Start with a quote that describes your move
A useful estimate names the pickup and delivery locations, services requested, inventory assumptions, dates, payment terms, and charges that are not included. It should be specific enough that you can tell whether packing, materials, disassembly, storage, stairs, and special items are part of the plan.
Ontario says a moving-service contract over $50 must be in writing and clearly show the terms. The province also recommends getting at least three written estimates. If a company will not explain its estimate or avoids putting agreed changes in writing, treat that as a reason to pause.
- Mover name, address, and contact information
- Service description and itemized charges
- Total payable, dates, and payment terms
- Assumptions about crew, vehicle, hours, access, and inventory
- Process for approving additional work
Source: Ontario: Hiring a mover
Ask precise questions about insurance and responsibility
Ask what responsibility for loss or damage is stated in the contract and what insurance information the company can provide. Clarify whether the terms differ for items packed by the customer, fragile goods, furniture disassembled by the customer, or items requiring specialty handling.
Do not treat a general statement that belongings are “covered” as a complete answer. Ask who handles a claim, what records are required, and which exclusions or limits apply. Keep the response with the estimate.
- What protection applies to customer-packed boxes?
- What must be documented before pickup?
- How are pre-existing marks recorded?
- Who should be contacted if an item is missing or damaged?
Source: Ontario: Hiring a mover
Match experience and equipment to the actual move
Experience is most useful when it matches the difficult parts of your move. Explain the building access, stairs, elevator, loading area, long carries, narrow turns, oversized furniture, fragile items, or piano and ask how the company plans to handle them.
Ask what equipment and protective materials are planned, who supplies them, and whether the crew has handled comparable access conditions. Do not assume every moving company accepts every specialty item; get a clear answer before relying on the estimate.
- Vehicle size and loading plan
- Furniture protection and securing method
- Equipment for stairs, tight access, or heavy items
- Disassembly and reassembly responsibility
- Plan if the building elevator or loading area is unavailable
Use communication, policies, and reviews as evidence
Notice whether questions receive direct, consistent answers and whether the written estimate changes when you add important details. Ask how scheduling is confirmed, who your contact is on moving day, and what happens if traffic, access, or timing changes.
Reviews can help identify patterns, but they are not a substitute for a contract or a conversation about your move. Look for details relevant to your route and service, check how complaints were handled, and ask for references where appropriate. Ontario recommends researching movers, checking references, and checking consumer-warning sources.
- Compare several written estimates for the same move
- Check the company identity and contact details
- Ask for references and verify that they are relevant
- Read both positive and negative reviews critically
- Keep messages, estimates, invoices, and payment records
Source: Ontario: Hiring a mover
A final check before you book
Before agreeing, read the complete contract rather than relying on a text message or verbal promise. Confirm the dates, addresses, inventory, total, payment schedule, cancellation terms, access arrangements, and responsibility for any additional work.
If the move is in a condo or apartment, obtain the building’s requirements first. A company can only plan accurately when it knows the permitted window, elevator booking, loading area, and parking situation. If key details remain unresolved, ask for a revised written plan.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a moving company professional?
Look for clear written terms, specific answers about your move, transparent charges, sensible responsibility and insurance information, relevant experience, and consistent communication. No single label proves all of those things.
How many moving estimates should I compare?
Ontario’s consumer guidance recommends getting at least three written estimates. Send each company the same move details so the comparison is meaningful.
Source: Ontario: Hiring a mover
Should a mover provide insurance details?
Ask what responsibility and insurance information applies, including exclusions and customer-packed items, and keep the answer with the written contract. Do not assume coverage without reading the terms.
Source: Ontario: Hiring a mover
Does BelowTheMarket guarantee that every listed mover meets these criteria?
No. This page is a consumer evaluation checklist, not a claim that every available mover meets every criterion. Ask questions and compare the written terms for the specific options you receive.
Sources
- Ontario: Hiring a mover — Ontario’s consumer guidance on estimates, researching movers, contracts, moving day, and goods held for extra payment.