Two Important Questions To Ask When Moving – Part Two

In my previous post, I discussed an often overlooked question regarding your move, which was prompted by this recent moving debacle:

The second question often-overlooked IMPORTANT question  to ask is one that plagued the couple in the above video: “when will my stuff be at my new home??”

The couple portrayed above was under the impression that their belongings would arrive in 3 days.  Finally, eighteen days later, they received a call from the moving company demanding….wait for it… MORE MONEY!  Luckily, by being resourceful and thinking on their feet, the couple was able to avoid dishing out more money for their move!

The couple did cite three mistakes during their move that they are certain they will never make again:

1. They went with the company who provided the lowest estimate.
2. They didn’t research the company prior to signing a contract.
3. They used a broker instead of dealing with a moving company directly.

While the above three mistakes prompt great suggestions when you’re choosing a moving company, here’s two more red flags to watch for when being given a moving estimate:

1. You’re given an over-the-phone estimate as opposed to an in-home estimate.  Although there are legitimate ways to obtain an over-the-phone estimate, the best moving estimate you can get is one that is done in-home.  If someone offers to quote your move without seeing your belongings, this should be your first red flag.  (The exception to this is if you have a moving inventory that you have completed, as I detailed in this post, AND if you initiated the request for an over-the-phone estimate!)
2. Request for a deposit in advance of your move.  Most legitimate moving companies will not ask for a deposit prior to your move.  Instead, they’ll accept full payment on delivery of your household goods.  If you’re asked for a deposit, be very skeptical.  Often times, this “deposit” is merely the brokerage fee and doesn’t go against the cost of your move!

As I said, there are legitimate individuals and companies in every single sector of business.  However, it’s my recommendation is to avoid a moving broker at all costs and to do the legwork yourself!