Terms and Conditions
Near North Movers
126 Main St, Trout Creek, ON
Phone: 705-995-0720
Email: nearnorthmovers@gmail.com
Website: www.nearnorthmovers.com
Last Updated: December 18, 2024
1. Acceptance of Terms
By booking, scheduling, or using any services provided by Near North Movers (“the Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), you (“the Customer,” “you,” or “your”) agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. These terms apply to all residential, commercial, local, long-distance, white glove, packing, loading, and related moving services.
If you do not agree to these terms, you must not use our services. By proceeding with a booking or accepting our quote, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions in full.
2. Services Provided
Near North Movers provides professional moving and relocation services throughout Northern Ontario, including but not limited to:
- Residential Moving: Household relocations, apartment moves, downsizing assistance
- Commercial Moving: Office relocations, warehouse moves, industrial equipment transport
- White Glove Delivery: Premium moving services for delicate, high-value, or specialty items including pianos, fine art, and antiques
- Packing and Loading Services: Professional packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, loading and unloading
- Long-Distance Moving: Intercity and cross-province relocations within Ontario and beyond
- Senior Moving Services: Compassionate moving assistance for seniors and retirement transitions
- Emergency Moving Services: Available upon request and subject to availability
All services are subject to availability, scheduling, and the terms outlined in your written estimate or service agreement.
3. Service Areas
Near North Movers primarily serves the Almaguin Highlands region and surrounding areas, including but not limited to:
- North Bay
- Parry Sound
- Huntsville and Muskoka
- Sudbury
- Barrie
- Toronto (long-distance)
- Powassan, Trout Creek, Sundridge, Burk’s Falls, Magnetawan, Sturgeon Falls, Callander, Mattawa, Corbeil, Bonfield, Astorville
Service availability in areas outside our primary service region is subject to scheduling, crew availability, and additional travel fees as outlined in your estimate.
4. Estimates and Quotes
Free Estimates
Near North Movers provides free, no-obligation moving estimates. Estimates may be provided:
- Over the phone
- Via email or online form submission
- Through our AI chatbot or voice assistant
- In-person upon request
Estimate Accuracy
Estimates are based on the information provided by the Customer at the time of booking. If the scope of work, quantity of items, accessibility, or any other factors differ from what was communicated, the final cost may be adjusted accordingly.
Hourly Rate Pricing
Near North Movers charges hourly rates based on the size and complexity of the move:
- Small Jobs: $70–$100 per hour
- Medium Jobs: $140–$180 per hour
- Large Jobs: $210–$240 per hour
Minimum billing periods may apply. Travel time to and from the job site may be included in the hourly rate or charged separately, as specified in your estimate.
Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates
Unless otherwise specified in writing, all estimates are non-binding and subject to change based on actual job requirements, unforeseen circumstances, or changes requested by the Customer.
5. Booking and Scheduling
Booking Confirmation
A move is not officially scheduled until confirmed in writing via email, text message, or through our online booking system. Near North Movers will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your preferred moving date and time.
Changes to Booking
If you need to reschedule your move, please notify us at least 48 hours in advance. We will do our best to accommodate rescheduling requests, subject to crew and equipment availability.
Cancellations
Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the scheduled move date may be subject to a cancellation fee of up to 50% of the estimated job cost, or a minimum fee of $100, whichever is greater. This fee covers administrative costs, crew scheduling, and lost business opportunities.
Cancellations made with more than 48 hours’ notice may be subject to a $50 administrative fee.
No-Show Policy
If the Customer is not present or available at the scheduled pickup location at the agreed-upon time, and we are unable to reach you within 30 minutes, the move may be cancelled and the full cancellation fee will apply.
6. Payment Terms
Accepted Payment Methods
Near North Movers accepts the following forms of payment:
- Cash
- E-transfer (to nearnorthmovers@gmail.com)
- Cheque (payable to Near North Movers)
We do not currently accept credit or debit cards at the time of service.
Payment Due
Payment is due in full upon completion of the move, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. For large commercial moves or long-distance relocations, a deposit may be required to secure the booking.
Deposit Requirements
For certain services (commercial moves, long-distance moves, white glove delivery), a deposit of up to 50% of the estimated cost may be required at the time of booking. The deposit is non-refundable in the event of cancellation within 48 hours of the scheduled move.
Late Payment
Invoices not paid within 15 days of the service completion date are subject to a late payment fee of 2% per month (26.82% per annum) until paid in full. Near North Movers reserves the right to pursue collection action for unpaid invoices.
Additional Charges
Additional charges may apply for:
- Services not included in the original estimate
- Excessive stairs or elevator use beyond what was communicated
- Long carry distances from the truck to the door
- Difficult access (narrow hallways, tight corners, etc.)
- Additional packing materials or specialty equipment
- Delays caused by the Customer or third parties
- Storage or holding fees (if applicable)
All additional charges will be communicated to the Customer before work proceeds, where reasonably possible.
7. Customer Responsibilities
Accurate Information
You agree to provide accurate and complete information regarding:
- Items to be moved (quantity, size, weight, fragility)
- Pickup and delivery addresses
- Access conditions (stairs, elevators, parking, narrow doorways)
- Special requirements (disassembly, packing, fragile handling)
Failure to provide accurate information may result in delays, additional charges, or inability to complete the move as scheduled.
Preparation
You are responsible for:
- Disconnecting and preparing appliances for moving
- Removing items from drawers (unless otherwise arranged)
- Securing loose items and fragile contents
- Providing clear access to all items to be moved
- Ensuring parking is available for the moving truck at both pickup and delivery locations
- Notifying building management or securing elevator reservations if required
Prohibited Items
Near North Movers will not move:
- Hazardous materials (gasoline, propane, chemicals, explosives, flammable liquids)
- Perishable food items
- Live plants (for long-distance moves)
- Illegal substances or contraband
- Items of extraordinary value without prior written agreement and additional insurance (jewelry, cash, important documents, etc.)
Valuables and Important Documents
Near North Movers strongly recommends that you personally transport valuable items, important documents, medications, and irreplaceable personal items. We are not responsible for loss or damage to such items if you choose to include them with your move.
8. Liability and Insurance
Standard Liability Coverage
Near North Movers carries commercial general liability insurance and is fully CVOR certified. Our standard liability coverage provides basic protection for your belongings during the move, calculated at $0.60 per pound per item, in accordance with industry standards.
Example: A 50-pound item would be covered for up to $30.00 under standard liability coverage.
Limitations of Liability
Our liability for loss or damage is limited to:
- The actual cash value of the item at the time of the move (not replacement cost)
- A maximum of $0.60 per pound per item, unless additional insurance is purchased
- Direct damage caused by our negligence
We are not liable for:
- Pre-existing damage to items
- Damage to items improperly packed by the Customer
- Damage resulting from acts of God, weather, accidents beyond our control
- Damage to items not disclosed during the estimate process
- Loss or damage to prohibited items or items of extraordinary value
- Consequential or indirect damages
- Scratches on floors, walls, or door frames resulting from normal moving operations (reasonable care will be taken)
Full-Value Protection (Optional)
For added peace of mind, Customers may purchase full-value protection insurance through a third-party provider. This option provides replacement value coverage for your belongings. Please inquire at the time of booking for details and pricing.
Claims Process
All claims for loss or damage must be reported in writing within 7 days of the move completion date. Claims must include:
- A detailed description of the damage or loss
- Photos of the damaged item(s)
- Original purchase receipts or proof of value (if available)
- A copy of your moving invoice
Near North Movers will investigate all claims promptly and make reasonable efforts to resolve them fairly.
9. Delays and Force Majeure
Near North Movers is not liable for delays or failure to perform services due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:
- Severe weather conditions (ice storms, blizzards, flooding)
- Road closures or traffic accidents
- Mechanical breakdown of equipment
- Acts of God
- Government restrictions or orders
- Labour disputes
- Pandemics or public health emergencies
In the event of a delay, we will make reasonable efforts to notify you as soon as possible and reschedule your move at the earliest available opportunity.
10. Conduct and Safety
Professional Standards
Our team is committed to providing friendly, fair, and careful service. We expect all Customers to treat our crew with respect and professionalism.
Safety
Near North Movers prioritizes safety for our team, our Customers, and your property. We reserve the right to refuse to move items that pose a safety risk or to discontinue a move if conditions are deemed unsafe.
Unsafe Conditions
If unsafe conditions are discovered during the move (structural damage, pest infestation, hazardous materials, threatening behavior), we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the move. Payment for services rendered up to that point will still be required.
11. Storage (If Applicable)
If storage services are arranged, the following terms apply:
- Storage fees are charged monthly in advance
- You are responsible for insuring stored items; Near North Movers is not liable for loss or damage during storage unless caused by our gross negligence
- Access to stored items is by appointment only
- Storage accounts in arrears for more than 30 days may result in a lien on stored goods
12. Warranty and Guarantee
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Near North Movers stands behind our work. If you are not satisfied with our service, please contact us within 48 hours of your move completion. We will make every reasonable effort to resolve your concerns and make it right.
Response Time Promise
We promise to respond to all inquiries, quote requests, and service calls within 24 hours during business hours (Monday–Saturday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM).
13. Intellectual Property
All content on the Near North Movers website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of Near North Movers or its licensors and is protected by Canadian and international copyright laws.
You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from any content on our website without prior written permission.
14. Privacy and Data Protection
Your privacy is important to us. Please refer to our Privacy Policy (available on our website) for detailed information on how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.
By using our services, you consent to the collection and use of your information as outlined in our Privacy Policy.
15. Dispute Resolution
Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.
Jurisdiction
Any disputes arising from these Terms and Conditions or the services provided by Near North Movers shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Ontario.
Mediation and Arbitration
In the event of a dispute, both parties agree to first attempt to resolve the matter through good-faith negotiation. If negotiation is unsuccessful, the parties agree to pursue mediation before initiating formal legal proceedings.
16. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Near North Movers’ total liability for any claim arising from the provision of services shall not exceed the amount paid by the Customer for the specific service in question.
Near North Movers is not liable for:
- Indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages
- Loss of income, profits, or business opportunities
- Emotional distress or inconvenience
17. Severability
If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
18. Entire Agreement
These Terms and Conditions, together with your written estimate or service agreement and our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between Near North Movers and the Customer. Any modifications or amendments must be made in writing and signed by both parties.
19. Waiver
Failure by Near North Movers to enforce any provision of these Terms and Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision.
20. Updates to Terms and Conditions
Near North Movers reserves the right to update or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice. Changes will be posted on our website with an updated “Last Updated” date.
Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms and Conditions.
21. Contact Information
If you have questions or concerns regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact us:
Near North Movers
126 Main St, Trout Creek, ON
Phone: 705-995-0720
Email: nearnorthmovers@gmail.com
Website: www.nearnorthmovers.com
Business Hours:
Monday–Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
22. Acknowledgment
By booking or using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions in their entirety.
Near North Movers – Friendly, Fair, and Careful
Thank you for trusting us with your move. We look forward to serving you!