In every house move, challenges become easier to handle when you work with a reliable moving company. However, it also boils down to hiring the best removalists in Campbelltown (or wherever you are located) to ensure the success of your relocation. By working hand in hand with a professional mover or removalist, you can save time, effort, and enjoy a stress-free move.
But before you rush to sign a contract with a mover, make certain that you’re making a commitment with a trustworthy company. Many companies will claim to be the best, but finding a good one is one of the most difficult tasks you will have to deal with prior to your move.
To prevent your relocation from turning into a disaster, below are things to avoid when hiring a mover or removalist:
1. Last-minute hire
Having enough time is essential for the success of your move.
It’s important that you schedule your moving day ahead of time if you don’t want to end up paying more. Last-minute services can cost more than pre-booked ones, and lead you to pay additional exorbitant fees.
The worst thing about hiring last-minute is that you’ll have to settle with whatever service is available. This means you may end up with an inexperienced mover that may just add to your stress and damage some household items in the process. Your mistake in not hiring in advance will cost you not just your budget but also your possessions, your sanity and peace of mind.
So don’t procrastinate and start planning your move as early as you can (preferably months before the move date) so that you can find a trustworthy company.
And aside from evaluating your potential removalists, choose a good professional cleaning company to tidy up your new place so it’s ready for occupancy after your (hopefully) hassle-free move.
2. Getting a single quote
With all the moving companies you need to choose from, it’s easy to get confused and neglect doing extensive research.
Unfortunately, going for the first mover you’ll find just because the company serves your moving route can be a big mistake. Moving services vary in quality, rates, and reliability, so if you only get one quote, you may get a mover with insufficient experience or sub-par service.
You will need to get several quotes to be able to compare prices and services. Then from there, you can narrow down your choices to 3 to 4 competent movers that can possibly meet your needs. The more quotes you get, the easier it will be to obtain the best deal for your budget.
3. Not asking essential questions
By getting enough information, you can prepare and make the right decisions for your move.
The first step is to ask the right questions to ensure that you’re choosing a mover that can cater to all your needs.
Here are some of the fundamental questions you shouldn’t forget to raise:
- Does your company have a license and insurance?
- What liability coverage do you provide?
- Is your equipment updated?
- How long have you been in the business?
- How do you handle items to prevent damage?
- Can you provide any references or recommendations from your previous clients?
- Do you keep an inventory of items to be moved?
- How much will you charge for the move?
- How long will it take for my items to arrive?
The more you know, the more relevant information you can gather to pick out the best mover.
As long as your chosen mover has the right answers to your questions, you can have peace of mind in entrusting your valuable items to them.
If they have a website, you can also check it for client testimonials. You may also conduct independent research online in case you find objective reviews from previous customers.
4. Overlooking paperwork
Before signing any paperwork, make sure to read the fine print carefully.
If there’s anything unclear, don’t hesitate to ask about it and discuss anxieties you may have with your mover. Also, double check the inventory sheet to verify that all items you’ve entrusted to the moving company are in it.
Above all, don’t even attempt to sign an incomplete or blank document. Remember that no honest mover will ask you to do so. Documentation exists to set rules and provide mutual protection for the parties involved so make the most out of it.
5. Neglecting possible extra charges
Extra charges are not automatically part of the quote or estimate, so it’s easy for you to forget to make allowances for them.
To prepare your budget and avoid being surprised by extra charges, make sure to ask for a full list of additional fees that the company may apply during the move.
Most extra charges are incurred because of the following:
- Per level stairs fee
- Long walking distance from the loading spot
- Packing and handling of fragile items
Even if you think you won’t be using any additional services, circumstances may go beyond your control. What’s important is that you don’t overlook possible additional costs brought on by unexpected but required services to avoid going over your moving budget.
After going over the tips above, are you still confident about your chosen mover?
If you are, go ahead and book their service.
AUTHOR BIO
Kim Hill works on Marketing at Adams & Rofe Removals and Storage and has been a dynamic figure in the removal industry for over 30 years. For relocating families, individuals or offices around Sydney or all over Australia, Kim will develop the perfect removal plan to take the stress out of your next move.