Common Mistakes When Picking a Mover
While moving can be stressful it should also be an exciting and happy time full of promise and anticipation. Unfortunately, it can turn into something straight out of a horror movie if you make these mistakes when selecting a moving company.
1. Interviewing -- Don't merely interview one moving company, decide that they meet your standards and contract with them. Call three or more moving companies to get their quotes and services. It's essential that you be able to make a comparison for prices and services. The first place you can start to look for information on moving companies is through the Internet.
2. Quotes Over the Phone -- If you want a proper quote insist that the moving company come out to your home and give you one. It's simply too difficult to get a reliable quote over the phone. Face to face is always the best way in this situation.
3. Lack of Credentials -- Do not make the error of hiring a moving company without credentials. Be sure that the company is registered and that they have a registration number. If not, then there's something shady about them.
4. Lower Estimates -- Do not automatically choose the moving company that offers you the lowest estimate. If you are being offered a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be aware that some companies will give lower estimates in order to get your business, and then add the extra charges on to the backend. Once you've been handed the extra charges it's too late to do anything about them. That's why it's a must for you to stay alert and not be lured by the possibility of saving money into picking a moving company that will leave you with an unpleasant surprise at the end of the day.
5. Not Reading Contract Thoroughly -- One rule you must never break, no matter how anxious and rushed you are, is to read the whole contract very carefully before you sign it. Read the small print. You might tell yourself it's unimportant, but every word matters.
6. No Written Estimate -- Under no circumstances should you hire a moving company that won't provide you with the written estimate and agreement. If they refuse to do that, then there's something very wrong.
7. Failure to Disclose All -- Many people innocently make this mistake, but it can lead to big problems. You need to give the moving company a full and accurate description of both residences, the one you are moving from and the one you will be moving into.
8. Failure to Check References -- It's not enough to simply ask for references from a moving company before signing on the dotted line. You must also follow through and call them. This is a great way to get the facts about the moving company and you should take advantage of it.
9. Hiring a Moving Company That Only Accepts Cash -- This is a truly foolish move on your part. If that's the case with any company, no matter how highly recommended, then warning bells should automatically go off in your head. Something isn't right, you can bet on it.
10. Hiring a Moving Company With Outstanding Complaints
A moving company that desires your business isn't going to tell you about any complaints that have been filed against them. That's why it's up to you to check with the Better Business Bureau, etc., to find out. If there are any complaints listed, and if they have been resolved, that's one thing, but if there are outstanding complaints, that's a signal to beware. If a company doesn't even care enough to resolve the complaints that have been filed by their customers in the past, you can bet they won't behave any differently with you.
© 2020 Monica Pocelujko