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Questions to Ask Moving Companies for Your Upcoming Move in Canada

An easily avoidable mistake many people make when it comes to hiring professional movers is not knowing exactly what to ask the company before they hire them. On average, a person moves only once every few years so it’s not like it’s something you would invest a lot of time into. Most folks assume that all the companies are alike and there isn’t much to it other than to just pick up the boxes and carry them to the new location. 

It’s important to do your research on a company before you sign a contract with them. They literally have your life in their hands!

 

Here’s what you should ask potential moving companies before you decide to use their services:

Where are you located? 

Today, most people book a moving company over the phone or online and never venture into their physical office. But you need to know exactly where this company is located. If they cannot give you a physical location for their office, they’re most likely a fly-by-night operation that you don’t want to trust with your prized possessions. This is the first question you need to ask (and verify) so you can start your decision process.

 

Are you licensed/insured? 

Find out if the movers are licensed or bonded and what type of insurance they offer regarding lost or broken items. You also want to know if they’re part of professional organizations or moving associations such as the Canadian Association of Movers. 

 

In order to become a member of such groups, they have to meet certain eligibility requirements. This also demonstrates that the company is legitimate. In addition to asking what type of insurance they carry, ask them if there are additional insurance or protection plans you can purchase to ensure you’re compensated if something happens to your belongings.

 

How much will the move cost? 

Another big question you must ask is how much the move is going to cost. But don’t just stop with the grand total. You should also ask them exactly how the moving costs will be calculated. Ask to see a line-by-line estimate showing what the cost will be before you sign a contract. One of the major items to look for is if you will be charged by weight or if this will be a simple matter of paying by the hour. Regardless of which they use to calculate the total, you need to know this info.

 

Do you offer storage or other services? 

Many professional moving companies offer more than just the move itself. One of the services that many movers offer is storage. If you’re having to delay a move (for instance because you have to wait on a house closing), some companies offer secured storage for your belongings until you can take possession of the new home. Others have started to add more services including junk removal and cleaning services. You should ask what is available to see if you can put these services to use.

 

Do you handle collectibles or oversized items? 

Some companies are fine handling unusual items such as fragile collectibles or oversized items such as pianos. However, others do not and treat all belongings the same. You need to find out if the company you are considering has special training in handling items like pianos or if they offer temperature-controlled moving vehicles to move items such as vintage wines.

 

When will you get your belongings? 

Finally, you want to make sure that you know exactly when your belongings will be delivered to your new home. If you’re doing a long-distance move, it may take a few days for your stuff to get there. Make sure that you work out the details of when to expect your items so you aren’t sitting around waiting for them.

These Questions Will Help You Move with Peace of Mind

As with any major decision, it’s important to choose wisely when picking a professional moving company. Be sure to ask the important questions so that you know you are getting someone you can trust.

Use Experienced, Professional Movers Who Know Your Area

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Rain or shine, we’re there for you! Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

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Moving Company Reviews: Why Your Research Shouldn’t End There

 

Today, it’s easier than ever to find information about a business. All you have to do is Google reviews and comments online. Looking through social media may give a clue as well. In the past, it was a lot harder to find this information as it was just through word of mouth. 

When it comes to moving companies, there are several steps you need to take besides just pulling up Yelp and picking the company with the highest star rating. You can never be too careful with the people who are literally going to be moving your entire life.

Here’s how you can do your due diligence in researching a moving company before you trust them with your belongings:

Start with the Reviews  

Yelp, Facebook, and Google Reviews will be your go-to websites here. But you also need to do more than just look at the overall star rating. Unfortunately, a lot of companies have found a way to “game the system” to artificially raise their ratings. To avoid this and other issues, look for these indicators:

 

  • Narrow your search — There are hundreds of moving companies operating in Canada. No one has time to read all the reviews for every single one of them. Start your search by choosing three to five companies you’re leaning towards and then start your research from there.

 

  • Single reviews — If a company is trying to use fake reviews, they’ll create a profile and review only their company. It’s best to ignore Five Star reviews if the reviewer has not posted any other reviews.

 

  • Ratings without reviews — Another issue is a company posting Five Star ratings without bothering to leave a review. A legitimate review will include details about the company’s service that provides specific information.

 

  • Biased reviewers — Everyone has a bad day and companies are no exception. However, remember that some One Star reviews are not the fault of the company. Anyone who has worked in the service sector will tell you there are some customers who are rude and unrealistic when it comes to their expectations of the company. Look closely at the text of the reviews and a lot of times you can spot these rude customers through their comments.

 

  • Read a cross-section — Instead of focusing on just the Five Star or One Star reviews, read a wide cross-section of all the reviews. Pay attention to the longer ones that give lots of comments. Be sure to look for specifics such as what to expect on moving day and how the movers responded to problems or issues.

 

  • Read the feedback — Many review sites allow companies to provide feedback, either to refute some of the more outrageous claims left by some reviewers or in an attempt to reach out to them to make amends for poor service or experiences. Pay attention to these. If a company doesn’t bother to respond to any of the negative comments, it may show that they don’t care about their reviews. But if they legitimately reach out to rectify issues, that shows they’re striving for good customer service.

 

Look at the moving company from a few different perspectives beyond their reviews. These include:

 

  • Contact the Better Business Bureau — Contact your local Better Business Bureau and ask if there are any complaints filed against them. This will give you another idea if the company is legitimate or not.

 

  • How Long Have They Been in Business — You want a moving company that has been working in the area for many years and has a proven track record. You don’t want to trust your precious belongings to a couple of guys with a pick-up truck who decided it would be fun to get into the moving business on a whim. Check to see if the company has changed its name recently. Oftentimes, a company with a bad reputation will try to rehab their reputation by just changing the name of their company instead of actually addressing issues.

 

  • Get Specifics — Look out for a company that tries to be very vague about what they offer. Ask them specifically what the qualifications of their workers are, if they are insured, and how much the move will cost. If they are not willing to give you a contract to sign and these details, then pass for another company.

 

Stalk Potential Moving Companies Like You Would a Potential Date

Let’s face it: your personal belongings are precious to you and you want only the best moving your items. That’s why it’s so important to look at a company that has good reviews over many years and also gives back to the local community. This shows they are involved in the well-being of those they serve and aren’t just in this for a quick buck.

You’ve found the moving company with over 40 years of experience, BBB-accredited and certified in Canada!

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for many years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

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Moving Services You Might Not Know You Need for Your Big Move

For many of us, the idea of a moving company conjures up images of a couple of guys driving an old truck with a trolley or handcart. But the modern moving company has changed significantly. 

Today, these companies don’t just pack up your belongings and move them from Point A to Point B. They offer many other services you may not know are available to you. 

Before your next big move, take a look at these additional moving services that could make your life easier:

Packing Supplies  

Even if you plan to pack your belongings leaving only the pickup and transport of the boxes to the movers, you’re still going to need packing supplies for your move. Your professional movers carry a wide array of moving supplies including cardboard boxes, sturdy packing tape, and bubble-wrap as well as other packing materials to cushion and protect your breakables. 

The boxes are really important because it’s disastrous using recycled “banana boxes” from the dumpsters of grocery stores or package shops. These are often not sturdy enough to hold heavy items and they can be hard to find since everyone else is stalking them too. A moving company’s packing supplies are clean, efficient and a lot easier to get.

Storage 

Sometimes, it’s not practical to take all of your belongings right into your new home. You might find that you’re temporarily setting up a home in a hotel while you wait for your new house to close. For others, they may be downsizing their house into a smaller home. 

If you’re in one of these situations, it means you’ll need a place to store your belongings at least temporarily. Many moving companies provide secure storage units that will help you keep your belongings safe until you need them.

Large Item/Specialty Moves 

Perhaps you have belongings that are more than just your average sofa or bedroom set. If you have a huge item like a piano or an oversized piece of furniture, look for movers who have experience with these awkward to move items. 

Experienced, professional moving companies offer specialized services to ensure the cumbersome items are safe. Likewise, if you have special collectibles such as prized wines or breakable figurines, you should ask if the company offers special services to ensure these items are properly cared for (including being kept in a temperature-controlled environment if necessary) in the moving process.

Vehicle Moving 

Many people forget about their vehicles during a move. Your cars will need to move as well. Whether you’re moving cross-country or just across town, you may have vehicles that need to be moved professionally. 

You may be flying to your new home and can’t drive your car there. You may have smaller vehicles like snowmobiles, motorcycles, or ATVs that need to be moved separately. That’s where your moving company can help.

Dumpster Rental 

When it comes time to pack, many people realize they have a lot more stuff than they will ever want or need. It’s a good idea to reduce the amount of “stuff” you have to make the move easier and, in some cases, cheaper. 

But throwing out a lot of tchotchkes can quickly fill up your average household trashcan. Some moving companies offer dumpster rentals that can be used to throw out all of your unused items. They can then come by and pick up the dumpster and dispose of your unwanted items. Even if your movers don’t offer this service, you may want to reach out to them and see if they partner with anyone who does or if they can recommend someone who offers this service.

Movers Don’t Just Move Anymore

Many local professional moving companies offer more than what you may think. Before you begin your next move, check with potential movers to learn exactly what services they offer. Additionally, make certain you’ve thought of everything for your move by checking out this list to get a better handle on what you may need for your next move.

Easily Move Without Worry or Stress. Hire Experienced Movers That Care.

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

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Ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction 2020

Chicago, IL: North American Van Lines, Inc., one of the world’s largest moving companies, is honored to again be ranked highest in average customer satisfaction among all leading national full-service moving companies per the 2020 Relocation Managers’ Survey on Household Goods Shipments©. The annual survey measures corporate relocation managers’ satisfaction with moving service industry suppliers and tracks information on household goods policy and domestic US relocation program management.

This is the second time in three years that northAmerican has received this honor. Also of note is that northAmerican ranked highest in satisfaction with relocating employees for 2020 as well.

“Providing outstanding service to our corporate customers and their relocating employees is something every agent in the northAmerican network is passionate about,” said Kevin Murphy, Vice President and General Manager, northAmerican Van Lines. “We are honored to have received such positive feedback from our clients two of the last three years.”

Trippel Survey & Research, LLC© provided this report. Orignal Post is here: https://www.northamerican.com/blog/view/all-blogs/2021/03/23/northamerican-van-lines-ranks-1-in-satisfaction-among-relocation-managers

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Moving Terms and Abbreviations You Should Know For Your Next Move

It seems like every profession has its own lingo and jargon of terms, acronyms, and abbreviations they use regularly. But for the uninitiated, these terms can sometimes sound like gobbledygook.

Moving Terms and Abbreviations You Should Know For Your Next Move

So, it should come as no surprise that the moving industry has its own “language” as well. But it’s important when using professional movers to be familiar with all of these terms so you can understand what you’re being offered.

Here’s a list of the most common terms you should know before your next move:

Charge Terms

• Quote — This is an estimate of how much a move will cost you. It’s not a guarantee of the final bill and is usually determined after a walk-through of the home.

• Moving Cost — This is the basic cost of moving your belongings from your old house to your new house. It does not include special fees.

• Actual Charges — This is the grand total of all your charges (moving charge, accessorial charges, and miscellaneous charges).

• Accessorial Charges — This is a charge for services other than the move itself. This can include the packing and unpacking of goods and the installation and set-up of appliances or furniture.

• Bulky Item Charges — This is another additional charge that is required for moving oversized furniture considered “’bulky” and difficult to move. This can include pianos, refrigerators, pool tables, and the like.

• Elevator Charge — This is another additional charge used by some companies. It refers to extra fees when the movers must use an elevator to deliver your items.

• Flight Charge — This is another additional charge used by companies if they need to travel up multiple flights of stairs to deliver your belongings. It’s only charged if the movers have to actually go up and down the stairs (as opposed to using an elevator). It’s also not used if they only have to go up one flight of stairs (to the second floor).

• Line-haul Charges — When you move a short distance, the total cost is usually a flat-rate or hourly charge. For longer moves, the cost is calculated based on weight and mileage. This is referred to as a line-haul charge.

• Long Carry Charges — This is a charge that you really need to be wary of. It’s basically charged if they carry your possessions a really long distance. The problem here is that the definition of “long carry” is left up to the discretion of the movers.

• Peak Season Rate — Generally speaking, movers are most busy during the spring and summer (from May to September). Some companies may charge a higher rate to move during this time as it is the peak season.

Insurance Terms

• Insurance Adjuster — In the event that you have to file an insurance claim for lost or damaged items, the claim will be handled by an adjuster. It’s this person’s job to investigate and decide about the claim.

• Full-value Insurance — This is an optional insurance policy offered by movers. It will cover your belongings with full replacement costs and repair costs. It’s probably the most fully comprehensive insurance policy offered.

• Hazard Insurance — This is optional insurance that is meant to pay out if your belongings are damaged by disasters such as fire or flooding/water damage.

• High-value Articles — These are items that are generally worth more than $100 per pound. They may require extra insurance during a move and can include collectibles and antiques.

Abbreviations

• CAM — This stands for the Canadian Association of Movers, a professional organization that represents professional moving and storage companies. The association not only advocates for these companies but also provides leadership, consultation, technical advice, and research in this field.

• BOL — This stands for Bill of Lading and refers to a document that lists all of the items that have been taken on by the moving company and serves as the agreement between you and the company.

• PBO/PBC — PBO refers to items that are “Packed by Owner.” PBC refers to items that are “Packed by the Company (Movers).”

• OA/DA — These abbreviations are used in extremely long moves such as from one country to another. OA refers to “Origin Agent.” This is the company that handles the start of the moving process. DA refers to “Destination Agent.” This is the company that the OA delivers the belongings to so they can make the final delivery to the new home.

• PAD — This stands for “Preferred Arrival Date.” It’s the date that you want to have your items delivered.

• SIT — This stands for “Storage in Transit.” It refers to when you may need to store items temporarily until the new home is ready for the items to be delivered.

Now that you know some of the lingo, your next move should run a little easier. Be sure to read over your contract carefully and make sure you understand every term before you sign on the dotted line.

Easily Move Without Worry or Stress. Hire Experienced Movers That Care.
Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

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The Complete Moving Checklist for 2021

One of the most nerve-wracking aspects of moving into a new home is that you always feel like you’re forgetting something. You have so much to do that you’re worried things will slip through the cracks. We want to help you prevent that from happening during your next move.

Here’s a run-down of items you need to take care of as you prepare to move:

 

  • Clear your schedule — Once you have your moving day picked out, be sure to clear your schedule from work. Even if you’re moving on a weekend, you might want to take a day or two off to handle moving-related errands. 

 

  • Research your moving options — Take a load off you physically and figuratively by hiring a professional mover. Research by looking at reviews and talking to the movers. Look for established moving companies that have been around a long time and have great reviews.  Once you’ve made your choice, book your moving company for the big day. 

 

  • Change your address — You can change your mailing address online and redirect your mail using the mail forwarding tool from Canada Post. The process is simple, and the fee is the same as you pay when you go to a postal outlet to fill in a form. Cost varies based on where you move. Don’t forget your credit card companies. They will find you eventually! Finally, change your address with your employer.

 

  • Get organized — There are lots of ways to get yourself organized for a move. Check out apps such as Move Advisor or Sortly. These can help you keep track of your boxes and other essentials during a move.

 

  • Take care of the utilities — Before you move, set up the utilities (including cable and Internet) in your new home and turn them off in your old one.

 

  • Get your supplies — Be sure you have plenty of supplies. We recommend professional moving boxes instead of recycled boxes from your local package shop or grocery store. These will hold up well, especially if you have heavy items to pack. Also, be sure to get bubble wrap or Styrofoam packing peanuts for your breakables and LOTS of tape.

 

  • Clean house — Don’t clean up, clean the house out. Go room-by-room and place everything into three stacks: to pack, to donate, and to trash. The more stuff you can donate or throw out means the less stuff you will have to pack and move.

 

  • Start packing — Remember when you’re packing up your rooms to follow a few basic rules. First, don’t overpack. It’s easier to move twenty small boxes than it is to move twenty-boxes worth of stuff all crammed into one oversized and heavy box. Also, be sure to properly wrap breakables so they’re cushioned in the box.

 

  • Label your boxes appropriately — Be sure to label EVERYTHING. When you’re packing your kitchen, label the boxes as “Kitchen 1 of ____” and so on. That way, when you’re finished you can put the total number of boxes in the blank and know exactly how many boxes go in each room. This makes it really easy to figure out if you have all of your boxes in the right spot when you arrive at your new home.

 

  • Pack an overnight bag — No matter how well you pack, it’s going to take a few days to get everything unpacked and put up. In the meantime, pack an overnight bag with a few day’s clothes, your medications and toiletries, and a few favorite toys for the kids. 

 

  • Make needed repairs — Whether your old house is a rental or you own it, you’ll probably need to do “touch-ups” to the house before you leave. But you also need to walk through your new home and find everything that needs to be fixed before you move in. It’s a lot easier to paint a room or replace the flooring before you move all of your furniture in.

 

  • Take precautions — Since COVID-19 is still a major factor worldwide, you need to take proper precautions. Have masks and hand sanitizer ready for moving day. Also, if you are using a moving company, ask them about how they are handling safety during the pandemic.

 

  • Treat your movers — If you have people helping you, it’s nice to have something to show them they are appreciated. Bottled water and a supply of coffee and donuts are great moving treats. Also, be ready to spring for dinner for your friends who help with the unpacking process. 

 

Moving to a new home doesn’t have to be stressful. If you follow this checklist, you’ll be sure to hit all the important points and keep your move as hassle-free as possible.

Are you ready to find a BBB-accredited and certified moving company in Canada? 

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

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2020 Roundup: Crescent Movers Top Blogs

In 2020, it would be an understatement to say that the world went through some massive changes. But even though everything has been topsy-turvy, Crescent Movers has kept its customers at the top of our minds by keeping them informed of the best practices when it comes to packing and moving. We’ve also provided tips and tricks to make our customers’ moves easier, especially in these unprecedented times. 

Here’s the best of Crescent Mover’s blog in 2020:

Moving Tips

Our goal has always been for you to have a great moving experience. In 2020, we gave you tips within 7 blogs to make sure you know how to plan for a no-stress move. This past year, we showed you how to move into a new home during bad weather (always a possibility with Canadian winters) and why garbage bags may be a life-saver when it comes to moving in the rain. 

 

Besides the prospect of bad weather, we also looked at some of the problems you may have when packing for a move because your moving company can’t (or won’t) move certain items. From food and alcohol to pets and plants, we help you learn the items that are prohibited. We know that you may not think of these items, so we also included another category you might not have given much thought to—namely, the essential moving supplies that you may have overlooked in your preparation.

 

One of the biggest issues that we’ve found people to have is how to move specific items over the years. That’s why we included a breakdown of how to pack your kitchen, from the breakables like glasses to the heavy weighing items like pots and pans. But we also realize that a move isn’t just about the things that are inside your home. Your car is also a huge item to be relocated. That’s why we gave you tips on how to import your vehicle if you are moving to Canada from the U.S.

 

Finally, we realize that moving can be a truly expensive proposition. That’s why we offered you a few tips on how to save on moving costs and a realistic look at how much it costs to move yourself versus hiring professionals to move for you. 

 

How To’s

Crescent has been around more than 40 years and, in that time, we’ve learned a few things. In 2020, we provided four how-to pieces that are meant to help with moving the items most precious to us. These items run the gamut including how to pack your clothes to how to pack bulky, oversized objects that may be a moving headache.

 

For the wine connoisseurs (or those who just like a good drink now and then), we gave you information on how to properly package your wine for a move. And, once again, we helped you out with some financial how-to’s with an informative piece on how to avoid surprise moving charges. 

 

Educational

Whether it’s your first move or your 50th, we like to answer questions we get from time to time and that we think will help you in your move. This year, we covered several interesting questions from the useful to the inquisitive. Some people who are new to using professional movers got help with our piece on what to expect when using movers to pack. We also provided new parents with an idea of how to babyproof their home and new homeowners learned what home maintenance they should do after a move.

 

We also didn’t forget about companies that are looking to relocate with blogs on how to get rid of unwanted office furniture and what commercial office movers cover with their services. Finally, we also provided some good general information about how to compare moving companies and some popular moving myths that needed to be dispelled. 

 

Covid-19

What a year 2020 was! In our many years serving Surrey, Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and the Lower Mainland, we reached out safely through our website to deliver as much information as we had for those needing to move during such a confusing time. Our blogs offered advice on whether it was safe to move during the pandemic and how to move during the crisis.  We also offered suggestions on downsizing your home during the pandemic.  But most of all, we wanted to let you know how much your safety means to us with an informative piece on what we are doing as professional movers to protect our customers and employees during the outbreak.

And that leaves us with one remaining blog we shared in 2020 that could fit in all the categories above. Knowing how professional movers, particularly those we see on TV, prepare and manage a move is an educational piece with LOTS of tips!

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How to Move Collectibles to Your New Home

Over the past few years, there has been a surge in the collectibles market as people have come to realize that collecting different items of memorabilia can be a fun experience for anyone. Be it sports enthusiasts who collect baseball cards or football jerseys or movie fans who collect original posters or props, some of these people have collections that are valued in the thousands of dollars (or more)!


But, when you go to move from one home to another, packing up and transporting these collectibles can be a daunting task. How do you move them without potentially damaging them and ruining their value?
Here are tips to help you with moving your valuable collectibles:

Hire a professional moving company — One of the easiest ways to move your collectibles safely is to hire a professional moving company. Movers have the know-how and the equipment to make sure your items are moved safely.

For instance, they have special moving boxes and packaging that can ensure your items are not dented or damaged. They can also store the items in a climate-controlled environment if they need to be held until you move in.

Most importantly, if you choose a professional moving company, then your items will be insured so you can receive compensation if they are accidentally damaged. (If you move them on your own and damage them, then you’re just out of luck.)

Get the right equipment — If you decide to move your collectibles yourself, you’re going to need to buy extra supplies for the packing. First, invest in lots and lots of bubble-wrap. This is important not just for breakables such as vintage figurines and dolls, but also to protect the boxes that some of your items come in. (As any collector of geeky toys will tell you, it’s not as valuable if it isn’t still in the box.)

If you have items that are hollow inside, such as vases or cups, make sure you fill them up with foam packing peanuts to protect them inside and out. But you also should invest in acid-free packing paper. This will prevent other colors from bleeding into your packaging as well as prevent heat from distorting the coloring of the items and their boxes.

Get strong boxes and label them appropriately — Some collectibles are heavy and need to be placed in reinforced boxes that won’t break. Nothing could be worse than moving your fragile items and have the bottom of the box rip and everything crash to the floor. Label the items if they’re fragile and include a list of what is inside so you can find them easily.

Other considerations — Some items do not travel well and may need special packing containers. This is true for vintage posters, for instance, that will lose their value if they are creased. To that end, pack items like posters in specially designed mailing tubes which keep them neat and crisp. Collectible baseball cards, stamps, or currency should be kept in albums to prevent them from being lost or damaged.

Investing in Your Collection Gives You More Than Peace of Mind

When it comes to moving, you want to make sure that all your belongings make it to your new home safely. But this is especially true of collectibles. If you have invested time and money into putting together a collection, then professional movers are your best bet to protect them. Barring that, there are specific things you need to do to keep them safe.

Easily Move Your Collectibles Without Worry or Stress. Hire Experienced Movers.

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.

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What Should I Expect When Using Movers to Pack?

For most people, the idea of packing up their things and moving into a new house is something on the same level with having a root canal. The move itself isn’t a horrible experience. A new home can be a wonderful place to start new memories. But the packing and moving itself can be tedious, grueling, and back-breaking work. 

That’s why it’s such a relief when you hire professional movers to do all of the hard work for you. If you’ve never hired professional movers, you may not know exactly what to expect from the experience. 

Here are some of the most common questions that people have about hiring professional movers and what you can expect:

What will the packers provide? 

If you want the full professional moving experience, they will provide everything for you. When they arrive, the movers will bring in all of the materials that will be needed: runners to protect your floor, moving boxes, packing tape, and packing material such as bubble wrap or packing paper. They will also bring the hand trucks, dollies, and other moving tools. You won’t have to provide anything. 

Will they pack everything? 

In short, YES! The packers are trained to not waste time going through each item. And this is when they’re better suited to the activity than you are. A person packing up his or her own belongings will naturally pause and ruminate over the items. Movers don’t do that; they are mechanical in their actions and pack without really spending time determining if something has sentimental value or if it is just trash. They also will not pause to do a lot of labeling. They will simply put the name of the room on the box with no other indications of what is in the box. If you want something more specific labeled, you’re welcome to do that. Talk with the movers to let them know you plan to label boxes so they’ll be sure not to load the boxes on the truck before you can label them.

Do I need to do anything before the movers arrive? 

If you wish to expedite the process, then you might want to take out the items you need packed, such as the clothes in your closet and the like. But the biggest help that you can give your movers is to clean out items that don’t need to be packed. Go through each room and separate items into three stacks—to pack, to trash, and to donate. If you don’t need or want the item, then there’s no need to pack it up and have it moved. The movers will not differentiate between these items so get rid of the trash and donate stacks and just leave only the items you want packed.

Will they unpack the items? 

Again, this is up to you, but you can have them unpack as well. At the least, the movers will bring all of your items off the truck and place them into whatever rooms you wish. They will also set up items such as furniture by putting things back together that have been taken apart for the move. (For instance, they will reassemble your bed frames and set it up with the box-frame and mattress.) But they will also unpack the boxes if you want and set up whatever you ask for.

Do I have to be there for the packing? 

Yes, you need to be present to oversee all of the packing. This way, you can answer any questions the movers may have and be present if something unfortunate happens like an accidental breaking of an item. (Although they are professionals and damage is limited, they are still human and accidents can happen.) But you should be the only one present to keep the distractions limited. This means send your kids to a sitter’s house during the packing and keep your pets locked away so they aren’t getting in the way. 

Do I provide anything for the movers? 

As a rule, no you don’t need to provide anything as the packing supplies are brought by the movers. Some people like to be hospitable and offer donuts and coffee for the movers. While this is definitely appreciated, it is not required. Also, most people leave a tip for the movers for a job well done. Again, this is appreciated, but is not mandatory.

Moves Are Stressful Enough, Let the Pros Move Your Belongings

If you have never gone through a move with professional movers, then you may have a lot of questions about what the process will be like. But, once you see how easy they make the whole move, you will never want to go back to trying to do it yourself!

Are you ready to find a BBB-accredited and certified moving company in Canada? 

Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE , no-obligation moving quote.

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What Maintenance Should I Do After Moving into a New Home?

As you prepare to move into a new home, there are a lot of things that have to be taken care of. You’ve got your furniture and valuables being moved by professional movers, so that’s not something you have to worry about.
But what about repairs and rooms that have to be made ready for your new home? There’s a lot of tasks that ideally need to be taken care of before you officially move in.

What Maintenance Should I Do After Moving into a New Home?

Here’s a rundown of the maintenance you need to do before the movers arrive and you start to unpack your new home:

1. Start with a list — Before you do anything, you need to walk through your new home and make observations about all the repairs and maintenance you want to take care of as soon as possible. It’s important to take note of things now before your belongings and boxes clutter everything and you don’t have time to think about maintenance.

2. Familiarize yourself with the utilities — You should not only schedule a time to turn on the utilities, but you also need to familiarize yourself with the systems. Check out the electrical panel and make sure you have all of the circuit breakers properly labeled so you know which shuts off each circuit. Also, locate your main water valve shutoff so that you can find this quickly in case of an emergency.

3. Take care of safety — Safety is a huge concern for any homeowner. Start off on the right foot by installing brand new smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Buy a home fire extinguisher for the kitchen (and another for the garage if you’ve got one). Make sure that all your windows are properly secured and determine the best route to get out in the event of an emergency. This is also a good time to install a high-tech doorbell such as Ring that can provide you with a security camera on your front doorstep.

4. Check your air quality — Once you have these first pieces in place, you need to make sure that your air quality is off to a good start in your new home. Replace air filters with new filters and make sure the tubing you plan to set up to your clothes dryer is clean and clear. This is also a good time to clean your air conditioner condensers and evaporators. (Make sure your power is off first before you wash it down and then brush it out.)

5. Clean your floors — While you don’t have any furniture in place, clean all of your floors. If you have hardwood floors, rent a buffer so you can buff and refinish the wood. If you have carpets, rent a steam cleaner and give it a good going over. That way you can start your time in the new home with pristine floors.

6. Polish the wood — If you have large wood features such as a mantelpiece, this is a good time to use mineral spirits to clean the wood. Polish it to get rid of any built-up grime.

7. Check your electrical outlets — Now is also a good time to use a receptacle outlet checker to make sure that you have working outlets. Also, don’t forget to replace all of your light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs that will last you for quite a while.

Take the Worry Out of Moving by Hiring Professional Movers and Preparing Your New Home

When you move into a house, there are naturally going to be a lot of things on your “to do” list. But if you don’t have to worry about the hassle of packing and moving thanks to professional movers, this will give you a good opportunity to get your house in order before you move in.

For More Help with Your Move

For more tips that will help you move , contact BBB-accredited Crescent Moving and Storage. By filling out a form on our website, we can give you a virtual moving quote. Moving consultations can be done over the phone or through an online video conferencing program. This limits the face-to-face contact between our staff and your family. We can provide an accurate and no-obligation estimate without coming to your house.