Frequently Asked Questions

How can I keep my moving costs in line

The best way to reduce moving costs is to start thinking about disposing of items you do not need or do not want to take to your new location. By doing so, you can reduce the weight of your shipment, thus you can reduce the cost. Have a garage sale or give items away. If you are on a very tight budget, you should consider packing your own non-breakables such as books, linens etc. It is always a good idea to have the moving company pack your china, crystal and other breakables in order to ensure they arrive in perfect condition.You should know that the mover is not responsible for damage to owner packed goods unless there is evidence of exterior damage to the carton since we do not have any control over
how they were packed.
 

Do movers disassemble beds?

Yes, the movers will disassemble beds and bed
frames with the exception of waterbeds (these require special servicing). They will also disassemble any other items that need to be taken apart for safe transportation. The mover will reassemble these items at destination. Items you disassemble at origin will be your responsibility to reassemble at destination. Movers/packers will not remove items that are affixed to walls or ceilings (i.e. drapery tracks) due to the possibility of property damage.

What about my appliances?

Some items like washers, dryers, refrigerators with
ice makers, grandfather clocks and pool tables need special servicing before they can be moved. Your moving consultant can make these arrangements for you.

If my household belongs are going into storage is there anything I should know?

Keep the following in mind:

• If possible, do not put items in storage that you may need.
  
• Your goods will be stored in palletized storage vaults in an Atlas agent’s warehouse.
  
• If you do need to access your storage vaults, you will be charged a fee for warehouse labour. If you do your own packing, please remember that all storage items must be packed in a carton. Empty all contents of dressers, chests and drawers before your move into storage.
  
  

What is ‘container service’ and what benefits does it offer?

Atlas’ container service can be an economical and expedient way to transport your household possessions. Container service is especially helpful for families who want delayed or expedited delivery. It is particularly cost effective as an alternative to short-term (30 days or less) storage requirements. Instead of sharing space on a traditional van service, your possessions will have exclusive use of one or more of our specially designed fiberglass eight, nine or twelve foot containers. Your Atlas agent will arrange for you to padlock and seal your containers. The containers are then loaded on a flatbed trailer for transport to your destination location. There, your local Atlas agent will arrange for delivery to your new residence.

How will my furniture be protected against soiling while are on the move?

Atlas Van Lines has a firm policy regarding the proper wrapping of furniture items for transit. Each item will be carefully wrapped in a clean moving pad. Light colored upholstered furniture will be shrink-wrapped in plastic for extra protection. Mattresses and box springs will be placed in new, heavy-duty 5ml.plastic bags similar to what is used by manufacturers. These bags come in all sizes including oversize for pillow-top mattresses.

How is a delivery schedule established?

Generally, with long distance moving, there is more than one house hold on a trailer since each trailer can hold between 25,000 — 33,000 lb. (depending on size of trailer), therefore your moving consultant will establish a delivery spread for you. The spread is based on the weight of your house hold and the mileage from origin to destination. Spread dates are needed for scheduling and efficiency purposes. The mover is responsible for communicating the time frame or “spread” for delivery. It is your responsibility to be available during the entire delivery spread period. Your driver will contact you 24 hours before your household arrives at destination, therefore it is important for you to provide a number where you can be contacted (i.e. work, hotel, friend or family member).

How can I track my household belongs while they are on the move?

You should contact the destination agent listed on your bill of lading for an update regarding your house hold. All Atlas van operators either carry Blackberry devices or cell phones so that they can maintain contact with our central operations centre and our agents across the country. An email message or phone call will be placed on your behalf to obtain the necessary information.

Will the mover unpack the boxes at the destination?

All agent packed boxes will be unpacked for you at destination. Unpacking is defined as the removal of household goods from boxes that the mover has packed at origin. Either an unpacker from your destination agent’s office (or your driver in some instances) will place these items on a flat, visible surface such as a table or countertop. The unpacker will take away the debris and remove the empty boxes. Unpacking does not include putting dishes in cupboards, books on bookshelves or hanging clothes in closets. These services fall under the definition of maid service and can be arranged at a reasonable, additional cost.

What happens if any of my possessions are lost or damaged?

It is a good idea to closely inspect your possessions while they are being delivered to your new home. Should any loss or damage be discovered at that time, you should request that the van operator make a note of it on the inventory form. All claims should be immediately reported to your destination agent who will assist you in getting the problem resolved. Click here to file a claim on-line  at Atlas Vanlines website.

What Can Atlas Do to Help Me Get Settled in My New Location?

When you move with Atlas, we take extra care to ensure that you get comfortably settled in your new location.This starts with the assignment of a local Atlas agent to act as your destination agent.They will take care of setting up any required third party services (ie appliance reconnection) and will handle the unpacking of any agent packed cartons. As an extra bonus, Atlas Van Lines can also arrange to have a “Welcome Wagon Hostess” visit you to help you get acquainted with your new neighbourhood and to introduce you to local merchants. (Note: service not available in all locations)

Can Atlas Move My Automobiles or Recreational Vehicles?

Yes, Atlas can handle (or make arrangements) for the transportation of your automobile(s) and recreational vehicles. There are several options available including: on-the-van or via a third-party carrier. In most cases at least one of your automobiles can travel on the moving van with your furniture. Your vehicle will be properly strapped down and plywood decking is erected to protect it from other items on board. A second option is to ship your vehicles either by rail or on a commercial auto or boat carrier. Atlas has a network of world-wide third party carriers who can transport automobiles, boats and other recreational vehicles for our customers. We have carefully vetted these service providers to ensure that they are properly licensed and insured.

You should know that if you have a leased vehicle, you will require written permission from the leasing company before your vehicle can be moved to another province. Rarely will they grant this permission to people moving to the United States or to another country. There are other special regulations when shipping automobiles to the United States. Ask your Stallion representative for a copy of our “Moving to the United States” guide or download  a PDF version.

Can Atlas Help Me Move My Pets ?

Certainly, Atlas understands that your pets are a very important part of your family. Needless to say, pets cannot be transported on the moving van (or in the cab with the driver). We can, however, make the necessary arrangements to ship your pets by air. If necessary we can arrange for pick-up, delivery and kennel service (if required). If you prefer to make your own arrangements, we recommend you book your service at least three weeks in advance of the move. For more information about traveling with or shipping pets, ask your Stallion representative.

Can Atlas Help Me Move My Plants ?

Like any living thing, plants require special attention. Moving long-distance presents some extra challenges. Ideally, you should have your plants moved in a temperature controlled environment such as your own car. The extreme temperatures (below freezing in the winter and above 35 degrees celsius in the summer) and lack of fresh air in a moving van can be fatal to your plants. If you wish, your Stallion representative can assist in arranging for a third party service for these delicate items