Local moving should be easy, right?
You’re not going across state lines, dealing with the big stuff, or managing tons of logistics. But here’s the thing…
Local moving is more complex than most people realize. It’s full of problems, most of which can be avoided. But to avoid them, you need to know what they are and how to avoid them.
Most local moves end up costing more than they should because people make the same mistakes over and over again.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way.
By making a little preparation and by following some best practices, you can spot the problems before they become problems. When that happens, moving day is a breeze and everyone is happy.
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Why Local Moves Go Wrong
Local moving companies complete more than 40% of all household moves in the US. In fact, new data shows more than 53% of all moves take place within the same county.
Which means an awful lot of people relocate just a few miles down the road.
The problem?
Local moves are seen as easy and low-risk by many homeowners. So there’s little or no research involved in selecting a moving company. Mistakes are made. Money is lost.
Whether you decide to move by yourself or hire local hauling companies to help, you should know why problems happen and what you can do about it.
The 10 most common mistakes people make when planning a local move are explained below…
The Most Common Local Moving Mistakes
The following are the 10 errors that have the potential to cause the most headaches. By avoiding them, your local move will be far more pleasant and far less expensive.
Skipping Research On Your Movers
This is the single most common mistake made.
You find the lowest quote online, book it, and move on. Then moving day comes, and the “quote” becomes a completely different (higher) price.
The movers show up late. Or not at all.
Then what happens?
- Things are damaged or go missing
- You get charged for things you didn’t agree to
- The final price far exceeds your original estimate
The BBB has records of more than 5,700 mover complaints for a single year. Most of these would have been avoided with a little due diligence.
Before you hire a moving company, check their online reviews across a variety of sites. Look for patterns in the feedback they get from customers. Make sure they’re properly licensed and insured. A few minutes of research could save you thousands of dollars in moving day mayhem.
Underestimating The Amount Of Stuff You Own
Most people vastly underestimate how much stuff they have.
They walk around the house and figure they only need one or two trucks. The movers get there, and suddenly there are a ton of extra boxes. So the cost goes up… a lot.
What usually ends up happening?
Your original quote more than doubles. You have no choice but to pay it or hire a different company for a second move.
Assess the amount of your stuff honestly, before you get a quote. Go through every room, closet, and storage space. Include the garage, basement, and attic. This will help ensure you get a more accurate quote.
Not Decluttering Before Moving Day
Why pay to move things you don’t want or need?
Each box represents money in the hands of the moving company. You can save money by sorting out your stuff now.
Before you start packing:
- Donate good items to charity
- Sell things you don’t use but are still valuable
- Throw away broken or worn-out items
You will move fewer boxes, spend less on moving day, and have less to unpack at the new home.
Packing Everything Yourself (Poorly)
This is a daily mistake that costs people thousands.
They want to save money by packing themselves. But they don’t use the right boxes, and they skip padding and other important details.
The movers then aren’t responsible for damage to owner-packed boxes. The result: You save a few bucks on packing but lose hundreds on broken items.
If you plan to pack yourself, pack right. Use the proper boxes and pack with lots of padding. Label everything clearly, and make sure heavy items go in small boxes. Light things go in big boxes.
Choosing Based On Price Alone
The cheapest option is almost never the right one.
Very low prices should set off alarm bells. There is often a reason why they are so low. Maybe the company has no insurance. Maybe they’ll hit you with hidden fees on moving day. Maybe they’ll just show up and do a terrible job.
Look for value, not just a low price.
Get at least three quotes from local moving companies. Ask what is and isn’t included in each estimate. What about insurance and additional fees?
A slightly higher quote from a known and reliable company is worth much more than a rock-bottom price from an unknown fly-by-night operation.
Waiting Too Long To Book Your Movers
Good local movers get busy fast.
Especially during peak season, which is May through September. Wait until the last minute, and you have fewer options and will likely have to pay more.
Book at least two to four weeks ahead.
This gives you time to shop around and compare different moving companies and get your preferred moving date secured.
Not Preparing Your New Home
Moving day arrives, and your new place is a disaster area.
The floors need mopping. Old furniture is still there. Nobody turned on the utilities. Now the movers are all standing around, waiting for you while you frantically clean up.
Do the following before moving day:
- Clean the new space well
- Throw away or remove any items left behind
- Turn on the utilities
- Clear pathways and doorways for the movers
You will get them in and out faster and at a lower cost.
How To Protect Yourself On Moving Day
Even the best laid plans sometimes go awry. Here’s how to minimize the damage.
- Document everything before the move. Take photos of valuable items, furniture, etc. This gives you proof if they are damaged on moving day.
- Read the contract closely before signing. Make sure you understand the insurance included and any additional protection that costs more.
- Be there for loading and unloading. Watch how your belongings are handled. Point out fragile items that need extra care.
- Inspect items before signing off on the receipt. Look over your furniture and boxes before the movers leave. Note any damage on the delivery receipt right away.
Wrapping Things Up
Local moves should be easy but are made unnecessarily hard by common mistakes.
The solution is preparation. Prepare by researching your movers. Get proper quotes from a true assessment of the contents of your home. Declutter before packing. And book your movers in advance.
Quick recap:
- Do your due diligence on any movers you are considering
- Take an honest inventory of your belongings
- Declutter to save money on moving day
- Pack yourself, or pay to have it done properly
- Compare value, not just price
- Book early
- Prepare the new home before moving day