I'd like to share my moving experience from Toronto to Calgary, which was quite eventful. Firstly, I must commend the incredible effort of the six gentlemen involved: three who packed and loaded in Toronto, and another three who unloaded and unpacked in Calgary. They were exceedingly kind and worked diligently throughout the process.
However, one aspect of the move that posed some challenges was the issue of unexpected costs. I had consulted with four different moving companies, three of which provided in-person quotes ranging from $12,500 to $14,000. Interestingly, Centennial Moving provided an online quote through phone and text correspondence, estimating around $11,500. Intrigued by both the competitive pricing and the positive reviews I had read about Centennial Moving, I opted to proceed with their services.
Yet, once they began the process and weighed my belongings, the initial estimate of 8,000 pounds ballooned to 11,000 pounds. This increase was primarily attributed to items such as a heavy dining table set and my gym equipment, weighing over 600 pounds, which were not accounted for accurately during the estimation phase. In an effort to mitigate the costs, I made the difficult decision to sell the dining table set and my dumbbells, and also purged a significant portion of my wardrobe.
While I anticipated a reduction in costs or, at the very least, maintaining the originally quoted amount, I was taken aback by the meticulousness with which Centennial Moving wrapped even the smallest items in blankets, including plastic bins and other items typically considered durable enough to withstand transport without extra protection. While I understand the importance of safeguarding my belongings, it felt excessive.
Despite these challenges, the movers themselves provided excellent service, both in Toronto and Calgary. In appreciation of their hard work, I made sure to tip them generously. Ultimately, my experience with the movers was positive, but the discrepancies with the company's estimates and approach left something to be desired. Attached are a few photos from the move to provide some context. Overall, it was a significant moving experience that taught me valuable lessons for future relocations.