movers in Oakville, ON

Mistakes to Avoid During Your Next Move

Oakville, ON moversEveryone makes mistakes. But, this truth is of little comfort to the person who loses time and money during a move due to an avoidable mistake.   

Of course, there is no such thing as a 100% mistake-free move, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try to avoid the most common moving errors. All it takes is some planning, some common sense, and some advice from your Oakville, ON movers.   

The following are the top five most common moving mistakes to avoid.   

Mistake #1: Not Making a Moving Budget  

Careful budgeting is important for all life changes, especially moving. Setting a budget helps to control relocating expenses and, of course, everyone wants to spend as little as possible. But, before a budget is set, be sure to request multiple cost estimates from reputable moving companies to form a good idea of what to expect. Cost-cutting ideas:  

  • Ask friends to help pack. You can provide pizzas and drinks for friends and family who help you. This will cost less than paying professionals to pack up your home.  
  • Remember that moving costs are based largely on weight. The more unused belongings you throw out and donate, the less money you’ll spend on the move.  

Mistake #2: Failing to Research   

Never hire professional movers without doing research. Check out online reviews, ask coworkers and friends who they’ve used in the past and how the experience went, and jump on the BBB’s website at https://www.bbb.org/en/ca to check business ratings.   

Mistake #3: Assuming All Movers are Dishonest   

Movers, unfortunately, have the reputation of being dishonest—a reputation formed by the very few scammers out there with unethical business practices. The truth is, there are more trustworthy and long-standing moving companies across Ontario than scammers. To avoid working with one of the few rogue companies, do your homework.    

Mistake #4: Not Requesting an In-Home Estimate   

A price estimate over the phone is an inaccurate one, nine times out of ten. Remember that you are not a professional, so it is unreasonable for you to have to guess how much a drawer set weighs or how much space in a moving truck your belongings must require. Insist on the in-home estimate or find a company that will.  

Mistake #5: Choosing Movers Based Solely on Price    

Cheaper is not necessarily better. But, more expensive may not be, either. Are there services you don’t need and others you do require? If possible, compare at least four moving estimates (in-home estimates only) and pay close attention to the nuances of each: what’s included, additional services, etc. Cost factors include:   

  • Local moves. These are usually charged by the hour. 
  • Home size and weight. These two factors largely affect long-distance moves.   
  • Special items, such as pool tables, safes, antique furniture, hot tubs, etc.  
  • The distance of a move. There are major differences between local, long-distance, cross-border, etc. 
  • Add-on charges. Packing, unpacking, furniture disassembly and reassembly, storage, custom packaging and crating, etc.   

The Oakville, ON movers here at ABS Movers & Storage hope these tips help you to avoid common mistakes during a move. We’d love to earn your business. Please call us to set up an in-home estimate. We can handle local, long-distance, and cross-border moves. Our professionals can be reached at (416) 588-1499 or stop by at 17 Dora Avenue, Toronto, ON M6H 1J5 to discuss our storage, moving, mid-months specials, and junk removal services.