Moving from one home to another is not easy. One needs to decide on several things, such as what to keep, discard, or sell. But that’s not all. One must also decide whether to hire professional movers or do the job themselves. Hiring a professional team can ensure speed and safety and ease the burden of heavy lifting. However, overlooking some factors while selecting the movers can be twice the hassle.

9 mistakes to avoid when hiring professional movers

Poor research
Packing and moving is arduous and time-consuming, which is why people might hire the first professional moving service they find on the internet. This is a common mistake because each packing and moving company has certain terms and conditions that one needs to agree to. One should make a list of all their requirements from the service to help narrow down their choices.

Neglecting to ask for clarity on the quote
One of the most common mistakes people make is neglecting to ask for clarification on the price quote stated by the moving service. One should never rely on a company that offers a generic quote without any parameters. Most reliable moving companies provide a written document with estimates based on the expected size and weight of the shipment. Moreover, once the job is complete, the final invoice usually matches the quoted price or might differ slightly based on any additional services carried out by the company. So, one should ensure they get a quote from a reliable service and read it thoroughly before signing a contract.

Booking a service too late
The decision to move to a new place is usually planned in advance, giving one sufficient time to plan the shift. Unfortunately, many individuals wait until the last minute to book a moving service. This could result in the company in question being unavailable for the job or one having to pay a hefty amount to secure the service. Booking late could also mean one has to go with an unreliable moving company. So, one should ensure they book a moving service in advance to avoid such situations.

Not asking about additional costs
While one may hire a reliable team that offers a genuine quote, one should also inquire about additional costs. While a moving company might offer a quote for the transportation of goods, they may not include costs associated with packaging material, professional fees, and taxes. These are usually added once the final bill is prepared. Inquiring about additional costs helps ensure that one is better prepared to deal with any expenses that arise while moving from one home to another.

Going with the cheapest quote
Some moving companies may offer quotes that are very low in comparison to other companies, which might attract many customers. But one should be vigilant about signing up with such agencies. While they may market the deal well, one might incur additional hidden costs once the final bill is prepared. Moreover, a company that charges less may not have the ideal equipment, expertise, or ability to handle certain items. Essentially, rather than having the cost as the sole deciding factor, one should ensure the service they select offers a quotation that fits one’s budget and can deliver on the task.

Not asking questions
Before hiring any service professional, including a packer and mover, one should ensure they clarify any doubts. The individual could ask the company about registration, insurance, and experience. One could also spend time researching what they could ask a service provider and make a list to be better prepared. Reliable and reputable companies are usually ready to answer any questions that a customer may have.

Ignoring the reviews
Most moving companies are listed online, which means they are likely to be reviewed by customers who have availed their services. One can check third-party websites for reviews to determine the pros and cons of each company. It is rare to find one that has absolutely no negative feedback. However, one should determine if the complaint is minor or major or a recurring problem. One ought to avoid companies that have similar complaints from multiple users. Moreover, one should also try to determine whether the moving service deals with these concerns. Reading reviews are an ideal way to assess if a company is the right fit for the job or not.

Failing to keep the mover updated
A moving company works and draws quotes after factoring in all the information provided by the customer. Therefore, failing to keep them in the know of things could result in higher estimates and discrepancies at the last moment. For instance, problems with access to roads, parking restrictions, and lack of elevators and stairs are some factors that could spike the costs of moving the items. Hiding charges would result in additional fees from the mover that one cannot ignore.

Misunderstanding the insurance
Customers should ensure they pick the right type of insurance before signing a contract. Moving companies offer various levels of protection for lost or damaged items. This is called valuation and is similar to insurance. There are two levels of valuation – Full valuation is the preferred choice for most as it covers the entire cost of items that are damaged, lost, or destroyed. It also means the company will cover the cost of repairing or replacing these items. The other type of valuation is Released Value Protection, where an individual receives a certain amount based on the weight of the damaged product. One should ensure they consider both options before making a decision.