FAQ
How do I choose my moving company?
When choosing your moving company, you should be looking for a company that is offering all information in writing and take the time to answer any and all questions you may have. There should be a willingness from the company to provide you with clear and honest answers so you are able to assess whether that company is best suited to help you with your move. The cost of the move should not the main reason behind choosing your company; you want to choose a company with a good price, good rating and knowledgeable relocation specialists.
What is an estimate?
CMS uses the initial information provided to us to calculate a general estimation for your move. We do recommend providing as much detail as possible, to allow our relocations specialists the opportunity to provide you with a more realistic idea of expected moving costs. We have a variety of options available to collect the proper information to provide accurate quotes for our potential clients.
How is the cost of my move calculated?
Moving costs and charges are based on several factors, that take into account the weight, volume and labor that would be required to perform the move.
Any packing, additional storage or additional labor charges are also factored into the cost of the move
Will I have any extra or surprise charges?
CMS does not have hidden charges or surprise fees added at the end. When you choose CMS to help you plan your move your relocation specialist will happily walk you through the services that are included in the cost and the services that we offer for an additional charge, this way there is no confusion at the time of the billing.
How much notice should I give when booking an appointment?
You should book your move at least 2-3 weeks before your preferred moving day to ensure that all arrangements can be made and the schedule is more flexible. We can accommodate your moving day at the last minute as well if needed, as soon as you have determined your moving date, call or email us to book your move to allow CMS to plan out the best possible experience. Your are also welcome to use our online Reservation Form.
Do I pack my own boxes or do you pack them for me?
CMS provides partial and full packing services for an additional cost, this can be discussed with your relocation specialist during the quoting or confirmation stages of your move. Most of our clients prefer to do their own packing, and CMS offers a wide variety of packing materials and kits for reasonable prices to save our clients from going from place to place looking for the right packing materials.
What items cannot be moved?
Due to restrictions by the government and concerns for public safety there are restrictions to the transportation of dangerous goods. There are some items that may be included in your move, but under controlled conditions, others are prohibited by law. Either way you must let your relocation specialist and the driver of any item that may be hazardous. Examples of this would be gasoline, propane tanks, extinguishers, ammunition, and some cleaning supplies.
Can keep my clothes in my dressers and files in the filing cabinets?
For safe transportation the contents of drawers, chests, dressers, trunks etc., should be packed into cartons and all drawers should be emptied before the moving crew arrives.
Will you disassemble and reassemble furniture?
We recommend having your items disassembled prior to the mover’s arrival, but our crew would be happy to provide you with assistance for your basic items. Assembly is not included as part of your service, but arrangements can be made for reassembly for an additional charge with your relocation specialist.
How do I pack my furniture?
Any furniture items or larger difficult to pack items will be covered with quilted moving pads; this is included in your service quote and is standard with all moves.
What should I do with my jewelry and other valuable items?
CMS recommends keeping expensive and irreplaceable items with you during the move. Items such as antiques and stamp collections can be included in your shipment, but you should notify your relocation specialist of these items before packing and moving day.
Do my appliances require special packing?
It is the responsibility of the shipper to ensure that all appliances are emptied, cleaned and disconnected before shipping. Some appliances require preparation by a licensed professional before they are shipped to ensure the safety of the items and staff. It is important to remember that appliances or mechanical equipment not serviced by a professional travel at the owner’s risk for internal damage.
What time will the movers arrive?
As the schedules are based on the locations of the move, the time windows are created and confirmed the day before the move. Should you have special timing requirements, such as elevator bookings or loading dock space reservations it is important to bring that to the attention of your relocation specialist at the time of the booking.
It is not recommended to make travel arrangements or appointments on moving day, to ensure that should an unexpected delay occur you will not miss out on the arrangements made.
Do I need to be there personally for the pickup and delivery?
CMS recommends it best that the owner of the property is present for the pickup and the delivery portion of the moving, to be present for the pre and post moving inspection.
If for any reason you are unable to be there we ask that you make arrangements for someone to be present that is familiar with your belongings and your requested services so they are able to direct the moving team.
What is an inventory listing?
When the staff arrives for the pickup they will make a detailed list of items, each item is marked with a coloured, numbered inventory tag that corresponds to the item description and listing of conditions on your inventory sheet.
You will receive a copy of this inventory sheet at the time of the pickup. It is the responsibility of the clients to ensure that the inventory sheet is correct at the time of the pickup. The inventory sheet should also be reviewed at the time of the delivery to verify all items were received and in good condition.
Is this a door to door service?
This is better than door to door, we offer a room to room service with all moves. At the time of pickup the men will go room to room to remove the items and at the delivery the moving team will happily place your items into the rooms that you request.
When will I get my contract?
A bill of lading (a moving contract) is provided to for every shipment that is being transported. The bill of lading is a receipt of the goods shipped, and you will receive one copy at the time of the pickup, and another at the time of the delivery.
It is your responsibility to read your moving contract, if you have any questions it is your responsibility to contact your relocation specialist for clarification before you sign it. The bill of lading identifies your moving company and specifies when the moving is to be performed. It also specifies the terms and conditions for payment of the total moving charges. A moving contract is a legal document between the carrier and the shipper.
Do you ship vehicles?
CMS is happy to assist you in your vehicle shipping needs. Through our affiliations across North America we are happy to provide you with the best quote and assist you with the relocation. Please note that CMS does not transport your vehicle in its own trucks.
How long will the move take?
CMS offers many types of moving services to many locations across Canada and the United States. As consolidated movers CMS only offers estimated times for arrivals, generated from our many years of assisting our clients with moves. Locations, access, weights and weather are just a few of the factors that determine the ETA for your move. As all moves are different it is best to speak with your sales representative for the estimated time of arrival for your moving location.
How can I track the location of my goods?
All of our trucks are equipped with state of the art GPS tracking systems, if you want to track your shipment you can simply contact your relocation specialist and they would be happy to assist you.
What method of payment do you accept?
The move is payable at the time of the delivery, prior to the offloading of the shipment from our truck into your new home. We offer many payments methods: Cash, certified cheque, bank draft, money order, e-transfer, Visa and MasterCard.
Do you have storage facilities?
CMS has multiple options for clients with storage needs. Your relocation specialist is happy to find the best option for your move, from storage from a few days to a few years! We have multiple warehouses across Canada to choose from. Please ask your relocation specialist for further details during the quoting and booking stages of your move so we ensure we find the best solution for needs.
What about insurance, are my items covered during the move?
All registered moving companies are required by The Highway Traffic Act to include basic standard liability within the cost of the move. The coverage is limited to $0.60 per pound, per article for any damage and/or loss.
Additional declared value/valuation coverage can be purchased through CMS as well, there is an additional charge to declare a value for your move. This is something that needs to be discussed and planned with your relocation specialist in advance of the pickup date. Any requests for declared value or valuation coverage must be presented in writing to CMS at least 1 business prior to the pick up day.
We also recommend speaking with your home or renters insurance agent to confirm if your current coverage will apply to your household goods while in transport via third party carrier.
What should I do if something gets broken or goes missing?
The CMS crew makes a detailed inventory sheet at the time of the pickup to ensure that the belongings that are picked up are delivered. In the rare occasion of an item being lost or damaged CMS would be happy to assist you. In the event where there is damage or loss we ask that you notify us immediately so we can forward you the claim form. A written submission of claim will need to be sent to your relocation specialist within 10 days of your delivery date.