9 pitfalls of choosing a relocation company.

While moving is exciting it can also be stressful if you don’t have the right mover. Choosing a moving company that’s right for you is one of the most important steps in the moving process. In this article we will outline the nine most common mistakes people make when hiring a mover and how you can avoid each of them. Mistake number one, deciding to go with the mover that has the lowest price. Oftentimes quality goes hand-in-hand with price, well the price may seem low now it probably won’t after the movers tack on additional costs later on. In the deal, rogue movers will often lure customers with incentives, free services, very low cost, be aware of this and make smart decisions. Mistake number two, getting moving quotes over the phone and submitting an online inventory list of things you need to move without actually visiting your home. Moving companies aren’t able to give you an accurate estimate before visiting your home. Only after visiting your home, movers will be able to review everything you’re moving and ensure at the end of the move the inventory they quoted matches what was moved.

Mistake number three, not receiving estimates from several moving companies. In order to get a feel for what’s fair, it’s important that you get estimates from at least three different moving companies, this will ensure that you received the most accurate and reasonable estimate for your move. Mistake number four, not researching the moving company. In order to ensure that your items are in good hands and your movers are reliable and trustworthy, it’s important to do a background check on them. The easiest way to do this is by visiting their offices, doing a simple google search for customer reviews and lastly looking up the company on the FMCSA website, here you can make sure the company has a moving license and view any complaints about the company. Mistake number five, not planning ahead. One of the busiest times for movers is summer time, if you’re thinking about moving around, be sure to reserve your spot in advance, this will help you avoid the stress of not getting the reservation and possibly having to pay more. Mistake number six, not asking about extra cost you might be charged oftentimes. Moving companies may charge additional fees for services such as moving items up and down stairs, not having a close parking space for the moving truck and packing supplies for items not properly packed. Be sure you know what additional cost your moving company charges before the move.

Mistake number seven, not asking the right questions. There are so many details to consider when hiring a moving company and it’s important to ask the right questions, to ensure you are with a reliable company that has your best interest in mind. Some of the questions to consider are: is the company registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration? Does the company subcontract to smaller companies? What’s the company’s rate per pound/cubic foot and rate for distance? Mistake number eight, not checking with the Better Business Bureau on the Movers complaint record. It is rare to find a moving company free from complaints, the Better Business Bureau not only allows you to view the company’s record of complaints but most importantly, enables you to see if these complaints were handled. You want to be sure you’re going with a mover who will handle any complaint you may have in a prompt and appropriate manner. Mistake number nine, not informing the mover of any unusual situations they may run into before the move. In order to make sure your final estimate and moving costs are accurate, it’s important to tell the moving company upfront if they’re going to run into any problems. These problems can include parking problems, road access, delivery time restrictions and elevators or stairs. Each of these situations can increase the cost of your move.