Don’t learn a lesson the hard way. There are many mistakes homeowners make when they move to a new location which can result in them being shortchanged. If you will not think about these things ahead of time, you will suffer the same fate. It is important for you to know these mistakes so that you will not be hoodwinked by any moving company or its workers.
Unfortunate Moving Incidents Do Happen
There are many factors that bring about unfortunate moving incidents. Some are caused by the moving company; some are due to the fault of the customer, while most are caused by the working crew.
For instance, one couple was pressured by movers into signing a form that signifies that the move is already completed. The movers were hurrying to get to another customer who needs their services.
Later, the couple found out that there were missing items and even missing boxes. They could no longer lodge a complaint because they have already signed the completed form.
There are other unfortunate things that can occur between a mover and a customer. But they have one thing in common: the customer is left holding the bag, with no recourse from the mover.
How to Prevent Unfortunate Moving Incidents from Happening
In order to have a problem-free and successful transfer, you need to consider a lot of things before you make the actual move. When you give yourself ample time to prepare, you will avoid making a lot of mistakes that other people do. Here are some suggestions on how you can avoid moving mistakes:
1. Don’t get the first mover that you see on the internet, on the TV or in the newspaper.
In preparing for your move, get at least three quotes from different moving companies. This will give you an idea of the kind of moving services available to you and how much it will cost.
It would be preferable to limit your canvass to reputable and established moving companies such as Home Depot, Penske and others. With such companies, you will get the assurance of a good and timely moving service.
2. Don’t get in a hurry.
Hurrying things will cause you to commit unnecessary and preventable mistakes. Moving is a very big activity, considering the things that you need to relocate, and the expenses it will take.
So, do your planning early on. Take stock of all your household items and be willing to throw away all those that are already old, and things that will serve no purpose in your new location.
3. Don’t let the moving crew pressure you in signing a completed form.
This is harking back to the example at the start of this article. It is part of the responsibility of the mover to have all your things accounted for in your new location.
In fact, they should not only account for all your stuff. They should see to it that all your belongings are securely transferred without any damage.
So, once you get to your destination, start checking all your things if they are all there. This is why you need a checklist before you start the actual move. Your checklist will serve as your personal confirmation that all things are accounted for.
4. Don’t forget to do your homework.
Contracts are specifically made so that you won’t read the fine prints. This is unfortunate, but it is true.
Therefore, your first order of the day, before you sign any moving contract, is to study the fine prints at the back of the document. If there is anything that you don’t like or don’t understand, check it with the moving company.
Sign a moving contract only if all your questions and wishes are satisfactorily answered.
5. Don’t move during the peak season.
In the moving industry, they have what they called peak season and off season. If at all possible, schedule your move during off season. There are many reasons for this:
- During off season, you will have many choices of moving companies, trucks, and so forth. Service charges will also be low since practically no one is moving.
During peak season, it is a seller’s market because most, if not all movers are able to make several contracts, since many people are moving. Therefore, their equipment and crew will be tied up. They could only accommodate your request if you are willing to pay extra charge.
6. Get some referrals.
Oftentimes, it is better to get a product or a service through referrals. When a person experiences the good quality of a product or service, he will be willing to broadcast it to anyone who has a willing ear.
The same goes with regards to choosing a moving service. Don’t just depend on your research. The good experience of a family member or a friend regarding a mover is an actual thing. It cannot be faked.
