What You Actually Need to Know Before Hiring a Mover
Most people in the From Away community spend months researching communities, schools, and real estate before they move. Then they spend about four hours picking a moving company.
That gap is where things go wrong.
We sat down with two movers who've done this run. Ontario to Nova Scotia and back - more times than they can count. Both gave us the honest version, not the sales version. Here's what they want you to know.
Book Earlier Than You Think
If you're moving to a three-bedroom home, timing matters more than most people realize and not just for your own schedule.
"For a larger move, we'd like to know as soon as possible because of the space it takes in the truck," says Marian of By'd'bay Movers. "We need to know what else we can schedule around it. If dates don't work out with the sale of the house, we'll find a solution. That's why we ask for a deposit. It secures the customer that the household will be picked up and secures us, so we don't give away that space if they suddenly decide to go with someone else."
Matthew Nickerson Hauling describes a similar approach. When a booking comes in, his team starts with dates, inventory, and locations and gathering enough detail to quote accurately and commit. "When you book with us, that deposit isn't just for our security," he explains. "It's your security to know you have someone committed to the job."
Both carriers point to the same general advice: if you're moving in summer, aim for two to three months' notice minimum. If you already know your move date, protect yourself early.
On timing for delivery: By'd'bay Movers notes that winter moves can take up to 14 business days due to slower season and potential weather. Matthew Nickerson Hauling runs on a tighter timeline. A maximum of 7 days in spring, summer, and fall, with weekly runs. They run in the winter as well but less. As a recent example: they left Nova Scotia on a Friday, picked up in Ontario on Sunday and Monday, delivered in New Brunswick on Wednesday, and were back in Nova Scotia Thursday morning.
Understand What a Quote Actually Includes
The biggest source of billing surprises on long-distance moves is incomplete information at the quoting stage. Both movers are clear on this.
Matthew Nickerson Hauling offers a binding quote for long-distance moves. A fixed, final price based on the agreed scope. "Our pricing includes every detail: weight, items, labourers, space, distance, fuel, insurance," says Matthew. The truck gets weighed at certified highway scales before and after loading. Their pricing also accounts for ferries, bridge costs, extra days needed to hold the trailer and any additional truck and crew required for transfers. Which is why providing details upfront is essential.
Marian of By'd'bay Movers breaks it down further: "You have line haul, fuel surcharge, ferry if you're going to Newfoundland and sometimes an out-of-the-way charge." In cities, access can be an additional factor. "Sometimes in cities it's difficult. We have to do a shuttle, put it in a smaller truck, then deliver. That's extra money, more work and the rental of a smaller truck. And if it goes into a high rise, you have an elevator charge on top of that."
Both movers share the same underlying message: tell them everything. The little things add up fast.
"Customers should tell us as much as they can about what they want to ship," says Marian. "Lots of little things can add up really quickly."
Matthew echoes it: "It's the amount of boxes and totes they estimate using. Or the shovels, brooms, and little things. I always try to leave some extra buffer space in the estimate for this reason." He adds that if anything changes between quote and moving day, the team will discuss updated pricing with the customer before proceeding. No surprises at delivery.
What's Included in the Move (More Than You Might Expect)
One of the most common questions people ask is whether they need to help load and unload.
The answer from both movers: no. It's a no-touch move for the customer. You pack your own boxes, and the movers handle everything else.
By'd'bay Movers includes the following in their estimate: disassembling and reassembling beds, removing and reinstalling table legs and other items that need to be taken apart and wrapping all furniture in pads for protection. They also offer a full-pack service if needed. Where the customer simply indicates what's moving and the team handles the rest.
Matthew Nickerson Hauling operates similarly. Their quotes include the labour, space and logistics to move your home. Customers aren't expected to be on-site doing the heavy work. That's what the crew is for.
Specialty Items Have Separate Pricing
Both movers handle specialty and oversized items differently from the standard household load and most people don't ask about this until it's too late.
Matthew Nickerson Hauling does not move pianos. "These take a lot of manpower and proper packaging. There are companies that specialize in this." Vehicles are priced separately, and the vehicle's weight is removed from the total weight calculation so you're not paying twice. Their specialty vehicle list includes: cars, 4-wheelers, side-by-sides, snowmobiles, lawn tractors, boats, and tractors.
By'd'bay Movers gives a similar list: pianos, ATVs, sleds, cars, lawnmowers — all get a separate price. Multiple-stop moves may also carry an additional charge.
If you have any of these items, mention them at the first conversation, not after the quote comes in.
What Happens to Your Stuff Between Pickup and Delivery
One of the most common questions people have is whether their belongings transfer to another truck during a long haul.
It's also worth understanding what trucks these carriers are actually operating. By'd'bay Movers runs a full semi-truck and 53-foot trailer. Matthew Nickerson Hauling runs a 5500 Dodge with an enclosed gooseneck trailer featuring a full fold-down back door for easier loading. Two different setups, both built for long-haul moves.
Matthew Nickerson's answer on transfers is straightforward: "When they go in our trailer, they are in our trailer till delivery."
Marian describes a similar standard, but adds a note of transparency: "I think we had twice this summer where it went on another truck. We try to avoid that because it can cause damage and loss even with an inventory." Knowing your carrier's policy on this in advance is worth asking directly.
Ask the Right Questions Before You Hire
Both movers offered their short list of what to verify before signing with any company.
Matthew Nickerson's first question: "Are you properly registered and insured for out-of-provincial moving?" It sounds obvious, but many people skip it.
His red flags: no reviews, no social media or website, no proper branding on vehicles.
"Get more estimates," says Marian. "If there's one with a way lower price, be careful. They just give you a cheap estimate but at the end you pay it anyway. That's just to get the move." Matthew agrees: the cheapest price isn't always the cheapest in the end.
Both movers draw a clear distinction between brokers and carriers. A freight broker connects you with a carrier and takes a cut; a carrier owns the trucks doing the work. "With a carrier, there's no middleman — you pay directly for the job," Marian explains.
For finding trustworthy movers in the first place? "Ask for recommendations specifically on Facebook," Marian suggests. "You will get all honest answers."
A Few Notes Specific to Nova Scotia
Winter adds time to the equation and both movers flag this. Spring road restrictions can also delay pickup and delivery in certain areas. If you're moving to a rural address, confirm access with your carrier in advance.
One piece of advice both movers give to people moving sight unseen: go first if you can.
"Yes, go to Nova Scotia — or wherever you want to move — and see what's for sale," Marian says. "I wouldn't buy sight unseen. I've seen a lot of customers disappointed when they came to their new home."
Matthew's version: "Lots of photos, videos, hire a local trusted contractor and get a home inspection."
The Short Version
The people who have the smoothest moves are the ones who communicate clearly upfront, book early, read their contracts, and don't treat the quote as final until they've disclosed everything that's going into that truck.
Both movers said some version of the same thing: when things go wrong, it's usually because the customer didn't provide enough information — not because anything went wrong in transit.
Give your mover the full picture. Read the agreement. Ask about specialty items before moving day. And if you're moving in summer, start this conversation now.
Planning the move is one thing. Planning the life after the move is another.
Before you book the truck, make sure you’ve walked through the full Nova Scotia Relocation Checklist. Heating systems, well water, insurance eligibility, healthcare access, road conditions, internet at the exact civic address. These are the things that don’t show up in listing photos but absolutely shape your first year here.
Download the Relocation Checklist here and build your move on facts, not assumptions.
Thanks to Matthew Nickerson of Matthew Nickerson Hauling (matthewnickersonhauling@gmail.com · 4393336 Nova Scotia Limited) — a team run by Paula in the office and Matthew on the road — and Marian of By'd'bay Movers for sharing the behind-the-scenes detail on what a professional long-haul move actually looks like, and for being the kind of straight-talking carriers this community needs. Find their information in our directory page.
Have a mover you'd recommend to the From Away community? We're building the From Away Directory — reach out at info@fromaway.ca.
Disclaimer: This post is unpaid and not sponsored. These companies were included based on consistent positive community feedback and observed social media sentiment. This is not an endorsement or guarantee of service. Please do your own research, review contracts carefully and choose what feels right for your move.