The cost of relocating to a new home or office can fluctuate by hundreds or even thousands of dollars if you fail to take the proper steps when hiring a moving company. Fortunately, you can avoid these pitfalls with a little advance planning and discretion. Below are seven costly mistakes that people make when hiring a mover and the steps you can take to avoid them.

1) Scheduling your move for the first Saturday of the month

Demand for moving services is typically on the weekends and at the beginning of each month. While it may be more convenient to move on the first Saturday of the month, you can enjoy substantial savings by moving during the week or toward the end of the month when demand for services is lower.

2) Waiting until the last minute to hire a mover

Putting off your hiring decision until the last minute is costly in more ways than one. First, you may find that all of the most experienced and trustworthy moving companies are already pre-booked, leaving you with inexperienced movers who may damage your possessions. Second, some companies charge rush fees or elevated prices for rush moving jobs because they know they are your only option. Make sure that you avoid these pitfalls by selecting your moving company several weeks or months ahead of your move.

3) Agreeing to pay in advance for your services

Beware of movers who demand a large deposit or payment in full before your move. Legitimate moving companies typically receive payment upon delivery when handling local moves and a small deposit when facilitating state-to-state moves. A "mover" who demands a cash payment in advance could turn out to be a scammer who will take your money and run.

4) Choosing the mover with the lowest price

Proceed with caution before hiring a moving company that offers an estimate that is significantly below the other estimates you have received. A quote that looks too good to be true is often just that; do your homework before you hire the cheapest moving company in your area. Read online reviews and ask for references before moving forward.

5) Failing to ask the proper questions

Before you commit to a mover, you should ask a few key questions to ensure that you will be working with a legitimate company. Below some of the questions you should ask before you finalize your decision:

  • How long have you been in business?
  • Are you fully licensed and insured?
  • Do you have the tools, trucks, and staff to handle my move?
  • How do you screen your moving crews?
  • Do you have the resources and expertise to move my piano and fish tank?

7) Failing to engage in advanced planning

You can enjoy substantial cost savings on your move with just a little advance planning. For instance, you can reduce the number of trucks that you will need by going through all of your possessions in advance of your moving date. You can even fund your moving expenses by hosting a yard sale to sell your unwanted possessions. Additionally, you can save money by collecting boxes and packing material in advance. You can then package small items for transport to your new home or office.

The Best Way to Avoid Costly Moving Mistakes

The best step you can take to prevent costly moving mistakes is to seek the expertise of an experienced company. We invite you to contact the moving professionals with Solomon and Sons Relocation Services to learn how we can help you enjoy a smooth, affordable move to your new home or office. With over 20 years of industry experience, we look forward to showing you why we are Aventura's most trusted moving provider.