Hiring a moving company is supposed to make your life easier—but it doesn’t always work out that way. Hidden fees, missed arrival windows, damaged furniture, and miscommunication can turn a hopeful move into a frustrating ordeal.
The good news? Most moving mishaps are entirely preventable. By understanding the most common mistakes people make when choosing movers, you can avoid costly headaches and ensure your relocation stays smooth from start to finish.
Here’s a breakdown of 10 frequent mistakes to watch out for—and how to avoid making them yourself.
1. Waiting Too Long to Book
One of the biggest mistakes is waiting until the last minute to hire a mover—especially during peak seasons.
Many reputable companies fill up weeks (if not months) in advance, particularly during summer, weekends, and end-of-month periods. Delaying your booking can leave you with fewer options, higher prices, or worse—no availability at all.
Solution: Schedule your move as early as possible. Ideally, book your moving company 6–8 weeks ahead of your move date to lock in the best time slot and rate.
2. Going With the Cheapest Option
Everyone wants to save money—but going with the lowest bidder can cost you more in the long run. Some companies offer unrealistically low rates to hook clients, only to tack on hidden fees later or deliver substandard service.
There’s a reason experienced professionals charge what they do. Equipment, training, fuel, and insurance all factor into legitimate pricing.
Solution: Compare 2–3 quotes and look beyond price. Consider experience, transparency, reviews, and what’s included in the estimate.
3. Not Asking for a Written Estimate
Verbal agreements are not enough—especially when it comes to moving costs. Without a written estimate, you’re vulnerable to price changes or vague explanations for extra fees.
Solution: Always get a detailed, written estimate that includes labor, travel time, materials, and any additional services. Ask whether it’s binding, non-binding, or a not-to-exceed estimate.
Reputable companies like Tera Moving Services provide clear, upfront pricing with no guesswork.
4. Ignoring Reviews and References
Skipping the research phase is a common oversight. Reviews and references give insight into a mover’s punctuality, professionalism, and how they handle challenges.
Solution: Read third-party reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau. Ask the company for recent client references—especially if your move is complex.
If the feedback is consistently negative or vague, that’s your sign to keep looking.
5. Not Verifying Licensing and Insurance
Too many people assume a business is legitimate just because it has a name and a truck. Unfortunately, there are unlicensed movers operating without insurance—and if something goes wrong, you’re left with little recourse.
Solution: Ask for proof of licensing (like a U.S. DOT number for interstate moves) and verify insurance coverage. A legitimate moving company will gladly provide this information without hesitation.
6. Overlooking Services You Actually Need
Many people assume basic moving service includes things like packing, furniture disassembly, or storage—only to find out later that these cost extra or aren’t offered at all.
Solution: Ask upfront which services are included and which are not. If you need help with packing, stairs, bulky items, or long carries, be specific.
Tera Moving Services often reminds clients to disclose special requests in advance so they can arrive with the right crew and tools.
7. Failing to Check for Hidden Fees
Surprise charges are one of the most common complaints in moving. These often show up as fees for fuel, stairs, tight hallways, waiting time, or oversized items.
Solution: Request a full breakdown of all potential charges. Ask about any conditions that could trigger additional costs. The clearer the quote, the fewer the surprises.
8. Not Reading the Contract
When you’re busy packing and organizing, it’s easy to glance at paperwork and sign. But buried in that contract could be clauses you didn’t expect—like liability limits, cancellation penalties, or specific delivery windows.
Solution: Read your contract in full before signing. Ask questions about anything unclear. Contracts are legally binding—so know what you’re agreeing to.
9. Underestimating How Much You Have
Many people assume they can eyeball how much space or time their move will take. This often leads to undersized trucks, not enough crew, or longer move times than estimated.
Solution: Be as accurate and detailed as possible when describing your inventory. Photos, room lists, or virtual walkthroughs can help your moving company plan correctly.
This helps avoid delays, last-minute fees, or the dreaded second truck trip.
10. Skipping Communication
The moving process involves timing, access, parking, elevators, permits, and sometimes multiple parties. A lack of communication can cause mix-ups or delays that are easily avoidable.
Solution: Stay in regular contact with your movers. Confirm dates, times, addresses, and instructions the week of your move. Provide building rules, gate codes, or any special circumstances ahead of time.
Companies like Tera Moving Services appreciate proactive clients—communication helps both sides execute a seamless move.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a moving company shouldn’t feel like a gamble. With the right questions and a little planning, you can avoid the common pitfalls that cause stress, delays, and unexpected costs.
It’s not just about moving boxes—it’s about moving confidently, knowing you’ve chosen a partner who respects your time, your belongings, and your peace of mind.
Tera Moving Services has worked with thousands of clients across different situations, and the smoothest moves always begin with informed decisions. Avoiding the mistakes above is the first step toward a move you won’t have to recover from.
