the moving rules
by Chuck Resnick
When hiring a professional mover, you expect to have your possessions packed and/or transported safely. It is a common expectation, also shared by your movers. However, sometimes movers may be unable to take some of your belongings onto their truck.
Ontario’s Health and Safety Act and Hazardous Materials Act, for example, prohibits movers from transporting propane canisters or gasoline cans—unless they are empty of fuel—as well as paints, solvents or any hazardous materials. It is important for consumers to understand what can and can’t be moved before the day arrives. Movers also establish their own guidelines.
At Two Men and A Truck® – Canada, it is challenging for us to secure plants on our trucks and we prefer not to move valuables, such as jewelry, stocks, bonds and cash. Common sense dictates these are items best transported by you.
If you have items of extraordinary value, such as paintings, sculptures and antiques, let your mover know ahead of time. The issue here is insurance, and the basic package your mover offers may not cover these exceptional goods. Although we don’t offer additional insurance to cover these at our company, we can arrange for it. You can also check with your own insurance company about covering these special items; your homeowner’s policy may have a rider for goods in transit. If it does, there’s no need to seek additional coverage.
It is still critical to know and understand how much insurance your moving company carries. Ontario’s Conditions of Carriage, part of The Highway Act, requires movers to insure at least 60 cents per pound at a bare minimum. At Two Men and A Truck – Canada, we insure items up to $250,000, which is far higher than the minimum. We also offer replacement cost with a $250 deductible.
Extremely large items and tough-to-move items such as pianos, pool tables and massive wall units are a challenge. We do move them every day. We use a piano board that makes it easier to move a baby grand, but it is much harder to move an upright piano, which takes muscle power, heavy-duty dollies and a truck with a lift gate.
Another “rule” to be aware of if you live in an apartment building or condominium is arranging with your super or property manager to reserve the elevator for the time of your move. You should predetermine how this process works. Let your mover know where the loading and unloading zone is, or whether they will have to walk items through the lobby to get to the elevator. The more your mover knows, the more accurate their estimate will be.
No one likes moving day surprises, including your mover. Communication is key; once we all know where we stand, we can work together for a successful move. Visit twomen.ca for a location near you.
— Chuck Resnick is vice-president, marketing and operations at Two Men and A Truck – Canada®.