Moving to a new home is an exciting but challenging task. Amidst the challenge of carefully packing and moving all your belongings to your new home, choosing a good moving company is a crucial decision.
We understand that moving can be a costly endeavor, and you may find the easiest way to cut corners is by hiring a cheap moving company, but is it the right decision? Sadly, it is not.
Hiring the right professional moving company should be your top priority, not saving a few dollars.
Before you jump at the lowest price tag, you should be aware of the risks of hiring the cheapest movers.
In this blog, we will talk in detail about the risks associated with hiring the cheapest movers and tell you why the cheapest quote isn’t always the best quote.
What Are The Risks Associated With Hiring Cheap Movers
Maybe you’re always looking for a great, cost-saving deal, but when it comes to moving your home, it is not advisable to choose a cheap moving company before you know what they offer.
When you hire professional movers with years of experience, then you can trust them to handle all your belongings carefully and ensure a smooth and stress-free move.
Inexperienced or cheap movers may not have the expertise to pack your valuables or navigate tight spaces or narrow hallways.
Here are a few risks involved if you choose a cheap moving company:
1. Low-Quality Service
In the moving industry, the saying “you get what you pay for” is quite true.
One of the most significant risks of choosing a cheap moving company is the low-quality service.
While the initial cost may seem like a great deal, it often comes at the expense of quality service.
Low-budget moving companies may cut corners by hiring cheap movers or untrained staff who are not experienced enough to handle fragile items or heavy and bulky furniture.
They’ll use poor-quality packing materials and outdated moving equipment and rush the job to just get done with the work, which in turn would lead to damage to your belongings.
2. Hidden Fees and Charges
Less reputable and cheap moving companies are known for employing shady tactics to attract customers with seemingly low prices.
Later, in the final invoice, they add hidden charges and additional fees.
While you may find the initial quote enticing, many moving companies won’t give you a detailed quote.
From additional heavy item fees to unexpected fuel charges, these hidden costs can quickly add up, turning what seems like a cost-saving move into a financial headache.
Here are some common hidden fees or additional charges you might want to be aware of before booking cheap movers:
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Stairs Fees
If your move would require navigating the stairs to move your stuff, some local movers may impose additional fees due to the physical effort and extra time they had to spend hauling your belongings up or downstairs.
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Heavy Item Fee
If the movers have to carry heavy furniture or large items, then they might charge you an additional fee.
It’s better to have clear communication with the moving company you’re hiring to know if there is a heavy item fee or not.
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Long Carry Fee
If the distance between your residence and the moving truck is significant, the movers may charge a long-carry fee for the extra time and effort required to transport your belongings to and from the truck.
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Extra Fuel Charges
Fuel costs are major expenses for moving companies, and some companies may try to pass these charges on to customers as fuel surcharges.
This usually happens if you hire cheap movers, especially if gas prices have risen since the initial quote was provided.
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Packing Materials and Equipment Rental Fee
If you need any specialized moving equipment or packing materials such as dollies, furniture pads, straps, moving boxes, packing paper, or packing tape, then some movers may charge an equipment rental fee on top of the base fees.
3. More Chances of Frauds and Scams
The moving industry is not unknown to scams and fraudulent practices, especially among notorious moving companies that engage in bait-and-switch tactics, promising low pricing and enticing offers at the beginning, only to demand higher prices later.
This is not it; these companies can hold your items hostage until you pay them the increased price. If that happens, you might have to fight for months to get your belongings back.
While it can always seem appealing to hire a cheap moving company, it’s essential to weigh the risks carefully before making your decision.
Feel free to ask the movers any questions you might have about their services, and be clear about whatever your expectations are. Companies that provide straightforward and precise answers tend to be genuine.
Investing in a reliable and renowned full-service moving company may cost you more, but the peace of mind and the trust that your belongings will be safely transported to your new home is worth it.
4. No Insurance or Liability Coverage
This is an issue with most low-budget moving companies that offer you a low-cost quote; this may be the case because the cheap movers aren’t insured.
If they don’t have proper moving insurance, it may mean that they can cause damage to your belongings that they are carrying, and they won’t hold themselves responsible for that.
In this situation, you would not have the option of having your belongings fixed or replaced or of receiving compensation for them.
Reputable moving companies typically provide coverage or insurance options in order to protect your belongings in case of loss or damage during transit, unlike cheaper moving companies, which leave you vulnerable in case of significant damage or accidents.
5. They Would Delay or Won’t Show Up
Cheap moving companies usually succeed in attracting a high volume of customers due to their lower prices, leading to overbooking and scheduling clashes.
They may even cancel your move at the last minute without giving you enough notice, possibly on the same moving day.
This is a major issue when hiring cheap movers who aren’t dedicated enough to provide you with quality services.
The cost may be appealing, but imagine what it would be like to hire unprofessional movers who wouldn’t show up on a moving day, and you have to take off from work and invest (time, money, and energy) to complete your move all by yourself.
Even if the movers show up, there can be a situation where they leave with your belongings to but do not reach your new place on time.
Reliable moving companies won’t leave you stranded in the middle of your move.
For instance, responsible and genuine local movers will make sure that if a particular mover isn’t available on the day of your relocation, the other one can so you don’t lose any (time or money) to reach your new location.
How Can You Avoid The Risk of Hiring Cheap Movers
1. Do Your Research and Background Check
Before hiring a moving company, it is essential to do your research and conduct a thorough background check.
This involves checking reviews, verifying credentials, and getting moving quotes.
By taking the time to do your research, you can avoid potential scams, unreliable moving companies, and unnecessary hindrances in your relocation.
When you start searching for full-service moving companies, start by reading online reviews from previous customers.
Look for companies that have positive feedback and good customer service. This will give you an overview of the company’s reputation and the quality of services it offers.
In addition to reviews, it’s important to cross-check the credentials of the moving companies you are considering.
Check that those companies have proper licenses, are insured, and are registered with appropriate authorities.
This way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you are working with a trustworthy and genuine moving company.
2. Get Written Estimates
When you are planning to relocate, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what moving costs are involved.
To avoid any unwanted surprises or additional charges, it is important that the estimates provided by movers are detailed and in writing.
If you have detailed written estimates, it will help you compare the prices of different moving companies and plan your moving budget accordingly.
It would allow you to see the breakdown of what you are being charged, including any additional services or fees that may apply.
By having this information, you can make an informed decision to avoid any fraud or scams.
Additionally, having written estimates will give a sense of security to both parties. By this, you can refrain from any potential arguments or disagreements about the agreed-upon price.
With a written estimate, there is a document that outlines all the terms and conditions, ensuring that both parties are on the same page.
3. Ask About The Insurance Coverage
Before hiring a moving company, you would want to know about the company’s insurance coverage and liability policy to ensure the safety and protection of your belongings during the move.
Ask the moving company what type of insurance they offer.
Some companies offer both insurance coverage and liability insurance.
Insurance coverage may cover any damage that may occur to your belongings during the move.
Liability insurance protects you in case of any property damage or injuries that may happen during the moving process.
Liability refers to the company’s legal responsibility for any damages or losses that occur during the move.
Before you hire a moving company, ask for a copy of their coverage policy and read it carefully. Make sure it provides decent protection.
Additionally, check if the insurance policy has any exclusions or limitations that you should know.
4. Read The Moving Contract Carefully
It is crucial to carefully go through the moving contract and read the terms and conditions to avoid any unexpected charges or unwanted surprises.
By reviewing the contract, you can ensure that you are aware of all the details and responsibilities involved in the moving process. Pay close heed to the specific details provided by the moving company.
Make sure all the services, like packing, loading, and unloading, are clearly mentioned in the contract. See if there are any additional fees or charges for specific services.
Hire Insured and Professional Movers For a Stress-Free Move
If you are planning to move, it’s always better to hire licensed, insured, and professional movers who are well-trained and equipped to handle all your belongings carefully.
You may find an enticing price for moving your 2-bedroom apartment, but ask yourself, would you risk your valuables and furniture in the hands of unprofessional and cheap movers?
You might feel hiring a cheap moving company would help you save on costs, but on the other hand, you may face safety risks, higher liability, and potential financial losses in case of any damage to your belongings or property.
If you’re planning to work with a professional moving company, hire Let’s Move. Their movers are insured and well-trained and will provide you with an accurate moving quote.
Conclusion
Now that you are aware of the risks of hiring cheap movers, you can distinguish which companies are worth hiring.
It is essential to know that if you hire cheap movers, the less you pay initially, the more you have to pay after your move is complete.
So, it is important to research carefully before you hire a moving company.
While investing in a reputable and reliable company might be a little over your budget, the peace of mind and quality of service they provide are priceless.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if my movers are legit?
Certified moving companies in the US have a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number.
To be sure that the credentials of a mover are certified, you can visit the DOT site. It is always important to know beforehand that your movers are licensed and insured.
2. How do I evaluate a moving company?
There are some things that you can do to evaluate whether the moving company is legitimate or not.
Utilize word-of-mouth references with people who have been directly or indirectly associated with the company before.
Check the company’s website, location, registration, license, insurance, contact number, and reviews.
If anything seems shady or there are negative reviews, do not hire such movers.
5. Do movers ask for deposits?
While many moving companies may request a small deposit but, if any moving company asks for large deposits or full payment upfront, it should be avoided.
Any reputable and reliable moving company would only ask for a full payment after the completion of the job.
