Reviews of McWilliams Moving & Storage Ltd (Moving Company)

Allie Kennington

TLDR: Non-existent customer service, terrible communication, overcharging and underquoting, unaware of their own policies. Terrible, would NOT recommend. We had been recommended McWilliams through the University of Waterloo, as my partner and I are both alumni and I am a current graduate students. We also had a friend who is a UW Faculty Member use McWilliams a few months prior and they had a great experience. We requested an estimate and Paul G. came to our apartment, but was more interested in speaking about our dog than thoroughly examining our belongings. We were happy with the estimate and the +/- 10% clause so we proceeded with McWilliams over other companies because of the raving review from our friend. It was difficult to receive information about when the movers would arrive on the day of, how long it would take for our items to arrive, if we needed to purchase certain materials from them, etc. In most cases we had to contact Paul several times to get our questions answered. However, his crew at the Kitchener office was helpful in providing used boxes at low cost. On the loading day, the crew (Sam and Steve) arrived early and were fabulous. They worked hard and did a great job loading up. The next day on unload, they informed us they could not yet unload as our “credit card didn’t go through”. We were aghast - we had never been shown a bill or scale tickets The movers informed us it was about 2000 lbs higher than expected! Crazy, but we figured the 10% clause would be valued. Nope. We had to fight with the Operations Manager, Stacy P., to ensure we were not overcharged for THEIR poor estimation. It is unclear why this extra weight wasn’t included in the initial estimate, or why Stacy was unaware of the policies presented on their own documents (he didn't believe us when we told him of THEIR policy). But, after we paid at the estimate + 10%, Sam and Steve unloaded flawlessly. We had 3 broken picture frame glasses but chalked it up to cheap frames. Unfortunately, the trouble didn’t stop there. We never received a digital receipt, nor the multiple scale tickets we were promised. Receiving these documents took multiple emails from both myself and my partner, and I finally had to contact the parent company (Mayflower) to confirm my Air Miles had been processed (after 4 unanswered inquiries to McWilliams). At this point we felt thankful our credit card limit was low enough that their overcharge didn't go through, else we'd be chasing them down for a $2000 refund; given how the Air Miles have gone, we never would have seen that money back. The experience my partner and I had would have been awful if it weren’t for Sam and Steve. They were professional, took great care of our things, and worked hard! I cannot say the same for the rest of the team. I would NOT recommend McWilliams Moving, or any Mayflower company, to anyone.

Allie Kennington

TLDR: Non-existent customer service, terrible communication, overcharging and underquoting, unaware of their own policies. Terrible, would NOT recommend. We had been recommended McWilliams through the University of Waterloo, as my partner and I are both alumni and I am a current graduate students. We also had a friend who is a UW Faculty Member use McWilliams a few months prior and they had a great experience. We requested an estimate and Paul G. came to our apartment, but was more interested in speaking about our dog than thoroughly examining our belongings. We were happy with the estimate and the +/- 10% clause so we proceeded with McWilliams over other companies because of the raving review from our friend. It was difficult to receive information about when the movers would arrive on the day of, how long it would take for our items to arrive, if we needed to purchase certain materials from them, etc. In most cases we had to contact Paul several times to get our questions answered. However, his crew at the Kitchener office was helpful in providing used boxes at low cost. On the loading day, the crew (Sam and Steve) arrived early and were fabulous. They worked hard and did a great job loading up. The next day on unload, they informed us they could not yet unload as our “credit card didn’t go through”. We were aghast - we had never been shown a bill or scale tickets The movers informed us it was about 2000 lbs higher than expected! Crazy, but we figured the 10% clause would be valued. Nope. We had to fight with the Operations Manager, Stacy P., to ensure we were not overcharged for THEIR poor estimation. It is unclear why this extra weight wasn’t included in the initial estimate, or why Stacy was unaware of the policies presented on their own documents (he didn't believe us when we told him of THEIR policy). But, after we paid at the estimate + 10%, Sam and Steve unloaded flawlessly. We had 3 broken picture frame glasses but chalked it up to cheap frames. Unfortunately, the trouble didn’t stop there. We never received a digital receipt, nor the multiple scale tickets we were promised. Receiving these documents took multiple emails from both myself and my partner, and I finally had to contact the parent company (Mayflower) to confirm my Air Miles had been processed (after 4 unanswered inquiries to McWilliams). At this point we felt thankful our credit card limit was low enough that their overcharge didn't go through, else we'd be chasing them down for a $2000 refund; given how the Air Miles have gone, we never would have seen that money back. The experience my partner and I had would have been awful if it weren’t for Sam and Steve. They were professional, took great care of our things, and worked hard! I cannot say the same for the rest of the team. I would NOT recommend McWilliams Moving, or any Mayflower company, to anyone.

Tracey Ormerod

McWilliams was highly rated and we had a big move ahead of us, with one month of storage included in the deal. I didn't want to risk going with the wrong company. The owners seemed very nice from the first phone call. It's been a busy year for them, but they took the time to call me a few times to be sure I wasn't feeling ignored. I appreciated that and felt we were going with the right company. However, the consultant that came to our home wasn't terribly helpful and actually criticized the owners for their approach. She was more about "CYA", quoting us high $$ and offering very little in the way of advice or support. A couple of times, she looked at me like I was supposed to know everything already and I was somehow 'missing a loop or two' because I didn't. Honestly? I got the impression she didn't even want to be there. The first crew that came to move our stuff out was fantastic!! I can't say enough to express how much we appreciated them. They worked so hard but never lost their sense of humor. Professional all the way! Now for the second crew -- we were paying by the hour, and they took a lot of breaks!! I get that you need to take a break -- it's heavy work -- but it got a little excessive. I've since unpacked everything marked fragile. Some of the boxes had been roughed around -- they were dented -- and, for the first time ever, we lost a few things to breakage. (That says a lot because I've moved more times than I can count.) I'm grateful that more wasn't lost; there were moments when I wasn't sure what I'd find when I opened a box. Some of my photographic art was damaged as well, (corners bent/dented) despite the fact they were packed in appropriate boxes. Was it done in storage? How roughly did they handle our things? While the company was quick to collect their money, we never heard from them again. No follow up. Nothing. We were billed for two moves + one month of storage. We paid a lot for their service and yet they didn't want to know if we were even satisfied. The three stars are for the owners and the first group of guys. Both awesome.

Matt Duffett

For sure the best moving company in Canada! Very involved in the community and is a very friendly service!

Evan Fine

We recently moved and used McWilliams to both pack the house and move it. I can't be any more happy with them. From the packing to the move, they were on time, very careful and professional. The bill came in a few hundred below their quote as well. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a mover.

Heather Bayer

We have moved 12 times due to military service including international moves. This latest move was short - Havelock to Huntsville - but still required the same level of service I have come to expect from a professional moving company. I was not disappointed. Packing was efficient and respectful, moving out and delivery was done by a cheerful and efficient trio. Nothing was too much trouble for them and they located all the boxes and furniture in the right spaces in a large house. We were delighted with the service overall from Peter McWilliams attention to detail at the outset and our co-ordinators (Bonnie) helpful assistance. We'd thoroughly recommend them.

RJ Kayser

The best and most professional moving company in all of Canada. Whether you just need packing materials or a full service move this is the place to go for help.

Frank Maingot

Awful experience! They have no customer service.

Jason J. Knott

It's a family thing.. my most memorable times at work are when I get to work with family members of ... my bosses are kind and generous.. my fellow employees are the best.. moving has become some what of a perfection to me.. i have spent twenty-eight years in the business. moving has become my greatest trait.. McWilliams moving and storage is my family

Peter McMahon

I am not a demanding person who needs that much to keep me happy but this was the stand-out single worst customer service I have experienced on my 41 years on this fair planet: * This company damaged our irreplaceable century home doorway on the way out, in front of our eyes (when I took pictures, which is the only reason they sent us a claims cheque, but for a mere $150 after originally suggesting to agree to what I thought was a modest $300 over the phone) * we never got a firm answer on a date when our stuff would arrive - weeks after we moved cross-country, we got a call two days in advance from a different moving company we never heard of who claimed were in possession of our stuff and needed to deliver it on Christmas Eve (when we were not in town) The person swore at us and tried to lay a guilt trip on us, saying he would not be able to get home to his family for Christmas unless he could deliver our belongings * we eventually got a different date, which was then cancelled and rebooked to two different dates, depending on who we talked to (at this point, we were dealing with at least three different companies) The movers who eventually showed up with half our stuff were very professional but seemed like they had hardly heard of McWilliams and didn't seem to have much co-ordination with them (I had to let them know we had yet to pay for the move and that this was their only chance to get an in-person COD from us) * the other half of our belongings arrived a week later - part on the day promised (after two rebookings), and part a few days after that, unannounced with almost no time to prepare to be home * on the way out of the property, the moving truck snagged a power line on our property, knocked out power to our drinking water well, and would have electrocuted the driver (possibly to death) had my brother-in-law not screamed at him to stay in his vehicle until he could turn the power off and move the live wire off his truck In the end McWilliams rarely had a clue where our stuff was on any given day, who they had passed it off to, how they were dealing with us, what dates they were giving us (they often gave us dates that conflicted with ones we got before or after from the company actually moving our stuff) and almost never called back when they said they would. I waited to write this review until we had successfully received all our belongings and paid them for fear of more mishaps Good....effing..grief...

Ken Barrick

The McWilliams team just moved us today. The guys, Todd, Darrell, Austin & Mike were super polite and better yet, super careful. From the the start of our booking with Peter McWilliams, dealing with Amanda at the office, confirming the booking and move, everything was first rate. McWilliams is a definite must if you are moving.

Dorothy Cruickshank

McWilliams made our move flawless. Barry our driver was experienced, professional and fun. Dan planned everything perfectly. The cost was less than quoted...a very nice surprise. Timing was exactly as planned. Moving is stressful and exhausting so if you are planning to move, long distance or near by, do your self a favor and call McWilliams. You will be glad you did! Thank you to all.

Kim Facey

Great crew, reasonable prices, short notice, extremely efficient and in the middle of a pandemic. Thank you so much !!

wayne dean (swiftapp)

Great staff

Leslie V

They moved our business to a new location. They were friendly and very efficient. They work great together as a team, they were done in no time.

Marg Douglas

Very disappointed in this company. Our moving weight was underestimated by 3500 pounds and we were charged $2100.00 more than originally quoted. When we complained about the overcharge and stated that we went to McWilliams because they were half the price of the other movers, the Branch Manager said, we should have known something was wrong, if the other movers were higher. We are not professional movers and trusted that the man estimating our move knew what he was doing. The Branch Manager also suggested that we must have added furniture after the estimator calculated the weight of our move...nice. Beware price quoted may not be what you pay.

William Felix

Their service is very quick and responsible.They provide good quality of products for a very reasonable price.Stuff of this companies are very open minded to their client.Thank you so much for helping me.I saw the service of this company is very high. Which pushed me to make complement for this company.They provide there customer good quality of service.Fast and friendly people.

Kristina Garrels

The best movers I’ve had and I have used movers 6 other times. The crew was fast, efficient and took great care with our stuff. I highly recommend them. Their hourly price was competitive to other local movers but the little extra things (free used boxes if they had them, free wardrobe boxes) made it even more worth it.

Michele McArthur

Be very careful using the Company. Certainly taking advantage of paperwork being done remotely. We got shocked with an additional $1,100 added to our bill - for insurance we didn't even know we got. It wasn't on the quote that we accepted verbally and by email. Dealing with the Owner? His response - although you make very good points - we can't help you. When we tried to follow up - they stopped responding. If you decide to deal with them and they try and encourage you to take this insurance - check your currently policies - everything they offered was covered under our house insurance. There was no way we would have purchased this. So much for integrity and standing behind their reputation. Customer service fail...Will never use them again.

Michelle Arsenault

They were amazing. Fast, friendly, and safe. I highly recommend them

Beth Richardson

We just used McWilliams last week for a move from our cottage in Bobcaygeon. From my first phone call to their company inquiring about their services and rates I have been 100% impressed. Vicky came to our cottage for a quote and on moving day the crew showed up on time and were polite, efficient and got the job done hours faster than we expected. I would recommend McWilliams to anyone looking for a quick and painless move! Beth and Scott Johnston

Anil Maharaj

They found the most cost effective way to move us from CKL to PEI. Was truly a pleasure working with them! I suggested them to my aging in-laws and McWilliams were incredibly patient and personable with them-Thanks!

Scott Metcalfe

I love it great company to work for by far

Lori Vandenberg

We cannot thank McWilliams enough. They were professional, courteous, and efficient. My grandparents weren’t able to move on moving day, last minute, after McWilliams had already loaded all of there belongings. McWilliams held there belongings on the truck free of charge for 5 days. Very empathetic and understanding of the situation and tried to help make the move as stress free as possible for my frail grandparents. Thank you for everything.

Lenore Twomey

. With McWilliams Moving & Storage being highly recommended, I cannot thank them enough for making my move "out" & my move "in" absolutely stress free for me, as I was imagining a million things that could go wrong. I cannot thank the "kids" enough (as I call them) Paul, Adam & Ben who were amazing ! They only had to be told once what I wanted moved & they had everything taken apart & set up again at my new address. Paul, Adam & Ben, you are a real credit to McWilliams Moving & Storage. Every business should be so fortunate to have their own Paul, Adam & Ben !! You guys are the best !!

Remo Borsella

Worst moving company ever. If I could give them 0 starts I would! I moved my households outside Canada and they charge me 3720 lb more than the actual weight! They cheat on the weight, they do their own weight and they throw you a random number which is usually 3-4000 lb more than the actual weight. This Company is a SCAM. I have weighted twice at the destination (the first time their own truck, the second time with an independent mover), and both of the time the weight showed to be ~3700 lb then what they charged! Stay away from them. When you complain, they dismiss you because they get the money before you are allowed to unload the truck, so you have no choice. Never ever use these guys to move your belongings.

Alyssa Rowe

We have used movers many times and these movers were by far the best! Respectful, polite, patient, kind, hard working! I would recommend these movers to anyone. From the office staff to the movers i was very impressed. :)

Joe Clark

EXCELLENT!

Scott Smith

It s a10 scotty

Dee Ell

This was my first experience with a moving company. I had a fairly large distance between my old home and my new one - Peterborough Ontario to northern Alberta. I am incredibly pleased with McWilliams - the estimate was within about $50 of the actual price, the packing they did was exceptional, the contact person I had was extremely kind, helpful and flexible, and the movers themselves were wonderful - they put every box in specific rooms that I identified. I recommend McWilliams highly!

M ch

Our move was perfect, staff went above and beyond to make it a success.

Veronica Tomkins

Came to move us from Ottawa and are currently still storing our things, they were on time at 8 am in Ottawa to pick up and were clean, fast and very professional. We still have to move into our next home but we r very pleased at this point. I have seen some of the negative reviews and have nothing in common at this point. I would definitely recommend McWilliams

Dave Smallwood

This was our first experience with movers & couldn't have been more pleased. The moved was staged with a small drop on the move day & the balance to be left in the trailer for a week & then delivered to our new home. They arrived on time in Whitby to load, spent a long day there & once the house closed dropped the first stage after 5 pm, in Peterborough. This past Monday they delivered the balance & worked diligently to get our belongings into the house. There were some minor mishaps but that is to be expected & they are looking after them. Both crews led by Big Dan & Damian were pleasant, courteous & responsible. It was a great experience & I would recommend them to anyone! Sorry to the crews for all the flooring they had to move........Jill & Dave

wanda awty anderson

We decided on McWilliams Moving to move our worldly belongings from Ontario to Winnipeg. Although, we had met with two other companies that had similar quotes we were given a glowing reference from a complete stranger at the moving supply store. She told us that Peter at McWilliams was a pleasure to deal with and had moved her family to Campbell River, BC with great results. She was correct, Peter and his staff Bonnie and Cheryl handled our questions and took care of our moving needs like we were family! The day of the move we were stressed as it was end of November and we were driving one vehicle to Winnipeg and the other was being loaded on the truck. Precisely at 8am this big "shining" white truck eased down the street. The driver, Chad opened up the side doors of the trailer and it looked like a grand dance floor - gleaming hardwood floors and neat beyond belief. Being a clean freak, I was a camper! The loading went beautifully and the crew was gentle and respectful of our belongings and Chad was without a doubt, the most professional and genuinely kind person you could ever have the pleasure to deal with and have in your home. He went so far as to provide us with an alternative route that was safer, places to eat and stay . When we all pulled out I knew that our belongings were in the best hands ever! ! Chad arrived in Winnipeg as scheduled and unloaded our belongings with the same care and respect as the load. It was a challenging old historic home that presented many maneuvering nightmarea! ! Chad led his team to overcome these issues and left us with a home all in tack. ..and that was truly appreciated given the creative techniques required to get furniture into rooms!! All in all, we are beyond 5 star happy with everyone at McWilliams! !!! Highly recommended!!!! Terry and Wanda, Winnipeg, MB

David McKinstry

Adam, Adam and Dan delivered our furnishings to NB two days after loading us in Ontario. These professional movers were polite, attentive and set up everything from beds to tv's ....even moved furniture on our whim after already putting it in place. I can't speak highly enough of McWilliams....from packing to unloading....they were top notch, professional ...like part of the family! Highly recommend!