Are you in the process of moving and would like to avoid being ripped off by decreasing your chances of picking the wrong company?
The thought of moving instantly creates stress and anxiety because the process burns you out.
Not to mention, adapting to a different place to live, the neighborhood, the neighbors, a new route to work, a new school for the children to attend, etc.
One of the best ways to make this transition easier is to find a reputable and trustworthy moving company that will treat your belongings with care.
And I will provide you with twelve costly mistakes to avoid when hiring a moving company.
Let’s get moving…
1)) Moving Without Researching
Doing good research before choosing a moving company is very essential. Among the numerous companies available, going through every company individually and short-listing them is important instead of choosing one randomly.
2)) Not Asking Essential Questions
Choosing a moving company without asking essential questions is one thing that you should avoid. Good moving companies are always ready to answer your queries.
If a prospective company is vague with its answers, then move on to the next.
3)) Relying On Unwritten Estimation
Always avoid unwritten estimations while moving. Ask the companies to provide written estimated costs so that you stay assured as to how much you need to shell out for the move.
This is not the old days when some agreements were made using a handshake.
The golden rule is to always get contracts in writing; otherwise, you may not have a legal leg to stand on in the event something goes wrong or your property gets damaged.
4)) Not Reading The Terms And Conditions Thoroughly
Every moving company comes with its respective terms and conditions. Read those carefully, these are your rights and responsibilities. Being clear about terms will put you in an advantageous position.
Tip: If you have access to a contract attorney, have him or her look over the paperwork.
5)) Going For A Mover With The Lowest Price Option
Remember, when searching for a company that offers moving in the lowest price range, be certain not to compromise (too much) your standard of what you expect in terms of service.
If you’re looking for the best movers at the lowest price, you have to also be realistic about the type of service that may be rendered.
You know the old saying, “You Get What You Pay For.”
The company you choose must strike a good balance between price and reliability in order to get the most value for your money.
6)) Not Getting To Know The Additional Charges
Make it a point to know exactly what you’re being charged for by asking the moving company for an itemized list.
That way you’ll be able to see at a glance what you’re paying for and any additional cost involved without being confused.
This also reduces the chances of being ripped off.
7)) Not Paying Attention To Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are the only way to know more about the company and the services they offer.
If you choose to avoid customer reviews, then you might land in hot waters after picking an untrustworthy moving company.
The Internet makes it so easy to check a company’s customer reviews.
Example Search
STEP 1: In your favorite search engine type [Moving Company Name + City]
STEP 2: Click on the Google Reviews
STEP 3: Look at their Rating (Do they have a 3-star, 4-star, 5-star, etc.?)
STEP 4: Read some of the reviews
STEP 5: If you like what you read, then add the company to your Shortlist of Prospects
8)) Not Checking On The Insurance And Licenses
A reliable company is one which has a proper license and insurance coverage to cover the states to and fro.
Not checking these necessities before hiring a moving company can spell a disaster for you in the event of any unforeseen situations.
9)) Not Hiring A Moving Company With Experience
When hiring a moving company always search for a company with experience, because an experienced company can tackle tough situations while moving long distances which an inexperienced company may not be able to handle.
The point of hiring a moving company is to make your life easier by safely transporting your belongings in a timely manner without any item getting broken.
10)) The Last Moment Hiring
Hiring a company in the eleventh hour can be a disaster, not only will you have to shell out more money; you may potentially choose a service that lacks experience and reliability.
If possible, plan and hire a reputable moving company far in advance.
Why pay more money if you don’t have to?
11)) Relying On One Single Quote
When seeking out a moving company to hire, always get multiple quotes to avoid paying too much and/or choosing an unprofessional service provider.
This is the first rule of thumb to apply before making any kind of purchase.
It doesn’t matter how much money you have in the bank, getting the best service at a great price should be your main focus.
So never go with the first quote that you receive, unless you know for a fact it’s the best rate you can get. This scenario is usually made possible when a person gets a referral from someone they know and the moving company gives them a good deal because of the relationship.
Otherwise, get multiple quotes, make a shortlist, compare, and then make your decision based on those details and your budget.
12)) Not Getting An On-Site Cost Estimate
A reputable moving company will offer an on-site estimate of your home.
This is highly recommended because seeing the items that need to be moved allows the moving company to provide you with a more accurate cost estimation.
Conclusion
You just learned 12 Costly Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring A Moving Company!
We can all agree that moving is no easy task and requires a huge investment in time, energy, and money.
As we age, it’s better to hire professional movers to prevent bodily injuries caused by lifting heavy household items.
Experts will make your transition easier and a lot less stressful.
Most cities and towns have no shortage of moving companies to choose from.
Before picking one, use the twelve tips that you discovered today as filters before making your final decision.
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