According to the United States Census Bureau, the average person in the U.S. will move at least 11 times in their lifetime. This staggering statistic underscores the complexities of relocating, whether to the other side of town or across the country.
Hiring a moving company is one of the biggest hassles—and expenses—associated with moving. To avoid added frustrations and ensure your move goes smoothly, people must avoid common mistakes when hiring a moving company.
We contacted two moving experts, Chris Knowles, owner and CEO of True Friends Moving Company in Tennessee, and Nick Valentino, vice president of market operations with Bellhop in New York, for their insights and tips.
1. Not Checking Reviews
It’s crucial to check online reviews for each moving company you consider. Every company will claim to be the “best of the best,” but you can’t get the complete picture without learning about the experiences of actual customers.
Chris Knowles emphasizes the importance of reading past customer reviews and recommends asking friends, family, and neighbors who have recently completed a move for their recommendations.
“Reviews and recommendations provide valuable insights into a moving company’s reliability and quality of service,” says Knowles. “This will help you hire a trustworthy moving company.” By reading reviews and gathering recommendations, you can avoid companies with a history of poor service or hidden fees.
2. Failing to Get Multiple Quotes
Going with the first moving company you speak with is another mistake to avoid. As with any significant expense, it’s always a good idea to talk to multiple companies to get a complete picture of your options.
“Without comparing prices and services, you may end up overpaying or missing out on better deals,” says Knowles. “I recommend getting quotes from at least three moving companies so you can compare prices and their services.”
Nick Valentino also advises reading the fine print when comparing quotes from different companies. “Many movers will offer meager upfront prices, only to hit customers with surprise fees for everything from special equipment to hours of labor to gas,” Valentino explains. Ensure you compare the actual prices of different movers by getting quotes in writing and clarifying any potential additional costs.
3. Hiring Unlicensed Movers
Hiring an unlicensed moving company might save you money initially, but it can lead to significant problems. Unlicensed movers may come in with a lower quote, but they are not bound by the same regulations and safety standards as licensed companies.
Valentino explains, “Licensed movers must abide by safety regulations that protect you and your belongings. An unlicensed company might cut corners that ultimately threaten your belongings or home.”
Additionally, licensed movers are bonded and insured, meaning they can provide compensation if your belongings get lost or damaged. Without these protections, you risk having no recourse if something goes wrong during your move.
4. Waiting Until the Last Minute to Book
If something unexpected comes up, you might not have much lead time on a move. However, when you know you will be moving, booking a moving company as far in advance as possible is best.
“Especially during the busy moving season of spring and summer, you’re going to have a hard time finding movers if you wait until a week or less before your moving date,” says Valentino. “Booking 1 to 3 months out is ideal, and many movers will offer you discounts if you do so.”
Planning ensures you have access to reputable movers and allows you to schedule your move at a convenient time. Waiting until You are waiting a minute can result in higher costs and limited availability, adding unnecessary stress to an already challenging process.
5. Ignoring Red Flags
Trust your instincts when something doesn’t feel right about a moving company. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) lists several red flags for hiring movers.
One of the most giant red flags is receiving a quote over the phone without anyone coming to assess what needs to be moved. Companies that fail to provide written estimates or expect you to pay a large deposit before the move might also be trying to scam you.
Other red flags include being asked to sign blank documents, calling the company and hearing someone answer with just “moving company” instead of the specific name, seeing an unmarked or rental truck pull up on the day of your move, or not being provided a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” and a “Ready to Move” brochure. Consider looking for a more reputable moving company if you encounter any warning signs.
Summary
Moving can be challenging and stressful, but hiring professional movers can make the process more efficient and accessible.
You can ensure a smoother and more successful move by avoiding common mistakes—such as not checking reviews, failing to get multiple quotes, hiring unlicensed movers, waiting until the last minute to book, and ignoring red flags.
Researching and carefully choosing your moving company can save you time, money, and headaches in the future. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in making your move as stress-free as possible.
