No matching questions.
The short answer is call TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® :) Seriously though, we know this is a very personal decision and how important it is for your moving company to be a good fit for your needs. We have a list of questions you should ask each moving company as you interview them, but here are some steps to get your search for a mover started:
- Create a list of local moving companies you plan to research.
- Get a quote from each mover. Make sure to get moving quotes directly from a company’s official website or phone number. Some of the top search results on Google are actually companies that sell leads to moving companies. Working with movers directly cuts out any middlemen and will result in the lowest price.
- Learn about each moving company’s reputation by reading online reviews from real customers.
- Ask whether each company is licensed and how they’re insured.
- Determine how each mover’s schedule works. Is your move date guaranteed? Will the same person who loads up your belongings transport and unload them as well?
- Make sure you’re comfortable with how each mover charges, their cancellation policy, and whether or not a deposit is required.
- Choose whichever company best fits your move; everyone’s needs are different.
You are going to want to keep anything you think you and your family will use on moving day. Some of the most common items are toilet paper, paper towels, snacks, phone chargers, things to keep your kids occupied and entertained, and your kids favourite toys. You will also want to keep any medication and important documents like birth certificates and passports with you. You may also want to set aside valuables and sentimental items. On the day of your move, you should put these things in a box or bag that you will take to your new home yourself.
Generally, movers can give you an estimate over the phone. In some cases though, moving companies may need to visit your home in person to give you an accurate quote. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you may need an in-home estimate:
- Is your home 1,500 square feet or larger?
- Do you have any large or bulky items (e.g., safes or pianos) that may be difficult to move safely and securely?
- Do you have very valuable items like fine art?
- Does your home have any narrow hallways, doorways, or stairways that furniture cannot fit through?
- Will movers have difficulty parking a 26 ft. truck close to your home?
- Are you moving out of province?
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® offers free in-home estimates when needed, so getting you an accurate estimate is never a hassle.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the largest franchised moving company in North America. With more than 30 years of experience in the moving industry, we are well equipped to handle any move situation. From local to long-distance moves, business and in-home moving, packing services, and storage solutions – we are able to take the stress out of your move, and get you where you need to go. We have a 96% customer referral rate across our system, proving we truly are the “Movers Who Care®”!
There is no one-size-fits-all, best box for moving. Different items require different types and sizes of moving boxes. Using the wrong box size or box type, can result in your belongings being damaged, and no one wants that! Here are some of the most common types of moving boxes:
- Small box (1.5 ft3): best for heavy items such as books, canned goods, shoes, etc. Remember, the heavier the item, the smaller the box.
- Medium box (3 ft3): best for items without a uniform shape such as lamps, lamp shades, or small kitchen appliances.
- Large box (4.5 ft3) and extra-large box (6 ft3): best for light but bulky items like pillows and bedding.
- Picture box: best for framed artwork, mirrors, and other thin items that are fragile and breakable.
- Dish barrel and dish pack inserts: best for packing dishes and other fragile kitchen items.
- Wardrobe box: best for packing clothes on hangers.
- First, choose the appropriately-sized box. For heavy items, such as books, use a small box. For lighter bulkier items, like throw pillows, use a larger box.
- Assemble the box. Fold down the flaps on the bottom of the box — smaller flaps should be folded down before the larger flaps. Then apply packing tape to the seam. Always use packing tape. Masking tape or duct tape do not stick well to cardboard. If you’re packing something heavy, apply extra tape.
- Crumple up pieces of packing paper and place them on the bottom of the box for cushioning, or fill the bottom with "packing peanuts / foam peanuts."
- If the items you’re packing are fragile, wrap them with packing paper or bubble wrap. Use tissue paper for especially delicate items such as china. Newspaper can stain.
- Place each item in the moving box. Be sure to pack similar items in boxes, which makes unpacking much easier.
- Pack the box as tightly as possible without overcrowding it.
- Add extra packing paper or packing peanuts to the top of your box if there’s extra room, so your items cannot move around while they travel.
- Once your box is packed, secure the box with packing tape. Boxes should always be taped shut to easily stack during transport. Never interlock the tops.
- Label your box with its main contents and the room it belongs to.
Here are our best tips for labeling your moving boxes:
- Decide what you will pack in the moving box. Packing similar items in each box will make labeling easier. You also want everything in each box to go in the same room.
- Label each box on the top and sides, indicating what contents are in the box (e.g., utensils, books, or sheets).
- Label each box with what room it belongs in, so the movers know where to place it in your new home (e.g., if the box contains your sheets, mark it master bedroom). This will simplify the unpacking process since you won’t have to move items from one room to another after unloading.
- Number each box. Knowing how many boxes you’re moving in total will help ensure that nothing gets lost during the move.
At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, we charge an all-inclusive rate based on the time it takes us to move you. Before the move happens, an estimator will work with you to understand what belongings will need to be moved. Some of the things that will determine the total amount of time a move takes will be:
- How many items we are moving
- How far we will be traveling
- How many stops we need to make
- Is items are going into or coming out of storage
- If stairs or elevators are involved
- If all of your boxes are packed, marked, and sealed, before we arrive. Doing last minute packing while we load the truck will slow things down.
Our estimators work with you to get the estimate as accurate as possible. The more precise a you can be when answering our questions, the more accurate we can be when determining how long it will take (and what it will cost you). We know that in addition to cost, moving days can often have strict timelines. It's important to let us know about any restrictions you have; for example reserving condo elevators. Our estimators are often former movers, so they’re very good at predicting how long a move will take.
- Use a tape measure to measure the length and width of the room. In order to get the most accurate measurement, be sure to clear objects out of the way.
- To determine square footage, multiply the length of the room by the width of the room.
If a tape measure is not available, you can also measure the area of the room using your own two feet.
- Measure the length of your foot with a ruler.
- Pace off the length of the room stepping heel to toe. If you need to, you can use the wall for support.
- Multiply the number of steps by the length of your foot.
- Divide that number by 12 to get the approximate number of feet from wall to wall.
- Repeats these steps to measure the width of the room.
- To determine the square footage, you multiply the length of the room by the width of the room.
- Give yourself enough time to pack carefully without feeling overwhelmed or stressed out. For a family home, start at least a week before your move.
- Decide what order you'll pack each room in. Giving this some thought before you start is very helpful. Packing one room at a time is the most efficient way to pack.
- Start with the room that gets the least use.
- Save essential items - those things you use every day, and important things like medicine - for last.
- If you don’t have time or the desire to pack yourself, you can hire professionals! Most moving companies offer packing services as well.
Learn about our packing services
Although our movers are trained to never ask or hint for tips from customers, they are allowed to accept tips should customers feel inclined, for the hard work they received.
In terms of what to tip the movers, there is no common amount or appropriate percentage of the bill. We encourage customers to tip whatever they feel is appropriate for the job that was completed, if they choose to.
Our move teams do everything they can to prevent damages. Our service includes complimentary padding and stretch wrapping furniture and other delicate pieces, just to prevent damages. Unfortunately damages can still occur.
If during your move, or following your move, you notice damage to an item or your home or business, we ask that you contact the local TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® franchise office that moved you, as soon as possible. They will explain their process and next steps for working toward a resolution.
To speed up the process, we ask customers to be prepared with information regarding their damaged piece. We will typically ask the make and model or manufacturer’s name of the item. In some cases, a franchise may request photos of the damage.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® has a 96% referral rate which is a reflection of our efforts to provide customers with the best possible experience and this extends into the claims process.
Change your mailing address by using an online form at Canada Post
You will also want to contact your credit card companies, your bank, and utilities. In many cases you can move your account to your new address without having to create a new account.
You also want to contact any publications you subscribe to like magazines and newspapers that are delivered to your home.
