10 Common Mistakes When Hiring Movers

Professionals are supposed to be excellent in their field. So, when faced with a troublesome and arduous task, you probably turn to specialists as you trust them to do a good job.

This means that when planning a house move, you will consider hiring professional movers to help you relocate – as they’re very likely to perform a safe and successful relocation.

To ensure a smooth moving process, however, you need trustworthy movers. Many companies out there claim to be the best in business, but finding experienced and reliable professionals to hire for your relocation can be more of a challenge than you might think.

There are many mistakes you can make when hiring movers and each one of them can cost you a lot of money and nerves.

To ensure a smooth and affordable move, you need to get familiar with the most common mistakes when hiring movers and learn how to avoid them.

1) Hiring Movers at the Last Moment

It’s only natural that last-minute services cost more than pre-booked ones. So, if you make the mistake to wait until the last week before your move, be ready to dig deep into your pockets for moving services.

Even worse, you’ll not only have to pay more for hiring a moving company at the last minute, but will also have to do with whatever “professional” service is available – inexperienced movers, inconvenient pick-up or delivery times, etc.You are very likely to pay exorbitant fees for incompetent services and to end up with damaged household items and an empty bank account.

So, don’t procrastinate – start planning your move as soon as you can. Book trustworthy moving services well in advance to make sure that your belongings will be taken proper care of and all aspects of the moving process will be addressed in a timely and professional manner.

2) Getting Just a Single Quote

There are so many moving companies to choose from that you may get confused by the great number of available options and discouraged to research them all.

However, going for the first movers who serve your moving route will be a big mistake – moving services are radically different in terms of rates, quality, and reliability.

If you get just one moving quote, you may hire movers who have little experience, outdated moving equipment, or higher tariffs than other reputable companies.

You need several quotes to be able to compare the prices and conditions offered by different companies and narrow down your choice to 3 or 4 movers who seem to best suit your needs and available budget. It’s the only way to find out what’s fair in the industry and make an informed decision.

As a rule of thumb, the more estimates you get, the easier it will be to find the best deal for you.

3) Not Getting an On-Site Estimate

To get an accurate idea of your overall moving costs, however, you don’t just need several estimates, you need several accurate estimates. Have in mind that online estimates or estimates over the phone can never be precise, simply because the movers won’t have enough information to calculate how much it will cost to move all your household items.

You can submit an online inventory list but you will never be able to include all the relevant details, special requirements, possible obstacles, etc. Not to mention that you won’t be able to discuss different options, negotiate special terms, or just ask your potential movers any of the numerous questions that bother you. If you get an estimate over the phone, it is almost 100% certain that in the end, you will have to pay much more than the amount stated in the estimate.

It is essential to request an on-site binding estimate before hiring a moving company.

4) Going for the Lowest Estimate

Resist the urge to automatically hire the company that offers the lowest prices. Have in mind that the cheapest option may turn out to be the most expensive one in the end.

If you receive an estimate that is more than 25 % cheaper than the rest, raise your guard. Chances are you’re dealing with rogue movers – it is typical for them to lure in customers with low costs, special deals, and other enticements, such as free services. If you let yourself be fooled by sweet promises, you will either lose the money from your deposit (the movers will just disappear with the deposit and will not show on Moving day) or will be forced to pay a great amount of money for alleged additional services (the movers will hold your belongings hostage until you pay the exorbitant extra fees).

The seemingly low price is just a snare you need to avoid. Outsmart scam artists and look at drastically low estimates as warning signs for poor quality or scam.

Related: Protect your move: Moving fraud prevention guide

5) Not Asking the Right Questions

Information is crucial for the successful outcome of your moving adventure. The more you know, the better prepared you will be and the more beneficial decisions you will make.

Failing to interview your movers may not be a fatal mistake but asking the right questions is definitely going to help you choose the best movers for you. Prepare a list of important questions to ask the moving companies: ask about the company (its history, customer service policy, insurance, available equipment and storage facilities, subcontractors they work with, etc.), the movers’ tariffs (payment methods, extra services and their costs, discounts and promotions, cancelation policy, amount of the deposit, etc.), the moving process (prevention of property damage, handling of specialty items, additional transfers, etc.), and the delivery (delivery window, unloading, storage options, settlement of eventual conflicts, etc.)

The right answers to the right questions guarantee that you will hire the best movers for you!

6) Omitting Relevant Information

It’s crucial to discuss all the specifics with your movers – possible obstacles, special requests, desired extra services, etc. Be thorough in your explanations and don’t forget to give an accurate and detailed description of both your old home and your new one.

If you fail to disclose all the relevant information to the moving company beforehand, not only will your final moving costs soar significantly, but the movers may show up without the required specialized equipment which will result in an abrupt change of plans.

So, analyze all the specifics that may render your move more difficult than expected and work with your movers to create a detailed plan for your upcoming move. The moving crew will come to your place properly prepared and you will not be taken aback by unpleasant financial surprises.

7) Forgetting The Extra Costs

The additional services movers offer are not automatically included in the estimate, so it is very easy to forget about them. You have to specify exactly what extra assistance you will need and to make sure that everything is clearly stated in the estimate.

Remember though that even if you don’t intend to use any accessorial services, circumstances beyond your control may necessitate them.

Needless to say, all extra services incur extra charges.

So, it’s important to ask your movers what they consider an extra service and how much you will have to pay for it. This way, you will know exactly what additional services you can afford and will be able to avoid unnecessary expenses (pack your items properly, reserve a parking space directly in front of your property, have your new home ready in time, etc.).

Overlooking additional services and their costs is probably the most common moving mistake made by first-time movers. You will save yourself many headaches (and lots of money) if you avoid it.

8) Ignoring Proper Insurance

Besides careful packing, proper insurance is the only protection you can provide for your cherished possessions. Of course, no insurance plan can prevent thieves from stealing your valuables or the moving truck from getting into an accident but if you choose Full Value Protection, at least your movers will be extra careful when handling your household items (they will be liable for either repairing a broken or lost piece or compensating you with its full cash value).

Nothing can replace a stolen or damaged item of high sentimental value but adequate insurance will cover the costs for new expensive pieces that were accidentally broken, such as a TV or a crystal chandelier.

You may even consider buying extra insurance from a third party for your most valuable possessions.

The Released Value protection comes for free and many people make the mistake of choosing it though it only pays 60 cents per pound per article for any damaged goods, regardless of their value. Ensure your peace of mind and encourage your movers to do their best by purchasing additional insurance.

9) Overlooking the Paperwork

It is your responsibility to read carefully the moving paperwork and make sure that you understand and agree with all the provisions in the Bill of Lading before signing it.

Don’t hesitate to ask about anything that is not absolutely clear and discuss any anxieties you might have with your movers.

Pay special attention to the fine print, as it may contain special conditions or important details.

Double-check the inventory sheet to confirm that all the items you have entrusted to the movers are listed in it and the corresponding description of their current condition is correct.

And above all, never ever sign a blank or incomplete document! Have in mind that no reliable and honest movers will ever suggest that you do so. If it happens, you’d better change your mind and choose another moving company.

Documentation is meant to set clear rules and provide extra protection for you, so take advantage of it.

10) Not Planning Ahead

To avoid major mistakes when hiring a moving company, you need to know exactly what you want and what you need. Even the most reputable movers may not be appropriate for you under specific circumstances.

So, before diving headfirst into the hectic moving preparations, take your time and plan your relocation carefully. Create a floor plan of your new place, sort out your possessions, and assess your specific needs in order to decide exactly what you will take with you and what kind of services you will request.

Stick to your plan and avoid hasty decisions and last-minute overpacking, regrets, or doubts. Stay focused and organized, don’t rush things, and don’t panic. Plan several steps ahead and do your best to get everything ready in time.

The Biggest Blunder: Not Researching the Movers

In the end, it all comes to hiring licensed and insured movers whom you can trust.

To avoid moving scams, you need to make sure the moving company you intend to hire is properly certified and registered. Go to the website of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to verify your chosen movers’ USDOT number and research the company – if something doesn’t match up or you don’t like what you find, opt for another moving company.

Rookie moving mistakes may result in lost money, wasted valuable time, ruined plans, damaged possessions, or a nervous breakdown. The most common mistakes when hiring movers, however, can be easily avoided if you are well-informed and careful.