Moving to a different state or country involves going through a long list of tasks. The whole undertaking can overwhelm even the most organized and methodical person aiming to accomplish it all on their own. Because there are several stages to a relocation, lots of people involved, and complicated logistics that require planning (depending on where the new house is located), it’s not surprising if shortcuts are taken and some tasks are partially or entirely missed.

Fortunately, you don’t have to shoulder this whole endeavour by yourself because you can certainly outsource expert help. Having a professional removalist at your side throughout the removal process can spell the difference between a hassle-free relocation and a stressful move.

Of course, not all removal companies are the same. In Australia, different companies offer their interstate and international moving services at varying levels of quality. That’s why it is important for you to be meticulous when searching for a removalist service to hire. Otherwise, you might end up working with an incompetent one, which increases the risk of your items getting lost or damaged along the way.

To guarantee a successful and problem-free moving experience, here are the top seven mistakes people make when choosing a removal company that you must avoid when it’s your turn to relocate.

1. Waiting too long to book a removalist service

If you wait too long to book your removalist, you won’t have enough time to perform thorough research and to request for estimates. Most likely, you will receive a higher estimate than you would get if you had booked early.

2. Not checking the company’s licenses and other essential documents

While a friend or a co-worker’s recommendation of a certain removal company can be very helpful when you’re searching for a good one, it’s still wise to check for yourself first whether they are truly qualified and reliable. Do your research and find out if the company possesses all the required licenses and other essential documents before considering working with them.

Having these essential documents indicates that the company is offering industry-standard services, complies with safety regulations, and conducts annual audits and vehicle/storage inspections to ensure quality service.

3. Neglecting to read reviews and contact references

One of the best ways to determine how a removal company treats their clients is to read previous customers’ reviews on their site and to ask for more references you can call. Speaking with their actual former clients can help you determine the quality of the products and services the removalist offers.

Still, you must not assume that you will get the exact same experience as your friend who employed the same removalist did, since you have unique needs. The references can only help you figure out if the removal company is suitable to hire.

4. Not getting at least three estimates

Just like you would when looking for a plumber for your new house, aim to gather at least three estimates from reputable removalists. This will help you in making an in-depth comparison between your options, and ultimately, a well-informed final decision. That’s because you will learn, among other things, why a certain company offers their services at a lower price than its competitors. This will also give you a clearer picture of whether you are getting a reasonable deal or not.

5. Failing to ask about additional costs

If it is time to meet with the removalist, remember to ask them all the questions you have in mind. So before speaking with them, have a list of all your moving-related concerns prepared. This must include any additional costs to be incurred if you let them pack, load and unpack your goods. As much as possible, you should ask for a formal quotation to avoid paying extra cash.

6. Not getting enough coverage

Accidents can happen during the move regardless of how careful the removalistsare, so make sure to get the right insurance coverage for all your items. Otherwise, you could end up paying for the items that got damaged or lost during the removal process. By getting full value protection, the removalists will be held liable in the event of loss and/or damage.

7. Signing the contract without reading it first

Make it a habit not to sign any document without thoroughly reading and understanding every word written on it first. Take your time to read the contents of the contract. Most importantly, don’t hesitate to clarify any words or phrases you don’t understand before placing your signature on it.

Since you will be entrusting your items to the removalists, it is important for you to hire a reputable one. By being aware of the common mistakes committed by people when hiring a removalist, you can avoid committing these yourself when it comes time for you to move to a new location.

In addition to checking the company’s credentials and determining the quality of their products and services, read the contract from start to finish before signing it to make sure that it includes everything you have agreed upon. It is also imperative that you check whether you can work comfortably with them. Good luck!

AUTHOR BIO

Craig Jones is the Managing Director at Aussiemove, Australia’s largest independent moving alliance. Craig is a respected member of the removalist network in Australia, having served in senior positions, including the President of the removal industries governing body, the Australian Furniture Removals Association (AFRA). With 23 years of experience at Aussiemove, he has the skills and the highly trained team to move families safely and reliably, in Adelaide, across Australia and around the world.

(This is a sponsored post by Aussiemove , please contact us to become a contributor or to submit your guest post)