Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring Long-Distance Movers

Relocating long distances can be a complex endeavor, and selecting an efficient moving company is crucial to ensure a smooth transition. If you live in New Jersey and are planning a long-distance move, here's a list of common mistakes to avoid when hiring long-distance movers in NJ, ensuring your move is efficient and stress-free.

1. Not Researching Multiple Moving Companies

Mistake — Settling for the first moving company you come across without exploring other options.

Why It's a Problem — Without comparing multiple companies, you might miss out on better services or more competitive pricing.

Solution — Research and compare at least three moving companies. Look into their services, pricing, and customer reviews. This approach will help you make a well informed decision and choose a mover that best fits your needs.

2. Overlooking the Importance of Licensing and Insurance

Mistake — Hiring a moving company without verifying their licensing and insurance status.

Why It's a Problem — Unlicensed or uninsured long-distance movers in NJ may not adhere to industry standards, putting your belongings at risk.

Solution — Ensure the moving company is fully licensed and insured. For instance, Affordable Moving & Storage is fully licensed and insured, offering three different types of coverage to protect your belongings.

3. Ignoring In-Home or Virtual Surveys

Mistake — Accepting quotes over the phone or online without an in-home or virtual survey.

Why It's a Problem — Without a proper survey, estimates can be inaccurate, leading to unexpected costs on moving day.

Solution — Request an in-home or virtual survey where a representative assesses your belongings to provide a more accurate estimate.

4. Not Getting a Written Estimate

Mistake — Proceeding without a written estimate.

Why It's a Problem — Verbal agreements can lead to misunderstandings and unexpected charges.

Solution — Always obtain a written estimate detailing all charges and services. This document detailing the costs serves as a reference and protects you from potential discrepancies.

5. Overlooking Additional Fees

Mistake — Failing to inquire about potential extra charges.

Why It's a Problem — Some companies may charge extra for staircases, long carry distances, or last-minute schedule changes. Unexpected fees can inflate your moving costs beyond your budget. 

Solution — Before the move, discuss all possible additional fees with affordable long-distance movers. This includes charges for stairs, long carries, or handling bulky items. Affordable Moving & Storage provides transparent pricing with no hidden fees, so you know exactly what to expect.

6. Not Checking Reviews and References

Mistake — Skipping the step of reading customer reviews or asking for references.

Why It's a Problem — Without feedback from previous clients, you lack insight into the company's reliability and service quality.

Solution — Read online reviews and request references to gauge the company's reputation and performance.

7. Failing to Understand the Contract

Mistake — Signing a contract without thoroughly reading and understanding it.

Why It's a Problem — You might overlook important terms, leading to disputes or unexpected obligations.

Solution — Carefully review the contract, paying attention to terms related to costs, liability, and cancellation policies. Seek clarification on any ambiguous points before signing.

8. Not Inquiring About the Moving Process

Mistake — Neglecting to ask about the company's moving process and timeline.

Why It's a Problem — Lack of information can lead to misaligned expectations and scheduling conflicts.

Solution — Discuss the entire moving process with the company, including packing, loading, transportation, and delivery timelines. This ensures you're on the same page and can plan accordingly.

9. Choosing Based Solely on Price

Mistake — Selecting a moving company solely because it offers the lowest price.

Why It's a Problem — A lower price might mean compromised service quality or hidden fees.

Solution — Consider the overall value, including services offered, reputation, and reliability, not just the price.

10. Overlooking the Importance of Specialized Equipment

Mistake — Not discussing whether the moving company has the necessary equipment for your specific needs.

Why It's a Problem — Lack of specialized equipment can cause damage, especially to delicate or valuable items.

Solution — Ensure the moving company uses specialized equipment, such as enclosed trailers, hydraulic lift gates, and custom crates, to handle your belongings safely.

11. Not Planning for Storage Needs

Mistake — Failing to arrange for storage if there's a long gap between your move-out and move-in dates.

Why It's a Problem — Without proper storage, your belongings might be left unsecured or incur additional costs.

Solution — If you anticipate a delay between moving out and moving in, discuss storage options with your moving company. Affordable Moving & Storage offers secure storage solutions to accommodate such needs.

12. Ignoring the Importance of Timing

Mistake — Not considering the timing of your move.

Why It's a Problem — Moving during peak seasons or without proper scheduling can lead to higher costs and limited availability.

Solution — If possible, plan your move during off-peak times and book well in advance to secure your preferred dates and potentially lower costs.

13. Not Clarifying Payment Terms

Mistake — Overlooking the payment terms and methods accepted by the moving company.

Why it's a Problem — Unclear payment terms can lead to confusion, delays, or unexpected costs.

Solution — Confirm all payment details, including deposit requirements, accepted payment methods, and the final payment schedule. Avoid companies that demand large upfront payments, as this can be a red flag.

14. Forgetting to Ask About Delivery Windows

Mistake — Assuming your belongings will arrive on a specific date without confirming the delivery window.

Why It's a Problem — Long-distance moves often involve multiple shipments, and without a clear delivery window, you might be left waiting longer than expected.

Solution — Ask your moving company about estimated delivery times, potential delays, and what happens if your belongings arrive later than expected. With Affordable Moving & Storage, you receive a clear timeline and regular updates throughout your move.

15. Not Preparing for Moving Day

Mistake — Leaving everything to the last minute without proper organization.

Why It's a Problem — Disorganized packing can lead to misplaced items, unnecessary stress, and delays.

Solution — Start packing well in advance and follow a detailed checklist. For expert packing tips, check out How to Pack for a Long-Distance Move. If you need professional packing services, Affordable Moving & Storage provides full and partial packing options to make your move seamless.

16. Not Communicating Special Requirements

Mistake — Assuming the moving company knows about any special handling needs for fragile or invaluable items.

Why It's a Problem — Without prior notice, affordable long-distance movers may not bring the right materials or equipment, increasing the risk of damage.

Solution — Communicate in advance about any antiques, electronics, artwork, or specialty furniture requiring extra care. Affordable Moving & Storage offers custom crating and climate-controlled storage to protect delicate items during transport.

17. Failing to Label Boxes Properly

Mistake — Packing without labeling boxes clearly.

Why It's a Problem — Unmarked boxes can lead to confusion, misplaced items, and difficulty unpacking at your new home.

Solution — Label all boxes with contents, room destination, and special instructions (e.g., "Fragile" or "This Side Up"). A well-organized packing system makes unloading faster and more efficient.

18. Choosing a Moving Company Without Reading the Fine Print

Mistake — Overlooking the terms and conditions of the contract.

Why It's a Problem — You may miss critical details about cancellation policies, liability limits, or claims procedures.

Solution — Take the time to read the fine print. If something is unclear, ask questions. A trustworthy moving company will walk you through the contract and make sure you understand every detail before signing.

Make Your Long-Distance Move Hassle-Free

By steering clear of these common mistakes, you can ensure a smooth, efficient, and stress-free long-distance move. The key is to know what to look for in the best-rated long-distance moving companies.

At Affordable Moving & Storage, we offer:
✔️ Fully licensed and insured services
✔️ Expert packing and crating for fragile and valuable items
✔️ Secure storage options for short- or long-term needs
✔️ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
✔️ Reliable, on-time delivery with regular updates

Ready to move? Contact us today for a free estimate!

FAQs

1. How do I know if a long-distance moving company is reliable?

Look for a company that is licensed, insured, and has positive customer reviews. Check references and their track record to ensure they are reliable.

2. What's the best way to pack for a long-distance move?

Use high-quality packing materials, label boxes clearly, and protect fragile items with bubble wrap or custom crating. 

3. Are there any hidden fees I should know about?

Some movers charge extra for stairs, elevator use, long carry distances, or last-minute changes. At Affordable Moving & Storage, we provide upfront pricing with no hidden fees.

4. How far in advance should I book my long-distance movers?

Ideally, book at least 6-8 weeks in advance to secure a suitable date and ensure availability.

5. What should I do if my belongings arrive late?

Check the delivery window outlined in your contract. Affordable Moving & Storage keeps you updated with real-time tracking and delivers on schedule.

By working with Affordable Moving & Storage, you can avoid common pitfalls and enjoy a stress-free move. Get started today with a free quote!