To compare moving quotes, get at least three written quotes built from the same inventory, date and services, then check four things side by side: what each quote covers, what it leaves out, how and when your belongings will be delivered, and the deposit and payment terms. The lowest total is only cheaper if it covers the same work. This guide shows what to check in each part, with G Force's own terms as examples.
How do you compare moving quotes fairly?
Give every company the same information. Ontario's guidance on hiring a mover recommends at least three written estimates and telling each company exactly what you want included. A quote is only as accurate as the details behind it, so send each mover the same list:
- Both addresses, with the floor, stairs and elevator access at each
- Your move date, and whether it can shift
- A room-by-room inventory, including items over 150 lb such as pianos, safes and appliances
- Whether you want packing, disassembly or storage
- Parking limits or long walks from the truck to your door
If one company quotes from a two-minute phone call and another asks for your full inventory, the two numbers aren't measuring the same move.
What's included in a moving quote?
Read each quote line by line and mark what is in the price and what would be added. For a local move, check the crew size, truck size, equipment and protection, and whether travel time is billed. For a long-distance move, check the truck size, the route and which services are itemized.
Across G Force moving services, local moves are charged by the hour. The total depends on the number of movers, the truck size and the time spent on the job, and job time includes travel, loading, unloading, packing, disassembly and reassembly. Residential moves include furniture blankets, stretch wrap, floor runners and door frame protectors. Long-distance moves are priced on distance, volume or weight, and truck size, with add-ons listed separately.
What extra fees should you look for in a moving estimate?
Most surprise charges come from conditions the quote didn't account for. Ask each mover which of these apply to your move and how they are charged:
- Stairs, extra floors and waiting for elevators
- Long carries when the truck can't park near the door
- Heavy or specialty items such as pianos, safes and stoves
- Disassembly and reassembly of beds, wardrobes and sectionals
- Packing labour, and specialty boxes or extra materials
- Storage beyond the period included in the quote
- Waiting time if the crew can't start or is held up at your address
Ask the question in writing: “What could make the final bill higher than this quote?” A clear answer is a good sign. Under the same Ontario guidance, a mover cannot charge more than 10% above the estimate unless you need extra services and agree to the increase.
What does a moving quote leave out?
Exclusions matter as much as the price. Check three areas in every quote and contract.
Items the mover won't carry
Most movers won't take cash, jewellery, important documents, prescription medication, or hazardous and perishable materials. G Force's terms and conditions list these, and you carry them yourself.
Liability for damage
Default coverage is often based on weight, not replacement value. G Force's default protection is $0.60 per pound, per article, so a 20 lb item is covered up to $12. Ask each mover what their default covers, whether it applies to boxes you packed yourself, and how to declare a higher value. Check your home insurance as well.
Claims
Compare how and when you must report damage. G Force asks you to note visible damage on the delivery receipt and send claims in writing within seven days of delivery.
How will your belongings be delivered?
Two quotes for the same long-distance move can deliver very differently. Ask each company:
- Will the same crew that loads the truck also deliver it, or will your goods be moved between trucks?
- Is the delivery date a confirmed window or an open estimate?
- What happens if your new home isn't ready on delivery day?
On G Force long-distance moves, the same crew loads and delivers with no relay drivers, and you get a confirmed delivery window before the truck leaves. If your dates don't line up, storage between moves is billed by the week or month beyond the included period.
What deposit and payment terms should you compare?
Payment terms are where quotes that look alike can differ most. Compare:
- Deposit: how much, whether it is refundable, and whether it comes off the final invoice
- Rescheduling: how much notice you need to give to keep your deposit
- When payment is due: at loading, at delivery, or in stages
- Payment methods: which ones are accepted
- Cancellation and call-out fees: what you pay if the move can't start
G Force's terms, as an example: the deposit reserves your date and is applied to your final invoice, and it is non-refundable except where the law requires otherwise. If you reschedule in writing at least 48 hours before the start time, the deposit moves to the new date. Payment is due in full once loading is complete and before your goods are unloaded. The cancellation policy explains the call-out fee if a move can't start for a reason on your side.
Ontario also requires moving contracts worth more than $50 to be in writing, with an itemized price list, the total you'll pay, the start and end dates, and the payment terms.
What are the red flags in a moving quote?
- A price far below the others with no explanation
- A quote given without asking about your inventory or access
- Vague wording such as “standard move” with no list of what is included
- No written contract, or pressure to sign the same day
- A demand for more money before your belongings are unloaded, beyond what you agreed
Holding your belongings to demand extra payment is an offence under Ontario's Consumer Protection Act. Moving companies are not licensed by the province, so check the Consumer Beware List for complaints before you book.
Moving quote comparison checklist
For each quote, write down:
- Total price, and whether it is hourly or based on distance and volume
- Crew size and truck size
- Services included and services billed extra
- Items the mover won't carry
- Default liability coverage and how to declare a higher value
- Delivery window and whether the same crew delivers
- Storage options and how storage is billed
- Deposit amount, refund rules and rescheduling notice
- When payment is due and which methods are accepted
- How and when to make a claim
When you have your inventory ready, request a free quote from G Force and compare it line by line with the others.
