Furniture delivery in London, ON: plan your booking

Specify where the delivery ends

Ask the provider to describe the handover point in plain language: outside the entrance, inside the doorway or in the room where you will use the piece. For a sofa going upstairs, request carrying and placement in that room. For a boxed bed, list assembly as a separate task and ask who handles the packaging.

For a private-sale pickup, coordinate the seller's availability with the carrier before paying a deposit. Send the item dimensions, photographs, pickup address and any dismantling instructions. Ask who will detach legs or separate sections, who will keep the hardware, and what happens if the crew cannot collect the item as described.

Measure the narrowest doorway, stair landing and elevator entrance at both ends. Photograph tight turns and tell the carrier about steps between the unloading spot and the door. Ask the crew to assess the route before confirming the booking, rather than assuming that furniture which fits the room will fit the route.

Compare the full price and damage terms

Ontario's hiring-a-mover guidance recommends at least three written estimates and says the province does not license moving companies. Check references and ask about insurance coverage, including responsibility for damage or loss. Ask the provider to identify its insurer and explain any exclusions relevant to your item. [4]

Request an itemized total covering pickup, transport, carrying, assembly and any removal work. Ask whether the provider charges for waiting, extra trips or unsuccessful access, and whether the total includes applicable taxes. The supplied sources do not establish a furniture-delivery price range for this city; use quotes for your specific route and item.

For consumer moving services worth more than $50, Ontario requires a written contract. Its guidance says contracts must include the services, itemized prices, total payment, service dates and payment terms. If you include an estimate in the contract, the mover cannot charge more than 10% above it unless you need additional supplies or services and agree to the increase. [4]

Agree on truck access before booking

Send the carrier a photograph of the proposed unloading location and nearby signs. Ask for the vehicle size and confirm that the driver can use the spot. For an apartment or condominium, ask the property manager about loading access, elevator reservations and delivery hours before choosing a time.

London's traffic by-law prohibits stopping beside a parked vehicle in a double-parking arrangement and stopping with any part of the vehicle over a sidewalk. It also prohibits stopping in signed fire routes. A designated loading zone permits parking only during loading or unloading, with the whole vehicle inside the zone. Choose an unloading location that meets these restrictions. [3]

For deliveries involving overnight storage in a vehicle, ask the carrier to arrange suitable parking. London's winter overnight-pass program excludes commercial and oversized vehicles, boats and trailers. A personal-vehicle pass is not a parking plan for a delivery truck. [5]

Choose how to remove the old furniture

Separate old-furniture removal from the delivery quote. London's booked bulky-item service serves curbside residential households and excludes businesses. Eligible households can request up to four items for a garbage collection day without a booking fee. Submit the request online or call Service London at 519-661-2489, giving your address, items and preferred collection date for your zone. [1]

Ask the delivery crew for a separate price to carry the old piece to the curb if you cannot do that yourself. For the standard booked service, the City tells residents to set items out by 7 a.m. on collection day, no earlier than 6 p.m. the evening before. Keep the item intact unless the City's preparation instructions specify otherwise, and check its rules for glass, sofa-bed mattresses and contaminated furniture. [1]

If you need the old piece gone on delivery day, request paid haul-away as a separate service and ask where the carrier will take it. London says EnviroDepots do not accept furniture or mattresses and directs residents to the W12A Landfill as a paid disposal option. The chart gives published residential landfill charges; add any transport and carrying charges to your removal budget. [2]

Prepare for pickup and inspect the delivery

Clear the carrying route and make room for the crew to place the item. Keep children and pets away from the work area. Arrange someone to meet the carrier at each address, and keep the agreed scope and contact details available.

Photograph a used item's condition before pickup and inspect it again after placement. Ontario advises consumers to supervise pickup and delivery and note missing or damaged items before movers leave. Record any concerns on the delivery paperwork and ask how to submit a claim. [4]

London residential landfill disposal fees by load weight

Choose delivery and removal arrangements

Your hiring checklist

1. Send furniture dimensions and photos of the item, entrances, stairs and tight turns.
2. Confirm the pickup contact, collection window and exact destination room.
3. List carrying, dismantling, assembly and packaging removal in the agreed scope.
4. Obtain an itemized total and ask about waiting, failed access and extra-trip charges.
5. Ask about insurance, damage exclusions and the claims process.
6. Confirm truck access and any building loading or elevator reservation.
7. Arrange old-furniture removal separately and prepare space for the replacement.
8. Inspect the item after placement and record concerns before the crew leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I budget for furniture delivery?

Get written quotes for the item, route and placement you need. These sources do not establish local delivery rates. Ask each provider to include carrying, assembly, waiting and removal charges so you can compare the total for the same work.

Do Ontario moving companies need a provincial licence?

Ontario says moving companies are not licensed by the province. Check references, ask about insurance and damage responsibility, and obtain a written agreement describing the work and payment. [4]

Can London collect my old couch without a booking fee?

Eligible curbside residential households can book bulky-item collection without a booking fee, for up to four items per collection-day request. Check your address and preparation requirements. Businesses cannot use this service, and Dundas Place residents have separate disposal instructions. [1]

Can the delivery driver stop in a fire route to unload?

London's by-law prohibits stopping in signed fire routes. Agree on another unloading location before arrival and ask the property manager where the delivery vehicle may unload. [3]