Don’t want to make the biggest Portland moving mistakes? Continue reading to learn the common mistakes when hiring movers and how to avoid them.
Moving is a big decision and takes a lot of time, effort, and planning. So when planning a move, you must properly prepare for every step necessary to avoid issues, especially when choosing the right movers. There are very common Portland moving mistakes that can be made during the process of hiring a mover, and avoiding these mistakes when hiring movers will ensure a much smoother moving process and through.
1. Not Receiving An Estimate In Writing
Regardless of the size of your move, you should always get an estimate from the movers you’re looking into in writing. It can be through email, it can be written down, or printed- just ensure you have your estimate in writing. Confirm that it clearly lists the cost of your move, every service included in your move, and every service not included.
Paying for something unnecessary is the last thing you need during the moving process, so confirming that your estimate is 100% correct is crucial.
2. Not Providing The Movers A Complete Inventory Of Your Move
In order for a mover to give you an accurate estimate, they will need a complete inventory of what you’re moving, as well as additional services you might need. Movers can take your inventory over the phone or in person and, with modern technology, enter it into estimating software -or send someone to your home to evaluate the move- for an accurate estimate. Either way, they go about it, be sure your movers are well aware of your inventory for the best results.
3. Choosing The Least Expensive Mover
Shopping for an offered service is way different than shopping for a product. When shopping for the same (or a similar) product, it’s easy to compare prices between different retailers. Shopping for movers, however, is not as simple of a comparison. The level of training each mover is hired with, and the professionalism the company brings to the table are just two very important factors in deciding on the best mover.
Choosing the least expensive mover based on an estimate could end up costing more than meets the eye due to potential hidden fees or consistent and extensive damage to your belongings. Always go with the movers you feel most comfortable with, not always the lowest price.
4. Not Asking About Potential Extra Charges
As unfortunate as it can be, some moving companies will keep certain charges to themselves until you ask them about it directly (which is a red flag if they do). You should ask if your estimate includes travel time, insurance, fuel, stairs/elevators, and packing of your boxes (if necessary). All items should be listed on your written estimate, but if they aren’t, be sure to ask them about it.
5. Not Paying a Deposit For Your Move
You should never pay for a move upfront or a large deposit, but a small deposit is a good idea to secure the moving crew and truck for your move. When a mover takes a deposit, they’ll typically secure a moving crew and however many trucks for you and anyone else who paid a deposit. This helps the moving company you’re working with properly schedule their trucks to avoid overbooking.
Movers who don’t take deposits typically book more moves than they can handle in a day, knowing ahead of time that some clients might cancel. This causes them to “overbook” very often, which could leave you without movers on a moving day. Always be sure to secure a mover with a small deposit.
Contact Portland Movers
If you are interested in learning more about Redefyne Portland Movers contact us today! We would love to talk to you about all of our packing and moving services for commercial and residential properties.
