Buy residential direct from the developer

Here are tips on making your move a smooth one

Firstly, even before talking with a mover, decide in advance which goods will be shipped and which will be sold or given away. Then consider whether or not you would like the mover to pack and what other type of additional services you may want. Remember that packing is always a separate bid from moving. An estimator may come to your home and create a bid, or make an estimate by talking to you over the phone.

Get involved in the estimating process and try to meet with the consultant to survey your home and prepare a written estimate. Ask each prospective mover how long his or her estimate is valid for and whether the estimate is binding or a non-binding.

Inform the mover of any possible unusual situations on either end so your estimate can be more accurate. Make the mover aware of any problems that he may encounter at the delivery such as parking problems, road access, street accessibility, delivery time restrictions or if there are any stairs or elevators involved.

The cost of your move can increase for such occurrences. Try to reserve a "parking space" for the moving van if your new home is on a congested street. Some neighbourhoods may prohibit trucks over a certain weight - particular townhouse or cluster developments. The driver will offload your possessions into a smaller vehicle and the charge for that can be quite high. Advise the consultant if you anticipate this situation arising.

To check the reliability of the moving company you can:

• Ask all movers for references.
• Be sure to understand the coverage for loss or damage of your shipment.
• All licensed movers must provide liability for the value of goods they transport.
• There are different levels of liability that you need to be aware of.
• You need to understand the amount of protection provided and the additional charges that may apply.

Ask the right questions such as:

• Does your company subcontract its moving services?
• Which subcontractors could be used to move my home?
• Will the contents of my home be on one truck the entire time? (Moving goods between trucks increases the potential for damage)
• What services are not listed on this bid, and what do you charge for them? What training do your movers and/or packers receive (especially for packing and moving fragile items)?