restrictions to your sales representative when discussing the estimate. If we are not able to park the truck close to an entrance to your home, you may be charged for a "long carry". Often tree branches grow low over roadways not allowing for the height of a truck. Narrow streets and driveways can restrict accessibility to your home, making it necessary for the driver and helpers to carry your belongings a longer-than-normal distance. If the distance from your home to the truck is too great for the driver and helpers to carry your belongings, we may need to load your belongings on a smaller "shuttle" truck before placing them on the actual moving van. Use of a shuttle truck is also an additional charge. On local moves shuttle truck on pick up are free of charge.
14. What are these documents for?
There will be a number of documents that you will be handed. They are as outlined:
Your driver will present you with the Order for Service Bill of Lading.
Order for Service: The mover will prepare an order for service which you and the mover must sign before the shipment is picked up. This document must contain the following information:
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The shippers name, address and telephone number
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Consignee’s name, address and telephone number
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The name address and phone numbers of the carrier
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Agreed pick and delivery time
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A complete description of the special services offered
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An order number or job reference number
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The amount of probable cost and the method of payment of the total charges
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Maximum amount to be paid in Cash, Certified check, or money order to relinquish possession of a C.O.D, (Cash on Delivery) shipment.
- The shipper requests notification of charges and the address at which such communication will be received.
Bill of lading (paperwork)
The mover will issue you with a bill of lading at time of pick up. This document is a receipt of your goods and represents a contract between you and your mover. The type of service you require will determine the bill of lading. For example, a local move is an hourly rated service and Long Distance is an estimated cost, based on your total inventory list that has been supplied to your movers etc. Your moving company will explain the contract in further detail.
Inventory List (paperwork)
Your selected moving company will document your household goods upon pick up and also at the delivery destination during unloading. This document will also record the condition of your household goods upon pick up.
If any damages are incurred they need to be addressed immediately to the Moving companies Customer Service Department, with a written letter explaining the damages or any other grievances you may have.
If any additional services are necessary, the driver, with your signature must also complete the Additional Services Performed Origin/Destination Service and Delivery Report
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15. What payment options are available?
Most moves require payment upon delivery by cash, or postal money order. Other payment options such as credit card and purchase orders may be pre-arranged. However these options need to be discussed with your sales representative to select the one that works best for you. In the event that your employer is paying for the move, the employer may pre-arrange be billed via invoice in other words a purchase order. Whatever payment option best meets your needs is sure that all the arrangements are made before your belongings are packed and loaded.
16. What is the extra coverage and what does it cover?
(a) What if something is damaged while it is being shipped?
Keep in mind that if you are moving Long Distance and occasionally, some minor damage occurs during shipping. We have several options to protect your belongings. Review the coverage plans with your sales representative to select the plan that best fits your needs. A valuation of $0.60 cents per pound per article is provided at no charge, but we recommend that a higher valuation be declared to adequately cover your belongings in the event of damage. As an example, suppose your new television purchased for $500, weighing 50 pounds, is damaged beyond repair. Minimum coverage of 60 cents per pound per article would entitle you to $30. Budget Moving does offer additional protection that will adequately fit your needs. Ask your sales representative about our Value Protection plans.
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(b) What is Value Protection?
Value Protection (DVP) provides for reimbursement for any lost or destroyed item at its depreciated value, up to the dollar amount you declare as the total value of your possessions. Minimum valuation under this plan is $0.60 times the weight of the shipment. Here, if your belongings were damaged beyond repair, you would receive actual cash (depreciated) value for each item, up to the total amount declared as the value of your shipment.
(c) Important Notes to consider.
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You may check your homeowner's insurance. Some policies cover property in transit.
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Consider purchasing short-term insurance that covers the move if your property is very valuable.
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Unlike most property insurance, valuation does not automatically pay for any damage. It must be clearly shown that the mover was responsible for the damage.
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Items in boxes not packed by the mover are not covered, unless the outside of the carton provides clear evidence that the entire box was damaged during the move.
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The mover is not responsible for any electronic item that does not function after the move unless there is clear evidence that the item was dropped or mishandled during the move.
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The customer has nine months after the move to file an initial claim against the mover.
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The mover is legally obligated to acknowledge any claim within 30 days and to resolve it or offer a settlement within 120 days.
- The customer is legally responsible to pay for the move, even when claiming extensive damages. The customer must go through the claims process to receive compensation for any damages.
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17. Does the moving company offer storage and what type of storage?
At Budget Moving we offer short term & long-term storage options. Please click on storage icon for more storage info.
18. My appliances, what will I do with them?
Appliances such as washers, dryers and refrigerators must be disconnected, and the washer should have a stabilizer installed. Again, your sales representative can refer you to an appropriate professional to perform these services.
19. How will Budget Moving protect my upholstered furniture?
Budget Moving use special moving quilts. They are heavy, wraps that protect your furniture from being soiled. Click on packing supplies and suggestions or packing tips icons.
a) Can I pack anything in the drawers of my dresser or desk?
It is advised that all loose items must be packed in boxes to prevent damage during transport. When shipping your household affects inter-provincially, you can leave clothing, linens and towels in dresser drawers. All desk drawers should be emptied, as large items sometimes need to be placed on end when moving.
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b) Can my valuables and personal documents go with the moving truck?
It is strongly advised that you keep your valuables and personal paperwork with you at all times during the moving process.
c) What should I do to prepare to move my waterbed?
Waterbeds need to be drained completely. Fiber-filled waterbeds need to be professionally vacuum-drained in advance of your move date. Your sales representative can refer you to a professional to perform these services.
20. Is there anything I should keep with me and NOT load on the truck?
Yes, please be sure to carry enough clothing, medications, toiletries, etc. to last from the load date until the last day of the delivery window. We do suggest that you keep small valuables such as jewelry and family photographs and videos with you during the move.
21. Is there anything that I can’t have moved such as plants & pets?
Plants & pets, for obvious reasons, can’t be loaded on the truck. There are several household items that are considered hazardous materials and cannot be moved with your other belongings. These include aerosols, gas cans, paints, varnish, corrosives, batteries, matches, nail polish and remover, ammunition, explosives, cleaning fluids and detergents. Please consult your sales representative for more information if you think you have anything else that may not be safe to transport on the truck.
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22. Will they transport my vehicle?
(a) Can I transport my car?
It is possible to transport your car, please consult your sales representative for more information.
(b) Does Budget Moving provide motorcycle transportation?
There are occasions that we do offer uncrated motorcycle transportation. Please consult your sales representative for more information.
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23. Do’ s and Don’ts of moving
Budget Moving recognize ourselves as reputable business people and therefore recommend the following do’s and don’ts:
Do…
Please read carefully.
Always make sure that you have a written agreement between you and the mover for the service and billing of lading.
Always make sure that the physical inventory record of your household goods is accurate as to the number of items, condition of furniture etc.
Make sure to understand the coverage that has been allocated to your particular move.
Allow enough adequate time to schedule your move and also for your delivery.
Make sure to provide all the necessary contact numbers and or addresses where you can be reached on route, or at destination or both.
Ensure that everything has been removed from your premises and that everything has been documented on the inventory list.
File a claim if you determine that your shipment has sustained loss or damage.
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Don’ts….
Believe that any estimate or statement of probable cost given by an estimator, except a written confirmation letter.
Don’t expect the mover to provide boxes, cartons or other packing materials free of charge.
Don’t expect the mover to provide any clean-up services, disconnection and reinstallation of appliances, fixtures free of charge.
Don’t leave your old residence until the moving company leaves unless a friend, neighbor is available to act on your behalf.
Don’t fail to make arrangements to have cash or money order, the maximum amount shown on the order for service unless credit has been arranged for in advance.
Sign any receipt for your household goods until you are certain that they are all delivered and there has been no apparent damage that has been not been noted on the shipping papers.
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