What To Do When A Move Goes Wrong

Even the most carefully planned move can experience problems beyond your control. When things go wrong, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or frustrated. It’s important to know what you can do when a move doesn’t go as planned. In this article, we will discuss ways moves can go wrong, what you can do about it, and how to spot a problem moving company. 

Ways That Moves Can Go Wrong

Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet often stressful experience when things don’t go according to plan. Being aware of what can go wrong with your move, can help you prepare ahead of time. There are 4 main ways a move can go wrong:

Movers Don’t Show Up

Although this might sound absurd, it’s not unheard of that customers have faced this problem. It might be the result of a scam (with the moving company demanding full payment ahead of the move day) which can leave the homeowner out money, as well as with no movers, and a last minute scramble to find alternative solutions. No-show mover might also be the result of poor planning by the moving company - overbooked, lack of capacity. This should never be the customer’s problem, but unfortunately can create big problems for your moving day.

Damaged Belongings

One of the most common ways a move can go wrong is when belongings get damaged in transit. Whether it’s a scratched dining table, a dent in the wall, or shattered glassware, mishandling, poor packing, rough transportation, or an honest accident can all take a toll on your items. In some cases, these belongings may be irreplaceable, and even minor damage can lead to unexpected repair or replacement costs. 

Inclement Weather & Equipment Failure

Unexpected bad weather or vehicle malfunctions can throw even the most organized move off course. Heavy rain, snow, strong winds or extreme heat can slow down loading and unloading and make driving conditions hazardous which can put your belongings at risk. Equipment failure such as the truck breaking down or a lift breaking can also push back your completion time. These unexpected delays can cause added stress by requiring you to find accommodations for an extra night or missing an extra day of work to allow you to complete your move-in.

The Final Bill Is Way Over The Estimate

Things change in the lead up to moving day and the initial price provided by the moving company is always an estimate. Throughout your move, there may be circumstances that may affect the final price, such as moving additional items not covered in the initial estimate or needing additional time due to weather conditions. However, the total should never be significantly higher than the original estimate. 

What Can You Do When Moves Go Wrong?

When a move goes wrong, it’s important to stay calm and take the necessary actions to resolve the problem. Make sure to gather evidence of any damages that arise with photos and keep clear records of communications, then reach out to the relevant parties to address the issues as soon as possible. 

Contact The Moving Company

If you run into issues during your move that involves the moving company, your first course of action should be to contact them immediately to report the problems and discuss solutions. Any reputable moving company will work with you to resolve the issue. 

File Reports & Claims

If you purchased moving insurance, make sure to take the time beforehand to understand what your policy covers, what you need to make a claim, and how much time you have for making a claim as there is often a cut-off date. If you need to file a report, contact your insurer to make a claim for any damaged or lost items. If the moving company you chose is properly licensed and insured, they should also have coverage in case something goes wrong, though this coverage will not typically cover the total value of your items. Ask your mover about increased carrier liability before you book your move.

How To Spot A Problem Moving Company

So now that you know what can go wrong with a move, and what you can do about it, how do you stop it before it even starts? Spotting a problem moving company often comes down to recognizing red flags before you sign a contract. If something feels off during your interactions, it’s worth looking for other companies before your moving day turns into a nightmare. Here are a few things to look at before hiring a moving company:

Check Online Reviews

Looking at online reviews is a great place to start when choosing a moving company. This gives you a sense of other people's experiences when moving, and might flag potential concerns. Pay close attention to issues that come up repeatedly i.e., overcharging, being late, etc., as these patterns are often warning signs. 

No Licensing / Insurance Information

All certified movers are required to comply with strict moving company rules that are for protecting customers and ensuring fair business practices. Make sure to review that the company is properly licensed and insured to protect your belongings during the move. 

Not Offering In-Person Estimates

In-person estimates are more accurate when calculating exact moving costs because it allows the movers to see everything that needs to be moved, and ask the client about any additional services i.e., packing, unpacking, storage, furniture disassembly, or if there are any specialty items that require more care. This results in receiving a more accurate estimate upfront, whereas if a moving company only offers online estimates, this often results in more hidden costs on the day of the move because not everything is accounted for. 

Lack Of Proper Paperwork

Reputable companies will provide clear and transparent information about their services and pricing. Be wary of vague or incomplete contracts, ask questions if anything is unclear and ask them to send answers to your questions in an email so you have documentation to refer back to. 

Large Down Payments Or Cash Only Payment

While it’s common for a moving company to ask for a credit card up front to hold your moving date, it’s often a bad sign if they’re asking you to pay the majority or all of the estimated cost before any services are provided. In many cases, this could signal a potential scam or it may mean the company lacks confidence in its services and wants to avoid accountability before the job is even complete. Using a credit card, vs. cash, to pay for your move may offer additional protections in case something goes wrong, and it also provides evidence of payment. 

Wrapping Up

Moving can often be straightforward, but there is potential for things to go wrong along the way. By doing your research, choosing the appropriate moving company, asking lots of questions, staying in touch with your mover, and planning accordingly, you can minimize problems from arising and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.