The Wrong Move: Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing A Moving Company
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There’s a lot to think about when moving home. On top of financially preparing for the move and finding time to pack everything, you need to consider how you’re going to actually move your stuff.
Most people hire a professional moving company, but it’s important that you don’t just settle for any man with a van – hiring the wrong movers could lead to all kinds of issues from broken furniture to hidden expensive fees.
To help you make the right choice, here is a list of some of the biggest pitfalls to steer clear of when choosing a moving company and what to look out for instead.
Only Getting a Single Quote
If you jump on the first quote you receive, there’s no way of knowing whether this is truly a good price. Collecting multiple quotes from different movers allows you to get a better idea of what a fair price is.
You could find that some movers charge rates drastically lower than others (although this itself can be a red flag – check that you’re not going to be hit with hidden fees later and that they’ve got all your move details correct).
There are sites like Shiply and HireAHelper that can help you collect and compare multiple quotes of movers in your area. This might be easier than individually ringing up movers or filling in forms on each of their sites.
Just be wary that initial quotes received through comparison sites may be estimates and there will be certain movers that don’t use these sites.
Forgetting to Check Reviews and References
The reputation of a moving company is very important to consider. Check online reviews to make sure that a mover has high star ratings and generally positive feedback. Be wary of common complaints – especially within recent reviews – such as late arrival, surprise charges or damage to items.
When hiring movers for large moves, you may want to ask for references for peace of mind. Some movers will have case studies on their site that detail how they handled complex moves, which can prove a company is experienced and capable. You may also be able to get recommendations from friends or family members.
Not Asking About Insurance and Damage Policies
Accidents happen – even when hiring great movers. The problem isn’t always that something gets damaged, but what happens after. If the company is not insured, you may not be covered for any loss or damage. Lawsuits are an option, but they’re messy and expensive.
This is why you should look for a company that provides good insurance coverage. The best movers provide coverage by value and not weight – so that if a light but valuable item gets broken, you’re more likely to get a decent payout.
In some cases, you may have to pay extra for insurance, but many movers should provide coverage as part of their service. Always ask about coverage if it’s not already detailed.
Choosing a Local Mover for a Long-Distance Move
When carrying out a long-distance move, it’s important to look into the best best long distance moving companies.
Avoid hiring a company with only local moving experience for a long-distance move. Many local movers will not take these jobs, and some may try even if they lack the proper license.
Long-distance movers must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and carry a USDOT number. Make sure their insurance also covers damage to your belongings across state lines.
Being Dishonest (or Too Optimistic) About How Much Needs Moving
Sometimes people keep things vague because they’re worried that being too specific will make the quote go up. But if movers don’t know what they’re walking into, you’re setting everyone up for a bad day. If you underestimate how much stuff there is to bring, the moving company may end up:
- Bringing too few movers
- Underestimating the time
- Not having enough space in the lorry
A moving company may refuse to move items not quoted for or may charge you extra on the day. This is why you need to be accurate about how much stuff needs moving.
If you’re not entirely sure how to calculate this, consider allowing them to come round for a home visit so that they can see for themselves what belongings you have. This will also allow them to assess the width of corridors and staircases and to account for any heavy or fragile items.
Leaving it to the Last Minute
Avoid booking a moving company with only a few days to spare. Many movers fill their schedules early, leaving you with limited options. Last-minute bookings could also be more expensive, because movers may have to quickly source lorries and manpower.
When should you book your movers? Ideally, a few weeks in advance. Don’t worry if you’re entirely certain about the moving day – some moving companies will be able to offer a level of flexibility.
By looking for movers early, you can shop around for quotes and ask more questions. Movers will also be able to prepare better for the move and everyone will be less stressed.
Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Right Moving Company
Overall, if you want to choose the best moving company, consider doing these things:
- Shop around for quotes. Don’t settle for the first one you receive. Be suspicious of very low pricing.
- Make sure online reviews are positive and consider collecting references.
- Ask about insurance and damage policies to make sure you’re adequately covered.
- Choose a long-distance mover when carrying out a long-distance move.
- Be honest about how much stuff needs moving (ask a moving company to take a look at your possessions if you’re not sure how to calculate it).
- Start looking for a mover several weeks in advance so that you have time to compare quotes and increase the chance of availability.
