Hidden moving costs to pay attention to

Moving is never easy, and no one likes to do it. Those who try to do it by themselves loose large amounts of time, energy and nerves – only to end up hiring movers. And, those who hire a moving company to take care of their relocation usually overlook hidden moving costs and end up paying much more than they have initially planned to. But, there is a way to have a perfect relocation – quick, efficient and affordable. Stay tuned, and learn how to do it and how to avoid any hidden moving costs.

Be prepared

To avoid hidden moving costs and mistakes that can cost you a lot of money – you must come prepared. Get informed, and learn everything there is about the moving company of your choice. How to do it? It is quite easy!

Get references

Think twice before you choose to hire a moving company to take care of your relocation. Never jump to conclusions. Try to find a reliable mover with many years of experience and even more satisfied clients. Get referrals from your family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. The best way to get a reliable mover as your ally is to find the one that has already been checked out.

Do a background check

Make sure you know who you are about to hire. It is quite easy to get the right information nowadays – just open your Internet browser and start your search. Never make a decision based solely on an official website of a moving company – always check out other sites with reviews to get the clearer picture.

Get an accurate moving estimate

You can get an estimate in one of three ways:

• Over the phone.
• Over the Internet.
• In-person, at your house or business address.

Many people feel uncomfortable with movers going through their every drawer – but this is the only way to get an accurate moving estimate and to avoid hidden moving costs. If you try getting a quote over the phone, the chances are you will forget to mention some details that can change the price of your move drastically. The same stands for Internet moving estimates, but if you find a moving company with a good online quote calculator – your chances at getting an accurate quote will rise.

Never sign blank or unclear documents

If you want to avoid hidden moving costs – you should make your every step count. And when it comes to signing documentation – you should be especially cautious. Why is that? A moving company can legally charge you for anything if you sign it. Overlooking costs isn’t the same thing as getting scammed with hidden moving costs. You should do everything in your power to get a positive moving experience – and reading documentation before signing it is a big part of it.

Good communication is the key

Get to know your movers. Don’t be shy. These people will come to your house, and there is nothing wrong with you asking some questions. Everyone wants to get informed, and there is no shame in doing it. If something is unclear, seems wrong or you have a problem with any part of the relocation – talk to your movers. Ask about prices. Try to get to know what costs add up, and what for can you be additionally charged.

Look for red flags

It is common for people to pay for hidden moving costs. But, in most cases – it is their own fault. Why is that? If you don’t do your part of the job and sign off on anything – don’t be surprised with the final cost. On the other hand – moving scammers will do everything in their power to take as much as they can. So, make sure you hire a reliable moving company. There is no way to tell how much can it cost if you get scammed.

To prevent getting scammed from ever happening, make sure you know your mover. Search for the red flags. Look them closely. Think in advance. Ask for proof of their license and ask if they are properly insured.

What are some of the most common hidden moving costs?

• Additional services. Moving companies will always offer additional moving services, and if you accept – you will have to pay for them. It is really not a big surprise.
• Additional charges for – extra stops, elevator fee, and similar.
• Express delivery fee.
• Canceling of a relocation fee.

Just like we have already said before – get to know your mover. Ask about its pricing system, and you will avoid paying hidden moving costs for sure.

What are the makings of a reliable moving company?

Every moving company is unique, but there are some characteristics that are same for every and each one of them. Look for companies that have highly trained and well-experienced moving specialists. Ask if they have the tools needed to complete your relocation – and if they are a reliable moving company, they do. Every member of their team should have passed a training and strict tests to determine if they are ready for the job. Make sure the moving specialists you get are screened for drugs and alcohol. And if moving company of your choice has all these qualities and is fully licensed and insured in addition to that – think no more and hire them.

Summary

Even if there is a risk of having to pay for hidden moving costs – in the end, it will be cheaper than having to pay for possible moving mistakes. The more complex your move is – the more reliable mover you will need. And if you are moving interstate or overseas, let professionals handle your complete relocation– and focus on other, more important matters. There are many things you should take into consideration – not only moving costs.