• Contract concluded by phone or online
• Contract concluded in person

The Office de la protection du consommateur provides advice to help you choose a moving company. The more details your contract contains, the better you will know what to expect.

Contract concluded by phone or online

If you plan on choosing a moving company over the phone or online, know that the law provides that a distance contract must be provided in writing.

Information to obtain before signing a contract

Before signing a contract with a moving company, it must clearly provide certain information. For example:

• their name, address, phone number and, if available, their fax number and email address;
• a detailed description of the services offered;
• the total amount you will need to pay and, if it applies, the amount to be paid on periodic payments;
• the terms of payment;
• the date and time of the move;
• the cancellation terms, if they are provided for;
• any other condition or restriction that applies to the contract.

Transmission of the written contract

The moving company must provide a written contract within 15 days after you entered into an agreement. This will allow you to verify whether the contract's contents correspond to the offer the moving company made you by phone or online. The contract must be presented in a way that allows you to hold on to it.

Content of the written contract

The contract must include your name and your address, the contract signature date, and all the other mandatory information the merchant must provide before you enter into an agreement.

Contract concluded in person

If you are thinking of going to the moving company's offices in person to conclude the agreement, know that the company is not required to provide a written contract. However, most reliable companies do provide one anyhow.

The Office recommends you always ask for a written contract. This will allow you to keep proof of your agreement. A written contract will make it easier to assert your rights if you are not satisfied with the moving company's services.

Information to be found in the contract

Make sure everything the moving company has promised is included in the contract.

The contract should include, for example: 

• the hourly rate or any other type of rate the company charges;
• the date and time of the move;
• the number of people required for the job;
• the size of the truck;
• the detailed total cost calculation;
• costs charged for additional labour, if needed;
• the terms of payment.

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