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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To use our FAQ, click on a question and it will open to reveal the answer.

Does Darling Solutions only work with seniors?

Not at all — Darling Solutions is pleased to provide our services to anybody who needs them! We specialize in senior moving and downsizing services because we found that typically seniors need more support with these services. 

 

That said, we are happy to help people of all ages, with as much or as little as they need. Many young professionals have enjoyed our turnkey transition services so that their new home is ready to be lived in at the end of their moving day.

What services do you offer?

Darling Solutions is proud to offer Moving, Downsizing/ Transitioning, Organizing, Declutter & Prepare for Market, and Estate Services. We specialize in moving seniors, and every client service is individually coordinated by our office team with high attention to detail.

 

In addition to our main services, Darling Solutions is also pleased to provide: 

 

  • Delivery of packing materials
  • Floor planning
  • Packing and unpacking
  • Delivery of items to family, friends, shipping, or storage
  • Dispersal of items for donation, recycling, electronic and/ or hazardous waste, and disposal
  • Shredding removal and delivery to environmentally-friendly shredding services, with a “Proof of Destruction” certificate once shredding is complete
  • Referrals to: cleaning services, contractors, appraisers, auctioneers and/or home content sale specialists, and more

Don't see what you need? Please speak with our office team - all our services are customized for the situation, and we would love to help if we can!

Who provides your services - do you use contractors?

Darling Solutions is very proud to say that we have a 100% in-house team of professionals! We own and operate our own fleet of moving trucks, and our office and warehouse are fully stocked with supplies and equipment.

 

Additionally, each member of our team has provided us with a Police Records Check to offer further peace of mind when inviting us into your home.

 

We are very conscientious about how our services are performed, because we understand that sensitivity and situational awareness make a big impact on your overall experience (especially if it's an emotional day).

Why don’t you list your prices online?

Like many moving companies, our prices change seasonally, and some factors (such as how many movers are required, distance moving services, weekend moving services, etc.) change our pricing structure. 

 

In our experience, providing estimates based on the size of dwelling is not an accurate measurement! Some folks are quite spartan in their home décor, while others have content from floor to ceiling. By offering free consultations, we are proud to provide the most accurate estimate possible for the services you need.

Are you are more expensive than other moving or transition companies?

Our pricing is competitive with other Ottawa moving companies, but our services are of a different caliber. We are more detail-oriented and service-focused than our competitors. 

 

Previous clients have described us as a red-carpet moving solution, and we agree! In addition, Darling Solutions has an incredibly low breakage rate – less than 1%, which is exceptional in the moving industry.

How are you different than other moving and transition companies?

We operate differently than many larger moving companies, from management to our ground-level operations. It’s the secret to our success! Well, that and our top-notch team.

 

  • We provide free, on-site consultations when possible, and a combination of photo, email, and phone consultations when it isn’t possible to see the job in advance.
  • We offer more than just moving services – just about anything relating to a move is something we can help with. If it isn’t listed, you can always ask us if we can help anyways – we might surprise you!
  • We provide our team with their schedules in advance (not day of), and they get detailed descriptions of the intended services so that they have the information they need to ensure that each client service is provided to the best of our ability.
  • On top of that, we pay higher than average (read: a living wage) to our employees, because we recognize that they work very hard for a living, and because the moving industry is somewhat seasonal so it’s hard to have consistent hours each week!
  • Management works hard to provide a positive and encouraging environment for our team, and seeks out team feedback to improve the client and team experience.
  • We do not book beyond our capacity to ensure we deliver consistently excellent service.
  • We don’t believe in hidden fees – our hourly rate is our price for the service, with no additional charges for stairs, etc.

What is your service area?

We provide mostly Ottawa moving services, but we move clients outside of Ottawa too - we'll do our best to get your things where they need to go! 

Kindly call our office to discuss your needs - if we can't help you directly, we may be able to offer a referral.

How do you estimate my services?

We always recommend a consultation to estimate your services. This is because an estimate or quote based on the size of your dwelling is never going to be as accurate as one based on the actual realities of your move – people have wildly different amounts of “stuff”!

 

Darling Solutions offers in-person, phone/ email, and (in special circumstances) video consultations. Which type you have is dependent on your needs and the scope of your services. When you connect with our office team, we will help to determine which consultation is most appropriate for your situation.

 

All of our services are individually estimated. By that we mean that we don't use formulas or calculators - for every client request, one of our consultants will evaluate the information provided to create a customized estimate for your situation.

How do you invoice for services, and what methods of payment do you accept?

Darling Solutions will send you an invoice by email, after your service is complete (unless otherwise discussed with your consultant).

 

Payment is required upon receipt of invoice, and can be paid by cash, cheque to ‘Darling Solutions Inc.’, or INTERAC e-transfer; we can accept credit cards, but there will be processing fees in addition to the invoice total. 

What is included in your moving services?

Our moving services are one hourly price, with no hidden fees. Our moving team will pack any large artwork in picture boxes, hanging clothing in wardrobe boxes, and lamps and shades in boxes or bins as appropriate.

 

The team will use moving blankets and stretch wrap to wrap and protect furniture before loading the truck. If there is furniture to be dissembled or reassembled, they will make every effort to accommodate provided that it is not overly complex or dangerous; please note that we will take wall-mounted televisions off the wall, but we do not remount TVs.

 

Once the truck is loaded, they will proceed to your new home, unload furniture, and then unwrap and arrange it where you want it.

What supplies are on your moving truck?

Our moving trucks come stocked with basic supplies, including: tools, stretch wrap, moving blankets, moving dollies, bungee cords to secure furniture and boxes, and straps for exceptionally heavy items.

 

We also come equipped with tape gun and packing tape, mattress bags, picture boxes, wardrobe boxes (for hanging clothes!), and an assortment of boxes and packing paper.

What is the difference between moving and downsizing services?

Moving services are pretty much what you’d expect them to be – our team comes in to wrap and protect your furniture, safely transports it to your new home, and then places it under your direction.

 

Downsizing services are more involved – our team can help with a wide variety of services, depending on your needs. Downsizing typically involve packing and sorting before your move, moving services, and then an unpack and set up so that your new home is ready to be lived in!

Are estate services only for when people have passed away?

No, not at all! Darling Solutions often helps people who are clearing out their remaining house contents once they’ve already moved.

Do I have to be present on site for Estate Services?

No, and we understand that it isn’t always possible to be on location with our team. If you are able to label items or provide a list for items that are meant to go to a specific place, that’s definitely very helpful!

 

Our team is very experienced in sorting through Estates, and we can make decisions on your behalf for what to do with the remaining house contents. If something looks important, we can set it aside to ask you before it is removed from the house.

Does Darling Solutions provide storage?

Darling Solutions can, in select cases (based upon availability at our warehouse), provide storage on a short-term basis for our clients. We are not able to offer access to content stored at our warehouse; should you require access at-will, we would be pleased to refer you to another storage solution.

 

Should our storage not be available, or if you prefer an option that allows access to your stored items at-will, we can provide a referral to another storage company; this referral will give you a discount on your first month’s rent with them!

Does Darling Solutions provide staging materials?

No, Darling Solutions does our best to stage homes with existing furniture. We do not stock staging materials or furniture.

 

Our expert team can make suggestions on purchases, or look into rental furniture for staging if absolutely required.

 

Some realtors have staging materials for their clients to use during photography and showings – it may be worth asking them, just in case!

Can I leave boxes in my home while it's on the market for sale?

Good question -  yes, you can leave packed boxes in your home, but we don't usually recommend it. Our team will make reasonable suggestions based on your situation.

 

Consider it from your buyer's perspective - this is their first time seeing the house. Our goal is for them to imagine what it would be like to live there; if they can't see half the room because it's full of boxes, they'll probably have trouble picturing their furniture placements. 

 

That said, it's not always possible (or practical) to remove packed boxes, especially before a move!  In a pinch, the most important things to remember are to make the boxes look organized, and to block as little visual space as possible in each room. Try to use uniform size and colour boxes and stack them neatly against the wall, labels facing out, no more than 3-4 boxes high.

 

(Bonus - using similar sizes and shapes of boxes is actually faster, as they stack neatly - not just in your house, but also in the moving truck and on our moving dollies! Non-standardized boxes can take longer to load and transport, as each one needs a bit more TLC to ensure they travel safely)

How long have you been in business?

We are proud to share that Darling Solutions has been serving the Ottawa area since 2009. Our experience means that we've seen and assisted with a wide variety of situations, and we truly are specialized in moving seniors.

Is Darling Solutions licensed and insured? Do you offer insurance?

Darling Solutions is fully insured, and we are registered in all the proper ways - moving companies are not licensed by the Ontario government.

That said, we strongly recommend that you contact your current insurance provider to confirm what coverage you may have in the event of a move, and whether additional protection is required. Darling Solutions cannot legally offer nor provide insurance coverage.

At Darling Solutions, we pride ourselves on a less than 1% damage rate, which is exceptionally low in the moving industry. Should damages occur while your items are in transit or during the course of your move, your insurance is your best option for replacing the items at their full replacement cost.

Can you provide references?

Absolutely! You are welcome to reach out to our office if you would like to personally connect with some of our references, but in the meantime we can offer testimonials from other happy clients here.

What steps are you taking to protect clients and staff during COVID-19?​

Darling Solutions has implemented a number of procedures with the intention of keeping our clients and team safe.

 

Our management team monitors COVID-19 updates, and we adjust our procedures as a result to ensure we are providing our team with the most up-to-date information and safety measures to keep everyone as safe as possible.

What are your COVID-19 safety protocols, and will they impact my service?

The entire Darling Solutions team complies with building, client and/or retirement home policies on arrival. Our safety procedures include:

 

  • No team member comes to work if they feel unwell! We will make other arrangements to staff the service, or postpone.
  • Our team has hand sanitizer and/or hand soap, disposable gloves, disposable face masks, cloth face masks and filters, and sanitizing wipes available for their use.
  • Our warehouse notice board includes an infographic from the Government of Canada on proper hand washing technique, as well as a summary of information on COVID-19 transmission and symptoms.
  • We provide rapid COVID-19 tests for all team members.

Please reach out to our office if you have any questions or concerns.

What your friends Say

Testimonials

Dave Tod
Positive: Professionalism
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We used Darling to move my parents into the Redwoods September 1, 2020. The pre move consultation went smoothly as did the prepacking and on moving day the guys showed up on time and finished on time. I was greeted by name so that was a nice bonus. The team wore uniforms – a nice touch of professionalism.

The team knew where to park and the layout of both buildings – again good research. And although I was not present for the off loading it went smoothly as well. All of the team showed expertise and an understanding of the complexities of dealing with elderly people and their families.

We would definitely recommend them!
Pierre Sabourin
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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What a fantastic group of Professionals I have nothing but amazing things to say. They helped keep my parents positive in this huge transition into their new home.

This in my opinion is service the way it’s supposed to be. I love you all thank you so so much
Janet Smith
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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I have dealt with Darling Solutions to move my Dad from his home to a retirement residence twice and now as an estate move. All the staff are very helpful and professional. The first move I decided to do the unpacking myself but the second time I had them do the unpacking and placing of everything. They did a phenomenal job at placing the furniture, hanging pictures etc. The last move they delivered furniture donations to Mathew House for me also took things to Value Village and disposed of anything of no value and delivered what was coming to my home. They even moved a piece of furniture from my den to my basement as it was being replaced by a desk from my Dad.

I would definitely recommend Darling Solutions for your moving needs.
G Green
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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We are deeply appreciative of the work done by the Darling team, during a stressful time. Prospective clients can have full confidence in their services, from first contact, to final billing. We especially enjoyed working with the packers (who also set up and help to stage at the destination) and the movers. They were fast, friendly, and very good at their jobs. Big thanks to Julie, Kelly H, Dan, and Yan.
John O'Halloran
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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After 37 years military service and countless moves my recent move with Darling Solutions was the most professional, efficient, cost effective, caring and competent moving company I encountered. Darling handled my furniture and effects as if it were their own. Paul and Aimee were most efficient and careful packers. The entire team, under Paul as Team Leader, were so proficient, friendly and professional that my son gave them all a tip. I had a fantastic downsizing move. Customer service was top drawer. My move with Darling was painless. Darling looked after all my moving requirements in the most professional and caring manner. I was not disappointed when I selected Darling Solutions as my mover. John F. O'Halloran
Sarah Boyd
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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I appreciate the overall care and attention Darling Solutions gave to my mother's move from her house to a retirement home. They provided their services for the initial move to the retirement home, staging when her house went up for sale and removal and dispersement services when her house sold. Communication with staff was always polite and courteous.In addition, Darling Solutions pricing is very reasonable. I am so thankful we had the good fortune of finding them. I can't recommend them more highly!
Ellen Garmaise
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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Darling Solutions handled our large move faultlessly, from decluttering to packing to moving to unpacking. Everything that was promised was delivered. Over six days we got to know many of the staff members, and appreciated their support and suggestions. They were always good humoured with us and with each other. The office staff was unfailingly available, reliable and helpful. We were delighted with the service and would recommend them without hesitation to anyone.
Margot Laporte
Positive: Professionalism, Responsiveness
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We used Darling Solutions to pack up and move my elderly parents from their home of 35 years to live with family 3 hours away. They customized their services to meet our particular needs. Every aspect of the service provided was fantastic. All the involved staff were so professional and efficient. They made what was expected to be a stressful time so much easier. Highly recommend this company.
Flora Knight
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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I used Darling Solutions for my move which required downsizing from a house to an apartment. They did a fantastic job and relieved me of all the stress involved in such a move. They also moved and setup my personal belongings and other items into my new apartment. I highly recommend Darling Solutions for your next move.
Shawn Ladd
Positive: Professionalism, Responsiveness
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Kelly Darling and her crew have moved my aging parents twice now. They are discreet, considerate, careful, and do complete work.
Andre Cousineau
Positive: Professionalism, Value
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Best movers we ever had. Ian, Colton, Tim, and Yan, did a great job. Every piece of furniture was carefully wrapped and unwrapped when we reached our destination. First time we move and not a stick of furniture was damaged. Great job guys!
Clarissa Brocklehurst
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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We were so, so pleased with the services of the Darling moving team. Liam and Jon were efficient, kind, polite and caring. They were a pleasure to have in the house and quickly put our minds at rest about the move – they got everything done and were unfailingly cheerful and positive.
Kimberly Irwin
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Darling Solutions made a very difficult life transition for our family as smooth as could be hoped for. With 3 siblings, a dad with severe dementia and a mother not wanting to leave the home we grew up in and all the memories that were so hard to let go - it took a special person to navigate this.

Kelly's team displayed the same mindfulness, caring and compassion on the job as she did during the initial consult. We are grateful to your company for helping us through this. Thank you
Chris Jackson
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The best moving company I have ever dealt with, all their crew is very professional, friendly and very hard working.

I highly recommend Darling Solutions to anyone.
Robert Cope
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My wife and I have moved more than a dozen times over the years – this was the very best! Very professional, efficient and capable. Despite some challenges at move-in including a torrential downpour, the crew (Kelly (the boss herself), Ian, Rob, Julie, Susan and David were upbeat, considerate and responsive. Special mention to Susan – a human dynamo – involved from beginning to end including making up our bed! Charges were in line with the estimate
Bill Tomes
Positive: Responsiveness
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I recently moved my mother to an assisted living facility and was recommended Darling Solutions for the move. Their name should be Guardian Angels. They took care of all needs and made my life so much easier. I live in Toronto and was managing this move in Ottawa. I had to rely on trust and reputation. Boy did they come through for me. Every service I needed they provided. The entire process from start to finish was done with accuracy and professionalism not to mention with heart when dealing with someone with dementia. I will definitely recommend Darling Solutions for any move involving an elderly person if you want a team that gets the job done with compassion!
Brendan Gleeson
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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Darling Solutions ensured that our whole move process was completed thoughtfully, professionally and at a very reasonable price. From the assessor to the movers themselves, it was obvious that this whole company believed in excellent customer service. I would refer them to anyone who needed good and reliable moving services.
Marjorie Harvey
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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Ten years ago, Kelly, Founder and Director of Darling Solutions, helped us move from our house to a condo with the help of a very small team. We could not have done it without them. We are delighted to see how Kelly’s business and team have grown into a sizable organization. We did not hesitate to ask her to help us with our recent move, from condo to retirement residence.

Again, we could not have done it without them! From decluttering and packing our condo to moving and setting us up in our new home, every member of the team was hardworking, helpful, warm and extremely competent. Their attention to detail in setting up our new place was remarkable. Honourable mention to the whole team: Kelly, Shawn, Ian, Phyllis, Barb M., Barb Y. Jack, Susan, Glen and Paul. Barb M., our team leader, and Ruth, in the office, were particularly good at calming a nervous client.

We recommend Darling Solutions without reservation. We can’t thank them enough.

Marj and Weldon
Susanne Cork
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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We recently engaged Darling Movers to move my Mother from one Senior's residence to another. This move also required a secondary stop to pick up some additional items and then move everything into her new home. I cannot say enough about the professionalism of the Darling team. Right from the first phone call, we knew we were in good hands. The team was so gracious handling my Mother's questions and anxiety about making a move at 93! The quotation we received was very reasonable with no surprises or hidden charges along the way, and everything was accomplished with great efficiency and care. I will be recommending Darling Movers without reservation, to my family, friends and colleagues - this was by far the most worry free move we have made, and we will certainly be engaging them again.
Paul Saker
Recommend? Yes
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My in laws were recently given an opprtunity to move into a retirement facility. This was very much smaller than the home they had been living in for the past 40 years.
Adding COVID into the mix it was almost paralysing to think about. After a recommendation to Contact Darling most of that fear went away.
Professional, competent and most importantly Caring.
They made this move so smooth for my wife and her parents.
On moving day they left their old home and at the end of the day arrived in a new home with all their belongings unpacked and arranged. Completely stress and back pain free. The next day Darling took care of removing items targeted for donation and all remaining items for waste.
I cannot recommend this service enough.
Thank you so much.
Jennifer Perry
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I wanted to thank you so much for all of your help with my parents move.

Frankly thank-you does not even cover it. Your team, led by Julie, was absolutely incredible from the first moment we met down to the beautiful new plant for my mom and our goodbyes at the door.

They were so organized, thoughtful, friendly and polite. It was a sincere pleasure to work with all of them. I enjoyed the experience so much I am almost sad that the move is finished but happy that we will meet again when my parents are ready to hang their many pictures.

Again, I am in awe and am telling anyone with ears about Darling Solutions so they will hopefully in turn tell their friends and family.

Very best regards and please send our thanks once again to your team.
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