Female: Flip open the yellow pages of the phone book and you will find literally hundreds of advertisements for moving companies. But not all moving companies are created equal, so it is important to do your research. John Levi is President of the Canadian Association of Movers.
John: Moving is stressful and expensive experience. Now, if you do not take precautions at the beginning, it can turn into a nightmare. The moving industry is largely unregulated in Canada. Anyone with a truck can call themselves a moving company, so make sure you hire somebody reputable. If you run into problems it can be very difficult to get help after the fact. You are giving the mover almost everything you own, can you afford the risk of having a damage lost or destroyed? Most folks cannot.
Female: But how do you go about choosing the right mover? Industry Canada in association with the Canadian Association of Movers has put together a useful guide called the consumer checklist for choosing a moving company.
John: The consumer checklist is designed to help you select the good moving company and to avoid problems. It gives you a basic list of questions to ask movers as well as facts we nee to know about getting an estimate and replacement value protection. It even shows you how to make the best of your moving day. The checklist could be found online at consumerinformatioon.ca or mover.net
Female: So what are some of the common mistakes that many people make when booking a mover? One is not checking on the reputation of the mover. Two, is to simply go with the lowest bidder. Three, is not getting your information in writing.
John: Do not book a mover simply because they offer you the cheapest price, references from family and friends can be helpful but it is useful to call organization such as a better Business Bureau, your Provincial Government’s Office of Consumer affairs or the Canadian Association of Movers for a list of reputable movers. Get quotes from at least three different moving companies and make sure you read your contract carefully and understand it before you sign it.
Female: So when it is time to pack up and move, the consumer checklist for choosing a moving company can make help the experience a positive one. Melanie Saunders reporting.
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