How To Hire Movers in Vancouver BC: A Step-By-Step Guide

Moving sucks. Hiring professional movers can make it a little easier. Here’s everything you need to know–from reservations to load size to tipping.

After years of borrowing my parents’ minivan to move my belongings from apartment to apartment, my first professional move felt like a milestone on the path to adulthood. Don’t get me wrong—there’s something to be said for the DIY move. It’s cheaper, and having friends help out lends a festive air to an otherwise tedious chore, especially during the post-move beer-and-pizza party.

But there comes a time when you just need or want to hire professional movers. Maybe your household has two people in it now, and there’s a lot more stuff to move. Or you actually own a few expensive things and you don’t trust your cousin Mike to handle them with the care they need. Before you embark on the somewhat bewildering journey of hiring movers, read our step-by-step guide.

Ask for personal recommendations

Yes, there are plenty of online review sites like Google and bbb, and you should definitely check them out. But I like to start by asking people I know—friends, neighbors, co-workers, and so on. Those are the recommendations I trust the most.

Hopefully you’ll end up with a few names that multiple people have had great experiences with. You may also learn of a few companies to absolutely avoid. That’s valuable information, too.

Check availability and pricing

The most popular movers will get booked quickly so don’t delay. If you’re moving during the colder months you may be able to get away with a last-minute reservation, but spring and summer are likely to fill fast. When you call, keep these things in mind:

Moving date flexibility

If you don’t have to be out of your old place and into the new one on the first of the month, like most renters, your first-choice movers will have an easier time fitting you in. It’s also helpful if you can move on a weekday instead of the weekend.

Pricing

Most movers charge by the hour (expect to pay at least $30/hour per mover), so the ultimate price could be slightly higher or lower than quoted. However, they’re pretty accurate at estimating how long your move will take. Expect to be asked how many people are in your household, how many rooms and/or floors you’re moving from, and what kinds of especially big or heavy pieces of furniture you might own.

Remember that you’ll have to pay for the movers’ travel time, too—unless it’s a very local move. That includes the time it will take them to return to the office from your final destination. Ask if you’ll need to pay a fuel surcharge, as well, and how they handle extra minutes (example: the move takes three hours and 15 minutes). Some movers will round up to the next hour. The mover you want to hire will prorate their hourly price.

Finally, ask if there are any extra fees you could be charged based on special circumstances such as elevator or stair usage or the need for a permit to park on a city street.

Number of movers

Two movers will be cheaper than three, but three will get the job done faster. So when you’re comparing estimates, keep that in mind. A cheaper hourly rate could end up costing more if the move takes longer.

Payment method

Some movers will accept credit cards and personal checks, but most prefer cash. Don’t be intimidated if they don’t take credit cards. Paying in cash ensures you can actually afford the move, and you’ll need cash for a tip anyway.

Deposit

I’ve never had to pay a deposit on a move. You should ask if there is a cancellation policy, though. Some movers may charge you for canceling without a certain amount of notice.

Truck size

I once hired movers who showed up with a U-Haul truck that was obviously too small to fit the contents of our house. Make sure your movers have a big enough truck that will also fit on your street if you live on a narrow city road. You don’t want to end up having to pay for more than one trip or an extra vehicle.

Tip: I usually tip 10 percent of the total, which the movers can divide amongst themselves. Other people suggest tipping based on the extent of the move (starting at $10 per person for a small and local move). You may want to tip more or less depending on the quality of the experience.

Pack smart

Most moving companies will pack (and even unpack) your belongings for an additional fee. This could include the price of boxes and other packing supplies as well as an hourly rate for labor.

If you don’t want to pay any more than you have to, pack everything yourself and get it done before the movers arrive. If you’re still scrambling to finish packing while they load the truck you’re going to make the move more expensive. It will take longer and mess up their careful calculations about the most efficient way to use the truck space. Other ways to save money on packing include:

Find free boxes

Your best bets are your local liquor stores (sometimes they are stacked by the door for people to take) and in recycling dumpsters behind stores. Some people who have just moved post “curb alerts” for free boxes on Craigslist and social media. If you decide to buy boxes, comparison shop at stores like Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowes.

Pack fragile items in newspaper

Bubble wrap is nice, but it’s more expensive than picking up your local Sunday paper. I’ve had almost no problems with wrapping glasses and other breakables in a sheet or two of newspaper.

Use small or medium sized boxes for heavier items

My husband and I own a lot of books, which get heavy fast when you stack them. Always stick with smaller boxes for books, CDs, and other cumulatively heavy things. Bigger boxes can be used for pillows and other large, lightweight items. It’s good to put as much as you can in boxes, but if a box is too heavy you’ll waste time re-packing it.

Move some of your boxes yourself

If you own a car, you’re moving locally, and you have more than one day to do it, try to move as much as you can by yourself. This will save you money on the total time the move takes. Your car may also be better for moving precious valuables, whether your grandmother’s jewelry or a shiny flat screen TV. If it would kill you to lose it (or have it break), then best to move it yourself—no one will be more careful.

Make sure the big day goes smoothly

Good movers should be able to work independently, especially on the loading end. You need to be there to let them in and answer questions when they arise, but mostly you should try to relax. Moving can be stressful, but you hired movers to take care of the hardest part.

When it’s time to unload, the movers should place everything where you want it to go. If they try to just dump everything in the room closest to the door, step in to give directions.

As you settle the final bill, make sure the total is indeed the total. I talked to a friend of mine who received an invoice with additional charges six months after his move. That shouldn’t happen. Sign off on the final figure and ask the movers to do so as well.

Summary

Many people have stories of horrible moves, but if you follow these steps you should end up with a positive experience. And once you get used to the convenience of a professional move, you won’t want to go back to the DIY version. Tell us all about your first professional moving experience in the comments.

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ProShip Moving & Logistics, winter moving tips 2021, Vancouver local professional movers.

Winter is here! And you have to move your household right in the middle of it, winter means freezing temps and snow. We rounded up 17 tips from experienced Vancouver movers to help your winter move go smoothly.

1. Confirm details with your movers.

Waiting to move in the winter is pretty smart. Winter is moving companies’ off-seasons, so you should have a wider range of dates available to choose from. Just be sure to check in with your ProShip movers a week before the move and a day or two before the move. Because in winter, we all know the weather can be unpredictable.

2. Keep checking the weather.

Speaking of weather, keep a sharp eye on it. Check it every week leading up to the move, and then every day the week of the move. If you’re concerned the weather will shut down roads or hinder your ProShip movers, call ProShip moving & Logistics and express your concern. It’s better to delay the move than get caught in a blizzard.

3. Cover your floors.

not all companies provide floor runners to protect your flooring especially on rainy and snow days but ProShip Moving & Logistics moving trucks are fully equipped with 10-floor runners that are 20ft each its a total of 200ft of red carpet floor protection surface.

4. Turn the heat off.

Think about it: if you have people going in and out all day, your poor furnace will be trying to heat the house and it will all go straight out the door. If you turn the heat off, just for the day, not only will you save on that electric bill, but you’ll then be able to do tip 5 (and make your Vancouver ProShip movers’ day!).

5. Board your pets.

No one wants a puppy underfoot while they’re trying to move, and if you take our advice and turn the heat off, your puppy will need to stay somewhere warm. Check local boarders and kennels for heated runs, heated floors, and one or two day discounted rates. Make sure the fur babies are taken care of before the day of the move.

6.Clear the sidewalks, driveways, and street.

It doesn’t get more dangerous than carrying a heavy couch down an icy sidewalk. Be sure to salt, shovel, or snow blow any major walkways you think the movers will be using so they can walk safely with your belongings. And so you avoid a lawsuit.

ProShip moving & Logistics vancouver winter moving tips
ProShip moving & Logistics Vancouver winter moving tips

8. Check the utilities at the new house.

Nothing — we repeat NOTHING – is worse than having no heat and no light in the dead of winter. Make sure that all of the utilities at your new home are turned on and actually working before you start moving. We recommend getting everything turned on about two days before your move.

9. Check the snowplow schedule.

You’ve carefully planned every detail of your move, the ProShip movers arrived bright and early, and last night’s plow guy left a really nice bank of mushy, dirty snow between the ProShip moving truck and your house. Make sure you have parking available that’s not on the plow route or leave yourself enough time to forge a path to the house.

11. Warm up your insides.

Keep a crockpot of hot chocolate or hot apple cider heating in the kitchen – for you and your ProShip movers. When you can’t feel your fingers anymore, or the poor movers are looking a bit frostbitten, call a halt for a cup of hot cocoa. You’ll feel better, and your movers will think you’re awesome.

ProShip Moving & Logistics winter moving tips
ProShip Moving & Logistics winter moving tips

13. Double pack fragile items.

Many things that are delicate or extra fragile become more brittle in cold weather. Help your movers out by double packing your fragile items so they’re less likely to break while moving. Also remember: any items that can be damaged by cold should not be packed in the truck. The truck may sit out overnight, which could cause more damage than you hoped for.

14. Baby your electronics.

Electronic devices really do not like cold weather. Pack all electronics into one or two boxes, and make sure those travel in your car, where the heat will be on and they can maintain a steady temperature.

15. Keep winter essentials with you.

It’s tempting to make room in your car for a pillow and sleeping bag, but make sure your extra clothing layers, coats, snow boots, hats, gloves, scarves, and a handful of cozy quilts also make it into the car. Can you imagine if they got loaded on the truck instead?! Brrrrr!

16. Be flexible and err on the side of caution.

While it’s already really frustrating and stressful to move in the winter, winter weather only adds to the number of possible complications. ProShip movers can’t control the weather, and are probably colder than you are. So listen to their concerns – if the roads are icy, it’s safer to delay the move a little than risk your possessions and people’s lives.

17. Tip well.

Moving companies’ rates don’t change much in the winter, so your movers probably aren’t getting paid extra to deal with snow, ice, and wind. Thank them for coming out in the winter and make sure they each get a good tip to reinforce your appreciation.

Moving in the winter months doesn’t have to be as hard as it sounds. With a little forethought and consideration, you can make it an ideal move despite the weather. Good luck!

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Vancouver Senior Movers, ProShip BC top local Moving Companies

Relocation is our specialty! Our full-service movers are completely devoted to ensuring that every
relocation we handle is a stress-free and memorable experience.

Relocation is hard enough for young people. It only gets more difficult and challenging as we grow old. That is all the more reason to seek out the assistance of professional senior moving services. What you want is a registered, licensed, and insured moving company that you can trust to handle the heavy lifting. ProShip Vancouver Transfer and Storage has well over 7 years of experience in the moving industry. Our reputation precedes us in the Golden State, with nothing but praises and recommendations. If you want to ensure some of the best moving services in vancouver, make sure to give us a call. We will make your move a smooth and stress-free experience..

Whether you are moving to a new home or a different unit in a senior community, your moving needs are different unique as a senior citizen. It is a new chapter of your life, but you may need a little assistance with planning and organizing your Vancouver relocation. You need someone to sort your belongings, and you probably have to eliminate much of what you have to move to your new residence or senior community. And that is when our senior movers enter the scene and save the day.

At ProShip Moving, we will put in maximum effort into ensuring all seniors stay safe during their relocation, as well as all of their possessions. Give us a call today Vancouver best movers ProShip moving & logistics and get assistance money can buy!

Our  Vancouver senior moving services

We have specifically designed a wide plethora of our services so that they perfectly correspond to our clients’ needs. Each and every one of our moving services in vancouver fits the senior movers’ unique needs. Feel free to pick one, or even multiple services that we have prepared for you:

  • Interstate moving. With a tailor-made moving plan, your upcoming move, whether you are moving to the nearest state or across the country will be both efficient and budget-friendly.
  • Long-distance movingIf you have chosen a different country for your retirement, let our experts for senior moving make this task into a memorable experience.
  • Packing services. While our experts take care of every aspect that packing may have, you can address the more important matter.
  • Moving boxes. If you choose to pack by yourself, feel free to turn to ProShip Boxes rental service for quality moving boxes.

With a variety of , we are able to cover every aspect of your Vancouver relocation. No matter which type of item you need us to move, or what size, we can do it regardless of the distance. So whether you are moving just a few items or a large household, our team of senior movers will be happy to safely transfer and deliver all of your belongings. 

Vancouver Professional moving assistance and friendly faces for easy senior moving

Our Vancouver movers ,ProShip Moving senior moving service team is specially trained to help you and your loved ones make a joyful, stress-free, transition into your new destination. Here are some of the benefits of hiring us:

  • Careful planning and organization of the entire moving process
  • The right equipment to move and load your furniture and other items onto the moving truck and into your new place without damaging either residence during the move
  • Strong and reliable movers to handle all the heavy lifting and get all your belongings, furniture and appliances right where you want them and just the way you want them
  • Our experienced drivers ensure the truck shows up on time to pack up your home and arrives at your next destination to unload safely and without causing any damage in the process
  • Friendly and professional team that will make sure you are completely satisfied

What we take upon ourselves

As soon as you are ready, all you need to do is contact us, and we will take it from there. You can be sure that we will pay extra attention when handling your items. Our team of moving experts is well trained and highly skilled so that they know how to handle bulky and heavy items and furniture. With our senior movers Los Angeles by your side, you don’t need to worry about the safety of your belongings. Whether it is a certain specialty item, family heirlooms or a box containing fragile goods, you can rest assured that they are in good hands.

We will perform every step of your relocation, from packing, loading, and transporting to unloading will be handled with efficiency and professionalism. You will be able to see that from the first encounter. Having been in the moving business for years now, we are well familiar with the proper techniques of safely packing your entire household. We also know the best way to load a moving truck so that your boxes inside do not move nor tumble during the trip, no matter how long it may be. Our senior movers are also well equipped with the right equipment and tools necessary for proper unloading. Yours will only be to relax and enjoy the ride.

Premier ProShip Moving Vancouver senior moving is just a phone call away

Why stress about relocating as a senior? Just call ProShip Moving & Logistics Vancouver professional Movers and rest easy knowing that your move is in safe hands and that you are getting the best value for your money. You will soon realize that our specialists for senior moving are just what you needed all along. If you are looking for a team that will cater to all of your needs, you have found it. Contact us or fill out the free estimate request form on our website, and we will start planning your move!

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Moving soon in Vancouver lower mainland area ? We can help you move quickly and safely!

Our professional Vancouver movers are always available for any kind of moving services, whether it is moving within the same building, across BC, out of town, or a long-distance move. ProShip moving has specialized movers to take care of all your moving needs with courtesy, understanding, and dexterity.
Wherever you live in the Vancouver lower mainland or where you’re headed to, ProShip moving will make sure that you are properly taken care of every step of the way. From shipping boxes to heavy items, to storage, to helping you settle in, we ensure that your move will be handled with care and efficiency so you don’t have to worry about a thing. For over 9 years as Vancouver best Movers, we are ready to tackle any moving situation while always remaining committed to the highest level of service.

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Moving advice

Whether there’s a family, professional or personal reason for a move, it can be challenging. That’s why it’s a good idea to take the necessary steps to ease stress and protect your property during the moving process.

In a good move, all of the bases are covered. From the minute your belongings leave your home until they arrive at their destination, all of the necessary moving expertise, along with insurance and worker protection, is in place. You’ll have peace of mind and know that you got value for money and quality customer service. No surprises, no extra fees, no losses and no missed deadlines.

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Choose a reputable mover

Choosing a reputable moving company is the first—and probably most important—step in the moving process. Seek a mover with reliable evidence of great customer service, truth in advertising and sound business practices.

When shopping around for a mover, it’s important to:

  • get estimates from at least three reputable movers
  • check references and find out if the mover has been certified by the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM)
  • find out how the company will manage your move and protect your property
  • read the mover’s website content and printed information carefully
  • find out if they have a local presence and can be found in the event of a problem

Find out if the mover uses a subcontractor

Check if the company has their own equipment or whether they will use a subcontractor or another company to provide the service. If so, make sure you have information about their certification and track record. Determine if the mover is responsible for all services from end to end—including those provided by subcontractors.

Subcontracting is a major source of consumer complaints. It can result in a confusing trail of responsibility if a dispute arises.

Get a quote in writing from the mover

Before you commit, get the costs, as well as terms and conditions, of your move in writing.

You should also:

  • make sure that the mover sees all items that must be moved while preparing the quote
  • give the mover all of the information they need for your quote (e.g., existing and future addresses, and a list of obstacles, like stairs or escalators, that may require special navigation)
  • ask about additional costs you may incur if you need to add items on the day of the move
  • get the quote on a company letterhead and signed by a company representative
  • check that the quote includes the number of boxes to be moved, the size and value of items, the costing (by hour, flat rate, or by weight), terms of payment, and the timing of services
  • make sure the quote includes commitments about the delivery date and special care items
  • ask if you must pay a deposit up front and if it is refundable or held as a penalty to cover the costs for cancellation
  • verify the form of payment the mover will accept and if any fees or deposits are payable upfront
    • a mover can legally ask for payment in advance of delivery. In most situations, this payment will not exceed the estimate by more than 10%
  • look over the quote carefully and make sure you understand all of the details—including the final cost as well as the terms and conditions

Get insurance for your move

A combination of your household insurance and the mover’s insurance may cover you if there is damage to, or loss of, your belongings. Usually, your household insurance will cover you for catastrophic loss.

Under transportation law, the mover is not responsible for carrying goods of extraordinary value, such as works of art, unless that value has been declared. Some items have what is called “inherent vice” which means that they are intended to be assembled and left in one place for their useful life (e.g., some fiberboard furniture). Movers will ask for a waiver of liability when they see this type of fragile item in your inventory.

Make sure to:

  • contact your insurance provider to clarify your overall coverage for your goods while in transit
  • if you purchase the mover’s replacement value protection, it will cover your goods for loss or damage
  • if you don’t buy replacement value protection, confirm how much the moving company is liable for if there is loss of and/or damage to your goods. Generally, the mover’s liability is $0.60 per pound per item
  • make sure that the mover and any subcontractors have workers’ compensation coverage
  • ask about liability if you pack the items yourself. Generally, the mover is not liable for loss or damage to goods that are packed by the shipper
  • pack special care items (i.e., glass, marble, and other) at “owner’s risk”—the mover is not likely to have any liability for damage to items that are not packed professionally
  • verify how to make a claim and any time limits for making it

Take steps for a smooth moving day

Good preparation on your part, and an awareness of your consumer rights, could turn a good move into a great move.

Here are some helpful tips:

  • have everything ready-to-go when the movers arrive, otherwise you may be charged for keeping them waiting to perform required services
  • secure your valuables such as your cellphone, wallet and jewelry—carry them with you personally when it’s time to go
  • ask the mover to use drop cloths or runners, at both locations, to protect floors and rugs
  • identify fragile items that the mover is expected to pack and supervise the packing of these items
  • be ready in both your current and destination locations—you may need to book the elevator in the building, notify your landlord/building manager of the arrival time of your movers, arrange for street parking and maybe even snow removal
  • for long distance moves, provincial transportation regulations require an inventory be prepared prior to transporting belongings. Best practice guidelines stipulate that all items must be tagged and listed by the mover and a copy of the inventory supplied to you for your records. Be sure to keep that copy safe and secure.
  • check off each item and note any changes to the inventory, or damage, when contents are being unloaded at your new destination
  • note that, if belongings are damaged or lost, claims often must be made within 30 days for local moves and within 60 days for long distance moves

Putting your belongings in storage

Remember:

  • if your belongings must be left in the moving van overnight, confirm that it will be parked in a secure area or unloaded into a secure facility
  • if your goods are in a facility, check if it is heated during the winter months
  • items that might be affected by heat or cold (e.g., candles, medication, cleaning products) should not travel in the moving truck or be stored
  • confirm what measures are in place to protect your belongings from theft, fire or water damage while in storage

Wrap up your move

Once the mover has unloaded your belongings, walk-through your new space and check all hallways and pathways into your premises to ensure that there is no damage to the property. You should also check the moving vehicle to confirm that the mover hasn’t forgotten to unload any of your items. Make sure that both you and the mover have gone through the inventory and confirm that the move is complete.

If there are lost items or unresolved issues with the mover, send a letter or email and ask for a resolution. Any damage or other insurance claim should be filed right away, as there are often very strict timelines associated with making a claim. Take pictures of anything that you think is damaged or broken.

Don’t forget to give your mover feedback. Moving companies can only improve and sustain their high performance if they know that it is recognized and appreciated.

Once your belongings are moved, you can expect days of unpacking boxes, hanging curtains, making beds, connecting telephone and cable services, and putting your furniture in the right places. But before you know it, your new place will feel like home.

Moving checklist

This moving checklist can help you at every stage of your move.

  • Make sure you have adequate insurance protection for your goods.
  • Confirm that your mover is insured and ask for a copy of the movers’ Certificate of Insurance. This insurance does not apply to the consumer’s goods unless the consumer buys Replacement Value Protection from the mover.
  • Find out about your mover’s replacement value options. This coverage means that the moving company agrees to be legally liable, up to a certain amount that represents the estimated value of the property being moved.
  • Check what your moving company cannot transport or store for you (e.g., live plants, certain food products, flammable items).
  • Make a room-by-room inventory of what is to be moved to make sure that nothing gets left behind or forgotten.
    • When contents are being unloaded at your new destination, check off each item, and note missing items, or damage, prior to signing it. Otherwise, your mover may decline your claim for lost or damaged items. Normally, a mover will not prepare an inventory for a local move.
  • Prepare for moving day so things like elevators, stairways and parking spots have been reserved or cleared.
  • Make sure there will be enough convenient parking space at both locations for moving the trucks.
  • Inspect your premises to ensure nothing gets left behind by doing a walk-through of the residence you are leaving and the pathway to the moving vehicle. Repeat the process at your new home and include an inspection of the moving vehicle.

This checklist for moving complements legal protections, established in law, that are already in place. It is hoped that it will set a high standard for moving companies so they can improve their own performance and benchmark it against moving industry certification standards.

http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/oca-bc.nsf/eng/h_ca02966.html
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