Moving Contract: What to Check Before You Sign
Essential Clauses Every Moving Contract Should Include
A legitimate moving contract in Quebec should clearly state: the company's legal name, NEQ number, and CNESST registration; the exact pickup and delivery addresses; the agreed-upon date and time window; a detailed inventory of items to be moved; and the total price or pricing structure (hourly rate, flat fee, or not-to-exceed estimate). If any of these are missing, request they be added before signing.
The contract should also specify payment terms — when payment is due, accepted payment methods, and any deposit required. Under Quebec consumer protection law, a moving company cannot demand more than 10% of the total estimate as a deposit. If a company demands 50% upfront in cash, that's a major red flag.
Understanding Liability and Insurance Clauses
Pay close attention to the liability section. There are two main types: released-value protection (minimal, usually $0.60 per pound) and full-replacement-value protection (the company repairs or replaces the item at current market value). Released-value is often included by default but provides almost no real coverage. Ask for full-replacement-value in writing and understand the deductible.
Some contracts include exclusion clauses that limit the company's liability for certain items — plants, perishables, items you packed yourself, or "acts of God." In Quebec, the Civil Code stipulates that a carrier is liable for damage unless they can prove it was caused by an inherent defect in the goods, an act of God, or the shipper's fault. A contract clause cannot override this legal baseline.
Cancellation Policies and Hidden Fees
Check the cancellation policy carefully. Reputable companies allow free cancellation with 48–72 hours' notice. Some charge a flat cancellation fee, while others keep your deposit. Under Quebec's Consumer Protection Act, cancellation terms must be clearly disclosed in writing — verbal policies don't hold up legally.
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Watch for hidden fees: stair surcharges (common in Montreal walk-ups), long-carry fees if the truck can't park within a certain distance, bulky-item fees for pianos or safes, and charges for packing materials. These should all be disclosed in the contract or estimate. If a mover adds surprise charges on moving day, you have the right to dispute them and pay only the contracted amount.
