By / OVM TEAM

How to Choose an Ottawa Moving Company | Ottawa Valley Movers

Finding a reliable moving company in Ottawa can be a daunting task. With so many companies to choose from, it’s hard to know which one will provide stress-free moving services and meet all of your moving needs. We’ve compiled some tips to help you find a reputable and reliable Ottawa moving company.

What are the different types of moving services offered in Ottawa?

The most common type of moving service is a local move, which is defined as a move within a 100-mile radius. Local moves typically take 1-2 days to complete and can be done with a smaller truck.

The next most common type of moving service is a long-distance move, which is defined as a move that exceeds a 100-mile radius. Long-distance moves usually take 3-5 days to complete and require a larger truck.

Other types of moving services include international moves, which are typically done by air or ocean freight, and specialty moves, which are tailored to specific needs such as piano moving or art shipping.

What is a full-service moving company?

A full-service moving company will provide all the necessary resources to move your home or office from one location to another. This includes packing services, loading, transportation, and unloading of your belongings. They will also typically offer storage options if you need to temporarily store your belongings during the move.

What are the other levels of service offered by moving companies?

The three most common levels of service offered by moving companies are basic, full-service, and white glove. Since we’ve already covered full service, the other two levels are:

Basic service

Includes transportation only, with no additional services such as packing or storage.

White glove service

The highest level of service includes full service plus additional amenities such as assembling/disassembling furniture and hanging pictures.

How to determine which level of service is best for you

The level of service you need will depend on several factors such as the distance of your move, the amount and type of belongings you have, and your budget.

If you’re moving a short distance and have mostly small items, then basic transportation services may be all you need.

If you’re moving a long distance or have large items such as pianos or furniture, then full-service is likely your best option.

If you want the VIP treatment with all the bells and whistles, then white-glove service is for you.

Determine what moving services you’ll need

The first step is to determine what type of moving services you’ll need. Are you moving locally within the city, or are you moving long-distance? Local moves typically don’t require as much planning and coordination as long-distance moves. If you’re moving long-distance, you’ll need to choose a company that specializes in long-distance moves.

Specialty moving services

Some moving companies offer specialty services such as piano moving, art and antique moving, and storage. If you have any special items that need to be moved, make sure to choose a company that offers these services.

Packing services

Packing is one of the most time-consuming and stressful parts of moving. If you don’t have the time or energy to pack, consider choosing a company that offers packing services.

Loading and unloading services

Most moving companies will offer to load and unloading services. If you’re planning on doing the loading and unloading yourself, make sure you have the necessary equipment, such as dollies and furniture pads.

Transportation

The type of transportation you’ll need depends on the distance of your move. For local moves, a smaller truck is typically all that’s needed.

For long-distance moves, you’ll need a larger truck that can accommodate all of your belongings. Make sure to choose a company with well-maintained trucks and experienced drivers.

Storage

Some moving companies offer storage options if you need to store your belongings during the move. This can be helpful if you’re moving into a smaller home or apartment and need to downsize.

Long-distance moving services

If you’re moving long-distance, it’s important to choose a company that specializes in long-distance moves. These companies have the experience and resources to properly handle long-distance moves. They can also provide you with information on how to properly pack and ship your belongings.

How to identify moving scams

Moving scams are unfortunately all too common. Here are some things to look out for:

The company requires a large deposit upfront. A legitimate company will not require a deposit that is more than half of the total cost of the move.

2. The company doesn’t have a physical address or their website looks unprofessional.

3. They give you a low estimate over the phone but try to charge you more once they have your belongings.

4. They don’t give you a binding estimate in writing.

If you come across a company that meets any of these criteria, beware! These are all red flags that you may be dealing with a scammer.

Professional movers Ottawa: what to look for

When you’re hiring a professional moving company, there are certain things you should look for:

1. Experience: Choose a company that has been in business for at least five years. This will give you some peace of mind knowing that they are experienced movers and know what they’re doing.

2. licensing and insurance: As mentioned earlier, ensure the company is licensed and insured. This will protect you in case anything goes wrong during the move.

3. A good reputation: Check out online reviews and see what others have said about the company’s services. Make sure they have mostly positive reviews.

4. Affordable prices: Get an estimate from each company and compare the prices. Make sure to ask about any hidden fees or charges.

5. Good customer service: Choose a company that is easy to communicate with and is helpful in answering all of your questions, the company that provides the best customer service and prioritizes customer satisfaction should be a top pick.

How to find the best professional movers in your area

Now that you know what to look for in a moving company, it’s time to start your search. Here are some ways to find the best professional movers in your area:

1. Check out online directories such as the Better Business Bureau.

2. Search for moving companies on Google or another search engine.

3. Ask around and get recommendations from friends and family.

4. Once you’ve found a few companies that look promising, give them a call and get an estimate.

5. Go with your gut! After doing all of this research, you should have a good feeling about which company you want to use. Trust your instincts and go with the one that feels right for you.

Support your community by hiring local moving companies

When you’re hiring a moving company, try to support your local community by choosing a company that is based in your city or town. This will help to boost the local economy and create jobs.

Not only is it important to support your community, but local movers are also more likely to provide better customer service since they have a reputation to uphold.

So, if you’re looking for the best professional movers in Ottawa, make sure to keep this in mind.

What’s the average cost of moving in Ottawa?

The average cost of moving in Ottawa is $2,300 for a one-bedroom apartment. This price includes the cost of labour, transportation, and materials.

If you’re moving a larger home, the cost will be higher. For example, the average cost of moving into a four-bedroom house is $4,500.

Of course, the final cost will depend on various factors such as the size and distance of the move.

Moving can be a stressful experience, but it doesn’t have to be. By doing your research and choosing a reputable company, you can ensure that you have a stress-free move.

Tips for moving in Ottawa

Here are some tips to make your move go smoothly:

Start packing early and take your time.

This will help to prevent any last-minute rushing around.

Make a list

Write down all the items you need to pack and organize them by room.

Get rid of any unwanted items before the move.

This will save you time and money.

Pack a bag with essential items

Toiletries, clothes, and medications that you will need during the first few days in your new home.

Label everything

Label all of your boxes clearly so you know where everything is going.

Hire professional movers

Professionals can help you with heavy lifting and transportation and will help make your overall moving process easier.