When getting an accurate moving estimate (or moving quote) for moving to or from Vancouver BC or anywhere in Canada, it’s important that you understand the significance the estimate has, which can also help you select the right Vancouver movers for your needs and your budget.

Here are some helpful tips:

1. How is an estimate calculated? – There are several aspects which affect how the estimate is calculated, so it’s important to know how a moving company in Vancouver BC is going to come to their figure. The aspects in question are:
   • Weight
   • Volume
   • Number of rooms
   • Degree of moving difficulty (large or heavy objects)
   • Time and labor required

   Watch out for estimates based on weight (usually for long distance moves to or from Vancouver BC). Objects – especially furniture – can be deceptively heavy which means the calculated weight provided in an estimate may fall short of the actual weight confirmed at the licensed weigh station. If so, you will have to pay the extra costs. Comparing the weights offered by competing movers is very important, with the lightest probably the least accurate.

2. Take telephone estimates with a grain of salt – How can a moving company estimate be accurate when no one from your Vancouver moving company has seen what has to be moved? Yes, you can give a general idea of what the job entails over the phone, but when weight is a key factor in calculating cost, you are bound to be off. This means you can forget about an accurate estimate.
3. Site estimate is a key indicator – Moving companies in Vancouver BC should send a representative (estimator) to take a look at what and how much needs to be moved. This is the best way for them to assess the weight, required manpower and, ultimately, likely cost. But it’s also a chance for you to meet the Vancouver moving company and get an indication of the quality of work you would be paying for. Are they knowledgeable, friendly, and positive? Or, are they sketchy on details, distant and unfriendly, and do they speak badly of competitors. Also, did they arrive on time, or were they 30 minutes late and offer a variety of excuses? The estimate process can take about an hour, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to assess the assessor.
4. Get it in writing – As with estimates in most other sectors, getting a moving company estimate in writing is all-important. Once it is written (in the contract) and signed by you and your Vancouver movers, the company cannot increase the price by any more than 10 per cent regardless of weight or other operational costs. Reputable movers in Vancouver BC will do so as a matter of procedure, and without hesitation. If I had to ask for one, I would then be very unimpressed.
5. It’s your money so quiz them – While you have them in your home, ask them to clarify some key issues. I’d recommend 6 questions in particular, though you may have more depending on your situation.
   • Is the estimate binding or non-binding?
   • How long is the estimate valid?
   • Are there additional surcharges? These can include parking problems, road access, street accessibility, delivery time restrictions or if there are any stairs or elevators involved.
   • What is the estimated delivery time and will the driver give you prior notice?
   • What would be the packing policy of the moving company in Vancouver BC if you decide to pack yourself?
   • What are the charges for additional weight?
6. Seek a binding estimate – It’s worthwhile getting a binding estimate, which means the price stated on the written estimate is the price you pay. The risk is if the calculated weight is too high, you’ll end up paying more. But if the calculation is too low, you save money. Refusing to agree to a binding price is a little suspicious, firstly because the actual difference paid is rarely very much, and secondly because it may mean they intend quoting a low weight to secure the contract, then only for the actual weight to push what you pay way up – which is actually fraud.

About our Company

Viktoria Professional Movers Vancouver is a professional moving company in Vancouver BC, providing high quality local and long distance moving services throughout Canada. By helping to educate our clients on topics that can help them plan and execute a successful move, we are fulfilling our directive of taking the stigma out of hiring professional movers in Vancouver, and helping to make the moving process a stress-free experience overall.

Call Viktoria Professional Movers Vancouver BC at: (604) 628-6543 or Toll Free: 1 ( 877) 399-1315 or fill out our Free Moving Estimate form for a FREE Consultation in regards to your next local or long distance residential move in Vancouver BC or elsewhere in Canada.