Congratulations on your upcoming move! By now you have done most of your planning for the big day – well, this is exciting. It can also be stressful if you don’t have the right mover.
Choosing a moving company that’s good for you is one of the most top considerations in the moving process. In this article, we are going to outline the top ten most common mistakes to avoid when hiring a mover and how you can avoid each of them.
1. Deciding to go for the mover that has the lowest price
Oftentimes, quality goes hand in hand with price. While the price might seem low now, it won’t after the movers tack on additional cost later on in the deal. Remember wrong movers will often lure customers with incentives, free services, and a very low cost. Be aware of this and make smart decisions.
2. Getting moving quotes over the phone and submitting an online inventory (list of things) you need to move
Without actually visiting your home, moving companies aren’t able to give you an accurate estimate. After visiting your home, movers will be able to review everything you are moving and ensure at the end of the move the inventory they quoted on matches what was moved.
3. Not receiving estimates from several moving companies
In order to get a feel for what’s fair, it’s important that you get estimates from at least three different moving companies. This will ensure that you receive the most accurate and reasonable estimate for your move.
4. Not researching the moving company
In order to ensure that your items are in good hands and your movers are reliable and trustworthy, it’s important to do a background check on them. The easiest way to do this is by visiting their offices, doing a simple online search for customer reviews, and looking up your company on protectyourmove.gov. Here you can make sure the company has a moving license and view any complaints about the company.
5. Not planning ahead
On of the busiest time for movers is summertime. If you think about moving around this time, be sure to reserve your spot for in advance. This will help you avoid the stress of not getting the reservation and possibly having to pay more.
TIP: You may also consider:Ultimate Moving Checklist From Home Depot andMoving Company License Checker if you live in California.
6. Not asking about extra costs you might be charged
Oftentimes, moving companies may charge additional fees for services such as moving items up and down stairs, not having a close parking space for the moving truck, and packing supplies fees for items not properly packed. Ascertain the additional cost the moving company charges before you proceed.
7. Not asking the right questions
There are so many details to consider when hiring a moving company and it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure you are dealing with a reliable company that have your best interest in mind. According to Move Prola (https://www.moveprola.com/), some of the questions to consider are:
- Is the company registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration?
- Does the company subcontract smaller companies?
- What’s the company rate per pound and rate per distance for the move?
8. Not checking with the Better Business Bureau on the mover’s complaint record
It is rare to find a moving company free of complaints. The Better Business Bureau not only allows you to view the company’s record of complaints but most importantly enables you to see how and if these complaints have been handled. You want to make sure you go with the mover who will handle any complaint you may have in a prompt and appropriate manner.
9. Not informing the mover about unexpected situations that might run into before the move
To make sure your final estimates of the moving process are accurate, it’s important to tell the moving company upfront if they are going to run into any problems. Such problems can include:
- Parking problems
- Road access
- Delivery time restrictions
- Elevators or stairs
Each of these situations may increase the cost of your move.
10. Forgetting to keep track of the different estimates you receive
As you talk with multiple moving companies, each one will offer you slightly different estimates. To ensure you choose the best one for you, make sure you keep a folder of each estimate you receive. This will also help show other movers you are doing your homework and gives you more of a competitive edge.
With a little planning and research, you will surely find the best company for your move.
