Hiring a crew is easy. Hiring the right one, on the right day, at a fair price, takes a few questions most people only think of after the truck is booked.

Here are the ten we hear most from Edmonton movers customers, with straight answers. Read them once and you’ll know exactly what to ask when you call.

The quick answers:

• The cheapest days are usually midweek and mid-month.
• Book two to three weeks ahead, and earlier for month-end and summer.
• Ask for a written quote, proof of insurance and a clear hourly rate before you book.
• Tell the crew about heavy items and stairs up front.

1. What day is cheapest to hire movers?

Usually a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday in the middle of the month. Month-end, the first of the month, Fridays and summer weekends are when most people move, so crews book up and have less room to negotiate on time. Not every company prices by day, so ask whether your date changes the rate or just the availability.

2. Do movers work on weekends?

Many do, and weekends are the first days to fill. If a Saturday or Sunday is your only option, book as early as you can. Ask whether the weekend rate differs from weekdays and whether there is a minimum number of hours.

3. How far ahead should I book?

Two to three weeks is a safe window for a normal date. For month-end, long weekends and summer, book four weeks ahead if you can. If your plans changed fast, our last minute movers in Edmonton service handles tight dates, subject to availability.

4. Do movers disassemble and reassemble furniture?

Often yes, for simple pieces like bed frames, tables and desks. Say so when you book, and mention anything complicated, such as a modular wardrobe or a wall unit. Disassembly takes time, and on an hourly rate that time is on the bill, so doing the easy ones yourself can save money. Keep screws and hardware in a labelled bag taped to the piece.

5. Do movers pack for you?

Many companies offer packing as an add-on, and some will do it only for fragile or hard-to-pack items. Ask whether packing is included, who supplies the boxes and tape, and how it’s billed. If you pack yourself, finish the day before. Loose items slow a crew down, and you pay by the hour.

6. Should I tip movers?

Tipping is a thank-you, not a requirement. Many customers tip when the crew works hard, handles stairs well or takes extra care with fragile items. If you do, give it to the crew directly at the end of the move. Cold water on a hot day or hot coffee in winter is appreciated too.

7. Are movers insured, and what does that cover?

Ask before you book. A reputable company should be able to tell you what its insurance covers and show proof if you ask. Find out what happens if something breaks, how claims work and whether high-value items need extra cover. Take photos of valuable pieces before the move.

8. How do I know a moving company is legitimate?

Check these before you pay anything:

• Real local address and phone number you can call.
• Reviews on Google and HomeStars, read for recent, detailed ones.
• BBB accreditation and complaint history.
• A written quote with the hourly rate, minimum hours and fees.
• No big upfront cash deposit demanded.
• Branded trucks and a crew that arrives when they said they would.

Watch for a price far below everyone else’s. That number usually grows on moving day. Our guide to how much movers cost in Edmonton shows what a fair range looks like.

9. What won’t movers take?

Most won’t move hazardous or flammable items such as propane tanks, gasoline, paint, fireworks and cleaning chemicals. They may also decline perishable food, live plants on long trips and anything illegal. Pets travel with you, never on the truck, and our guide to moving with pets in Edmonton shows how to plan the day. Ask for your company’s list when you book.

10. How much do movers charge per hour in Edmonton?

Two movers and a truck typically run about $120 to $150 per hour, and three movers about $150 to $200 per hour. Most local moves are billed by time, and some companies offer flat-rate quotes. We compare the two in our guide to flat rate vs hourly movers in Edmonton, and our guide to the cost of a 1, 2 or 3 bedroom move shows typical totals by home size.

What to expect when you call Fast Kats

The best way to check a company is to call and ask these ten questions. With Fast Kats Moving Edmonton, you’ll get:

• Straight answers on the hourly rate, crew size and likely hours.
• A local team based at 9012 129b Ave NW, serving the city and nearby communities.
• A trusted name: we’re BBB accredited, and you can read our reviews on Google and HomeStars before you call.
• Moves of every size, including full homes. See our residential movers in Edmonton service.

Looking for a moving company in Edmonton that welcomes tough questions? Ask us anything.

Ready to hire? Call Fast Kats.

Tell us your date, your addresses and your biggest items, and we’ll give you a clear plan and price.

Call (780) 246-2604 or visit fastkatsmovingedmonton.com for a free quote from trusted local movers in Edmonton who treat your move like it matters.