You’ve found your new home and you can’t wait to move in. Congratulations! Now all you need is to find someone to help you get the job done.
A reliable moving company is easy to find when you know what red flags to watch out for. After all, you want help you know you can trust.
So buckle up!
Once you learn about these 5 things that moving companies try to hide, you will be prepared to hire only the best.
1. An Incredibly Low Price Doesn’t Mean an Incredible Deal
During your search for a moving company, you may come across one that offers similar services as others at a much lower price.
While it looks like a bargain, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
There are moving companies that will quote low prices, often without taking the time to come to your house in person. On moving day, you may end up with either hidden fees to pay or service that isn’t up to your standards.
Reviews are your best friend. Try to find some written by people who have used the company in the past. A lack of reviews isn’t a good sign.
Always get more than one quote
Before choosing a moving company, get at least three separate quotes. They should all be within the same range for your house size and the amount of stuff you’re moving.
Don’t blindly trust a company that claims they don’t need to see your house to provide a quote. An estimate over the phone won’t be as accurate as one in person.
By getting in-home estimates, you can prevent inaccurate quotes that end up higher before the job is done.
2. Not All Moving Insurance Is the Same
No matter what anyone tells you, there is a difference in moving insurance plans.
It’s worth figuring out what kind of insurance your moving company carries, rather than trusting that the best one for you is already included.
To a moving company, it may not be as worthwhile to spend time exploring the options regarding the safety of your things. Take matters into your own hands and make sure your moving package includes the insurance you want and need.
Learn about the types of moving insurance
Basic Carrier Insurance is the least amount a moving company is required to cover and is usually what’s included in your package free of charge.
The trouble with Basic Carrier Insurance is it only covers 60 cents for every pound an item weighs.
For lighter, more expensive items, you would only end up with a fraction of the cost to replace it.
For example, a flat-screen television that costs over $1,000 but only weighs 30 pounds would only be covered for $18 if it got damaged. In comparison, Full Replacement Liability covers the full cost of any lost or damaged items.
See the difference?
The more you know, the less likely you are to be caught out in the cold if something unfortunate were to happen
3. Reputable Moving Companies Are Transparent
Moving is already stressful enough without having to fight for information.
If a moving company you’re speaking with isn’t forthcoming with answers to your questions, it’s probably because they have something to hide.
Avoid any moving company that outright refuses to provide you with answers. It’s a red flag that something’s not right.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Information is key to hiring a moving company that has your best interest in mind.
You don’t have to give companies the third degree. It’s not an interrogation. But there are certain questions you should ask before you hire.
The more well-informed you are, the less likely you are to get into a sticky situation in the middle of your move.
4. Moving Companies Charge More for Materials
Moving companies make everything easier for you on moving day. That includes providing you with all the supplies you need to pack and load your entire house.
Don’t overlook this essential piece of the puzzle.
It might be easier to let the moving company handle everything for you, but in the process, you may end up paying more for that luxury. Moving materials are often more expensive through a moving company than other places.
There’s also the small chance that your moving company could be recycling boxes from move to move, compromising their integrity.
Acquire your own moving materials
Gather as many supplies as you can on your own. The money you save may be worth the extra effort of rounding it all up.
Office supply stores are a fantastic place to purchase moving materials at a lower price. They are typically great quality too.
Even better — take the time to round up some free moving boxes!
You will save money that is better spent on sprucing up your new place.
5. More Time Costs More Money
We’re not saying that anyone employed by a moving company would intentionally take longer to pack and load your house just to make an extra buck.
All we’re saying is that most moving companies charge by the hour.
If there’s more work for them to do at the start, it’s going to take longer to get it all done. All that time is a valuable resource, and you’re the one that has to pay for it.
Prepare whatever you can before the move
Do whatever you can on your own to minimize the amount of work that needs to be done on moving day.
Clean up your house, clear out the clutter, and organize your belongings to ease the transition from one place to the next.
What’s the best thing you can do? Packing!
Pack a little, pack everything, but pack something. The time you save waiting for everything to be done is well worth it.
Don’t be discouraged.
Don’t let the handful of less-than-honest moving companies out there make you distrust them all. Most of them only exist to help you however they can in your time of need.
Most moving companies want the ride to be as safe and smooth as possible.
Just keep these five things that moving companies try to hide in mind while you search, and you won’t have anything to worry about.
About the Author
Jardee Rose works as a business manager of Haven Cove Townhomes. He has extensive experience with a variety of properties, from large lease-ups to smaller, more urban assets. Jardee is very excited to transition to townhomes and lead the Haven Cove team.
