Moving day has the potential for disaster. If you don't do proper research when hiring your moving company, you could wind up with movers that are unreliable, lazy, rude, or incompetent. Read on to find out the most common ways your movers can fail you on moving day.
1. They showed up late.
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You have a lot to get done on moving day. If you're sitting around, watching the minutes tick by, and your movers still haven't shown up, they are causing major set backs to your carefully planned schedule. While your movers may provide a window for their arrival, they may show up later due to poor weather, traffic, or mechanical trouble. Be sure to call the customer service department if your movers are late to find out what's keeping them.
2. They broke stuff.
If you're paying professionals to take good care of your goods during their trip to your new home, you'll expect everything to arrive safely and in one piece. If your movers are careless, drop your belongings, pack or wrap items poorly, or cause any damage, you may be entitled to compensation. Be sure to discuss insurance options and the claims process with any moving company you are considering for hire before booking your move.
3. They were rude.
Professional movers should be polite and courteous, treating customers and their requests with respect. Movers with unsavory attitudes can certainly ruin your relocation experience and add unnecessary stress. Try to remain calm when dealing with movers that are rude, demand a tip, or behave unprofessionally and be sure to notify the company.
4. They tacked on extra fees for everything.
When movers conduct an on-site estimate of your goods and home, be sure to always ask about the possibilities of added fees. Extra services that could affect your final price include stair carries, long carries, packing services and materials, and insurance. Always speak to your mover about these expenses in advance and get it in your contract so there are no unpleasant surprises to ruin your moving day.
5. They price gouged you once your goods were on the truck.
Unethical moving companies commonly employ a tactic known as the bait and switch to trick unsuspecting customers into enlisting theit services. These companies will provide you with a very low quote (much lower than the competition) to secure your business, then astronomically hike up their prices once your belongings are on the truck. To avoid falling victim to this common scam, it's important to do thorough research on your moving company to ensure they are reliable and trustworthy--
read reviews, check their Better Business Bureau rating, and look for outstanding complaints on websites such as Movingscam.com. Always make sure to get an on-site estimate--and get it in writing.
6. They lost your family heirlooms.
During a move, you are entrusting your most prized and treasured possessions into the hands of strangers. If something precious or irreplaceable becomes lost--such as wedding china, valuable collectibles or family heirlooms--it can be devastating. While it's always important to purchase moving insurance, some things cannot be replaced with monetary compensation. You can always transport these cherished possessions in your own vehicle to avoid loss during the move.
7. Your shipment was delivered late.
Waiting for your goods to arrive can be frustrating. When moving long distance, it can take two weeks or more for the moving company to deliver your shipment. During that time, you could be without vital belongings such as bedding, cookware, and furniture. To make the experience bearable don't forget to pack your first-night kit with enough clothes, towels, blankets, pillows, and even an air mattress. If your moving company has not delivered your goods after the provided window, be sure to follow up for updates--there could have been an accident, inclement weather, or unexpected mechanical trouble.