36 replies to this topic

[Lazy Lightning]

So I'm in the midst of collecting quotes from moving companies to shuffle my stuff across the border for me. Yeah, this has become one of those things that it's just better to throw money at than deal with myself.

Any advice for what I should look for? I've heard of folks being hit with a higher bill than agreed upon when it comes time to unload the truck. Also, what would be an appropriate tip for the movers? I feel like they'd deserve one for taking this sort of thing on and my not having to deal with it.

I'm gonna do all the packing myself to save some bucks, but the loading and shipping is gonna be hired out to someone better equipped than I to handle it.

[Phishfolk]

So I'm in the midst of collecting quotes from moving companies to shuffle my stuff across the border for me. Yeah, this has become one of those things that it's just better to throw money at than deal with myself.

Any advice for what I should look for? I've heard of folks being hit with a higher bill than agreed upon when it comes time to unload the truck. Also, what would be an appropriate tip for the movers? I feel like they'd deserve one for taking this sort of thing on and my not having to deal with it.

I'm gonna do all the packing myself to save some bucks, but the loading and shipping is gonna be hired out to someone better equipped than I to handle it.

If it were me I would rent a pod and load it myself (I have moved more times then I'd like to remember and rock at moving tetris) then have it transported for me and unload it.

[Lazy Lightning]

I'd do that if I had more able-bodied helpers, but those who I'd call on in times like this will all be outta town for the holidays.... Selfish bastids that they are!

Otherwise, I'd totally rock the Pod, too!!!

[TEO]

References and insurance

[Lazy Lightning]

Thanks, I will be sure to check into that!

[Uncle Coulro]

Someone is going to have to engage a customs broker to get the property across the border. That costs. If it was me, I'd let an experienced international mover take care of the whole thing, since there are several moving parts.

[Lazy Lightning]

Yep - I have some forms I'll need to fill out for the movers. That's also a big reason I want a professional and experienced company to take this one on!

Also, I'd have to rent a truck in Buffalo, drive it up here, pack it, and then drive it back across the border. That sounds like a nuisance!!!

[sure-ur-rightdancer]

definitely in writing, insurance and references...... I got stuck with a $300 quote (1bed apt move 10 miles) and when they got to my new place all of a sudden it was $600 or they wouldn't unload my stuff (ended up settling on $450)

also like most things I would toss out the cheapest as probably not the best way to go since you do have some complications

finally if you have any very fragile items I would either move them myself or pay them extra to wrap as if it breaks and you wrapped it I don't know that they can be held as responsible (since they didn't pack it)

[Lazy Lightning]

I do plan on moving all the art and super-fragile stuff in my car - I think that will be okay for crossing the border on my own. Thanks for the reminder!

I was wondering about the cheapest - so far I'm leaning towards the middle-range quote.

How do I get references?

[sure-ur-rightdancer]

google them

[Lazy Lightning]

Ah, okay.

How about testimonials on the mover's own website? Think those are worth anything?

[sure-ur-rightdancer]

personally I would like to see some but I wouldn't take it as gospel... I mean its their website - they aren't going to put up the complaints/problems

[unbroken_chain]

Consider speaking to an area realtor who may know whom to avoid, and who is a good option

BBB of Canada
Angieslist of Canada perhaps

[unbroken_chain]

http://consumerist.c...able-mover.html

[Lazy Lightning]

Thanks for all the great tips folks - I hope to have this decision nailed down by the end of next week!

[nancykind]

my only tip is don't bother with bubble wrap and lots of paper, wrap your breakables in extra sheets, towels, blankets, curtains and/or clothes. i thought having to deal with all the boxes was bad enough and was glad i didn't have a lot of packing materials too.

[Lazy Lightning]

TOTALLY gonna wrap in those things - glad I'm not the only one who does that!

I'm gonna get bubble and/or foam wrap for the artwork and paintings and glasswork and move those items myself.

[Julius]

I like to go the 3 mexican guys and an old truck route for super cheap, I think there was even a moving company by that name once!

[Lazy Lightning]

Not many Mexican folks in Canadia, believe it or not...

[Lazy Lightning]

GOOD Mexican food here costs a bundle too... Totally not in-line with my experience living in CA and TX where good Mexican food is el cheapo and el deliciouso!

[Julius]

You sure got that right. . . I can't imagine a supertaco that's not 1200 calories of delicious mix for $5 and can't remember the last time I was able to pick one up in one hand.

Day laborers willing to ride in the back of the moving truck with all the stuff for $10/hr is handy too

[Kuzsin]

...my moving tip....don't move to Canada..

[insolent cur]

don't sign off until you thoroughly check your furniture and fragiles for damage caused by the move.

[Lazy Lightning]

...my moving tip....don't move to Canada..

I'm already in Canada!

don't sign off until you thoroughly check your furniture and fragiles for damage caused by the move.

Hadn't thought of checking it all before signing off - thanks!

[Lazy Lightning]

Starting to pack some of the stuff that isn't in regular use around the house tonight!!!

[Feck]

prolly doing this one already, mark the boxes with the room names so the movers know where they will go.

[Lazy Lightning]

Thanks for the reminder - I actually have to catalogue everything for customs - this is gonna be a process!!!

[Jim]

One thought on moving... and a good reason not to ask anyone to help.

[Lazy Lightning]

Use protection - check!

[pixiebug]

no advice, just lots of good luck and no stress vibes for you!

(Isn't it time for your "Walken in a Winter Wonderland avatar???)

[OnBongos]

I hope it all goes smoothly and you love your new location!

[Lazy Lightning]

no advice, just lots of good luck and no stress vibes for you!

(Isn't it time for your "Walken in a Winter Wonderland avatar???)

I hope it all goes smoothly and you love your new location!

Thank you both! And ooh, yes... Changing it right now!

[Lazy Lightning]

Okay, we have our mover selected, I'm in the midst of packing and am having three realtors come by and give me an appraisal on my place.

I have one more question - how much should we tip the movers? We don't have a lot of cash, but I would like to give them some sort of bonus for making this so easy on us.

Thanks for all your great tips, advice, and positive vibes thus far!!!

[Lazy Lightning]

Movers booked for Dec 21st!

Any tips on tipping?

[tyedyedee]

most of my research says no tips are expected but i found some other opinions:

The salesperson at a local moving company said that the industry standard was 5%, which seems reasonable -- if a crew of two movers move you in town for $500-$750, you might tip a total of $25-$35, or $10-$20 for each mover depending on the quality of the move.

Some people suggest quickly inspecting how carefully items were moved into your new home and determining the tip after that. Other people say they offer the movers cold drinks, especially on a hot day, and a gesture like that can be greatly appreciated.

Usually a crew of 2-4 workers are involved in a move, and we asked how we should distribute the tips among the crew, especially if a foreman is in charge of the move. We were told that the proper etiquette is to give the tip individually to each mover. If one or two people work especially hard, you can give them a slightly larger tip, but otherwise, the companies suggest splitting the tip equally -- the foremen and more experienced movers are probably already paid more per hour.


One of our readers asks:

What if the bill is $25,000? & 2 people do the whole job in 5 days? i.e. pack, load & deliver from calif to mass

iTipping: For cross-country moves, the major moving companies we spoke to have said that tipping is not required and is not expected, and is up to the customer. When an employee is relocating for a job and the company is paying for the entire move, the new employer will often instruct the new employee that they're not expected to tip, since it's all been paid for. If the movers do a good job, most moving companies permit their employees to accept tips, and we think anything would be appreciated. Typical ranges run $40-$200 per person for a multi-day move. Because policies vary from firm to firm, for a move of this size, if you intend to tip, we recommend contacting the moving company's main office and asking about their tipping guidelines.

One of our readers writes:

I've been a Mover for 22 years and have dealt with all kinds of customers and recieved a variation of tips. It really comes down to your comfort level.The moving experience is already stressful,and I consider it part of my job to take the worry out of the move.The reason for this is that a professional mover does not just move heavy things,but deals with the total job.Tipping is greatly appreciated ,it is a way of giving extra thanks for a job well done.Also ,no alcohol should be given as a tip,it is not allowed in commercial vehicles and most companies will fire it's employees for having it.

One of our readers writes:

I've been a Mover for 22 years and have dealt with all kinds of customers and recieved a variation of tips. It really comes down to your comfort level.The moving experience is already stressful,and I consider it part of my job to take the worry out of the move.The reason for this is that a professional mover does not just move heavy things,but deals with the total job.Tipping is greatly appreciated ,it is a way of giving extra thanks for a job well done.Also ,no alcohol should be given as a tip,it is not allowed in commercial vehicles and most companies will fire it's employees for having it.

so, in short, i would say no booze, beverages while working and tip at 5 percent, after the move, if all looks good

[MeOmYo]

in situations like this, I typically figure out how much I am able/willing to tip total. If they do a good job, divide it by the number of workers and that's what they get. If they don't do such a good job, it goes lower from there. maybe it's low sometimes but Im sure it's high sometimes too.

[Lazy Lightning]

Thanks - that all makes perfect sense.

Since it'll be winter, maybe I will make sure to have some coffee and a snack on-hand for the movers. I'll get a pro to make the coffee since I don't know how and as I understand it, there can be some really bad coffee if it isn't done right.

Thanks again!