A person in the United States can expect to move 11.7 times in their lifetime.
Moving is a large, stressful event that can be difficult to plan for. There are many aspects of moving that you will need to think about.
One of those things is looking at options for moving companies.
The right moving company can make all the difference in ensuring your belongings arrive safely and on time. However, the wrong company can create stress and cause you to lose items.
If you are wondering how to avoid the common mistakes with picking moving companies, this short and simple guide is for you.
1. Failing to Set a Budget
One of the first mistakes that people make is failing to set a budget for their move.
This can lead to money being wasted on unnecessary services and items. Also, it’s easy for moving costs to spiral out of control if you don’t know what you are getting into.
Setting a budget helps avoid this problem by preventing you from spending more than necessary.
2. Not Checking Out the Moving Company
Before you hire a mover, it is important to check them out.
You can do this by looking up reviews online or asking friends and family members who have used movers in the past. You should also ask for references from the moving company that you are considering hiring.
Check a moving company’s license and insurance. This is an added protection in case anything happens while your belongings are being moved.
3. Not Getting Estimates in Writing
When you are getting moving estimates, it is important to get them in writing.
This will help prevent any disagreements or confusion later on down the line. You should also make sure that your estimate includes all the services and items that you are paying for.
If you don’t get everything in writing, it will be harder to prove if something goes wrong or if someone tries to charge you extra later on.
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4. Underestimating the Move
Moving can be overwhelming, especially if you haven’t done it before.
You may underestimate the time and money that is involved in moving. You should give yourself plenty of time for packing, loading, and driving your belongings to their new location.
Moving companies also need some time to get everything ready for the move, so factor that in as well.
5. Setting Unrealistic Expectations
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding a new place.
But don’t forget that moving can be stressful and expensive. You may need more time than you think to find a new place and settle in before your belongings arrive.
If possible, try not to schedule any major events or vacations during this time.
6. Failing to Provide an Accurate Inventory List
Moving companies will often ask for an inventory list of your belongings.
This is a list that includes the items you plan to move and their current location in your home. An inventory list can be helpful when it comes time to settle any disputes with the moving company over lost or damaged property.
Creating an inventory list can be time-consuming. However, it’s worth it if it helps prevent conflicts with moving companies or other parties involved in your move.
7. Not Reading the Contract Thoroughly
Before you sign a contract, read it thoroughly.
You should also ask the moving company questions you have about the contract and its terms. It’s important to understand what they include in your move, how much it will cost, and when payment is due.
If you don’t understand something, ask the moving company to explain it. If they can’t, consider whether it’s a deal-breaker and if other movers can meet your needs.
8. Providing Inaccurate Information
You should provide accurate information when dealing with your moving company.
If you don’t, they may not give you a good estimate or make the right recommendations for your move. Don’t guess at the weight of your items or how many you have.
The more accurate information you can provide, the better your estimate will be and the smoother your move will go.
9. Packing Improperly
Packing incorrectly can cause damage to your belongings. It can also increase the time it takes for your movers to pack the truck and make moving more complicated.
Pack your belongings in boxes that are the right size and shape. You should also be sure to label each box clearly so that movers or storage facilities can easily identify it.
If you have any fragile items, place them in a separate container for added protection during transit.
10. Failing to Ask About Storage Costs
If you’re planning a long-distance move, you might need to store your items for a short period.
This can be an expensive proposition if not planned for ahead of time. Be sure to ask about storage costs before hiring movers so that you know what expenses may come up during the move process.
You should also ask if they offer any discounts for long-term storage. This can help to save money in the long run.
11. Forgetting About Insurance Coverage
Moving is stressful enough without worrying about damage to your items.
Be sure to ask movers if they provide insurance coverage and what it covers before hiring them. You might need additional coverage if you’re moving many expensive items or fragile antiques.
You should also ask what types of items are not covered. This will help you determine whether to purchase additional coverage from another source.
Don’t Make These Mistakes With Picking Moving Companies
Making these mistakes with picking moving companies will only make your move more difficult.
Don’t get taken advantage of by a moving company that doesn’t care about you or your belongings. You can keep these common mistakes from happening by taking the time to do research and ask questions before hiring a mover.
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