Avoid these mistakes when selecting movers in Austin

When it comes time to moving, whether it’s across town or across the country, you’ll want to make sure that you avail of the best services possible when picking a mover. However, making the wrong decision can lead to many headaches down the road.

Here are common mistakes that most people commit when selecting a moving company in Austin.

Most common mistakes people make when picking Austin movers

Not doing enough research about moving services

It’s essential to do your homework before hiring any service, and moving is no exception. To find a reputable and reliable mover, take the time to read online reviews and check out the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website to review any complaints against them. You can also ask friends and family for recommendations.

Not getting multiple quotes before choosing local movers

Just as with anything else, not taking the time to research other movers in Austin and comparing prices will most likely lead you to hire someone that is not right for your move. Make sure you find a reliable moving company that meets your needs. It should also fit your budget because you might end up with hidden fees or charges later on.

It’s incredibly important that you get at least three competitive quotes to get the best price. Other Austin moving companies will offer you a great deal to get the job and then charge you quite a bit more once the move is completed. Asking around for recommendations from friends, family, and work can help cut down on costs since recommended movers are more likely to give you a fair quote.

Not getting written estimates before the moving process

It is important to get your estimate in writing. The estimate can prove if the moving company is responsible for paying any damages during the move. It will also help you save money, since you will know how much your moving costs will be before making a deposit.

Paying with cash or personal check

Paying for your move with cash or a personal check is one mistake that can be easily avoided. This leaves you without any protection if something goes wrong with the moving services. Credit cards offer the best protection when it comes to moving. They usually come with insurance coverage in case of damages or lost items.

If you’re worried about going over budget, try to break up your payment into installments rather than paying everything upfront. This will help keep costs down and ensure that you’re not left out in the cold if something goes wrong.

Using the wrong moving company for your needs

Movers in Austin vary significantly in size, experience levels, and services provided. The same goes for hiring a company whose trucks look too small or too large for your belongings. This could mean they don’t have enough storage space on trucks to accommodate your needs! Be sure to ask the moving company representative plenty of questions before hiring them.

Skimping on certain aspects of your relocation

Some consumers opt out of purchasing protection plans offered by moving companies to cut costs. However, there are plenty of reasons why hiring a mover with an option such as packing supplies or appliance handling is beneficial. If you decide to do these things yourself, there’s a chance that you could end up voiding your homeowner’s insurance policy if damages occur that are not covered by the movers’ liability insurance.

Booking a move during peak seasons or times of the year

The pre-winter holiday season is the busiest time of the year for many companies. Most moving services are scheduled in between April and September. If you choose to book your move during this time, it will be most likely more expensive because movers have a higher demand for their services. It’s best to schedule on summer dates when prices are typically lower across the board during the off-peak season.

Falling prey to high-pressure sales techniques

Some movers may likely talk you into buying services you don’t need. For example, overloading truck beds with heavy items to justify charging rent for dollies or other accessories would usually be provided free of charge by any reputable mover.

Not understanding what is included in the moving cost

Some companies charge by weight, and others charge by volume (or cubic feet). It’s important to understand how each company charges. This will help you avoid any surprises at the end of the move such as added costs or incorrect charges due to miscalculations. Ask questions during the initial phone call about their pricing structure and other costs involved (like fuel surcharges, travel time and packing supplies).

Not communicating with your mover

With any type of work, communication is vital to ensure that the job gets done right and on time. If misunderstandings or miscommunications occur between you and your mover, it can lead to poor service due to lack of organization or confusion about the move. Ensure you get everything in writing via an official contract, including details about your specific move (dates, weight allowances, storage solutions and packing services).

Leaving the move-in date open-ended

If you are moving into a new home, it is important to have an exact move-in date. This will ensure that the Austin moving company arrives at your old house when they are supposed to come and can then bring you to your new home.

Not having a plan B in case of emergency

The best-case scenario is that the moving process goes according to plan. However, some things happen that are out of our control. If anything goes wrong on moving day such as your mover gets lost or the truck breaks down, it’s helpful to have a backup plan in place.

This could mean having a friend or family member who can help out with the move, renting a U-Haul, or even just calling in favors from people you know. However, be prepared for any situation that may arise from hiring extra help from these folks.

Not getting the right number of Austin movers

If you hire a moving company with fewer movers than what is needed for your move, it could slow down the process because not enough people are available to work, or there may not be enough room in the truck. The best way to avoid this is by knowing how many boxes and large pieces of furniture (dresser, bed frame) you have before booking a mover; then add 10-15% more just in case. This way, you’re sure that all your belongings make it safely and on time. Also, if there aren’t enough movers, the company may charge you more for the extra help.

Not knowing the laws concerning moving companies

Most states have specific laws that movers must adhere to, and if they don’t, it can lead to hefty fines. Make sure you are familiar with the regulations in your state. This is necessary so you can know what to expect from your mover and what they are responsible for. Also, read the contract carefully before signing anything. If something seems off or too good to be true, it probably is.

Frequently Asked Questions about major mistakes when picking professional Austin movers

1. How do you choose the right size of mover?

   Make a list of all your belongings that will be transported. It is important to choose a mover that is the right size for your move. Too small of a mover, and you may not be able to get all of your belongings moved. Too large of a mover, and you may pay for services you don’t need.

2. Is the cheapest option always the most cost-effective?

   Just because a company is cheaper, doesn’t mean that they are good. In fact, they may end up costing you more in the long run if they do a shoddy job.

3. What’s the most common mistake among customers of moving companies?

   Not getting everything in writing before making any final decision about whom to hire is a common mistake. You don’t want to be surprised with extra charges after the move is over, especially if something you didn’t request.

4. Should you trust relatives to do the moving for you?

   If you have very large and heavy things, it will benefit you when hiring a full service moving company for a stress-free experience. A reliable Austin mover knows how to handle fragile goods better than a person who just moves once in a while. In addition, it has the necessary supplies on hand, so nothing gets damaged.

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Enjoy a streamlined relocation with expert moving teams no matter where you live with Heavenly Moving and Storage. Book your move knowing you have the full support of the only moving company in Austin on ABJ’s 2021 Best Places to Work and Best of the Best Moving Company Finalist. Get your free quote today or call us at 512-340-0551.