CityMove's Blog
Craigslist For Movers? Ruh Roh!
Craigslist is a terrific resource for a variety of products and services, but it can also be the very embodiment of the maxim caveat emptor - buyer beware.
For many years we used Craigslist as part of a collective strategy to promote our business in the Labor/Moving section of Craigslist Vancouver. About six months ago C/L started making changes to the posting process for companies in this section. Regular posters' were deleted daily in what appeared to be a push back against those who had been on C/L over the years and who no longer fit the bill as small, by C/L standards.
In the ensuing months a healthy mix of cheap upstarts and established professionals was diluted to the rough and ready only, as all established companies were wiped off the list in an inexorable campaign of ad deletion. And therein lies the rub - if you visit Craigslist Vancouver for movers today, there is nothing more than muppets masquerading as professionals.
"Who cares" I hear you say. Consider this point: To stay atop C/L these days a 'company' needs to change its phone number and name regularly to avoid ad deletion. Do you really want to do business with a company for whom deception is the very starting point of their business existence? Foresight and common sense suggests you will get what you get, if anything goes sideways on your move.
Moving is a stressful event, yet it doesn't have to be if you shop carefully for a moving company in Vancouver. It's like shopping for a car, you test drive a few and the best one becomes evident. The same applies to the moving business; contact a few reputable companies and outline your needs. You will be surprised how quickly the wheat separates from the chaff.
Filed under: Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: cheap movers, cheap movers vanocuver, cheap moving companies, cheap moving companies vancouver, cheap moving company, cheap moving company vancouver, cheap moving vancouver, Craigslist, Craigslist Vancouver, Movers Vancouver 
Posted on 19 January 2012 | 7:56 pm
The Worst Of 2011: Plastic Moving Boxes
The moving business in Vancouver is beset with all manner of disingenuousness. Little however comes close to the merde de taureau perpetrated by companies promoting plastic moving boxes. Billed as an environmentally user-friendly alternative to cardboard boxes, these round trip totes are nothing more than greenwash writ large. I've written extensively about this scourge before, so for brevity I will articulate in point form.
(1) The refrain is generally the same for all companies promoting plastic moving boxes; they are "environmentally friendly", but is this true? At first glance the idea of taking recyclable plastic and creating multiple use boxes does sound encouraging, but we can easily take recycled cardboard and make a similar claim. From this point the argument grows more opaque; for example, plastic is manufactured from a non renewable resource oil, whereas cardboard comes a renewable resource. Then the argument may diverge into the issue of product creation, does it take more energy to create a plastic box (gathering the plastic, melting it down, injecting the molds etc) or a cardboard one (cutting down the trees, driving or dragging them from the bush, creating pulp etc)? To my eye this part of the argument is a wash since most people lack the technical ability to know accurately which product/process is better. There is however one salient aspect of the environmental impact where there is no argument.
Empty plastic moving boxes are 8.4 pounds whereas a comparable cardboard moving box is 2.1 pounds. A net comparative difference of 6.3 pounds per box. So what is the big deal you ask? Let's extrapolate: If there is a million plastic moving boxes in use in North America (and it's likely there are 10x as many) 8.4 million pounds of plastic are being regularly transported around the continent, burning the required amount of fuel to get them from A to B. How many gallons of fuel? A thousand? Ten Thousand? And the result? An increase in greenhouse gases from burned fuel.
In a classic case of misdirection, plastic moving box companies draw your attention to the idea of using recycled plastic to give the impression of environmental friendliness all the while their product is doing exponential harm to the environment because of increased fuel consumption. But wait, there is more!
(2) Plastic moving boxes have a raised grid on the underside of the container that can scratch your hardwood floors.
(3) Slippery tapered sides on these boxes make them difficult to grasp from the bottom, additionally these tapered sides also prevent them from being put on a trolley (or hand cart).
(4) Since these boxes generally come in one size fits all, they tend to be overloaded. I've illustrated that a plastic moving box with books is in excess of 90 pounds! For comparison, a proper book box should weigh about 35 pounds.
(5) These boxes are created from a rigid plastic. If you bump a wall or strike a narrow door frame while carrying this box you will do damage, as opposed to a cardboard box which deflects.
(6) Cost. I've heard people tell me 25 plastic moving boxes cost about $100 delivered, however a quick check at Home Depot revealed recycled 3.0 cubic foot cardboard boxes cost only $1.49 ea.
(7) Plastic moving boxes are neither mover, cost, nor environmentally friendly. Do not be fooled, use proper sized recycled cardboard boxes.
* For an expanded discussion on the points above and more;
http://citymove.wordpress.com/2011/10/04/citymove-ca-moving-boxes-avoid-eco-friendly-plastic-moving-boxes/
http://citymove.wordpress.com/2010/10/08/citymove-ca-movers-vancouver-eco-friendly-plastic-moving-boxes-are-merde-de-taureau/
Filed under: Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, moving supplies, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: boxyourmove, bungobox, Cardboard box, cardboard boxes, cheerbox, crocbox, dymonbox, easycrate, eco friendly moving boxes, eco friendly reusable plastic moving boxes, ecobox, Frogbox, gobac, gogo box, gorillabox, green boxes, green moving boxes, greenawayboxes, ideal moving boxes, jugglebox, jugglebox new york, just say no to boxes, Karmaboxx, moving blocks, Moving boxes, moving boxes vancouver, moving storage containers, moving supplies, packnstack, Paper vs. Plastic, plastic moving bins, plastic moving bins halifax, plastic moving bins ottawa, plastic moving bins vancouver, plastic moving boxes boise, plastic moving boxes calgary, plastic moving boxes durham, plastic moving boxes edmonton, plastic moving boxes halifax, plastic moving boxes hamilton, plastic moving boxes minneapolis, plastic moving boxes new york, plastic moving boxes seattle, plastic moving boxes toronto, plastic moving boxes vancouver, plastic moving crate rentals, plastic moving crates, plastic moving crates boise, plastic moving crates calgary, plastic moving crates durham, plastic moving crates edmonton, plastic moving crates halifax, plastic moving crates hamilton, plastic moving crates minneapolis, plastic moving crates new york, Plastic moving crates ottawa, plastic moving crates seattle, plastic moving crates toronto, plastic moving crates vancouver, plastic moving tubs, Plastic recycling, redibox, rent plastic moving crates, rentacrate, rentagreenbox, rentason, toadbox, zippgo 
Posted on 3 January 2012 | 10:04 pm
Binners are Winners!
We were driving from a largely disorganized job when the usually reticent "H" (or haitch, if you prefer) spied a green dumpster in the alley and murmured " A customers' best friend". Hah! - good one methinks.
It's true, a fundamental mistake made in the preparation for a move is the lack of purging. Instead of using the opportunity to throw sh*t away, people invariably drag their trap to the new venue with predictable results. Take for example a recent move we did from a large one bedroom to a smaller one. People generally have poor spatial recognition and after we unloaded the items there wasn't a foot of open walking space - the new apartment was turned into a storage locker much to the consternation of the wife, who exclaimed to her husband "I told you so"!
An outcome like this is common yet unnecessary; use the transition as an opportunity to divest yourself of the detritus. Yet perhaps you are not persuaded by my exhortations alone? Let me put it another way: The people we moved into the cosy one bedroom apartment could have saved about three hours or $250 by ridding themselves of their excess before the move and not after.
If you are unsure what to do with your odds and ends remember charities such as the Salvation Army will accept most of your stuff though it must be clean and undamaged. After that, start giving it to your new best friend: the dumpster in the back of your building, it's a win-win.
Filed under: Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, moving supplies, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: Big Brothers, boxes, charities, Move packing, movers vancovuer, moving day, moving tips, organizing a move, packing tips, Salvation Army, storage 
Posted on 20 December 2011 | 5:29 pm
Plastic Moving Boxes Will Kill You (and ruin your floors too)!!!
How much does a plastic moving box full of books weigh?
Answer: Over 90 pounds!
How much does a proper book box weigh when filled?
Answer: 36 pounds
At 2.5 times heavier than a proper book box, plastic moving crates are entirely inappropriate for moving books or any other heavy household items. Now I know what you are thinking; Nobody fills a large crate with books or cans or other heavy items? You better believe they do! We see it all the time and this is why proper moving boxes come in different sizes, to accommodate a range of household items. Now perhaps you aren't too interested in the movers' back, that is his job after all - to move heavy stuff. O.K., let me highlight an issue that may interest you.
Plastic moving boxes have a raised grid on the underside of the container, like this:
This raised grid, used presumably to prevent the crates from sliding around when they are stacked upon each other during transport, has the feel of 100 grit sand paper to the touch. Do you have any idea what happens when you load one of these plastic moving boxes with 90 pounds of books and slide it across your new hardwood floor? INSTANT DESTRUCTION! You' ll leave more scratches than imaginable.
For some time now I've outlined the downsides of plastic moving boxes. Here is a brief summary so far;
1) Hard plastic tubs (PVC) are manufactured from petrochemicals; oil.
2) Each plastic moving box weighs almost 9 pound empty - meaning increased weight for your mover to lift and increased fuel consumption for the truck.
3) Slippery tapered sides make the crates very difficult to carry properly while protecting and isolating your back - one perceptive moving company in the U.S. called them "Workers Compensation Boxes" - and they are right!
4) The size and design of the plastic moving crate lends itself to significant overloading - e.g., a 90 pound book box.
5) The crates have a sand paper like grid on the bottom which can easily damage your wood floors.
Plastic moving crates are not a better way to move; they are complete rubbish in my opinion. Use proper sized cardboard boxes and avoid all the perils outlined above. For an expanded discussion of the points highlighted, please read my other posts on the topic;
http://citymove.wordpress.com/2010/10/
http://citymove.wordpress.com/2012/01/03/the-worst-of-2011-plastic-moving-boxes/
Filed under: Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, moving supplies, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: eco friendly boxes, eco friendly reusable plastic moving boxes, Frogbox, gogo box, green moving boxes, justsaynotoboxes, Karmaboxx, moving blocks, Moving boxes, moving boxes vancouver, plastic moving bins, plastic moving bins ottawa, plastic moving bins seattle, plastic moving bins toronto, plastic moving bins vancouver, plastic moving boxes ottawa, plastic moving boxes seattle, plastic moving boxes toronto, plastic moving boxes vancouvier, plastic moving crates seattle, rentacrate 
Posted on 4 October 2011 | 5:27 pm
Moving Company Franchises: The Blind Leading The Blind.
Many people aspire to be self-employed. Flexible hours, independence in decision-making and a belief you are building your own future fuel the desire to go out on your own. Not everyone however has a skill or a unique idea to pursue, therefore some follow a more tried-and true formula; the franchise. In simple terms a franchisee (you) is granted the right, or licence, to market the franchisor's (the company) product or service in a selected area. Drawing on the company's specialized experience, proven success and the ability to replicate that which makes them successful, the premise is that you too can have a flourishing business. What happens though, when the company selling the franchise works in an industry based on deception with no industry training standard?
The moving industry can be a dirty nasty low life filled affair. And this is just the good days. I've highlighted the deficiencies of the industry many times over the years but these points are worth reiterating as they relate to franchising. The first relates to training; in any franchise the two key components are the product and the mode of delivery i.e., the training methods. In the furniture moving industry I have yet to see a company use a structured, formulaic and replicable approach to the moving of furniture. And if the franchisor has nary a clue about the transition of furniture from a to b, who is going to teach you? Remember, the moving industry has no licensing or training standard to rely upon, but if you doubt the veracity of my words, stop and watch movers load a truck some time; It's a Gong Show.
The larger point as it relates to furniture moving franchises is this; Why would you pay a company money for a franchise when you can do the thing yourself at a fraction of the cost? It's true! First chose a company name. In this industry the trend seems to be getting a name as close to your competition as possible, for example, if there is a company call Muppet Movers you call your company Vancouver Muppet Movers, geddit? Second you get a decent truck and put some flashy graphics on it - customers know you are a pro when they see that. Third, create a website filled with the usual bullshit about how you are a professional and all your workers are fully trained etc. Oh, did I mention you should claim to be licensed bonded and insured? Fourth, write your own testimonials and lots of them - currently the Gold Standard is 103. Fifth, have someone overly caffeinated answer the phone and promise the customer, "Yes the trucks are always on time", "Yes are workers are fully trained professionals with a minimum of five years experience", "Yes, we are Vancouver's best movers", inter alia. Sixth, when a customer tells you there is damage to their oak table just tell'em it was there before, it works every time. Seventh, and this is the long view, when someone complains to the Better Business Bureau, by the dozen in all likely hood, or worse sues you in Provincial Court, just ignore it until it finally catches up to you - then "sell" the company - preferably to an existing employee - Presto, an instantly cleaned up reputation.
See? Why bother with the nonsense of a franchise when you can fully engage in the nonsense of the industry at a fraction of the price? Good luck muppet!
Filed under: Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: business opportunities, Franchising, Movers Vancouver, moving company, Moving company franchises, Vancouver 
Posted on 26 August 2011 | 5:30 pm
Stop It!
Common sense is not so common.
Voltaire
What do magazines, rocks and paint cans have in common? They’re often used by Vancouver movers to prop doors open. Now I know what you think -”What does a door stop have to do with my move?” A lot actually. As I’ve touched on many times in the course of my blog posts, moving is all about the details. You don’t just get an expensive truck, throw on some flashy graphics and instantly become a skilled mover. The ability to move furniture carefully and efficiently mirrors the development of many faculties, from spatial intelligence and time management, to strength, patience and foresight.
Door stop usage is like the canary in the coal mine, an early harbinger of things to come. Why? The level of professionalism displayed by your mover is composed of constituent parts – the most elementary is the need to have properly opened doors. Let me give you an example. Say your mover uses a folded up magazine or rock to hold a door open and proceeds to move a sofa out of your apartment. It is very common to have part of the sofa bump or rub on the door as it passes through the frame, which can dislodge the magazine. The improperly held door then closes on the two movers, potentially damaging the sofa (the door handle digs into the fabric) or scratching the door as the feet drag along. Remember, details matter.
Filed under: Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, moving supplies, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: Movers Vancouver, moving companies vancouver, Moving equipment, Vancouver, vancouver movers 
Posted on 3 July 2011 | 5:31 pm
Movers in Vancouver: When Deception is King
"If you want to swim with the fishes, you must get used to the water"
- Chinese Proverb
What is the most vague word in a Vancouver movers' advertisement? "Professional." And if you were to scratch at this thin veneer of competence, you will expose a more authentic identity. An identity, based on deception in a variety of guises, from multiple websites and phone numbers under single ownership to bait and switch, overcharging, counterfeit testimonials, website content theft, concealed company ownership and more. Why is this?
The moving business is a rara avis. In an age of government over regulation it stands out as a refractory and unregulated industry with no defined professional standard. Yet it is precisely a professional standard which could bring about much-needed change to our industry. For example, I worked overseas for a government department that mandated mover testing before a contract was signed. The test was a simple one; you were asked to pack properly 45 cubic metres of furniture into a 40 cubic metre space, in a specified amount of time*. This scrutinizes the spatial recognition and time management skills of a mover; precisely the skills which should be benchmarks of a professional standard in Canada. These benchmarks wouldn't clean up the industry entirely, but they would be a significant step toward allowing skilled movers in Vancouver to differentiate themselves from the masses, with government accreditation.
*The trick was to put boxes inside wardrobes or large cabinets!
Filed under: Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, moving supplies, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: BBB complaints, mover complaints, movers vancouver vancouver moving companies, moving company, Moving Services, Trade practices 
Posted on 19 June 2011 | 5:51 pm
Renting a Truck? Read this First.
It's moving time and you decide to do it yourself: rent a truck, get some friends, done in a few hours, piece of cake right? Moving at the entry-level is straight forward: pack boxes and load furniture. And this is how you'll be selling it to friends the week before, but remember the devil is in the details. There are a sizable number of things to go sideways on your move, though people rarely foresee them.
1- The first consideration is the full cost of the truck. Remember to include insurance, fuel, mileage and late fees (your move is going to take longer than you expect) in the arithmetic. Another consideration; some Vancouver truck rental companies will sell you insurance but neglect to tell you it covers the truck, but not the box on the back. Scratch it, scrape it or dent it and you'll be paying for the damage out-of-pocket. Be sure to ask what the insurance covers.
2- Beware of damaging your building during the move. Many building managers in Vancouver are fastidious about their hallways, stairwells and elevators. Some take photos of the walls, before the move, to document existing marks and show new damage more readily. But there is more. A significant number of buildings in Vancouver have relatively low ceiling height in the hallways and hence the sprinkler heads are low too. During the course of your move you will have to shift something big, like a sofa, and generally sofas' need to be stood on end. You get the picture, tall sofa and low hallway; proceed with care.
3- There are many ways to injure yourself during the course of a self move. Here are a few; (a) Your boxes will be over packed and you may not have the proper moving equipment. (b) You will have to move your sofa and bed. Each of these presents a unique challenge; the sofa may need to be tipped on end and manipulated in a few different positions, or have to go down a flight of stairs. The mattress has its own challenges because of its awkward shape and weight. (c) When you are carrying an item, you generally cannot see your feet nor the path, walk with care and try to make sure the path is clear.
4- Lack of proper moving equipment. If you chose to move yourself you may lack trolleys, floor covers, pads, shrink-wrap, straps and more. One example: Ikea makes a particular type of fastening system on one of their beds. If you do not have the correct tool you will be fiddling with the disassembly for a while. Another is the use of shrink-wrap to secure the dresser drawers in place during transport. If you don't have it, the move gets messy fast. And speaking of messy, do you have the mattress bags to protect your bed?
5- Damage to your possessions during the move. Your goods need to be properly prepped with pads, boxes or shrink-wrap before the move, and once on the truck they must be secured to prevent shifting.
Most people decide to move themselves without giving full consideration to the details outlined above. Do your arithmetic and understand the pitfalls. Then, create a list of items to be moved and some information about the access (i.e., three-story walk up to 5th floor elevator). Choose a few moving companies and ask for the rate, availability and a general idea of how long your move will take. This will help you make a more balanced comparison between the price and the value of a self move vs. a professional move.
Filed under: Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, moving supplies, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: Budget, Cube Van Rentals Vancouver, Moving Truck Rentals Vancouver, Penske, Truck Rentals, U-Haul, Vancouver Truck Rentals 
Posted on 7 June 2011 | 5:33 pm
My Mover is ‘Bonded’; What Does This Mean?
Get your milk, I'm serving up dry toast.
Movers in Vancouver often advertise themselves as "Licensed - Bonded - Insured." You may be surprised to learn that "Bonded" doesn't mean what you think.
Broadly speaking a bond is a form of insurance used to protect a business from losses caused by theft or incompetence. The three most common forms are fidelity bonds, contract bonds and miscellaneous bonds. And here in lies the confusion: the fidelity bond as it relates to movers, has nothing to do with a criminal background check. The fidelity bond protects a business if an employee steals or damages a customers' property. Each company has a different bond value based on the property at risk, besides their commercial general liability insurance and cargo coverage.
Insurance issues related to residential furniture moving are complex and best understood by an expert in the field. If you have questions or concerns about insurance, as it relates to your move, I strongly suggest you speak to an insurance broker in your area.
Filed under: Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, moving supplies, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: Bonded, Bonds, Movers Vancouver, moving companies vancouver, moving nsurance, vancouver movers 
Posted on 28 April 2011 | 5:36 pm
Citymove.ca – Mover of The Year – Picture That!
I saw this paid link recently on Google AdWords. What caught my eye wasn't the Better Business Bureau (B.B.B.) paying for ad space, but the body of the ad itself. "To Find Honest Ratings And Reviews" (italics added). The inference was clear: ratings and reviews found elsewhere may not be veracious. And they are right. I wrote about this in 2009 and the truthiness of ratings/reviews persists, though the topic is under increasing scrutiny. So what now?
With the subjective market for testimonials and reviews tightening up, where is a mover to get his props from? Ah, I am glad you asked. It seems the new kid on the block is a thread bare piece of puffery know as "Mover of the Year." Awarded by organizations not worth knowing, to recipients not worth mentioning, this dubious distinction again sets the bar a little lower for the industry. However, I'm not all piss and vinegar. Ironically, I too, was recently chosen to receive this metaphorical kitty litter from an individual of absolute emotional honesty and infinitely superior wisdom. How could I say no?
We at Citymove.ca gladly accept this nod of approval.
Filed under: Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, moving supplies, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: Better Business Bureau, Google, Mover of The Year, Movers Vancouver, moving companies vancouver, vancouver movers
Posted on 18 March 2011 | 5:36 pm
7 Things I Know About Back Pain
I am not a doctor nor do I play one on TV, this is not medical advice.
Residential furniture moving is a nasty sort of business, especially on the back. Extreme weight and uneven loads (think sofa bed coming down a flight of stairs) are just two issues besides the force multiplier: iteration. The discomfort is immediate but the treatment eventual, given the nebulous nature of back pain. Consider: Your doctor must discern an ailment to guide you towards treatment, but the description "My back hurts" doesn't narrow down the list of possibilities. Why do you think doctors send patients away with prescriptions? It's a systemic answer for a vague description: all bases are covered. The key to understanding and treating your back pain lies with a multi faceted approach to the subject. There are many steps you can take on your own, supplemented with the help of the medical profession, here are a few:
(1) Stretching : I cannot put too fine a point on this, stretching is possibly the single best thing you can do to relieve muscle tension, full stop. Have a look at this site, it will give you a terrific start. http://www.drillsandskills.com/stretching/General
(2) Pain killers v. Anti-inflammatories : Two different types of product: Tylenol is an over the counter pain-killer and Advil is the anti-inflammatory. The important thing to understand is the difference between the two. Again, this is a good starting point: http://www.differencebetween.net/science/health/the-difference-between-tylenol-and-advil/. Ask your doctor which one is best for you.
(3) On site injections : If you have chronic back pain and you can find the specific area, an injection may help you. Depo-Medrol is a corticosteroid commonly used to reduce inflammation.
(4) Water intake : Furniture moving is a strenuous physical activity that lends itself to dehydration and in turn muscle cramping. Some believe there is a correlation between muscle cramping and back pain; http://nutrition.about.com/od/hydrationwater/a/back_pain_water.htm.
(5) MRI : One of the most difficult issues to qualify with a back problem is the exact location of the pain. It is not an exaggeration to say this takes years to discern given the wait list for proper diagnostics. Currently the gold standard for diagnostics is a MRI.
(6) Sleep : Back pain is not always obvious in day-to-day activities, though a feeling of malaise may be persistant. One of the interesting ways you can infer a back problem is through sleep patterns. For example, if you wake up more than once a night you may have pain issues. Pay close attention to your sleep patterns for valuable clues about your overall well-being.
(7) Alternative therapies : There is a multitude of alternative therapies for back pain including massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractor and physiotherapists.
The most difficult issue about back pain from my experience is being able to understand what causes the pain, as the more you dig into the problem, the more complex it becomes. Find yourself a good doctor and stick with him/her, as you will need a good working relationship to get the attention to detail this issue requires.
Filed under: Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, moving supplies, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: Back pain tips, Movers Vancouver, moving companies vancouver, vancouver movers 
Posted on 18 February 2011 | 5:37 pm
Something Stinks at Storage in Vancouver
Strong Language Warning: If strong language offends, tune out now!
What would you do if your 12 pack of beer had only ten bottles? If you are like most people you would bring it to management and expect a speedy resolution, either a price reduction or the extra bottles. What if management declined to do either, explaining that a case of ten was the standard, and everybody was doing it that way. You would raise your hand and call "Bullshit!"
Over the years I have moved a significant number of people into storage facilities. The overriding issue is generally the same; to get the proper sized locker for the number of things a person has. Through repetition and superior spatial awareness I can estimate the amount in the truck, to a certain locker size. If we have a half of a load we may ask the customer to reserve a ten by ten locker. This is where the problem began; I would go to preview the locker and be miffed to see it was not big enough - or the fit was very tight. It occurred many times before I quantified the issue: lockers are smaller than the advertised dimensions. A ten by ten was generally a nine by 9.5 - or less if there was a structural pillar or ventilation duct running through it. And this was not an occasional thing, as most lockers were smaller than their advertised size.
After seeing this (primarily at the "big box" storage facilities in Vancouver) for many years I finally discussed it with a sales manager, whose business card I retained. I brought to his attention the discrepancy between the advertised size and the actual size of the lockers. Do you know what his response was? "Everybody is doing it." (Emphasis mine.)
A ten by ten locker is 100 square feet and a nine by 9.5 is 85.5 square feet. The difference between the two is nearly 15 square feet! This equates to an extra 15 % for a product you are not receiving; the same as if you found ten beer in your 12 pack. Take a tape measure on your next trip to storage and remember if you are not getting what you paid for, call "bullshit!"
Filed under: Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, moving supplies, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: maple leaf storage vancouver, mini storage vancouver, mobile storage vancouver, Movers Vancouver, moving and storage vancouver, moving companies vancouver, Public Storage, Storage Vancouver, vancouver movers, Vancouver Storage 
Posted on 27 January 2011 | 5:38 pm
Why Movers in Vancouver Need Proper Training
This past year the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) shone a bright light on the moving industry. In a series of missives they exposed the feckless TSM, rogue movers across the country, and in a novel twist, gave the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and movers one to the wedding tackle. From claims of negligence, to fraud and theft these articles covered it all, including predictable commentary from industry leaders. The refrain was the same: more regulation and crackdown on rogue movers. To my eye though, the call for punitive action ignores the 900 pound gorilla in the room; most movers lack standardized and accredited training at the entry-level. I believe this omission to be at the heart of many of the problems we see today in the moving business.
Consider: Would you ask a couple of your buddies to come over and rewire your renovated condo? Plugs and switches do look easy, why not give it a swing? Because it needs a trained professional to make sure the job goes according to plan. A similar professional standard should apply to residential furniture moving. I am not saying that we need the same level of education as an electrician but there is a particular way to do this job and it starts with fundamentals. The Australian government understood this and created a six week introductory program for the transportation industry. The Kiwis went a step farther with a 12 week program. And the Canadians? The Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) has a Professional Mover Course which can be completed "in a weekend."
Proper fundamentals training are the warp and woof of all professions including residential furniture moving. Without it we will remain a refractory industry destined to wear the "Kick Me" sign for the foreseeable future.
Filed under: Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, moving supplies, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: Better Business Bureau, cbc, Movers Vancouver, moving companies vancouver, vancouver movers 
Posted on 6 December 2010 | 5:39 pm
Plastic Moving Boxes In Vancouver? Just Say No!
What is the difference between plastic moving boxes and two minute noodles? Everyone knows two minute noodles are rubbish.
Recently there has been an onset of companies promoting the use of plastic moving boxes as environmentally friendly and convenient, but are plastic tubs a preferable option to cardboard boxes? I would argue no, as they are neither eco nor mover friendly.
Hard plastic tubs (PVC) are manufactured from petrochemicals; oil. The same substance recently described as having caused a human, economic and environmental catastrophe. If this is not enough food for thought consider these facts.
A common size for "eco friendly" plastic moving boxes is around 23" long by 19" wide and 12" deep. Also known as a round trip tote, this 2.7 cubic foot container is nine pounds empty, however a 3.0 cubic foot cardboard moving box is only 2.1 pounds. If you were to use 40 boxes for your one bedroom apartment, which is not extraordinary, the difference between plastic v. cardboard would be a significant 280 pound net [40 plastic containers x nine pounds each = 360 lbs. 40 cardboard boxes @ 2.1 lbs = 80.4 lbs. 360 - 80 = 280 lbs]! A substantive 280 pounds of added weight for your movers to load/unload and, 280 lbs of additional load on the truck engine. The result? Increased fuel consumption on every move in the city, throughout the province and across the country. But wait!
In an earlier blog post I had discussed the use of plastic moving crates from a professional mover's perspective. Having seen them more often, a couple of points are worth reiterating. The heavier your job is the slower it will go. Also, the tubs are poorly designed for the real process of moving as they lend themselves to overloading. Additionally the slippery tapered sides prevent a mover from lifting and grasping it from the bottom, leaving only hand holds on the top side of the crate for leverage. This is akin to lifting a heavy weight out of the trunk of your car: your lower back is always vulnerable. In light of this, we handle all heavy plastic bins with two men for safety.
If plastic moving boxes are to supplant cardboard in the future they must move toward constructing the tubs in a similar shape as two and four cubic foot cardboard boxes, the same way the current dish pack copied an old school tea-chest. Otherwise, the combination of an awkward shape, significant tare weight and environmental impact will make them untenable for long-term growth in the market place.
*Update 2011* Please visit our new blog post on the subject: http://citymove.wordpress.com/2011/10/04/plastic-moving-boxes-will-kill-you-and-ruin-your-floors-too-2/
Filed under: Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, moving supplies, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: Cardboard box, Frogbox, moving blocks, Moving boxes, Moving crates, Plastic Moving Boxes, plastic moving crates, plastic moving tubs 
Posted on 8 October 2010 | 7:04 pm
What You Need To Know About Insurance: terminus a quo.
To paraphrase Churchill, "Insurance companies never draw a line without blurring it."
Whether you are moving down the street or across the country, insurance is a subject worthy of illumination. But where do you start? Let me illustrate an answer this way;
Indemnity Agreement. Co-Insurance. Perils Issued. Special Basis of Settlement. Right of Subrogation. Fungal Derivatives Exclusion. Third Party Liability. Material Change in Risk. Commercial General Liability. Professional Liability Exclusion. Sine Qua Non. Terrorism Exclusion Endorsement. Consequential Loss Assumption. Replacement Cost Endorsement. Aggregate Limit. Conditions Expressed Hereafter. Impairment of Recovery. LCD Soundsystem. Composite Insurance. Underwriting Agent. Intangible Loss. General Damage. Commercial Insurance Binder. Broad Forms. A Condition Precedent Thereto. Cross Liability. Insured Contract.
The lexicon of insurance as above, highlights the need for care and attention to detail when approaching the subject. If your move requires insurance coverage you should speak to an independent professional in the field, such as an insurance broker or your residential insurance representative. They can assess and advise, vis a vis the myriad issues surrounding moving coverages. Remember most professional moving companies carry a general commercial insurance that is suited to their needs. Do a little homework to ensure it is suited to your needs too.
Filed under: Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, moving supplies, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: bonded movers, insurance, insured movers, moving insurance, Professional liability insurance 
Posted on 15 August 2010 | 5:42 pm
How Long Will My Move Take?
When quizzed about how much time a move might take, my former boss liked to say "It takes what it takes." And while there is nothing like a Bertuzzi-esque circular tautology to bring a smile to a customers' face, these days we like to be less obtuse. There is a variety of factors that contribute to the amount of time a job takes. They include, though are not limited to, number of items to be moved, distance from apartment to truck, stairs v. elevator, packing efficiency and more.
The quickest moves we see are people on the ground floor of an apartment building with patio access to the street, moving to the same scenario. It is often possible to move the contents of this standard one bedroom place from a to b in about two hours. From here the duration increases, for example if you had the same number of items going from the 2nd floor of an apartment building with stairs, to the 2nd floor with elevator, it is realistic to add an hour to 1.5 hrs. Preparation for the move can also play an important role in the time consideration. If the bed needs to be disassembled (very common) or the packing is not complete when we arrive, time accrues.
One of the most common factors to add time to a job is a long carry. This means each trip has to cover significant distance (a long hall way or through a car park) to the truck or the apartment. A small elevator can also add time to your job by simply restricting the number of goods that can be transported in one trip, besides issues created by not having the elevator locked off.
A proficient residential furniture mover should be able to give you a general time estimate based on a description of the larger items, a box count and details about access. Remember to tell your mover about issues highlighted above: it will increase the accuracy of the estimate.
Filed under: Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, moving supplies, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: movers vancovuer, moving cost estimates, moving costs, moving estimates, moving time, written estimates 
Posted on 25 June 2010 | 5:43 pm
Storage Facilities or Storage Containers?
Movers in Vancouver can guide you through a trifecta of choices when it comes to storage requirements. From a locker at a storage facility to a container delivered to your home or a moving company's in-house arrangement, there are many choices. Each option brings different levels of convenience and price points. The question becomes; what is best for your moving needs?
A big box storage facility has many features. There are many locker sizes, price points, and security provisions. Additionally, a competitive market place has induced some facilities to offer 1st and sometimes 2nd months for free. Generally you can visit your locker to add/remove items at your convenience and the contract can be canceled with one month notice. The downside concerns double handling. Your movers deliver the goods to the storage facility and the bill is paid. When you leave the storage facility your movers will again charge an hourly minimum besides travel time to retrieve your goods. If you were to choose a portable storage container you may be able to avoid double handling costs - the container is loaded and unloaded once.
Portable storage containers delivered to homes are more limited in their size range v. a storage facility. A storage facility may have lockers up to 20ft by 20ft whereas the largest portable container I've seen is 16ft by 7ft. Additionally it is prudent to understand the spatial requirements for delivery of the containers. Companies use different mechanical devices to drop off the storage box at your house/apartment and some are better suited to working in tight areas. Also, portable storage containers generally have no tie down positions to secure your cargo, therefore it is advisable to pre-pack your goods with extra care. Remember too, once the container is loaded and picked up you will not have access to it until it is re-delivered.
Some moving companies in Vancouver offer in-house storage at their base. At first glance it may seem like a good option, however like all things the devil is in the details. For example, do they allow you access to your goods while in storage and at what cost? Is there a pick up and drop fee for the container? Additionally, you may want to visit their facility when you do the paperwork.
Each choice has its advantages. The key is to be objective about your requirements and do your homework. If you clearly establish how much is to be stored and for how long, you can get a better idea of the total costs and which option is best.
For more information and a no obligation phone estimate, contact us toll-free @ 1-866-CITYMOVE (1-866-248-9668).
Filed under: Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, moving supplies, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: ah so easy, maple leaf storage vancouver, mobile storage vancouver, moving and storage, Moving Services, Pods, portable storage containers, portable storage sheds, Public Storage, Storage Containers, Storage Vancouver, storkit 
Posted on 27 April 2010 | 5:44 pm
How To Hire Movers in Vancouver – Redux
Hiring a mover in Vancouver is like going to the dentist, no one enjoys the process. But in the same way that preventative maintenance lessens dental pain, a thorough and pragmatic search can lessen chances of a poor move. All movers in Vancouver advertise their services in various media. Some for example rely on the print medium, internet or both. Within these advertisements are the clues required to begin solving the question; how do you find a good mover?
The first question a consumer should ask themselves is this; do I need a professional mover? If the answer is yes, your search has already cleared one hurdle. The next question: who are the true professionals? The clues begin within their advertising and use of words like licensed. This is a good start as it shows the company has registered with City Hall, providing a mailing address and an owner's name.
Second, does the company offer insurance ? This is a bit of a tricky issue in terms of assessment. Many companies will advertise they offer a 'free basic insurance of .60 cents per pound,' for your move. If they were to drop your 80 pound flat screen tv you will receive $48.00 compensation (.60 cents x 80 lbs ). The difficulty with this coverage is that it doesn't cover things of value, and a deductible might be assessed too ( you may have to pay a $200+ deductible). Insurance for you move is best understood by an insurance broker. Your needs combined with their experience can help show if your moving company has the right coverages.
Third, the Better Business Bureau. Many companies draw attention to their membership or rating at the BBB, but what does it mean to the consumer? A positive aspect of being on the BBB`s files relates to transparency. Customers know who owns the company, and where they do business. Additionally the BBB keeps a list of complaints against a company, and there lies a valuable clue. A significant number of complaints (BBB member or not) should serve as a warning that all is not well. Remember too, the BBB has no skills assessment category, for members or non members. When you see a company 'A' rated, it is not their furniture moving skills being exhorted.
Fourth. If you found your prospective mover on the internet, it is likely you will discover more than just advertising, as every company has testimonials too. While we have covered this issue in a previous article there are a couple of points worth mentioning. 3rd party review sites which feature testimonials are businesses. And like all businesses based on the web, they need new content to stay relevant on search engines. This combined with the hyper competitive nature of the moving business has led to testimonials as a growth industry. So how do you separate the wheat from the chaff? My suggestion is to look at testimonials as you look at BBB complaints; scrutinizing the negative ones closely, as they are more likely to contain grains of truth.
The points above, besides earlier posts give you a comprehensive outline to finding a good moving company. Remember, you can learn a terrific amount about a company through attention to their advertising, followed up with the resources of the internet.
Filed under: Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, moving supplies, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: Better Business Bureau, hiring movers, hiring moving companies, moving company reviews, moving scams, Moving Services, Testimonials, the best movers in vancouver, vancouver movers 
Posted on 13 February 2010 | 5:44 pm
Top 7 Moving Tips to Save $100!
I have a hundred-dollar bill with your name on it. Interested? I thought you might be. Did you know people waste at least this much money on an average move? Through inefficiency and a lack of attention to detail, customers often pay more than is necessary. With this as a backdrop I would like to present seven easy tips to saving your money.
1 - PACKING BOXES
Since time equals money, the easiest way to start saving is with your box packing. Why? When we come to move you the first thing we clear out is the boxes. To do this quickly we use either trolleys or four-wheel boards, and here's the catch; if the tops of the boxes are not closed and taped shut, we cannot stack them. And if we cannot stack them, they get moved individually, thus reducing efficiency.
2 - RESERVE PARKING
If you live in the city center you know how difficult parking is. Multiply this by three, and you get a better idea of the difficultly of parking the truck with a ramp. Once again the issue of efficiency is at hand. You must try to reserve parking for the truck if you are expecting a quick move. You can do one of a few things; (a) ask your manager/concierge if there is a designated spot for loading, and reserve it. (b) I have seen people put garbage cans or recycling bins out the night before to block a space. (c) The City of Vancouver will for a fee, block off space on your street for your exclusive use.
3 - ELEVATOR KEY
If there is an elevator involved in your move you must try to get a key to lock it off. This independent use feature is essential for the efficacy of your move. Without the elevator locked off your movers face three issues, (1) the door will keep closing on them as they load, (2) an unlocked elevator once loaded, will travel to whatever floor has called it, (3) when your movers take the items out and load them in the truck, the elevator is available for any resident waiting. Get the key.
4 - TAKE STUFF APART
If you purchased a big computer station from IKEA and built it in your office, you should take it apart before transport. Here's why; we might get it out of your current location because we can assess all the doorways. The problem is the other end - I cannot foresee the access at the other side - so even if I can get it out of the current place, it may still end needing disassembly at your new place. If it is big and awkward just take it apart before hand.
5 - GARBAGE BAGS ARE YOUR FRIEND
One of the most common mistakes people make is with what I call the "smalls". You know, a hand full of this and that, left at the end of your general packing. Put all these bits and bobs into garbage bags, it will save you extra time.
6 - HAVE SOMEONE ON HAND TO WATCH THE TRUCK
When we are loading or unloading the truck we can only convey a certain number of things at one time. If we load the elevator, we then have to go to shut the back of the truck, on each trip (for safety). The issue becomes a cumulative one, if we have to make 50 trips in the elevator, that is 100 times we open and close the truck. By having one of your party keeping an eye on things, efficiency improves.
7 - COUPON
There is a $10 coupon on our website, download it and use it!
It really is that simple yet generally overlooked. Follow the seven easy steps and you save $100 on your next local move.
Posted in Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, moving supplies, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: money saving tips, Move packing, Move preparation, Movers Vancouver, packing tips, top 7 moving tips, Vancouver 
Posted on 12 January 2010 | 5:45 pm
The Egoistic Tip
Picture this; you go out for dinner to your favorite restaurant and the waiter shuffles a dozen or so items between your table and the service area. If the service is good, perhaps you leave ten to 20 percent of the bill as a tip. Segue to your condo move the following day; your movers handle 100 items from the premises to the truck and to the new premises again, all without delay or incident, do you tip them 20% too?
Granted, a meal in a restaurant is not completely analogous to residential furniture moving when it comes to the issue of a gratuities. But if you lean toward what Richardson calls the "tightwad tendency," let me give you a couple of suggestions that may appeal to tipping out of self-interest.
Moving is a difficult job that requires strength, patience and attention to detail. An average move of a one bedroom condo can take half of a day and more. During the course of a move it is natural that the pace may slow marginally as the day progresses. Do you want your movers to keep the pace steady? Then consider this - a bottle of pop, energy drink or a coffee. It is really that simple, and if you are feeling particularly indulgent, a bit of food. Remember, these are the best few dollars you will spend on the day, a bit of sugar/caffeine and away we go!
O.K., so the move is complete and you are happy with the entire process. The bill is presented and you reach for payment - but are you inclined to tip? To be clear, we do not expect anything other than payment of the bill. However, if you have found a mover that is professional reliable and affordable, you may have found someone worth enhancing your rapport with. I tell people the moving business is best understood by the 90/10 rule. That is to say ten percent of the companies out there are very good, and then there are the rest. Let self-interest be your guide to gratuities with your mover; it's a win-win.
Posted in Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, moving supplies, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: gratuities, movers, movers tips, Movers Vancouver, Tip (gratuity), Tipping movers 
Posted on 1 January 2010 | 5:46 pm
Death of the Testimonial
Is the testimonial dead? You know the ones - from sites that urge you to "read reviews and write reviews." There was a time when a testimonial was a valuable addition to a company profile: a laudatory acknowledgment of a company's superior performance in their particular field. Today there are many sites dedicated to the seemingly objective review of a company and its services, but has a good idea in principle, gone badly in practice?
I was recently contacted by a representative of one of these sites and informed that our company was in the running for the coveted title of Mover of the Year. Wow methinks! There was however a catch (isn't there always for this type of thing?), apparently we had only two reviews and as terrific as they were, three more were required to qualify for "voting'". Naturally I was gutted, seeing my glittering prize drift away. Before I could lapse into a pity party the representative for this site encouraged me to have three additional reviews posted before the deadline. "Right" - I think, "do you have any idea how infrequently an excellent testimonial is offered without prompting or overt solicitation?"
Fast forward a week later and I get a call from Ms. Overly Caffeinated. "So have you found some old testimonials?" What do you mean by old testimonials say I? "You know, ones that you may have received earlier in the year but never got to posting - other companies have." Now this has become a WTF moment, with a representative of a large "read reviews, write reviews" company urging me to post previously "unseen" reviews to bolster my bid for Mover of the Year. I was so surprised at the disingenuousness of the proposal that I had little to say, other than "you'll have to go on without me."
Shortly after this call I visited their site and sure enough a couple of companies had taken the bait. In the space of a few weeks an extra dozen testimonials had appeared in one companies file and similarly in another. Posted on back to back days these anonymous, (e.g., Jim P., Karen... no address, no email, website etc) perfect "10" postings not only looked irregular, but when combined with the circumstances that elicited them (described above) cast a lengthy shadow over the integrity of the site itself.
I am aware that it is always caveat emptor when shopping on the web, the problem is words carry weight. This weight combined with a lack of transparency on most reviewing sites, besides these aforementioned solicitations, may be the beginning of the end for the "read reviews-write reviews" sites as we know them. With apologies to the Manifesto of the Futurists: "Regard all testimonials as useless and dangerous."
Posted in Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, moving supplies, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: Homestars, Movers reviews, moving company reviews, Review sites, testimonial sites, Testimonials, Yelp 
Posted on 26 December 2009 | 5:48 pm
What You Didn’t Know About Trucks
"'So what size trucks do you have?" It is probably the second most common question from a customer behind "How much do you charge per hour?" But unlike the dollar figure per hour question, truck size as it relates to furniture moving, is a largely misunderstood question. When you look at a truck with a box on the back, there are a couple of important things to understand.
A common reference to a one, three or five ton truck is misleading. Let me explain; the weight of an empty truck on a scale is called the Tare weight. If you were to load it full of furniture and drive over the same scale, the new weight is called Gross Vehicle Weight or G.V.W. If you subtract the G.V.W. from the Tare weight you get the Aggregate. This aggregate is the amount of weight you are actually carrying in the truck. And there lies the confusion: if you are asking your mover "what size trucks do you have?", it could be a five ton Tare, Aggregate, or G.V.W.! There is an even more significant issue when it comes to truck size, as it relates to your inner city move.
The key issue for a local move is the box size and its volumetric capacity. A five ton truck set up for hauling small heavy weights (think car batteries) may have a high G.V.W., but the box would be relatively small. Conversely, a truck used to haul bags of potato chips could have a large box with less weight-bearing ability. And what does this have to do with your move? Both of these trucks may have trickled down to the local furniture moving trade. On first glance the five ton seems to be the better option, but the key issue is volumetric capacity, therefore the lighter truck may be more appropriate for your local move. There is an extra issue for you to consider when making inquiries about truck sizes. How well can your mover pack the truck? If there are 30 cubic meters of volumetric space, can he fill it completely? Some movers have excellent spatial recognition, others have none.
The key for a consumer to understand is that a professional mover will bring the proper truck and crew for your job. Your job is to figure out who the true professionals are!
Posted in Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, moving supplies, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: 1 ton truck, 3 ton truck, 5 Ton Truck, Gross vehicle weight rating, Local moves Vancouver, Moving trucks 
Posted on 21 December 2009 | 5:48 pm
Is Three a Crowd?
Hiring a moving company is a daunting process with a multitude of choices. Each company highlights what they believe a customer is looking for; some draw attention to their price, others to their service. Inherent within the price and service consideration is the element of manpower: how many men does your job require? Generally an apartment move requires two men and a truck. However, recently I have seen advertisements which promote three men as standard instead of two. How can you assess the needs of your move?
There are several circumstances under which you can benefit from a third man. For example, if you have a one bedroom apartment (550-800 square feet) on the top floor of a three-story walk up, a third man could be beneficial. Why? First is the aspect of endurance - especially on heavy items. Two men go upstairs with a heavy sofa, next, one subs in and the other two go up: this cycling allows the pace to remain steady. An added benefit of a third man relates to time management. Perhaps you'll move out of a three-story walk up and go to a building with an elevator booked for your exclusive use (e.g., noon till two pm)? Extra personnel can be beneficial in keeping to this strict schedule. Sheer volume of items to be moved is another third man indicator. If your apartment is a two bedroom (800-1200+ square feet), an extra man should be a careful consideration - especially with stairs or time restrictions. One last issue combined with those above is your moving date. If your move occurs at the end of the month, your mover has worked numerous jobs before yours; moving has a cumulative affect on a person and it is likely your mover is fatigued.
Remember, the devil is in the details. If you choose to have a third man on your job, it is important to clarify with your moving company the extent of his involvement. Sometimes a third can be a driver only, or, in the back of the truck when the other two work. By clearly establishing the role of the third man you ensure value for money.
Posted in Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, moving supplies, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: 3 man moves, 3 men, hiring movers, Local moves Vancouver, moving company, Moving Services, vancouver movers 
Posted on 8 December 2009 | 5:49 pm
Paper vs. Plastic
An integral part of the moving process involves preparation. This preparation has many elements; from hiring a mover and reserving an elevator to packing the contents of your place. Boxes, packing paper, tape, and mattress bags are just a few of the essential ingredients. In the past, people generally purchased new boxes from storage facilities, big box stores, their moving company, or they gathered used ones. Recently however, there has been a new option: plastic containers. Under a variety of company names these plastic crates have been billed as an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to cardboard. But how useful are they for the actual process of moving?
There are some positive and negative points when it comes to moving with plastic crates. The initial plus is that most of the companies deliver the crates to your home. Additionally no set up is required, just open the lid and away you go! Once they are filled, you can stack them uniformly in the corner.
On moving day, the merits of the plastic crate is put to the test. The first issue: the crates come in one size only. Your typical inner city move needs at least two sizes, one for books (heavy items) and another for general household goods. Every time I've moved these plastic crates they have been overloaded. One size definitely doesn't fit all, though, it's not always a problem. For example, if both ends of the move have an elevator, an exceptionally heavy crate is ok. The crate goes onto a four wheel board, into the elevator, and up the ramp to the truck.
If there are stairs however, the difficulty of moving an overloaded crate becomes obvious. First, the weight of the crate itself - it can be the equivalent of a 3.5 cubic ft box filled with books. Second, the design of the crate is problematic. A large cardboard box for moving (think china barrel) is designed to be tall and narrow, whereas the plastic tub is low and wide. This low wide crate has hand holds on the top, and slippery tapered sides, which makes it difficult to hold from the bottom. This is an issue particularly when climbing stairs, as a heavy weight needs to be grasped from underneath. Additionally, todays apartments and condos have a variety of door widths. Because the crates are low are wide, you often have to turn your body slightly when carrying through a doorway to prevent scraping your hands. This can put an uneven load on the back, which is never a good thing.
If you are moving and have elevators on both ends - and no stairs in between - then plastic crates are a reasonable alternative to cardboard boxes. However, if your move involves stairs of any kind, multi sized cardboard boxes may be a better choice.
For professional advice about moving and the use of plastic boxes, please contact the best Movers in Vancouver: CityMOVE.ca.
* Update 2011. Please visit the following links for an expanded discussion on the topic:
http://citymove.wordpress.com/2011/10/04/citymove-ca-moving-boxes-avoid-eco-friendly-plastic-moving-boxes/
http://citymove.wordpress.com/2010/10/08/citymove-ca-movers-vancouver-eco-friendly-plastic-moving-boxes-are-merde-de-taureau/
Posted in Movers in Vancouver, Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Moving Company Vancouver, Moving in Vancouver, Moving Services Vancouver, moving supplies, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: cardboard boxes, Frogbox, Moving boxes, plastic crates, Plastic Moving Boxes 
Posted on 13 November 2009 | 7:06 pm
How To Hire a Mover
It's moving time and you are looking for a bargain. Who can blame you, the economy is in a downturn and people want the best value they can find. So you turn to the internet and you find a 100 or so listings for 'Movers'. But where do you start since they all appear similar at first glance? Here are a few valuable tips that will help you navigate the choices.
First, don't bother responding to an ad without company name or contact phone number.
Second, be careful not to be a 'price' shopper alone - there are many ways to slow a job down, and you can best believe if you hire the cheapest they know all the tricks.
Third, beware of the silky smooth person answering the phone - you know, the one who promises you the company is always on time ( untrue, especially for afternoon bookings ), all the workers are all highly skilled and professional ( moving is a difficult job and turn over is often high - many swampers ((the helper)) have little hands on experience ) and the trucks are fully equipped ( many companies' trucks are devoid of professional moving equipment ).
Fourth, look around to see which companys' on the internet have paid advertising elsewhere. Free ads are a nice bonus but paid advertising shows a commitment to investing in themselves.
Fifth, check on the companies you are interested in. For example, go to the Better Business Bureau website and search the company name. You can search the name on Google too.
If you follow these basic suggestions you will have a better chance of getting a good mover from the internet. They are out there, you just have to hunt for them. For more information on our company, please surf around on our website (CityMOVE.ca), as it provides a comprehensive review of our company and service.
Posted in Movers Vancouver, Moving and Storage, Moving Companies, Moving companies Vancouver, Vancouver Movers, Vancouver moving companies Tagged: hiring movers, Movers Vancouver, moving scams, scam movers 
Posted on 20 August 2009 | 7:07 pm
