There are many Australian moving companies. Industry reports say there are over 8000. It can be hard to choose who to trust with your valuable belongings. This is why we have compiled this handy checklist of 5 common pitfalls in choosing a removals firm.
Now you have a buyer for your home. It’s now time to think about moving. Moving is stressful, whether you are moving across the country or just to move within your local area. You’ve decided to hire professionals. However, that doesn’t mean you are free from the stress of moving.
Check recent reviews in detail
Although review sites like Product Review and Word of Mouth are great at rating services, the devil is often in the details. In response to cost pressures, moving companies may have to make major changes in their business operations. A company that has a high star rating may have made recent changes to improve their service.
You can ensure that a company continues to live up to its star rating by reading customer reviews on a third-party review website. Pay attention to customer names and accounts when you read reviews. Customers, who take the time to create a profile on a third-party review website, leave a review and provide a decent-length review will be more trustworthy. Third-party review sites are recommended as reviews can be easily edited on company websites.
Ask them if they have their own trucks
This is especially important when you are using interstate removals companies to relocate. The overhead costs of a removal company include labour costs. Subcontracted labour can be used to reduce these costs. You can make this work for you because many owner-operators do great jobs and take great care of their work. It can also lead to uncertainty about who your moving day will bring.
What to look out for: If a company has many 5 star reviews but not enough 1 star reviews (with nothing in between 2, 3, and 4 stars), this could indicate that they are using subcontracted labour. It’s a good idea to ask a company whether their removals staff is on their payroll and if they have their own trucks before you book with them.
Ask about free storage
Many moving companies offer storage services. Many companies offer storage services as a value-added service. They will often give you a few weeks free of charge (especially for interstate moves). It’s a good idea to know if there will be any delay between your move out date and your move in date.
Check to see what type of insurance is available
Learn about the different types of insurance that you can get for your move. Standardly, most companies include Public Liability and Goods in Transit insurance. The first covers your truck in an accident or theft; the second covers you if the company is legally liable for damage to your property.
The insurances mentioned above do not cover accidental damage or scratches to your belongings while you are loading or unloading the truck or while it are moving. You will need separate insurance that covers accidental damage to your belongings. It’s a good idea, however, to verify if your contents and home insurance covers moving. Some policies consider moving house an “event” that is included in their coverage.
An inventory list of all the items that you are moving is a great way to help with an insurance claim. Photos or videos of the items are helpful if you have the time.
Book a Backload
This is for interstate moving. Backloading is the cheapest method to move interstate. Backloading refers to when your items can fit into a truck, container or other vehicle that is travelling interstate. Because it helps to reduce the number of trucks on the roads, it is also safer for the environment.
These are some of the pitfalls to avoid when choosing a removalist company for your next move. This will help you to choose the best removalists for your needs and help you move without any stress.
