Common Moving Mistakes
When you are getting ready to make a move, whether it is across town or across the country, making mistakes can be costly in more ways than just monetary. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making your next move:
Relying on Only a Phone Quote
If you rely on just a phone quote for your moving experience, then you are setting yourself up to face additional charge. There is no way any moving company can decide how much your move will cost if they don’t have a true idea of what you have. Be sure to get an in home estimate instead and be sure to list all your items in an inventory and get a listing of any additional charges for things like gas, putting things together, etc.
Getting Estimate from Only One Company
It is a bad idea to only get a quote from one moving companies. You have to get at least three estimates to get an idea of what the charges in your area usually entail.Plus, getting several quotes will save you from unscrupulous companies that lowball the estimate and then tack on hidden charges at the end.
Get several quotes to be sure and you should be fine. Plus, it’s vital to get your moving estimate in writing and make it binding after you sign it and accept the charges later in order to protect you from any possible hidden fees.
Not Asking about Separate Charges
It’s also a bad idea not to ask if the moving company charges extra for things like a gas allowance, packing materials, boxes, shrink wrap, bubble wrap, etc. Many companies do this and you won’t find out until you get the final bill for their services. Avoid this problem by telling them that you want every possible charge for your move written into your quote.
Not Checking for License and Insurance
Another bad idea is to pick a moving company without finding out if they have proper licenses and insurance. Movers are regulated by local governments and you should check with them to make sure any company you use has all the necessary licenses and insurance to cover any unforeseen problems or accidents. You can also check with places like the Better Business Bureau.
Not Disclosing All Facts to Moving Company
It’s also vital to disclose everything about your move and your stuff to a potential moving company. You can’t leave out important things like the movers have to carry your piano up several flights of stairs, or that you have some really valuable antiques, or that the house is in an area with narrow streets etc. These are the things that are going to make the move even harder if the company doesn’t know and could cost you more or even have the movers refuse to do the job.
Not Understanding Moving Insurance
Lots of things can go wrong in a move, and you need to purchase moving insurance to cover them. Many people think their homeowners or renter’s insurance covers a move, but it doesn’t. So watch out for your stuff with proper moving insurance.
