Introduction
Moving is one of life’s most intense experiences, blending excitement, fatigue, stress, and logistical organization. Whether you’re moving for personal, professional, or family reasons, changing homes involves many crucial decisions. And among them, choosing a moving company is undoubtedly one of the most important.
An exceptional moving service is not limited to transporting your furniture from point A to point B. It is a full-service experience based on reliability, safety, efficiency, and client respect. However, in an oversaturated market, where many companies compete for your attention with attractive offers, how can you tell the difference between a genuinely professional company and one that is untrustworthy?
This complete guide is designed to help you recognize the signs of a reliable moving company. We present six key criteria to identify a serious provider, as well as a practical FAQ addressing common questions. Inside, you’ll find actionable tips, common pitfalls to avoid, warning signs to watch out for, and links to other helpful resources.
📌 Helpful links to explore while reading:
👉 Moving: Should You Go Solo or Hire Professionals?
👉 Moving: The 7 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid
👉 10 Questions You MUST Ask Before Hiring a Moving Company
- Outstanding Customer Service from the First Contact
The quality of customer service is often a strong indicator of a company’s professionalism. From your first phone call or contact form, you should feel your request is taken seriously. Here’s what to look for:
✅ Availability and Responsiveness
- The company answers calls or emails promptly.
- They quickly schedule a visit to assess the volume to be moved.
- They provide a clear, unambiguous estimate.
A company that delays responses or puts off your request without explanation is already showing signs of disorganization.
✅ Clarity in Responses
When you ask questions about pricing, insurance, or moving logistics, the representative should provide clear, precise, and personalized answers. Vague phrases like “we’ll see on the day” or “depends on the guys” are red flags.
✅ Professional Communication
- Polite and respectful tone
- Well-written confirmation emails
- Clear and professional documents
A high-quality service begins well before the moving truck arrives at your doorstep.
- Detailed Estimates and Transparent Contracts
A reputable company will provide a written, itemized estimate. Here’s what this document should include:
- Breakdown of services (packing, transportation, disassembly/reassembly, etc.)
- Type of vehicle used
- Number of movers involved
- Hourly or flat-rate pricing
- Special conditions (stairs, elevators, pianos, heavy objects…)
- Payment terms
- Any potential additional fees
📝 The Service Contract
Before moving day, a written contract should be signed by both parties. It must include:
- The company’s full legal details (legal name, address, NEQ)
- Detailed list of services provided
- Cancellation or change policy
- Liability terms in case of damages
📌 Also read:
👉 Safe and Efficient Moving: Tips for Your Move
⚠️ A company that offers to “work without a contract” or “off the books” to save you money puts your belongings and rights at risk.
- Online Reputation: Customer Reviews and Public Transparency
In today’s digital age, a company’s reputation is largely built (or broken) online. Customer reviews are a valuable source of information—provided you know how to interpret them with critical thinking.
⭐ Platforms to Check:
- Google Reviews
- Yellow Pages
- HomeStars
- Yelp (in some cases)
Look for recent, authentic, and consistent reviews. A company that hasn’t received a review in months—or one that suddenly gets ten 5-star reviews in a single day—deserves closer scrutiny.
💬 What to Look for in Reviews:
- Positive mentions of punctuality, courtesy, and care
- Responses to negative reviews handled with professionalism
- A consistent standard of service reflected over time
⚠️ Beware of fake reviews: they’re often robotic in tone or oddly identical.
📌 Also read:
👉 Moving: The 7 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Equipment, Trucks, and Staff: Logistics That Make a Difference
An exceptional company stands out through its logistical capacity. On moving day, every minute counts. The difference between a smooth and stressful move often lies in the quality of the equipment and expertise of the movers.
🚚 The Truck
- Clean and well-maintained
- Appropriately sized for your move
- Equipped with a liftgate or ramp
- Properly insured and registered under the company’s name
📦 Supplied Equipment
- Moving blankets, straps, dollies
- Specialty boxes (wardrobes, dishware, etc.)
- Mattress and sofa covers
- Labels, reinforced packing tape
👷♂️ The Crew
- Professionally dressed (uniforms, badges)
- Courteous, organized, and efficient
- Trained in handling fragile items
- Proactive and communicative
💡 A competent crew will ask questions, protect your belongings, and adapt effectively to unforeseen circumstances.
- Honest Pricing and Value for Money
Great service comes at a price—but that doesn’t mean the most expensive is always the best, or that the cheapest is a good deal. Your goal is to find the right balance between cost, reliability, and execution quality.
💰 What Are You Actually Paying For?
Always clarify what’s included in the price:
- Is travel time counted?
- Are disassembly/reassembly included?
- Is packing material provided or extra?
- Is insurance included or optional?
Always request at least three comparable quotes to make a well-informed choice.
⚠️ Watch for Hidden Fees:
- Parking permits
- Staircases or elevators
- Heavy items (piano, safes)
- Overtime or delays
- Certifications, Guarantees, and Legal Compliance
A reliable company must comply with industry standards and legal regulations.
📌 Certifications to Check:
- Registration with the Quebec Business Registry (NEQ)
- Valid liability insurance
- Valid GST/QST tax numbers
- Local permits (required in some cities)
📎 Guarantees to Expect:
- Clear damage or loss coverage
- Option to pay a deposit and the balance after completion
- Transparent cancellation and refund policy
📌 Also read:
👉 10 Questions You MUST Ask Before Hiring a Moving Company
Conclusion
An exceptional moving service stands out before, during, and after the move. It’s a combination of responsiveness, transparency, physical care, logistical expertise, human attention, and professional discipline.
Don’t be swayed by price alone. Take the time to:
- Check reviews
- Ask the right questions
- Read all documents carefully
- Observe logistical details
- Compare your options
Your peace of mind is worth the preparation. And if you choose a truly exceptional moving company, your moving day can become a positive memory—not a nightmare.
📌 Also worth reading:
👉 First Apartment Essentials: What Do I Need to Buy?
👉 Who to Notify When You Change Your Address?
👉 July 1st Moving Day
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before Choosing a Moving Company
🟡 What are the warning signs of a shady moving company?
- No physical address
- No written contract
- No or only suspicious Google reviews
- Requests full payment upfront
🟡 Do I have to provide the boxes myself?
Some movers include boxes, others sell them, and some let you use your own. Always check this in advance to avoid surprises.
🟡 What should I do if something breaks or goes missing?
Report it immediately. Consult your signed contract to follow the claims procedure. A good company will offer fair compensation without delay.
🟡 Can I move in the winter in Quebec?
Yes, but it requires extra precautions (clear access paths, snow removal, indoor mats, crew safety). Make sure the company has experience with winter moves.
🟡 How much does a local move cost in Quebec?
Typically between $500 and $1500, depending on distance, volume, season, and level of service.
