We reached out to two moving experts, Chris Knowles, owner and CEO of True Friends Moving Company in Tennessee, and Nick Valentino, vice president of market operations at Bellhop in New York, to get their insights and advice.
1. Not checking reviews
It’s essential to check online reviews for each moving company you consider. All companies claim to be the “best of the best,” but you can’t get a complete picture without knowing the experiences of real customers.
Chris Knowles stresses the importance of reading reviews from past customers and recommends asking friends, family and neighbors who have recently moved for recommendations.
“Reviews and recommendations provide valuable insight into a moving company’s reliability and quality of service,” Knowles says. “This will help you hire a reputable moving company.” By reading reviews and gathering recommendations, you can avoid companies with a history of poor service or hidden fees.
2. Not getting multiple quotes
Picking the first moving company you talk to is another mistake you should avoid. As with any major expense, it’s always a good idea to talk to several companies to get a full picture of your options.
“If you don’t compare prices and services, you can end up paying more or missing out on better deals,” says Knowles. “I recommend getting quotes from at least three moving companies so you can compare prices and services.”
Nick Valentino also advises reading the fine print when comparing quotes from different companies. “Many moving companies offer very low prices up front, only to surprise customers with charges for everything from special equipment to labor hours and fuel,” Valentino explains. Make sure you compare actual prices from different moving companies by asking for written quotes and clarifying any potential additional costs.
3. Hiring unlicensed moving companies
Hiring an unlicensed moving company may save you money up front, but it can cause you major problems. Unlicensed moving companies may offer you a lower quote, but they are not subject to the same safety regulations and standards as licensed companies.
Valentino explains: “Licensed moving companies must adhere to safety regulations that protect you and your belongings. An unlicensed company may take shortcuts that ultimately put your belongings or home at risk.”
Additionally, licensed moving companies are insured and bonded, meaning they can offer you compensation if your belongings are 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 may not have much time to complete the move. However, if you know you’re moving, it’s best to hire a moving company as far in advance as possible.
“Especially during the peak spring and summer moving season, you’ll have a hard time finding moving companies if you wait until a week or less before your moving date,” Valentino says. “It’s ideal to book 1-3 months in advance, and many moving companies will offer discounts if you do.”
Planning ensures you have access to reputable moving companies and allows you to schedule your move at a convenient time. Waiting until you have to wait a minute can result in higher costs and limited availability, adding unnecessary stress to an already complicated process.
5. Ignoring the warning signs
Trust your instincts when something doesn’t seem right about a moving company. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) lists several red flags for hiring moving companies.
One of the biggest red flags is receiving a quote over the phone without anyone actually coming to assess what needs to be moved. Companies that don’t provide written quotes or expect you to pay a large deposit before the move could also be trying to scam you.
Other red flags include being asked to sign blank papers, calling the company and having someone simply respond “moving company” instead of the specific name, seeing an unmarked or rental truck pull up on your moving day, or not being given a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” and a “Ready to Move” pamphlet. Consider looking for a more reputable moving company if you find any red flags.
Summary
Moving can be challenging and stressful, but hiring professional moving companies can make the process more efficient and affordable.
You can ensure a smoother, more successful move by avoiding common mistakes like not checking reviews, not getting multiple quotes, hiring unlicensed moving companies, waiting until the last minute to book, and ignoring red flags.
Carefully researching and choosing your moving company can save you time, money, and headaches down the road. Remember that a little preparation goes a long way to making your move as stress-free as possible.
