The Moving Store FAQ:

How long have you been in business?

The Moving Store™, originally opened under the name “Rent A Boxx™”, started in 1979.

There are lots of moving supply places out there. What makes you different?

The Moving Store is a unique in the industry for many reasons including:

• Our own specially designed moving box, the MoveTech.

• A warm, friendly and helpful atmosphere in store.

• Specialized packing services.

• Experienced staff who are happy to answer questions.

• We rent the only reusable box made for moving applications, the Movetech.
  
  

  
  
  Having Problems viewing?
  

Are you affiliated with any mover?

No.  Unlike most moving supply companies, we are not affiliated with any particular mover.  As a result, we can make unbiased recommendations towards service orientated movers to help you.

Do you sell used cardboard / take returns?

How often do moves end up going badly?

Our research shows that 1 in 4 moves end up going poorly.  Clients who are not packed when the mover arrives (80% are not ready), a truck that is too small, elevators that are not booked, and an array of many other things can cause delay and frustration and extra expense.  “Murphy’s Law” rules when a move is embarked upon.  While these statistics seem daunting, The Moving Store™ prides itself on helping people prepare for most eventualities.  While we can't make moving a pleasant experience, we can help make it as stress free as possible.

How do I find a good mover?

We can refer you to a reputable mover, if you would like.  However, barring that, you should consider using a mover with some history, and a personal referral from a friend.  Searching online can also be useful, however keep in mind that people are fourteen times more likely to report a poor experience moving rather than a positive one.

Ask any potential mover for referrals, if they're insured, and if the fumigate their trucks regularly. Also, be wary of fly-by-night operations that have only been in operation for less than a year. There are unscrupulous operators out there that will defraud their clients, fold their operations, and then re-open again under a new name. You can find more information from the Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services here: http://www.sse.gov.on.ca/mcs/en/Pages/Moving.aspx 

My move went terribly with a mover you referred me to, can you help me?

Yes!  The movers on our list receive quite a few referrals from The Moving Store™, and those movers will go to great lengths to keep us, and our clients happy.  Please call us directly if there's a problem and we'll work towards finding a solution to your issues.

Do you sell used cardboard?  Why do you not accept cardboard returns?

The Moving Store™ does not accept returns or sell used cardboard for hygiene reasons, in particularly with insects and other vermin.  Unless we can clean and sanitize an item, we simply will not allow it back into our stock.

Help! I have a very odd shaped or delicate thing to pack but don't know where to start.

You've come to the right place!  We have a packing service that we offer, as well as advice via our website.

Why use plastic reusable boxes rather than cardboard?

We sell cardboard as well as rent plastic, and we feel that there are reasons why you should consider one over the other.

Plastic moving boxes are by far the most environmentally friendly way to move, as you reduce the environmental impact of throwing out your used cardboard boxes.  Plastic has the added benefit of being far less crush resistant and durable, allowing for higher stacking boxes, a more efficient use of your moving vehicle's space, and the ability to place high stacks on dollies to expedite your move.  Packing and unpacking times are reduced and the actual move time is shortened.

There is, however, a case for cardboard boxes when you are storing long-term or have a long distance to travel. Short term rentals tend to be where the economic benefits of plastic box use lie.

Is there a general rule of thumb when it comes to what kind of box I should pack with?

Yes.  If you're using cardboard, we suggest that the more dense an object, the smaller the box you use to pack it.  So in instances, for example, where you're packing books, you should use the 1.5 cube box.  This keeps the weight of these boxes manageable and makes them less likely to burst open if dropped.  Most single wall cardboard boxes are designed to handle a maximum load of 45 lbs.

Lighter, less dense items, such as pillows, blankets and clothes, can be packed in larger boxes.

Delicate objects, like china, require a more protective box.  The china barrel, for example, has a double wall, allowing for a more durable and crush resistance box, ideal for packing your china.

Do you take a security deposit on your rental items?

Yes.  All rentals require a security deposit, which often is done using a credit card per-authorization.  The amount depends on what you're renting, however it can range between $75 and $300.  At the end of the rental, the reconciliation generates a refund to the credit card, if warranted.

Shouldn't I always use a double-walled and/or larger box?

You are always limited to the structural integrity of cardboard when packing. On average, a box will fail when packed with more than 45 lbs. While using double-walled boxes can afford more physical protection, they also add weight to the entire package. Unless you're packing light and delicate items like china, you're best off sticking with single walled items that don't need that extra protection.

When should payment to movers take place?

Tariff provisions about moving state that payment should take place before unloading at a destination, unless alternative terms have been agreed upon.

When should I book my move?

As soon as possible. Unless you're moving mid-month or during the off season in the winter, you're going to need to contact a mover 4 to 6 weeks before your move.

What can't or shouldn't I pack for a mover to move?

Hazardous or perishable items should be moved separately. When you hire a professional mover, you should not pack anything that is flammable, explosive or corrosive with your other items.

Such items include: Aerosols, Fireworks, Nail Polish, Ammonia, Gasoline, Batteries, Paint, Kerosene, Lamp Oil, Pesticides, Lighter Fluid, Loaded Guns, Motor Oil.

Valuable and rare items, such as currency, jewelry, stamp and coin collections and stock certificates are not covered under the mover's transit protection. You should take these items with you personally when you move or make separate shipping arrangements.

Is my move tax deductible?

If your move is 40km or more to begin a new job, a new business or go to school, and if you're paying for the move out of pocket, your moving costs are tax-deductible.

Contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) at 1 (800) 959-2221 and ask for the Moving Expenses Claims form, or visit the CRA website

If you choose to claim your move, it's highly recommended you keep track of all of your expenses very carefully. The CRA is known to audit T1-M forms because of frequent errors filed by non-accountants after a move.