Questions About Your Move? Staying in Toronto or Moving Somewhere New? TSC Can Help You!
How to get an estimate for moving?
The best way to get an estimate is to complete our Online Estimate Form. The form is quite detailed, and will remind you to include important details, like lawn chairs or the bike that has been in your garage for several years. Alternatively, and at any time, you can call us.
If you live in Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area, we will visit you to evaluate the amount of inventory and packing work required. This visit is FREE, and included in our total service package. If you are outside of the GTA, we will speak with you on the phone, and get all the information on your inventory and other important details to provide you with a detailed quote.
How can I select the right mover?
A reputable, reliable mover should have an established place of business, license and sufficient insurance coverage. It is not wise to use a mover who is new to the business because they may not have the expertise to complete your move safely and properly, or they may not be an established company (this could be a problem if they go out of business before you move, and you have prepaid for moving services).
You should ask the moving company for a few client references; satisfied customers willing to share their experiences are the best source of new customers in the moving industry.
Can I leave clothes or other items inside furniture during the move?
We recommend that you remove all items stored inside the furniture, including desks, dressers, armoires, etc. This makes your furniture much lighter and easier to move; it also limits wear and tear during the move.
The only items of furniture that can be safely moved with items still inside are small, light pieces of furniture containing very light belongings inside (e.g. sweaters, shirts, blouses, lingerie). Please do NOT leave fragile items or anything that might spill or leak inside your furniture.
Am I expected to tip the movers?
Like all over service businesses, tipping is not required. A tip is a reward for a job well done. Please do not feel obligated to tip unless you feel the movers have gone above and beyond for you.
Do you charge extra for moving large items, like pianos?
TSC does not charge extra for moving large or heavy items.Piano moves and any other heavy furniture/items are billed the same way that regular moves are charged. TSC has staff who specialize in moving pianos, and have over five years years of experience in this specialty area.
Will you complete a move during inclement weather, like snow or heavy rain?
Yes, Toronto Service Center will provide moving services regardless of weather; we always honor our moving commitments, even when the forecast doesn’t cooperate.
Unpredictable weather may slow down the move, but we will complete it. If your move is scheduled on a snowy or rainy day, our movers will take precautions to protect floors and carpeting from excess dirt and soil.
Will the movers supply boxes and packing materials for my move?
Yes, TSC provides 10 double corrugated, small moving boxes for you to pack fragile or personal items.
TSC’s movers carry a large assortment of boxes and materials, if you need them, to pack the contents of your home or office. There is a fee associated with using these items; you will be charged a discounted rate should you decide to use them.
However, if you wish to pack your personal before the move, you can order some packing materials here. We do not recommend getting boxes from your grocery or liquor store because these boxes are often damaged, and may carry insects from food that was stored inside. Always use double corrugated boxes. The stronger your boxes, the better chance your goods have to survive any mishaps, should they occur.
When is the best time to move?
If you have a choice, avoid the summer, the beginning or end of a month or winter holidays because the heaviest demands are placed on vans, equipment and moving personnel during these peak time periods.
However, you should move when it’s most convenient for you. Some factors in selecting your moving date include:
- Whether or not you need to move immediately
- If you have children in school, try to avoid transferring them during the school year
- If family members can stay together or must be separated during the move
- If the move can be scheduled for a time when vans and trained personnel are most readily available, we’ll be better equipped to meet your preferred delivery schedule
Can I pack my china, glass & crystal?
Yes, while you can pack these items, most clients prefer to use a moving company’s packing expertise to have us pack their fragile items professionally.
If you decide to pack china, glassy and crystal yourself, remember that the basic principles of good packing include wrapping items individually, providing plenty of cushioning and making sure items are packed firmly. Be sure to select a sturdy container with a lid. Place a 2 or 3 inch layer of crushed paper on the bottom of the carton as a cushion. Wrap each item individually with a soft material to provide a safe, protective “padded nest.” Pack the heaviest items on the bottom, empty ones next, filling in empty spaces with crushed paper. Place plates on edge and glassware on rims for maximum protection. Mark the carton “fragile” and list the contents on the outside. Be sure to seal the carton with tape. Cartons, paper, tape and other packing materials may be purchased here for a very low cost.
Can I move my plants?
Yes, but TSC recommends that you transport house plans in your vehicle. TSC cannot accept responsibility for safely moving your plants because they may not have access to water and light, as well as be subjected to changes in temperature while in the moving van.
Will you move my pet?
No, pets cannot be carried on the moving van. However, dogs, cats and birds can usually be transported in your vehicle. If this isn’t convenient, TSC will be glad to suggest alternate ways to help you move your pet safely.
Can I move jewelry and other valuables?
Yes, items of extraordinary value (e.g. jewelry, money, antiques and stamp collections) can be included in your shipment, provided you notify TSC of these items before packing or moving day. We strongly recommend that you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you, or make other arrangements to have them transported.
How and when should I pay?
You can pay for your moving costs with cash, a cashier’s cheque; with prior approval, Visa or MasterCard can be used, too. TSC does not accept personal cheques.
Tariff provisions require that all charges be paid before your shipment is unloaded at destination (unless prior arrangements have been made for later billing).
When should I call a moving company?
We recommend that you call a moving company as early as possible.
Although van assignments may not be made until a few days before your move, we recommend 4 to 6 weeks advance notice, if possible. The more lead time you can give, the more likely we will be available to meet your delivery schedule.
All moving companies usually require alternate pickup and delivery dates. We’ll do our best to serve you on the dates you prefer or the nearest possible alternative. You will be notified in advance of the loading date of your goods, and the estimated date of arrival. If your pickup and delivery dates are critical due to lease expiration or a real estate closing, you may choose a preferred service to accommodate a reasonable schedule based on your specific needs. Please discuss your specific pickup and delivery requirements with your Moving Specialist; they can advise you about the types and costs of services available.
What items are not allowed to move?
Before your possessions are packed and loaded, it is important that you understand which items cannot be shipped because they represent a hazard or are perishable.
The following items will need to be addressed prior to your pack and load dates:
- Aerosols
- Fireworks
- Nail polish
- Ammonia
- Gasoline
- Batteries
- Paint
- Kerosene
- Lamp oil
- Pesticides
- Lighter fluid
- Loaded guns
- Motor oil
- Hazardous materials, items that are flammable, corrosive or explosive
Will you charge me the estimate you quoted or will it be more? Is the deposit refundable?
TSC will stand by our quote; as long as the information received from you is accurate or has not changed, your costs will be within the quote (or lower).
Deposits are non refundable upon cancellation, but may be applied to a future booking if more than 14 days notice is given. A deposit can only be applied to moves re-booked within 90 days.