Our job at Prestige Van Lines is to make your move easy and problem-free.
That's why we would like to guide you throughout the moving process.

Here are just some major things you need to keep in mind:

Six to eight weeks before moving day

Working with the mover:

• This is probably the right time to stop looking for the moving company. This is the time when you need pick one. We, at Prestige Van Lines will be glad if you pick us. Our company is probably the best choice among all movers in Toronto.
• So pick up your phone and call your moving company. Set a date for the moving consultant to visually survey your home and prepare an estimate.
• If your company is paying for your move, refer to their moving policy to determine the services the mover will be authorized to perform.
• Do you want to do any of the packing -- or will you have it done by our experienced packers? Our company representative will be happy to discuss packing services with you.
• Show the agent everything that is going to be moved. Any items you fail to disclose or that are added later to the shipment will increase the cost, even if you have been given a binding estimate.
• Sign the Moving Proposal /Order for Service after you are sure you have a clear understanding of each section. If you have any questions, ask your agent to explain.
• Keep the phone number and name of your salesperson or move coordinator handy.

Two to three weeks before moving day

Working with the mover:

• Notify your moving consultant/ agent if you add or subtract items from your planned move or if there are any changes in dates. Be sure to supply your agent with destination address and phone numbers where you can be reached.
• Confirm any extra stops required to pick up or deliver goods to a location other than the main pickup or delivery points.
• If your car is being moved, be prepared to drive it to a suitable loading site. Also be prepared to pick up your car at a suitable destination location.

Preparing household items:

• All the moving companies in Canada require that you dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, ammunition, and poisons such as weed killer. Drain fuel and oil from your power mower and other machinery. Discard partly used cans of oil, paint, thinner, bleach, or any other substances that may be flammable or combustible or those stored in containers that may leak. Prestige Van Lines does not allow any liquids in your shipment. Please ask us to fax you a complete list of items that are not permitted in the trucks.
• Discard propane tanks which are used for barbecue grills.
• Set an appointment with a service technician to prepare your major appliances for shipment.
• Set a date for having utilities disconnected. If possible, plan to keep utilities in service through moving day.
• Have rugs and draperies cleaned. Leave both wrapped when they are returned from the cleaners.
• Do not clean your upholstered furniture before moving. Moisture could cause mould if furniture must be placed in storage.

One to two weeks before moving day

Pet and plants:

• Decide what to do with house plants. Prestige Van lines cannot safely move your plants because they may suffer from lack of water and light as well as probable temperature changes while in the van.
• Alternatives:
  
  • Give plants to friends or relatives.
  • Donate plants to a hospital or other organization.
  • Include plants in a garage sale.
• Arrange for transportation of pets. Take them in the car or send via air. Consider boarding pets either at destination or at a kennel near your present home until you are settled in the new city.

Packing day

Working with the packers:

• Point out to the packers any extra-fragile items needing special attention. Mark appropriately any items you do not want packed or moved, as well as cartons you will want first when the van arrives at destination.
• If you are doing your own packing, make sure everything is ready to go before moving day. Upon arrival, the van operator will check to see if boxes have been properly packed.
• Collect things you definitely want packed together, such as children's toys, and place in separate groups.
• Unplug all electronic appliances 24 hours in advance of a move, except plasma televisions, so that they will be at room temperature on moving day. This includes home computers, stereos, and audio/video equipment.
• Check closets, cabinets, and storage lockers for any articles overlooked.

Moving day

Working with the mover:

• It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is complete. After making a final tour of the house, check and sign the inventory. Get your copy from the moving crew foreman and keep it.
• Approve and sign the Bill of Lading/Freight Bill. It states the terms and conditions under which your goods are moved and is also your receipt for the shipment. Be sure to complete and sign the declared valuation statement.
• Complete and sign the High-Value Inventory form, whether or not items of extraordinary value are included in the shipment. You also need to sign and date the "Extraordinary (Unusual) Value Article Declaration" box on the Bill of Lading, if applicable to your shipment.
• Make sure the van operator has the exact destination address. Be sure to let the van operator know how you can be reached, including phone numbers, pending the arrival of your household goods.

Last-minute details:

• Leave your phone connected throughout moving day. After the van leaves and you finish last-minute calls, be sure to pack the phone in one of your suitcases.

Take a last look around:

• Water shut off?
• Furnace and air conditioner shut off?
• Light switches turned off?
• All utilities arranged for disconnection?
• Windows shut and locked?
• Old house keys surrendered?
• Have you left anything?

Delivery day

Working with the mover:

• Be on hand to accept delivery. If you cannot be there personally, be sure you authorize an adult to be your representative to accept delivery and pay the charges for you.
• On the day of delivery, the van operator will attempt to contact you by phone and/or will make an appearance at residence if he is unable to reach you. If you are unable to accept delivery of your shipment within the free waiting time (i.e., two hours) after notification of arrival at destination, you may request waiting time until delivery can be made.
• Check your household goods as they are unloaded. If there is a change in the condition of the property from that noted on the inventory at the time of loading or if any items are missing, note discrepancies on the van operator's copy of the inventory sheet. By signing the inventory sheet, you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed. Personally report any loss or damage to your salesperson or move coordinator.
• When unloading, each piece of furniture will be placed as you direct, including the laying of rugs and setting up any beds disassembled at origin. However, mattresses will not be unpacked, and appliances and/or fixtures will NOT be installed. At your request and at an additional charge, your salesperson or move coordinator can arrange for this service. The movers are not obligated to rearrange your furniture.
• Place a floor plan of your new home by the entrance, which the movers can use to determine where each piece of furniture should go.
• To prevent possible damage, television sets, other electronic equipment and major appliances should not be used for 24 hours after delivery, allowing them time to adjust to room temperature.

One week after move

Settling in:

• Check with your new post office for any mail being held and ask for delivery to start.
• Check local requirements for auto registration and a driver's license.
• If you have something to say regarding our service and you want to participate in our quality survey, please visit our web site.