From Calgary to Surrey and Back Again: A Two Small Men Moving Story

Although standard, long-distance moving can be the most challenging aspect of the industry for even the most seasoned movers. Whereas local moves ten to be simple affairs, long-distance moving necessitates detailed planning and adherence to strict safety protocols. And all that is in addition to the hours and hours of focused driving. That driving can occur in many different conditions on any variety of terrain.

For Two Small Men mover Montell Beals, one long-distance move from Surrey, British Columbia to Calgary, Alberta became the kind of move that represents all these challenges.

“This story is a cool one to me,” he says.

It started off as a normal job. Montell was dispatched to a move from the Lower Mainland to Alberta.

“So I did a long haul two years ago,” he explained. “It was to pick up one of our sales agents that was moving from Surrey to Calgary.”

This route is well-traveled but far from easy. It covers more than 1000 km and cuts through mountains.

“That’s going to be like 11 hours,” Montell said. “I drive one day — 11 hours. I’m only allowed to do 13 hours of driving in a day.”

When it comes to long-distance moving, nothing can be left to chance. That's why safety standards are in place and why there must be coordination with the head office in ordor to monitor weather tacking, rest periods and everything else.

Upon arriving in Surrey, however, Montell was pleasantly surprised by the job ahead of him.

“It was actually a really easy one,” he said.

“He had everything already outside and ready to go as soon as we pulled up,” Montell recalled. “Him and his girlfriend worked their butts off and brought every single last thing that they had outside.”

While not expected, this much moving preparation makes long-distance moving easier on everyone involved. Montell and co were able to put more time into safe packing and making sure all the cargo was protected and balanced, which is especially important when it comes to drives through the mountains.

“It just made it work for us,” Montell said. “It was pretty easy going. We show up and often customers ask us, ‘How can I help? I feel useless just standing around watching you guys,’” he said. “And it’s like, ‘We’re getting paid to be here — you guys sit back and relax.’”

This move, however, was a bonus.

“So yeah,” Montell laughed, “that was pretty darn sweet.”

Once he truck was packed up, they were able to hit the road. Despite the distance, the scenic beauty is remarkable in good weather months.

“In the summer, it’s beautiful,” he says. “The roads are dry. It’s easy going.”

Regardless, they had to stay vigilant the whole time.

“It’s a really long drive,” he added. “Challenging roads for sure. Nine times out of ten — actually ten times out of ten — Vancouver drives are always solo,” Montell explained. “So it’s normally a long haul by myself.”

When you drive that long, you need to be as mentally strong as you are physically.

“With the beauty of BC, honestly that drive is awesome,” he said. “Just being able to look at things keeps me a little sane.”

Montell has his own tricks.

“Podcasts and music are really my go-to things,” he said.

As the move progressed, Montell kept experiencing serendipitous moments, like when he mentioned his hometown to the client.

“We were talking about Halifax,” he said. “He overheard us talking about Halifax and then I found out that he was my cousin. I had no clue that I had a cousin in BC. I’m from the other side of Canada.”

Somehow, this wasn't the only coincidence.

“We went to drop his stuff off at a storage unit in Calgary,” he said. “And then I ended up running into my first cousin — the only cousin that I thought I knew. This random lady overhears us talking and she says, ‘Oh, I’m from Halifax. We found out that she was my first cousin — my uncle’s daughter. I haven’t seen her since I was a kid.”

For Montell, these coincidences were evocative of Two Small Men's place in Canada.

“Our thing is local roots, national reach,” Montell said. “I just felt connected in such a weird way working through this company.”

Beyond bringing the possessions to the storage unit, Montell returned to make sure the job was finished once housing had been settled.

“He went into storage while he organized a place,” Montell explained. “Then I came back to move him into his new home. Every time he’s moved since he’s been in Calgary, I’ve done his moves. I’m his guy.”

And while it feels good to have the customers on your side, Montell says the safety still trumps all for him.

“I’m really big on safety, especially when driving through the mountains,” he said. “I know what to expect but unexpected things still happen.”

And there's nothing like a winter drive to bring out the unexpected.

“I actually hit an elk two weeks ago,” Montell said. “That was the first time I’d ever hit an animal that large. I had a grand piano on my left side. I had to swerve to try to get out of his way but I didn’t want to swerve too much and end up in the ditch.”

The impact wasn't as bad as it could have been, but don't tell that to the elk.

“I clipped the last ten inches of his body.”

The truck and all inside, however, were mostly unscathed.

“Thankfully it didn’t flip,” Montell said. “Everyone was safe except for the elk.”

These are things you need to be prepared for as long-distance mover.

“It’s about being aware,” Montell said. “Taking your time.”

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