Choosing a moving company in Montreal starts with understanding what you are booking. A price alone does not explain the crew, access arrangements or conditions behind it. Our team at MovinGo prepared these ten questions to help you compare answers, identify gaps and make a more informed decision before committing.
Written by the MovinGo Team. This is a practical comparison guide, not a statement that every company follows the same policies. You can explore our Montreal moving services, then use the questions below with any company you are considering. Ask for job-specific answers rather than relying on a general advertising promise.
1. What exactly is included in your moving quote?
Two estimates can look similar while covering different work. Ask about the crew, truck, loading, transport, unloading and any preparation services. Establish whether the move is billed hourly or at a fixed price, and what the estimate assumes about your inventory.
A clear answer describes the included work and exclusions, not simply “a full move.” Ask whether quoted time includes travel and how changes are assessed. A quote that omits the addresses, crew or billing method leaves important questions unresolved. Compare the scope before deciding which offer represents better value.
2. What additional charges could apply?
Discuss travel, stairs, long carrying distances, packing materials, heavy objects, additional stops and any minimum booking. These are items to clarify, not charges every company necessarily applies. Ask what triggers an adjustment and how it would be calculated.
The answer should connect possible charges to your actual circumstances. “Extras may apply” without an explanation is not enough to plan a budget. Our guide to understanding moving costs in Montreal explains why hourly rates and complete move totals are different. Confirm taxes and optional services when reviewing an estimate.
3. How do you estimate the time and crew needed?
Apartment size is only a starting point. An inventory, box quantities, appliances, storage contents, stairs and packing readiness help define the workload. Ask whether photographs, dimensions or a more detailed assessment would be useful.
A clear explanation connects the proposed crew and time to the job rather than promising the same duration for every home. Mention anything added or removed after quoting. An estimate based on incomplete details can change; ask how the company will review it. Treat unsupported promises of an unusually fast move as a reason to request clarification.
4. What protection applies if belongings are damaged?
Ask what protection applies to your belongings, who provides it, and where you can read the relevant conditions. Discuss limits, exclusions, any deductible and the difference between protecting furniture physically and financial coverage after damage. Do not assume that “insured” explains every situation.
Request the contact and steps for reporting a concern, the information required and any applicable deadlines. The answer should explain the process without promising every item is covered in every circumstance. Do not infer MovinGo’s coverage from this guide: confirm the terms for your proposed move directly with our team.
5. Who will carry out my move?
Know which business is responsible for the service and whether another company will participate. Ask who coordinates the crew and whom you can contact on moving day. The name on the quote, payment request and service confirmation should be understandable and consistent.
A clear answer identifies the responsible company and communication channel. If a different name appears, ask why and how responsibilities are divided. Another company’s involvement is not automatically a problem, but unclear responsibility is worth resolving before booking. Do not assume the person answering your enquiry will personally supervise the move.
6. Can you handle my building’s stairs, elevator, and access restrictions?
Describe both properties: floors, exterior stairs, narrow entrances, elevator reservations, moving windows and the distance to the loading area. Send measurements or photos for awkward furniture and tight turns. Ask what needs to be arranged with your building manager.
A useful answer addresses the route and any remaining uncertainties, not just the city name. Clarify truck access and who checks applicable parking or permit requirements. Our apartment moving checklist helps organise those details. Do not accept a confident “everything fits” if no one has considered the dimensions.
7. Do you offer packing and furniture disassembly?
Ask which tasks are available, what is included and what you must prepare yourself. Discuss fragile contents, boxes, supplies, beds, shelving and furniture reassembly at the destination. Do not assume that moving a piece includes dismantling or reconnecting it.
For packing services, identify the items and requested help before booking. A clear answer separates optional work from the agreed base service. Record responsibilities so neither side expects the other to finish packing on arrival. Tell the company about manufacturer instructions or parts that need particular care.
8. What are your booking, deposit, and cancellation terms?
Before committing, ask when a booking is confirmed, whether a deposit is requested, how it is credited, which payment methods are accepted and what happens if you cancel or change dates. Get the applicable terms, including any stated charges or deadlines, before paying.
A payment request without clear service and cancellation details deserves clarification. This article does not set a standard deposit or promise a refund. For official Quebec consumer guidance, consult the Office de la protection du consommateur’s moving advice, in French. Legal obligations depend on the situation; our checklist is practical advice, not a substitute for that guidance.
9. What happens if the schedule changes or there is a delay?
Ask how arrival arrangements are communicated and whom to contact if an elevator is unavailable, an entrance is blocked or your inventory changes. Explain any strict building window before the schedule is agreed. Clarify the process for reviewing the plan rather than expecting an unconditional arrival guarantee.
A clear answer identifies the contact, notification method and next step. Request confirmation of any revised arrangements and cost implications. Likewise, tell the company promptly when your circumstances change. Do not wait until the crew arrives to disclose an extra stop or an inaccessible loading location.
10. Can you confirm the agreed details in writing?
Keep a record of the company’s identity, contacts, addresses, date, services, billing method, inclusions, possible adjustments and relevant conditions. Review it before accepting. Ask the company to correct gaps or contradictions rather than treating verbal reassurance as a complete explanation.
Written confirmation helps both sides work from the same plan. This recommendation is practical; it is not a claim that identical legal requirements apply to every booking method. Save revisions as well as the original quote. If the inventory or date changes, check that the current record reflects the updated agreement.
A Quick Checklist for Comparing Moving Companies
Use the same inventory and access details for each enquiry. Check whether you can answer these points from the information received:
- Scope: crew, truck, services, inclusions and exclusions.
- Charges: billing method, minimums and possible adjustments.
- Protection: conditions, limits and reporting contact.
- Access: stairs, elevator, truck position and responsibilities.
- Booking: payment, deposit, changes and cancellation terms.
- Written details: complete addresses, date and agreed work.
- Communication: responsible company and moving-day contact.
How MovinGo Helps You Plan Your Move
MovinGo is a Montreal-based company offering residential moving and packing services. Our quote form collects your date, residence size, addresses, floors and elevator availability, with notes and photo or PDF uploads to explain the work. Submitting it requests an assessment, not an instant confirmed booking.
For moving services in Laval, tell us about both properties and the route. West Island and Longueuil moves also need address-specific access details, as do moves involving the North Shore and South Shore. We use these descriptions to discuss the scope; confirm any particular service, coverage or booking condition directly with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I compare two moving quotes fairly?
Give both companies the same inventory, date and access details. Compare inclusions, billing and conditions alongside the price, then ask about differences.
Is the lowest quote always the right choice?
No. A lower figure may cover less work or use different assumptions. Check what it includes and whether the company explains the job clearly.
What details should I provide before requesting a quote?
Provide addresses, date, inventory, box quantities, floors, elevators, truck access and requested preparation. Photos help describe unusual pieces and routes.
Should I tell the movers about heavy or delicate items?
Yes. Share dimensions, photos and handling concerns before quoting so the item and its access route can be assessed.
What should I confirm before paying a deposit?
Confirm the business receiving payment, the agreed service, date, deposit treatment and cancellation or change conditions. Keep the payment record.
Bring your questions to our team. Request a personalised quote from MovinGo and share the details we need to discuss your move.