Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some questions most generally asked when deciding to move and choosing a moving company.
Q: When to move?
Q: How long will my move take?
Q: How is the cost estimate determined for a move?
Q: Are there any "unexpected" moving costs I should be aware of?
Q: Can I keep moving costs down by having a family member or friend help with the move?
Q: When should I contact a moving company?
Q: Should I pack or have my effects packed for me?
Q: Can a professional mover transport our plants?
Q: Should I tip my movers?
Q: When to move?
A: We suggest times other than summer or end of the month. Those times are the busiest for us. However, we do realize that there many factors involved into decision when you can move and that sometimes you have no choice. We are dedicated to planning a move that will accommodate your individual needs.
Q: How long will my move take?
A: Your moving time will depend on many factors: time of year, weather conditions, amount and weight of household goods, distance and degree of difficulty of the walking way from pickup/drop-off area to truck, distance of moving, stairs/elevator and other factors involved into the move, and also on how well you are prepared on the moving day (please read Omega Toronto Moving Services useful Packing Tips). However, our efficient and experienced staff are able to work with your move schedule and needs.
Home Size | 2 movers | 3 movers |
---|---|---|
Bachelor | 2-3 hours | |
1 bedroom apart | 3-5 hours | 2-4 hours |
2 bedroom apart | 4-7 hours | 3-6 hours |
2 bedroom house | 4-8 hours | 3-7 hours |
3 bedroom apart | 6-10 hours | |
3 bedroom house | 7-10 hours | |
4 bedroom house | 8-12 hours | |
Homes more than 2000 sq.ft. | 8-15 hours |
Q: How is the cost estimate determined for a move?
A: Most moving companies base their estimates for local moves on an hourly rate, which includes drive time on each leg of the move: from the moving company to your move origin, then to your move destination, and back again to the moving company's home base. Some customers are surprised by the extent of the drive time costs, which result from the fact that moving trucks cannot travel as fast as passenger cars on the highway, and are often excluded from non-truck routes, resulting in longer trip mileage and travel time.
Q: Are there any "unexpected" moving costs I should be aware of?
A: Unexpected moving costs often result from a breakdown in communication between the customer and the moving company. Rushing through the initial booking process can be detrimental to the success of a move. By taking the time up front to talk to your sales person, both parties will be fully aware of the specific circumstances they will find on moving day. For example, if you have remodeled your house since moving in, some of the furniture that went in originally may not come out the same way, and may require additional labor or equipment. Similarly, if you have assembled furniture within your home since moving in, special considerations will need to be made to move it out.
Q: Can I keep moving costs down by having a family member or friend help with the move?
A: Many people enlist friends and family to help keep move cost down. While this is a good solution for certain situations, if items are damaged during the move, it's generally difficult to get an insurance carrier to replace them. If you choose to hire professional movers, your friends and family can be most helpful in preparing for the move - packing boxes, shoveling a pathway in the snow between the moving truck and the door, or caring for your pets or children. On move day, you should let the professionals handle the job entirely - they are highly trained and therefore best suited to carry the weight and negotiate the difficult access ways. Remember that you're paying your moving crew by the hour, and generally speaking, having non-professionals on the job alongside them slows things down and costs you more in the long run.
Q: When should I contact a moving company?
A: We suggest four to six weeks prior to your move date. The earlier we are advised of your move the easier it will be to accommodate your dates and times.
Q: Should I pack or have my effects packed for me?
A: The largest percentage of damages caused during a move is due to incorrectly packed or inadequate strength cartons used. We, as a professional moving company, recommend our staff attend to your packing. This will alleviate a lot of the stress. By going down this path you also do not compromise your insurance. Insurance providers to the moving industry will only cover boxes packed by the moving company, not the customer. In a worst-case scenario in which your valuables break on a move, they will be covered as long as you have purchased Added Value or Replacement Value protection plan and that the movers have packed the items in question. If you wish to do the packing yourself, we can supply sufficient packing materials.
Q: Can a professional mover transport our plants?
A: Moving plants is both risky and difficult at the best of times. Most movers will transport your plants but won't take responsibility for their final condition.
Q: Should I tip my movers?
A: As in other service industries, you may wish to thank your moving crew for a job well done by offering a gratuity. While the crew does not expect a set amount, we suggest that you tip based on your satisfaction with your crew and the move overall; with the general guideline of $4-6 per man, per hour. If you feel that your crew went above and beyond in their efforts, you may certainly increase the amount accordingly. When tipping, please be aware that whatever amount you offer will be divided evenly amongst all movers and packers who worked on your move. You may give the entire tip to your Crew Chief, who will later disperse it to the crew.