If you are able to choose your moving dates, most moving companies will advise you to schedule your move at any time other than: school holidays, the middle of the month, weekends, and especially any combination of those times. This is because the demand place on vans, containers, equipment and personnel are highest during those periods.

We realize, however, that the family members cannot always decide on the time of the year that suits them best for moving. If you must schedule your move for a peak period, we do suggest that you try and make your moving arrangements as far in advance as possible.

This depends on many factors. The weather conditions, time of the year, weight of your shipment and your origin and destination may all influence the time it takes to move your possessions.

Our centralized, computer-controlled operations department schedules the loading and delivery dates of a shipment according to its origin and destination and above all according to the shipper's individual preference.

The delivery period will take place on the given day or within the time period entered on your Bill of Lading. If we fail to deliver your household goods on the promised date or within the guaranteed period, we will offer you reimbursement for overnight and meal expenses for you and your family in accordance with our compensation schedule.

Yes, and at your request, a Williams Moving Consultant will come to your home and do a survey of your household goods to be transported. There is no charge for this estimate.

Our Moving Consultants rely on their experience to give you as accurate an estimate as possible. When performing that estimate, they will ask to see everything that you are planning to move including all storage areas.

The estimate is based on:

• Your origin and your destination
• Other charges related to your move such as ferry crossing, impractical pickup, etc. if applicable.
• Any extra service you are planning to order such as packing, valuation, appliance service, etc.

Note that some of those charges may not be known until after arrival at destination and therefore cannot be included in the estimate.

The cost of your move will generally depend on:

• The actual weight of your entire shipment
• The distance your goods will travel
• Other charges, where applicable, such as storage-in-transit, valuation, extra pick-up or drop-off of goods, etc
• Other services ordered by you, such as packing/unpacking, housecleaning, appliance service, etc.

At your request, your Williams Moving Consultant will be pleased to have you examine the tariff, our "price list" and the rules and regulations, which cover the shipment of household goods. You will find us to be very competitive while providing quality service.

Unless other arrangements have been made prior to the move, payment for C.O.D. charges is most easily arranged through Williams at origin.

Yes! The extent of your protection depends on the decision you make before your move. You have these two choices:

1. You can release your shipment to us at the carrier's liability rate of .60 cents per pound per article. There is no extra cost for this protection. However, only provides minimum coverage since the repair, replacement or cash settlement value of the damaged or lost articles cannot exceed .60 cents per pound per article.

2. For an additional charge of .75 cents per $100.00 of valuation, you can place your own declaration of value on your entire shipment and protect its replacement value. This is subject to a minimum of $5.00 per pound. In this instance, repair, replacement or the cash settlement value of an article could be equal to, but no more that its replacement cost.

Option Number 1 is called "Released Rate Liability." Option Number 2 is called "Replacement Value Protection."

Ask your Moving Consultant to illustrate the options offered to you and help you select the best protection for your shipment. Our booklet "Protecting Your Goods in Transit" is also a good source of advice.

While we can move such valuables as important documents, stamp collections, or other items of extraordinary value, we recommend that you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you. Your local bank may also recommend the services of a commercial courier with the special facilities to provide the security such items warrant.

However, if you wish us to assume responsibility for items of extraordinary value, we will require a list of those items and their respective values prior to loading. Such information will clearly establish that the particular items are included in the shipment and extend our liability for them. In that case, you should retain in your personal possession sufficient description and proof of value so as to substantiate a claim in the event of loss or damage.

The following documents will be presented for your signature:

• Inventory listings
• Bill of Lading
• Certificate of packing and unpacking (if applicable)
• Notice of third party service requirements (if applicable)

You will receive a copy of each document you sign.

Yes, if this suits your particular move best. Williams Domestic Container Service is available if you are moving from one large center to another and is of particular benefit if you need extra time before moving into your new home.

It is not suitable or available in some cases. For instance, if your shipment is large enough to fill a van, the van becomes an efficient container; or if you are shipping very bulky or very long items they will not fit into a container.

If you cannot take immediate possession of your new home, we can arrange for your goods to be stored in our member's warehouse at origin or destination.

We will be liable for your goods in storage to the same extent as during transportation for a period of 60 days following delivery into the warehouse. After that period, storage in-transit becomes long-term storage and it is necessary for you to deal directly with the warehouse where your goods are stored.

If your goods travel by container, you may place them in short-term storage for a low daily rate. This may result in considerable savings for you. Ask your Williams Moving Consultant for more details.

Exceptionally so! For lasting protection, the interiors of Williams vans and domestic containers and all equipment are treated with "Sanitized" at regular intervals.

Sanitized is a combination of colourless and odourless ingredients which inhibit germ growth, mildew and unpleasant odours while having the added ability to protect against harmful insects.

This exclusive service assures you that your possessions will receive the same care in our vans and containers as you give them in your home.

Nothing! Most people prefer to have our experienced packing crews perform the packing for them. Our professional packer are will trained in the use of the most up-to-date packing materials and methods and they will utilize their know-how to ensure that everything they pack will arrive at your new home ready for use.

If you would rather do your own packing, please understand that the carrier does not assume responsibility for the contents of cartons the customer has packed because of the absence of control over the manner in which those cartons were packed. If you need some tips on packing, ask your Williams Moving Consultant for a copy of the "Do-It-Yourself Packing Guide."

Explosive or flammable goods must not be packed with your household goods. Aerosol cans, gasoline, cleaning and lighter fluids, oily cloths, paints, thinners, chemistry sets, matches, fireworks, ammunition, etc. must be discarded before the move.

Federal and provincial legislation govern the transportation of dangerous goods. For more information on this subject, ask your Moving Consultant for a copy of William's consumer information booklet entitled "Handling Dangerous Goods."

Appliances are delicate and generally manufactured to be installed in a permanent place in the home. As such, wedging, padding and bracing of motors and other similar parts must be performed by a qualified service person prior to loading.

It is the owner's responsibility to see that service is performed on all major appliances before they are loaded in the van or container. At your request, your Moving Consultant will make arrangements for appliance service at origin and destination at a reasonable charge.

Phone your destination member and advise him of your temporary address and phone number. You will find his name, address and phone number at the top right-hand corner of your Bill of Lading.

It is his responsibility to see that all services at destination are carried out. In the event of a claim for lost and/or damaged goods, communicate with him within 60 days.

Frozen foods can be moved but only under certain conditions.

If your shipment is to be delivered within a short period from loading day and storage is not required, the mover may agree to ship the contents of your freezer on the van. Dry ice may be needed and your representative will be able to inform you of the costs and services involved.

If your move is taking you far from your present home and if facilities are available, your local Williams Moving Consultant may arrange the packing and storage of your frozen foods. Once you are settled in they will be shipped to you, by air, at your convenience.

Water mattresses should, of course, be drained prior to the move. Your may choose to drain the water mattress at origin and refill it at destination, or have this done through a third party. In any case, it is recommended to have this done on the day before loading so as to be able to pack the water mattress on packing day.

We can arrange for local janitorial companies to take care of the cleaning of your residence at origin and destination. This usually consists of light dusting, mopping and vacuuming of floors.

If you wish to have the houses completely cleaned, specify the exact services to be performed (such as window cleaning and floor polishing) and have your Williams Moving Consultant give you an estimated cost for such services.

Pets cannot be shipped with your household goods. If it is not convenient for you to take your pet(s) in the family car, consult your Williams Moving Consultant for alternate methods of shipping your pet(s) to your destination. Read more about it in our guide "Moving Your Pets."

If you are moving between major Canadian cities, Williams can ship your houseplants in temperature-controlled containers, whatever the season, at your request. We accept full liability up to a pre-set amount for carrier-packed plants shipped this way.

Otherwise, we can move your plants only under certain specific conditions. They will travel at your own risk as climactic changes and lack of water and light may adversely affect them.

Your Williams Moving Consultant will estimate the cost of moving your plants and explain the precautions involved in doing so. He or she will also be able to advise you on "Re-Root", Williams' plant replacement program. Our Consultant will be happy to give you all of the information you need to make an informed decision about your plants. Read more about it in our guide "Moving Your Plants."

Just like plants, other articles such as food, which require temperature control, can only be accepted for shipment at your own risk as the carrier cannot assume responsibility for the condition or flavour of your perishables.

Wine cannot be transported without risking alteration. Homemade wine, in particular, could re-ferment on being moved. In any case, wine containers could leak or break, spilling the contents on other goods. If you wish, your local Williams Moving Consultant can arrange the transportation of these goods by a specialized carrier.

If you wish, your car can be transported on board the furniture van along with your other possessions or, if your goods travel by container, your car can be transported by a "Cartainer."

As an alternative, you can have your car shipped by rail or car carrier.

Whatever option you choose, your Williams Moving Consultant will be able to make all arrangements for you and give you all the necessary details.

We can transport small boats, trailers and other similar bulky articles in the van, however, in certain circumstances your transportation charges may have to be computed differently. Your Moving Consultant will be please to give you an estimate of the cost of moving such items.