Hey there, friends! Rusty here.
After 380,000 kilometers on Quebec roads and 1,347 moves under my belt, I've seen it all. The good movers, the great movers, and—let's be honest—the ones who make me cringe when I pass them on the highway.
Choosing a moving company might be one of the most important decisions you'll make during your relocation. Get it right, and your grandmother's china arrives safely. Get it wrong, and... well, let's just say I've heard too many stories that end with "I wish I had known."
So grab a coffee, settle in, and let me share what I've learned from nearly a decade of watching this industry from the inside.
The Warning Signs: Red Flags I've Learned to Spot
The "Too Good to Be True" Quote
Here's a saying from an old truck: "A quote that's half the price usually means half the service."
I've seen families lured by rock-bottom estimates, only to face surprise fees on moving day. The truck shows up, the crew looks at your piano, and suddenly there's an "additional heavy item surcharge" nobody mentioned.
What to look for instead:
- Detailed written quotes, not vague phone estimates
- Clear breakdown of what's included (labor, truck, equipment, protection)
- Transparent pricing for additional services like packing or disassembly
No Physical Address or Proper Licensing
Any legitimate moving company in Quebec needs proper licensing. At As an exemple, Pro Action Transport, licensed with the CTQ (Commission des transports du Québec) and carry $5,000,000 in liability coverage through Northbridge Insurance. That's not bragging—that's the bare minimum you should expect.
Ask these questions:
- "Can I see your CTQ license number?"
- "What insurance coverage do you carry?"
- "Do you have a physical business address?"
If they dodge these questions, keep looking.
The "Cash Only" Request
With my old transmission, I've learned that shortcuts usually cost more in the long run. Companies that insist on cash-only payments are often avoiding paper trails for a reason. This makes disputes nearly impossible to resolve and usually means no proper insurance coverage.
What Actually Matters: The Real Criteria
Experience in YOUR Type of Move
Not all moves are created equal. A company that excels at commercial relocations might struggle with a third-floor walkup in the Plateau. And trust me, Montreal's staircases are a whole different challenge than suburban bungalows in Laval.
Questions to ask:
- "How many local moves do you complete each month?"
- "Are your crews experienced with difficult access situations?"
- "Have you worked in my specific neighborhood before?"
I know every tricky street in Outremont, every narrow staircase in Rosemont, and every parking nightmare in Griffintown. That kind of local knowledge only comes from years on the ground.
The Reputation Check
Before I trust a new route, I always check the conditions first. Same principle applies here.
Do your homework:
- Google reviews (look for patterns, not just star ratings)
- Ask for references from recent customers
- Check if they're certified by reputable networks
At Pro Action, we're the only certified Great Canadian Van Lines agent in the Montreal area. That certification means we meet national standards for quality and reliability—it's not just a logo on a truck.
The On-Site Assessment
Any serious moving company will offer to see your home before giving a final quote. This isn't just about counting boxes—it's about understanding the real challenges.
A good assessor will note:
- Staircase width and turns
- Elevator availability and restrictions
- Parking distance and permit requirements
- Heavy or fragile items needing special handling
If a company quotes you over the phone without seeing your place or asking for your list of goods, they're guessing. And guesses turn into surprises on moving day.
The Questions Nobody Thinks to Ask
After 1,347 moves, here are the questions I wish more people would ask:
"What happens if something gets damaged?"
Get the claims process in writing before you sign anything. How do you file a claim? What's the timeline? What documentation do you need? A reputable company will have clear answers—not vague promises.
"Who actually shows up on moving day?"
Some companies subcontract their work. You might book with Company A and get a truck from Company B with a crew from Company C. Not ideal when something goes wrong.
At Pro Action, our crews are trained professionals who know our standards. No surprises.
"What's your cancellation policy?"
Life happens. Deals fall through, dates change. Know what you're committed to before you sign.
"Do you charge for travel time?"
Some companies start the clock when they leave their depot. Others start when they arrive at your door. That difference can add up fast.
The Moving Day Checklist
Once you've chosen your company, here's how to set everyone up for success:
Before the crew arrives:
- Clear pathways and remove obstacles
- Disconnect appliances and electronics
- Set aside items you're moving yourself (valuables, medications, important documents)
- Have payment ready in the agreed format
When they arrive:
- Walk through the home together
- Point out fragile items and special concerns
- Confirm the timeline and any access issues
- Keep kids and pets safely out of the way
During the move:
- Stay available for questions
- Do a final walkthrough of empty rooms
- Check items as they're loaded
Why It All Matters
In my long career as a truck, I've learned that the difference between a good move and a disaster often comes down to preparation. The right moving company doesn't just move your stuff—they move your peace of mind.
Your belongings carry your memories. Your grandmother's dishes, your kids' first drawings, that weird lamp you've had since college. A good mover understands that every box has a story.
At Pro Action Transport, we've been doing this since 2017. We've completed over 1,200 moves with a 4.7-star Google rating. We're not perfect—my transmission reminds me of that every day—but we care about getting it right.
Ready to Make the Right Choice?
If you're planning a move in Montreal, Laval, or anywhere across Canada, I'd love to help. Get a free quote from Pro Action Transport—no pressure, no gimmicks, just honest advice from a team that knows the roads.
And hey, if your move takes you coast-to-coast, my colleague Le Grand Peate has got you covered. But that's a story for another day.
Call us: 514-266-1239
Rusty Allen — Rusty's Chronicle
Since 2017 • 1,347 moves • Expert in Quebec local moving