When planning a move, one of the first decisions people face is choosing between a large, established moving companyand a small, independent mover. At first glance, a smaller company might seem appealing — often advertising lower prices or more “personalized service.” But when you dig deeper, the benefits of hiring a larger moving company far outweigh the risks of going small.
At Take A Load Off Moving, we’ve grown into one of Nanaimo’s most recognized movers, with nearly a decade of awards, industry recognition, and partnerships that smaller outfits simply can’t match. Here’s why choosing a larger, established moving company gives customers the reliability, accountability, and professionalism they deserve.
Larger Moving Companies Have More Resources
The most obvious difference between a large moving company and a small one comes down to resources.
Fleet Size
- Larger Movers: A full fleet of trucks in different sizes means flexibility for any job. At Take A Load Off Moving, we operate multiple cube trucks, a cargo van, and specialized equipment, making it easy to handle everything from apartment moves to multi-truck long-distance relocations.
- Small Movers: Often rely on one or two trucks. If a vehicle breaks down or is too small for the job, customers are left waiting or paying for multiple trips.
Equipment
- Larger Movers: Use dollies, pads, straps, lift gates, and forklifts to handle heavy or delicate items.
- Small Movers: May lack professional equipment, relying on makeshift methods that increase the risk of damage.
Storage & Warehousing
- Larger Movers: Offer secure storage solutions for customers who need short- or long-term options.
- Small Movers: Usually don’t have a warehouse, forcing customers to find third-party storage.
Experience and Training Matter
Moving is a skilled profession. Larger companies are able to recruit, train, and retain experienced movers who know how to handle difficult moves.
- Larger Movers: Provide training, enforce standards, and maintain WCB coverage to protect both staff and clients.
- Small Movers: May rely on casual laborers or part-time help with little to no training.
At Take A Load Off Moving, our crews are uniformed, bonded, and trained to meet the standards of the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). That level of professionalism is difficult for small outfits to achieve.
Accountability and Insurance Protection
One of the biggest risks with small movers is accountability.
- Larger Movers: Are fully licensed and insured, often carrying WCB insurance, liability coverage, and cargo protection. If something goes wrong, there’s a clear claims process.
- Small Movers: Many operate without full insurance, leaving customers unprotected in the event of damage, injury, or accidents.
Customers need to ask themselves: is saving a few dollars worth the risk of losing thousands in damages with no coverage?
Reputation That’s Proven
Larger companies build reputations that can be checked and verified:
- Take A Load Off Moving has been voted among the Best of Nanaimo movers in the Nanaimo News Bulletinevery year since 2016, with multiple #1 finishes (see 2024 winners list).
- We’re listed on Three Best Rated’s Nanaimo movers list, which requires passing a 50-point inspection of service quality and trust.
- We’re trusted by Great Canadian Van Lines, giving customers access to long-distance relocations across Canada.
Smaller movers often don’t have this kind of documented history. If something goes wrong, they can disappear, rebrand, or simply ignore accountability.
Ability to Handle Any Type of Move
Residential Moves
- Larger movers can handle homes of all sizes, from condos to multi-level houses.
- Small movers may not have enough staff or truck space to manage larger households.
Commercial Moves
- Larger movers like Take A Load Off Moving have the manpower and equipment to relocate offices, retail stores, and even warehouses.
- Smaller movers may lack the capacity to complete commercial jobs efficiently.
Specialty Moves
- Larger movers are equipped for pianos, antiques, safes, and oversized items.
- Smaller movers may decline these jobs or take unnecessary risks.
Long-Distance Relocations
- Larger movers have partnerships with van lines, trucks built for long-haul travel, and the scheduling power to meet delivery timelines.
- Smaller movers often can’t accommodate long-distance moves or lack the insurance coverage required for them.
Reliability and Scheduling Power
- Larger Movers: With multiple crews and trucks, larger companies can adjust schedules, cover emergencies, and keep moves on track even when unexpected challenges arise.
- Small Movers: If one mover is sick, one truck breaks down, or a single job runs long, the entire schedule collapses. Customers are left stranded.
Our customers choose us because they know their move won’t be delayed by something as simple as one truck breaking down.
Peace of Mind for Families and Seniors
Families and seniors especially benefit from hiring a larger company:
- Families need movers they can trust with everything they own. Larger companies have the staff, equipment, and reputation to make that trust possible.
- Seniors need patience, respect, and careful handling of treasured belongings. Larger movers are experienced with senior relocations and often provide additional services like packing and move-out cleaning to make transitions easier.
At Take A Load Off Moving, we’re highly recommended by seniors and families alike because we bring professionalism and compassion to every move.
The Cost Myth: Why Bigger Doesn’t Always Mean More Expensive
Some customers assume small movers are cheaper. But when you factor in:
- Extra trips due to smaller trucks
- Delays from lack of staff
- Potential damages due to poor equipment or no insurance
- Last-minute cancellations if something goes wrong
…the “cheaper” option often ends up costing more. Larger movers provide value through efficiency, reliability, and protection.
Why Take A Load Off Moving Is the Right Choice
- Award-Winning Reputation: Multiple Best of Nanaimo awards since 2016.
- Independent Verification: Passing the Three Best Rated 50-point inspection every year.
- Full-Service Options: Packing, storage, junk removal, cleaning, long-distance.
- Insurance and Accountability: WCB insured, CAM approved, liability coverage.
- Trusted Partnerships: Connected to Great Canadian Van Lines for nationwide relocations.
- Local Expertise: Proudly Nanaimo-based, serving Vancouver Island and beyond.
No small mover in the region can combine all of these.
FAQs: Large Moving Company vs Small Moving Company
Isn’t a smaller mover more personal?
Not necessarily. Larger companies like ours combine professional standards with friendly, community-based service.
Do larger movers cost more?
Sometimes the hourly rate is similar, but larger movers are more efficient, so overall costs often end up lower.
What if my move is small?
We handle everything from bachelor apartments to multi-truck relocations. Our fleet includes smaller trucks and vans for lighter moves.
What if something goes wrong?
With a larger company, you’re protected by insurance and a formal claims process. Small movers often don’t offer this.
Can larger movers handle rural or island moves?
Yes. We’re experienced with ferries, rural properties, and even barge moves to locations like Protection Island.
The Bottom Line: Bigger Really Is Better
When it comes to moving, size matters. Larger companies have the resources, experience, and accountability that smaller movers simply can’t match.
At Take A Load Off Moving, we combine the professionalism of a large company with the local touch of a Nanaimo-based business. That’s why we’ve been the city’s best-rated movers since 2016 and why we’re trusted by families, seniors, and businesses across Vancouver Island.
Book With the Movers Who Can Handle It All
Don’t risk your move with a company that might not have the trucks, staff, or insurance to back up their promises. Choose the movers with the awards, the credentials, and the resources to prove it.
📍 1907 Wilfert Road, Nanaimo, BC
📞 250-616-7854
📧 info@takealoadoffmoving.com
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