Written by: Kate Becker
Date:

We all know that the entire moving process can eat up your budget. There are so many things on your to-do list that keep piling up and that you need to pay for. In the end, you would expect that once everything is done, there are no additional costs. However, sometimes that can change. There are a few legitimate ways movers can increase your final cost, and many people are not aware of them. Verified Movers team is here to help you prepare and learn everything you need to know about moving cost and prices, so you don’t get any uncomfortable surprises. Doing your research before signing a moving contract is a must, and this is what you need to look for and what to ask of your movers.

one dollar bill

It’s important to keep track of your moving expenses along the way. However, some can be quite unexpected in the end, and you should be aware of what can cause additional costs.

First things first, make sure you are working with a reliable moving company

There is nothing worse than signing a sketchy moving contract and falling for a moving scam. The entire relocation process takes a lot of work and time, and you don’t want all of that to go in vain. Unfortunately, there are a lot of moving horror stories in the industry, and a bunch of families that end up unhappy and get stressed out. If the movers ask for money before they unload the moving truck, that is a scam. If they ask for a lot of money before they even arrive at your house, that is also a possible scam.

A lot of additional moving costs on your final bill can also act as an indicator of a moving scam, but they don’t have to be. When you’re looking for reliable moving companies for your relocation, make sure to ask in advance what are their legitimate ways movers can increase your final cost. Every company has a different policy of payment, so you should know what you’re getting into before you sign your contract and begin to work with the moving crew. 

What are some ways movers can increase your final cost?

As we all know, the overall cost of your move will depend on many things. For instance, on how many items your movers need to transport. Also, the size of those items can play a crucial role as well. Heavy and bulky items require special equipment and that can cost extra. In case the movers have to carry very fragile items and pay close attention to them, that comes at a price as well. But, these are all the things you should know before your moving day rolls around.

On the other hand, unexpected things can happen. Sometimes, these can be the reason why your final cost increases. Unavoidable circumstances can make you go over your moving budget. All of this makes relocation very stressful and not fun at all. However, more often than not, this happens due to poor planning. If you didn’t make and follow a proper moving checklist, many things can go downhill.

The customer didn’t pack and prepare on time

Imagine a scenario where a moving truck shows up at your driveway. But, you’re nowhere near ready to let them load it. This means that your moving day will be long, and the process will take more time than expected. Naturally, the moving company will end up charging you for the extra time their crew spent at work. You can avoid this by starting to plan your relocation on time and being ready to relocate by the time your movers arrive. After all, it’s not just packing boxes. You have way more tasks than that. Changing utilities, cleaning, and making sure your new home is ready for your family to move in are just a few examples. All of these tasks will take time and you want to ensure you have enough of it for all of them.

moving box on a bed

Not being ready by the time your movers arrive will definitely increase your final moving cost. Take the time to prepare and start your packing process on time so this doesn’t happen.

Improper packing can also cause delays on your moving day

As we previously mentioned, movers need to know if they are going to handle fragile and bulky objects on your moving day. When they are doing a home inspection, they will usually point out items that are going to increase your moving bill. You can avoid all of this by using professional packing services and letting them take care of it all. In case you want to pack on your own for the move, you should read a lot of resources on packing tips to avoid awkward situations on your moving day. In case your fragile items aren’t properly packed, most movers will ask to repack them. After all, they need to stay safe in the truck during transport. This will definitely cost extra and you have to be aware of it.

a couple talking before a move

Discuss the packing with your movers – maybe they offer affordable packing services or can give you useful tips on how to pack on your own. Improper packing can cause a lot of delays and add to your final cost.

Adding items to the truck is one of the ways movers can increase your final cost

This goes without saying, but if you’re going to move more items than you originally agreed to, it will cost you a lot more. It doesn’t matter whether you are moving locally or long-distance. Additional weight and time needed to transport them will show up as an extra item on your final bill. If you want to add more things, please inform your movers beforehand. This way, you can agree on the price in advance. No one wants to get a bill in the end that they can’t or don’t want to pay. Being clear and straightforward with your movers will ensure you know exactly how much you’re going to pay for your relocation in the end.