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. Sheldon — our expert on moving economics — has put together a complete guide to hidden moving costs that lists every charge you should ask about before signing anything. Worth reading before you compare quotes.
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 Pro Action Transport, we're 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. And if you want the full playbook on how unreliable movers operate — the tactics they use to hook customers and disappear — my article on avoiding moving scams in Canada covers everything I've seen from the inside. Read it before you call anyone.
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 you have breakables, Scotty McBox's packing guide shows you exactly what proper protection looks like so you know what questions to ask your mover
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. For a complete week-by-week countdown to moving day — including everything to do before the crew even arrives — my complete moving checklist for Canada is the master reference I recommend to every customer.
Before the crew arrives:
- Clear pathways and remove obstacles
- Disconnect appliances and electronics
- Set aside items you're moving yourself (valuables, medications, important documents — and once you're settled, don't forget to update your address in Quebec; Tria has the complete checklist)
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many quotes should I get before choosing a moving company?
At least three written quotes from different companies. But don't compare just the bottom line — compare what's included in each one. A quote that looks 20% cheaper often excludes equipment fees, cargo protection, or stair access surcharges. Ask for itemized breakdowns, not lump sums. If a company refuses to put it in writing, walk away.
What license does a moving company in Quebec need?
In Quebec, any company transporting goods between municipalities must hold a CTQ (Commission des transports du Québec) license. Always ask for their CTQ number and verify it. They should also carry liability insurance — I'd look for a minimum of $1,000,000 in coverage, though reputable companies like Pro Action Transport carry $5,000,000 through commercial insurers.
Should I be concerned if a company subcontracts their moves?
Yes — be cautious. When a company subcontracts, accountability becomes murky. If something goes wrong, you may be dealing with two or three entities and no one takes clear ownership of the problem. Always ask directly: "Will the crew showing up on moving day be your own trained employees?" Get the answer in writing before signing.
What's the difference between liability coverage and cargo protection?
Liability coverage protects you if the movers damage your property through negligence. Cargo protection — note that we use that term, not "insurance," for regulatory reasons — covers the actual declared value of your goods. Always clarify what's included in the quote and read the fine print on coverage limits. Never assume your belongings are fully protected without confirming it explicitly.
Is an in-home assessment really necessary for a local move?
Absolutely — especially if you have stairs, narrow doorways, large furniture, or a high volume of boxes. An in-home assessment allows the company to give you an accurate final quote and eliminates surprise charges on moving day. Any reputable company should offer this at no cost. Be very wary of anyone who quotes you sight-unseen without asking for a detailed inventory.
How can I tell if a moving company's reviews are genuine?
Look for patterns across multiple platforms: Google, Facebook, and the Better Business Bureau. Be skeptical of companies with nothing but 5-star reviews and zero negative feedback — that often signals filtered or fake reviews. Authentic reviews tend to be specific: they mention crew names, describe particular challenges handled well, or reference real dates and neighborhoods. That level of detail is hard to fabricate.
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 wrote the definitive guide on long-distance moving in Canada — everything you need to know before crossing provincial lines. That's his territory, and nobody knows it better.
Call us: 514-266-1239
Rusty Allen — Rusty's Chronicles
Since 2017 • 1,347 moves • Expert in Quebec local moving