10 House Moving Mistakes to Avoid with Packers and Movers | Stownest
Moving house? Here are 10 common mistakes people make with Packers and Movers, and how to prevent them.
There are several common mistakes when it comes to household moving. People usually book packers and movers at the last minute, accept quotes without enough detail, skip questions about service charges, insurance, and society rules, and don’t allow enough time to transport fragile stuff between houses. If you contact them two to three weeks in advance, these moving companies will take all the time you need to move your stuff. The movers will help answer your questions.
What Goes Wrong During Most House Moves
Ask a group of your friends about their most recent house move and you will hear many variations of the same story. The quote went up on the day. A box of glassware didn’t survive. The lift wasn’t booked. Nobody could find the kettle for three days.
This is not bad luck. There are a few mistakes repeated by almost everyone who moves. Luckily, with the mistakes being so obvious, they are relatively easy to avoid. Here are the ten most common problems, and how to solve them.
1. Booking Movers a Few Days Before the Move
This is the major one. Most people wait until the last week before their house shift date to choose their mover. Whoever is available gets chosen and that's not always the best case scenario. The best moving companies fill up quickly and that's usually the case at the end of the month and around festivals.
How to avoid it: Give yourself at least 2-3 weeks before your date to compare your options. It's good to do research and compare rates to find the most reliable option.
2. Saying Yes to a Quote Over the Phone
“₹10,000 for the whole thing” is clear until moving day when you find out the unincluded costs. There are many aspects to moving that a single number can’t encompass, like packing, labor, loading, and unloading.
How to avoid it: Request a quote with a full itemized list. A difference in quotes from two different companies can help you decipher the reason for the difference in prices.
3. Not Asking About Extra Charges
While each moving quote contains fixed charges, there are many hidden fees that can add up unexpectedly on move day. From floor charges, waiting time, and additional labor for large and heavy items, there are multiple charges that can transform a reasonable quote into a shockingly expensive day.
How to avoid it: Have the movers directly answer the question “is there anything that can increase the price?” A good and honest moving company will tell you all the potential fees and include them in your moving quote.
4. Assuming Your Things Are Automatically Insured
People often believe that if their items are being moved by movers, then any damage that occurs would be covered. Sometimes that's true. Sometimes that isn't the case and people only find that out after they've had a TV or other item damaged beyond repair.
How to Avoid it: Ask the movers what happens if something is damaged and get that answer in writing. At StowNest, if an item is physically damaged during transport or storage, we’re responsible for repairing or replacing it. With any movers you choose, you should be able to get an answer like this.
5. Packing Fragile Things With Whatever's Lying Around
Glassware wrapped in a towel. A TV in a bedsheet. We feel like we’ve done enough, until a long drive through traffic proves us wrong.
How to avoid it: There should be adequate padding and a sturdy box for fragile items and electronics. If you’re not doing the packing yourself, make sure your relocation services company has the right materials for packing glass, mirrors and electronics.
6. Leaving Packing Until the Last Night
Packing takes longer than expected because there are so many things hidden away out of sight in kitchen cupboards, storage rooms and above the wardrobe.
How to avoid it : Start with things you use infrequently, a room at a time about a week before the move. Leave things you use daily for the final day.
7. Not Labeling Boxes
Boxes without labels mean you’ll have to open ten of them to find the bedsheets at midnight on your first night.
How to avoid it: Write the room and a few words about what’s inside on every box. Also, write which boxes need careful handling. It will only take a few seconds and save hours of time.
8. Forgetting About Society Rules and the Lift
To get your items moved in a gated society in India, you usually have to navigate a maze of regulations including giving notice, booking a lift slot, getting security to approve your move, and getting a particular time window. The absence of any of these means waiting with your truck outside.
How to avoid it: Let your society office know a few days in advance and share this with your movers. Also, measure your items against the doorways and lifts to know if anything gets stuck along the way.
9. Not Planning for the Gap Between Homes
Your lease ends on the 30th. Your new place is ready on the 15th. That gap is more common than people expect, and can be one of the most stressful parts of a home move.
How to avoid it: If there's any chance of a gap, plan for it as early as possible. One way to deal with it is to use temporary storage. StowNest provides packing and moving and storage as three separate services, so you can use one, two or all three of the services, depending on your needs.
10. Picking a Company Without Checking Who They Are
The cheapest options online aren't always real. Some companies have no address, proper reviews, and no customer service to call if a move goes wrong.
How to Avoid it: Look for a recent review, real address, and phone number. Before booking, give them a call. The way a company handles your questions now is a good indication on how they will handle your move.
The Pattern Behind Almost Every Mistake
Look at the list again and notice almost all the mistakes are due to things being left for the last minute. Booking things at the last minute can result in a loss of transport, accommodation and activities. Packing at the last minute can lead to forgetting things. Asking things at the last minute can lead to a lot of frustration. Being on the move means there are lots of ways to move well and being on the move well isn't about luck or spending more. It's often about moving early and getting things in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the most common errors made by people booking packers and movers?
The most common mistakes are making last minute bookings, not confirming itemized quotes, not checking about service charges, and not checking about insurance.
2. What is the lead time for booking packers and movers?
2-3 weeks advance notice is ideal but not necessary. Peak times for moving companies are month end, weekends, festivals, etc. so be sure to book well in advance during those times.
3. How do I avoid hidden charges while booking movers and packers?
Ask for an itemized quote. Ask about possible charges such as floor charges and waiting time and extra labor. Get the answers in writing.
4. What do I do if there is a gap between my move out and move in dates?
Plan for this in advance. StowNest offers Temporary Storage and you can book just the service you require.
5. Do I have to consult the society rules before using house shifting services?
Yes. It is best to find out about a couple of days in advance to see if you need to book a lift slot, provide security approval or if the society requires notice. Be sure to let your movers know as well.
6. What is the biggest mistake people make when moving?
waiting until the last minute to do everything. Packing becomes rushed and quotes are given poorly. With enough time, moving is less stressful for everyone.
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