4 Costly Mistakes People Make When Hiring Local Movers
According to figures published in Consumer Affairs, the average American will move 11.7 times in their life. But despite the frequency of moves, there are always so many things that can go wrong during a move.
Especially when you look at the concept of choosing the right local movers to transport your belongings from one property to another. While the industry might be reliable overall, there are always a few unscrupulous outfits ready to take advantage of people. This post is going to look at some of the mistakes people make when booking movers, so you can avoid these pitfalls.
Choosing Based on Price Alone
For a lot of people who have limited funds, the company they choose will win out on price alone. Nothing else is considered. And sadly, not all low quotes should be chosen. A cheap headline number can hide a multitude of problems, including missing services, added charges payable on the day, and limited liability coverage, to name a few.
Instead of going on price alone, you need to ask for itemised quotes. Check what is and what is not included. Does it include stair fees, long carries, packing materials, and fuel charges? Ask what triggers additional fees (delays, rescheduling, bulky items, etc.). Then check out recent reviews, looking for hidden surprises people didn’t expect, so you know what to be aware of. It might be that you opt for a slightly higher quote, but you’ll know what you’re getting.
Skipping Proper Company Verification
Many people state and end their research with a quick search for local moving companies near me, assuming the top results have equal credibility. But visibly doesn’t mean credible all the time.
Verify registration and licensing where required. Confirm insurance coverage and exactly how claims are handled for peace of mind. From here, look for a physical address for the company, check that contact details are consistent, and ensure a trackable business history is available. Then look at reviews again for patterns concerning punctuality, care with items, and dispute resolution. A little extra time here saves a lot of worry down the line.
Ignoring the Fine Print in Contracts
Signing paperwork without reading the terms is still pretty common, especially when scheduling is tight. But this is where misunderstandings and communication can break down.
Review the valuation and liability on the contract carefully. Ensure you know what is and isn’t covered and what documentation is needed if you need to make a claim. Check delivery windows, storage conditions, cancellation policies, and delay clauses. Make sure you know what you’re paying for, and if anything is vague, ask for written clarification.
Underestimating Packaging and Inventory Needs
House moves run over time and budget when belongings aren’t properly prepared. Think unboxed items, disorganised rooms, and inaccurate volume estimates.
You need to declutter everything before requesting quotes so the estimate reflects reality. Create a room-by-room inventory and flag high-value or fragile items. Use sturdy boxes, not improvised boxes. Label essentials and priority unload rooms clearly. Good packing reduces handling time, prevents damage and limits disputes over missing items.
