Selecting the right moving company plays a vital role in your relocation experience. While a professional moving service saves time and reduces stress, choosing the wrong one can result in damaged belongings, unexpected charges, and unnecessary headaches.
However, with many companies available today, choosing one can take time and effort. Therefore, to help you make the right decision, we have outlined ten common mistakes most people make while selecting moving companies and how to avoid them. Whether short-distance or long-distance relocation, this guide will provide essential details to ensure no hitches bother you when moving from one house to another.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting a Moving Company
So, let’s discuss these most common issues and their solutions.
1. Not Conducting Adequate Research
People often need to remember to research moving companies to gain the essential knowledge to make decisions. Instead, they make their decisions based on the first company they come across.
What to Do:
Online Search: Type the company’s name on the Internet to get detailed information about it. Try to look on the firm’s homepage or other review sources such as Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau.
Social Media: Like the company’s account or visit their social media pages to review accounts of any customer reviews or comments.
Recommendations: Ask your friends, relatives, or co-workers if they were directed to a good moving company in Kanata.
Reading customer reviews can reveal some negative signs and help you decide whether to employ the company.
2. The Absence of a Written Estimate
First-time clients often rely on word-of-mouth quotations for their moving. This might result in extra charges and a negative impression of the firm on the customer.
What to Do:
Put It in Writing: To identify every dollar’s cost, they should provide you with a printed quote that includes a detailed estimate of the hours worked, the potential cost of transportation, and other moving details related to moving fees.
Request a Breakdown: To ensure you know what you’re paying for, you require an estimate breakdown. You may then compare quotes in this manner.
Request Coverage with Insurance: You should find out the scope and extent of insurance that the quote comes with. Then, you will not be left uncovered by numerous costs once the damage is at your door.
No estimates written down leave you in a position of being at risk of paying through unseen charges and uncalculated costs.
3. Price-Only Decision
The most tempting option is the costliest mistake because most people seek cheap moving companies. These inexpensive options are less experienced, uninsured, and don’t have proper quality equipment.
What to Do:
Research Reputability: Paying extra consideration may allow finding a reputable company to ensure a better experience with minimum headache.
Evaluate Experience: Consider how many years they have been in the business. Experienced professionals are more likely to handle your belongings carefully and promptly.
Assessment of Services: Ensure the company provides every required service, from packing to storing or other special handling.
You need to find a firm that provides quality at an appropriate cost.
4. Not Posing Appropriate Questions
If you don’t ask for what you deserve, you will make a mistake or be disappointed. Be patient and ask the right questions to ensure your chosen business will fulfill your needs.
What to Do:
Inquire About Their Backgrounds and Areas of Expertise: How long have they been in operation? Have they performed comparable moves?
Understand Their Workers: Are they temporary workers or professionals? Knowledgeable staff have proper training to relocate your possessions safely.
Discuss Availability and Schedule With Them: Verify that they can work with the time and date you have in mind for your move.
Ask these to ensure a company is ready to fit your needs.
5. Not Aware of Extra Charge
Additional charges can turn a rather inexpensive move into an extremely expensive headache. Understand what these additional costs may be and how they are incurred.
What to Do:
Explain Extra Charges: Most of the time, extra charges occur on the stairs, elevator, or long carry. Be aware of any additional charges that may arise.
Explain Packing Materials Costs: If the company is to provide the packing materials, inquire about the cost.
Ask About Storage Fees: If you plan to store your items temporarily, find out how much the storage fees will be.
Clarifying all possible extra charges upfront helps avoid surprises on the moving day.
6. Not Taking Into Account Size and Equipment
If you hire a moving company with the correct size truck and equipment, your move will be convenient. However, your items may be at risk if movers don’t use the right equipment.
What to Do:
Assess Your Needs: Consider the number of articles and items you intend to move and seek the services of a moving company that will provide the right size trucks and essential features.
Inquire About Equipment: Ask the company what equipment they use in your move. Ensure they have all the equipment to handle and transport your property correctly.
Verify Experience: The next question that one should pose to the company is, how many similar-sized and complex moves have they done? This will help you gauge how experienced the company is in dealing with a move of such nature as yours.
The move can be organized effectively based on size and equipment, reducing the chances of damage.
7. Neglecting to Understand the Claims Process
Unforeseen circumstances may occur, and it is essential to know how to file a claim for any broken or lost item during the moving process. Experienced professionals have a simple and easy insurance claim process.
What to Do:
Learn the Process for Filing Claims: Ask the company how to file an insurance claim, the expected resolution duration, and who will handle claim-related queries. Understanding these will help you avoid frustration in case something unexpected happens.
Document Your Belongings: Before packing the items, ensure you have proper photos or videos of them. This can be shown as evidence at the time of claim.
Clarify Deductibles and Limitations: Some moving companies have limitations and deductibles on the amount they will cover. Knowing this can help you understand which best suits your needs.
8. Choosing Based on a Quick Decision
Making quick decisions when choosing a moving company can lead to surprises. Take your time when researching for movers to prevent any future concerns.
What to Do:
Take Your Time: Do not give your moving project to the first company you meet, even if they offer a fair deal. Compare all the options available, review them, and research them.
Request Multiple Quotes: Get estimates from at least three companies. This will help you determine the best option.
Trust Your Instincts: Observe any red flags when conversing with them, such as evasive answers, poor communication, or if they try to be too good to be true. If something feels right, there are several options available.
9. Ignoring Contract Details
Another common mistake people make is not reading contract terms and conditions. This can result in misunderstandings, disputes, and even legal proceedings.
What to Do:
Read the Contract Thoroughly: Before signing the contracts, carefully read the contract terms, condition clauses, and liability limits. If you find it difficult, seek the help of an expert.
Understand Liability: Clarify the company’s liability for damages and losses.
Ask Questions: If you find something confusing, don’t hesitate to discuss it with the company to clarify things.
10. Overlooking Licensing and Accreditation
Sometimes, people forget to confirm whether the moving company has the necessary certifications and authorization. This may result in fraud or unsatisfactory services.
What to Do:
Confirm Registration: The mover company should be registered with the Canada Revenue Agency and licensed by Transport Canada. Ensure the company meets CAM regulations for long-distance or interprovincial moves.
Check Accreditation: Search for affiliations or approvals from other reputable bodies operating in the Canadian moving industry, like CAM. CAM members will likely adhere to the set standards of practice and ethics.
Examine Complaint History: Search for customer complaints or feedback from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Canada or CAM complaint system.
Picking a company with the right permits and accreditations reduces the chances of a moving firm being a fake, minimizing fraud cases and increasing professionalism. Thus, it improves the quality of the move.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a moving company in Ottawa that will provide fast and efficient work without any important issues is necessary. If you avoid these mistakes and pay attention to the tips listed above, you will secure your chance to hire a reputable mover who will transfer your belongings without any danger.
However, remember always to investigate and ask the right questions, and do not shy away from seeking advice from your friends, relatives, and co-workers while making the choice. Now is the time to have fun and enjoy your new home with your family without worrying about choosing a reliable moving company.
