9 Moving mistakes

By: Relocation.com Staff

Moving isn’t easy, but making mistakes when moving IS easy.

So it’s best to know the biggest errors that people make so you don’t repeat them. Here’s a list. 

1. No plan - Moving is complicated. Many facets of the moving process need to come together in an organized way. Without a plan, you will not have a full sense of what you need to accomplish, what help you will need and how you will go forward to get everything done.

2. No budget – Hiring moving companies can be expensive, and you need to consider these costs. If you are moving from a large residence or moving a long distance, you will likely incur moving services into the thousands of dollars. Understand how these costs fit into your overall budget, which will include travel to your new home, auto shipping, and temporary living expenses. With a budget and a plan, you can go forward and shop for the moving services that fit both your needs and your budget.

3. Not being aware of peak moving times - Any quality moving company gets very busy in the summer. If you plan well enough in advance for a summer move, you should still be able to schedule a move for your preferred dates and have time for negotiating. The best deals for moving are likely to be found during the winter and during the second and third weeks of the month — because most leases terminate at the end of a month, many renters require moving services during those last and first weeks of the month, producing more demand.

4. Not getting estimates from several moving companies - How will you know if you’re overpaying unless you have more than one quote? Moving companies compete with each other every day, so they know their competition. Let them tell you why they are the best choice for you and get the information you need to make the right comparison and right choice for you.

5. Choosing a mover that low-balls you - Quality moving companies tend to price their services in a reasonable pricing band. If one company prices its services significantly outside of this range, watch for two things. It’s possible their moving quotes are based on a different set of criteria than their competitors. Normally, the estimates are based on weight, the size of the crew needed, hours, etc. Another possibility is that the price will go up with extra charges once they have already completed your move. In general, moving companies have similar pricing - moving labor, packing supplies, insurance, driver time, gas – so if someone is way outside of the other prices being offered, question why.

6. Not getting a binding estimate - Never let someone start your move without a written contact that indicates what services you will be receiving and how much you will be paying for them. If you do not feel comfortable with the estimate or the contract, don’t sign it. Follow your instincts — if something does not seem right, don’t risk it, there are plenty of high-quality moving companies out there and you deserve to have one of them do your move.

7. Not giving enough detail – Maybe your apartment is on the fourth floor of a building with no elevator; maybe you actually DO want to move that metal shelving unit in the basement; maybe the street your new home is on is just a wee bit too small for the moving van.

Many things can make your move more expensive — if you’re in a building without an elevator, or you live in a large city that doesn’t allow large moving vans to come down the street. If you don’t tell your moving company about issues that will complicate the move, don’t be surprised if the final cost is more than their initial quote. If a moving company is going to have to climb several flights of stairs, or transport items it didn’t account for in the estimating process, it is going to get weighed or carried at some point and it will end up costing you in the end.

8. Not understanding insurance – In most cases, your stuff will not be covered under your current homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy. Movers will provide released value protection if you do not pay for or elect supplemental insurance.

Depending on the state, this coverage will only pay you 60 cents per pound if something is broken or damaged. So if your 300-pound television would be insured for $180, not the $3,000 that you paid for it. If you want full value protection, you can purchase this coverage from your moving company or from a reputable third party insurance carrier. If something is damaged or lost, you will be making your claim and dealing with the insurance company, not the moving company.

9. Not carrying valuable items yourself - Always carry important documents with you when you move, such as passports, wills, and financial documents. Other high value items such as jewelry and watches that can be easily transported should also be hand carried. Always back up your computer files just in case something happens to the computer enroute. If you have an especially valuable or prized item (such as an antique or artwork), make absolutely sure that you oversee the packing. If you have any concerns with the way something is being packed, ask the movers for additional protection, or check into other insurance options.