At Highland Moving Systems, we employ trained, experienced moving consultants to help you plan your move. Our people understand that each move is unique. Our professional moving consultants can help determine your moving costs, offer the service options you might need and tell you exactly what will happen at every stage of the moving process. We believe that you will be better able to make the right choice for you and your family if you have all the facts.

If possible, start the process of planning your move at least six to eight weeks in advance of when you want to move so that you'll avoid last minute pressures and have time to sell, give away or throw out things you no longer use. You can also save money by scheduling your move away from peak periods such as month-ends, particularly those in June, July and August. By choosing an off-peak period, you will also experience fewer delays in getting other services such as cable and telephone connection done. Also, we would recommend that you do not schedule your move into your new home on the same day that the former owner's are moving out. This scenario often results in delays, frustration and extra costs.

Having a moving consultant perform an in-home survey of what is to be moved is the best way to get an accurate cost estimate. Local moving costs are generally calculated on an hourly basis. Your moving consultant can advise you on what size of truck and how many men will be required to perform your move in the most efficient and cost effective manner. Travelling time to the customer's residence and return to the agents warehouse is included in the total number of hours charged. In addition, any charges for extra services such as packing or full replacement cargo protection is added to the final cost. H.S.T is applicable on the total cost of services.

Being organized on the moving day is the best way to control your moving costs. If you have chosen to do your own packing or some of your own furniture disassembly, then make sure it is done before the movers arrive. The van operator foreman is an integral part of the moving process. It's his job to supervise how the crew loads the van. All Highland trucks come equipped with a full complement of moving pads, furniture and appliance dollies and specialized tools needed to safely move your possessions.

At the start of your local move, your van operator will do a walk-through of your home to see exactly what is to be moved and to make note of anything that requires special attention or dismantling. He will provide a special "set-up" carton to keep all hardware pieces together for ease of reassembly at destination. To help protect your home, he will pad your staircase banisters and railings and he will roll out special floor runners to protect your carpeting. Similarly, he will stretch-wrap any light coloured upholstery. All furniture items and appliances will be carefully wrapped in heavy duty moving pads, secured by straps or special bands in order to protect them from any damage that could otherwise occur in transit. Each item will be positioned in the van to ensure its safety and to maximize the available space. At Highland, we're experienced at moving special items like fitness equipment, pianos and regulation size pool tables. Some items may require specialized servicing by a third party company which Highland can arrange at our preferential corporate rates.

Before leaving your home at origin, the van operator will tour the house with you to make sure that everything that was intended to be moved is in fact on the truck. When they arrive at destination, your van operator and his crew will carefully place your furnishings where you want them. They will put cartons in the appropriate rooms as identified on the outside of the carton or as directed by you. They will also reassemble any items that they disassembled and will either unpack or arrange for unpacking of any agent packed cartons. They will remove any agent packed debris when they leave.

For your convenience, you can arrange to pay for your local move by cash, certified cheque or charged to your Visa or Mastercard. Be sure to discuss payment options with your moving consultant in advance of your move. One final thing to consider, if you are moving more than 40km away from your original residence and are starting a new job, you should be aware that some of your moving related costs may be tax deductible. Deductions can only be applied on income earned at the new location but they can be carried over to the following year. These deductions do not apply if your move is being paid for or your expenses are being reimbursed by your employer. Contact the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency for specific details.