If one moving quote is dramatically lower than all the others, don't celebrate! While everyone wants to save money, a crazy low estimate is one of the biggest warning signs. To win your business, some movers use low estimates. But then, they either deliver a low-quality service or, on moving day, when it’s too late to back out, add unexpected charges. Professional moving companies don’t guess the price. They consider your home size, how much stuff you’re moving, the distance, how easy it is to access your place, and any heavy or fragile items.

Are you dealing with a mover that gives you a price without seeing your place first? No visit, no video call, that’s a red flag. Clearly, he’s not assessing, just guessing. To properly evaluate your move, the mover must take the time to conduct a home visit or request a video walkthrough. Before pricing the job, they assess your home setup, furniture, stairs/elevators, and parking access.

If a mover only gives you a verbal price or a quick phone quote, be careful. Without anything in writing, there’s nothing stopping the price from increasing. A good mover won’t just tell you the price. They’ll put everything in writing and tell you exactly what’s included and what could add extra costs. It should break down what you’re paying for, so you’re not relying on promises. When it’s time to move, a written quote protects both sides and avoids confusion.

To secure your booking and lock in your date, it’s normal to pay a small deposit. Usually, moving companies charge a flat fee of $50-$100 or up to 10 %. But paying a deposit of 10 % to 20% or more upfront is risky. Once the money is gone, there is not much you can do. You lose leverage if something goes wrong or they don’t show up.

If a mover wants full payment in cash only, that’s a big red flag. Cash leaves no paper trail. So if your furniture gets damaged, boxes go missing, or the movers don’t show up at all, you’re left with almost no proof to support a claim or dispute. In Canada, legitimate moving companies don’t work like that. They offer traceable payment options like credit card, debit, cheque, or e-transfer. You also get an invoice and receipt every time. That’s not just paperwork, it’s what protects both parties if something goes wrong.

When a moving company suddenly gets a wave of perfect 5-star reviews in a short period of time, be careful. The same goes for pages where every review sounds the same, overly polished, or almost scripted. That can be a sign the feedback isn’t fully real. Real reviews are rarely perfect. People share different experiences—some good, some bad, and a few small issues along the way. A real reputation takes time to build and usually reflects a mix of honest feedback.

Some people only find out too late that their belongings weren’t properly insured, or that the coverage they were promised barely applies. Professional movers in Canada are expected to provide basic liability coverage and clearly explain their protection options before the move starts. That means you should clearly know what happens if something is broken, lost, or delayed, and what extra coverage is available if you want more protection. You should never feel unsure about what would actually happen in case something goes wrong.

No registration or license? That’s a major red flag. If something goes wrong, there’s no one to hold accountable. A legit business should have no problem sharing its legal name, business number, and registration details. It’s basic transparency, and it shows they’re operating legally.

This is one of the worst things that can happen during a move. We know it’s hard to believe, but some shady movers will load your belongings onto the truck, then refuse to unload them until you pay extra fees that were never agreed on. In a proper Canadian moving process, the price and terms are agreed on before the move starts. Once your belongings are picked up, the mover is expected to deliver and unload them as agreed. You should not have to deal with pressure tactics or last-minute demands for more money.

The mover shows up in a plain, unmarked truck and you can’t find a real business address anywhere online? That’s not normal. Basically, you’re essentially handing your belongings to a company that can disappear just as easily as it showed up. Movers don’t operate in the shadows, or at least not our partners. You should always be able to look up an office address, call a real number that connects to a real company, and see their trucks clearly branded so you know exactly who they are.