Avoiding 4 Common Moving Hurdles

Moving is a complicated process that requires more than just great organizing, intensive packing and heavy lifting.  In some cases, severely problematic and unplanned situations may emerge that can wreak havoc on your moving experience. This is a brief guide on how to properly avoid four common moving hurdles.

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1. Cheapest isn’t always the best

Every year, moving scams victimize hundreds of people. Common moving scams entice their victims with low-ball bids with offers hundreds or thousands of dollars less than competing bids.  These companies then come out, pack your stuff, and then show you the real price. A whooping difference from the one you received earlier!  To avoid this pitfall, have your mover perform an on-site inspection.  If they demand a large deposit before hand, be weary. It’s also important that you make sure you research the company thoroughly. Make sure they are licensed and have a motor carrier number. All this can be verified on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s  (FMCSA) website.

Remember if the quote is too good to be true, it probably is. (Get Free Moving Quotes!)

2. Book moving trucks or moving services well in advance

Yes, sometimes the requirement to relocate comes swiftly, but generally you’re aware of the prospect of moving months before it even becomes official. Do yourself a favor and be sure to reserve a moving truck/ service the moment you commit yourself to the process. This is mainly because there’s a chance your local services might be booked solid, especially during the summer months, the most popular season for moving. So, if you’re looking for movers, be sure to book in advance because people move frequently in busy cities. While this might seem elementary, nothing will induce fits of rage like realizing you cannot procure a proper transportation vehicle in time for your move. Make the truck reservation a priority and rest easy afterwards with the reassurance that regardless of what happens next, a large truck will be at your disposable for a set amount of time.

3. Be aware of space allotment

One of the first things most moving companies will do is take inventory of your belongings and determine the necessary amount of storage space needed for transportation. Going room to room, they’ll inquire as to whether the office furniture is included in the overall haul. You might inform them a friend is purchasing the entire office set, so they disregard it and move on. Later, your friend reluctantly admits they don’t have the money, and the deal comes crashing to the ground. Since the moving company didn’t initially account for the additional space needed for the office furniture, it was omitted from their calculations. Unless you find an alternative solution, an omission like this will change your moving estimate and may require additional trips. Additional trips will significantly escalate the total cost.

Be wary of potential uncertainties and unless you’re 100% sure of a household item’s eventual absence, include it in the inventory list. Better to be safe than sorry, for it will cost you otherwise.  If you are unsure how many boxes you will need to adequately contain and move your stuff, check out this free box calculator tool.

4. Consider insurance options and document the condition of your items

You arrive at your new home brimming with optimism as your life begins anew. You observe the movers carrying boxes and protected furniture from the truck, anxious to get the items inside and placed. After uncovering the couch, you notice several of the pillows are missing and it’s now sporting tears in various locations. You bring this to the attention of the movers; they refuse to accept responsibility and a dispute erupts.

Avoid situations like that by meticulously assessing the condition of your household items prior to moving. Generally moving companies conduct an itemized status report while evaluating your inventory, but you should take matters into your own hands and compile similar documentation. Feel free to take photos as well, as a picture is worth a thousand words. Most moving companies will present you with several insurance options, and it would be wise of you to take a contract for your peace of mind and the welfare of your furniture.

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In Summary

Moving is a stressful process, and naturally complications do arise. Yet if you’re acutely aware of their potential occurrences you’ll be better prepared to mitigate their impending negative effects. Being proactive and detail-oriented can greatly enhance your moving experience and allow you to avoid any pitfalls.

These helpful moving tips were provided by You Move Me, an online entity of Tracksuit Movers Inc., a full-service nationwide moving company.