Moving from one home to another can be one of the most challenging periods in your life. In fact, 38% say moving is more stressful than a breakup, according to a Move.org survey.
Not only are you leaving behind the memories of one place and trying to find a new place that feels right, but there’s also the financial cost of hiring movers. If you’re not careful, you could end up overspending, making the whole endeavor even more stressful.
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Data from Angi shows that moving costs vary significantly, ranging from $884 to $2,569, while averaging $1,713 nationally. Ending up toward the low end of the range can make a meaningful difference on your finances, compared to the high end.
To help you avoid spending too much on a moving company, watch out for the following signs.
And while you’re planning a move, make you be mindful of these money mistakes.
You’re Quoted a Generic Rate
There’s nothing inherently wrong with choosing a flat rate moving company — many people prefer that, and you might save money versus an hourly rate.
However, that flat rate should still be adapted to your situation. If the moving company only offers you one rate without asking questions like about your home size and bulky items, and it turns out you’re a minimalist, then you might be overpaying.
“Moving costs vary depending on the size of your home, your location and the specific moving services you select,” noted Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi.
So, she suggests looking at estimates on how much moving will cost based on the factors relevant to you. That way, you can get a better sense of how the quote stacks up.
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They Won’t Give You an In-Person Estimate
These days, the convenience of online transactions might make it seem like getting a quote through an app or website is better than having to schedule a time for movers to swing by and give you an estimate.
But related to not wanting a generic quote, you should let moving companies see your setup so they can accurately quote you. Maybe you live in a 2-bedroom but are leaving most of your furniture behind, so you only have as many boxes as the average 1-bedroom.
If movers can see exactly what you’re taking with you, they might be able to give you a better price.
“Once you have a ballpark range in mind, get in-person estimates from a few different moving companies in your area. I always recommend getting multiple quotes before settling on a moving company, just to make sure you’re paying a fair price,” said Hicks.
They’re Tacking on Fees
We’ve all seen deals that look great at first, but when you add miscellaneous fees, suddenly that bargain turns into a rip-off. The same can happen with movers.
Ideally you’ll be aware of these additional fees beforehand, like insurance costs or extra mileage fees past a certain amount, even if moving within the same city.
But do the math, and if you see that these fees are adding up, perhaps a company with a higher base rate but lack of additional fees ends up being less expensive.
They Charge Hourly, and Reviews Say They’re Slow
For some moves, hourly rates end up being less expensive than flat rates, such as if you have less stuff than the average person, or you don’t have many heavy items that take a while to get in and out.
However, be sure to read reviews of different moving companies.
You might find that movers quote a low hourly rate, and maybe they give you the option to pay for three movers instead of two for a higher hourly rate, with the idea being that more movers leads to a faster job, thereby saving you money.
But if reviews say they’re very slow, and maybe intentionally milking the clock, then maybe you’re better off paying the lower rate for two movers instead of three, or just going with a company that has a higher base rate but better reviews.
Don’t Forget To Balance Cost With Quality
Speaking of reviews, be sure to do your homework to make sure you’re choosing a reputable company.
The cheapest option isn’t always the best choice, such as if it leads to broken items that end up costing you more to replace. Or, an unscrupulous company might pull tactics like holding your items hostage if you don’t pay more. If you’re following the terms of the contract, then this could be illegal, but sometimes people just want to get the nightmare over with and pay up.
To avoid this, and make sure you’re satisfied with the move, consider if paying a little more for higher-rated movers makes sense.
“Sacrificing quality is never a good idea. Your moving company will be responsible for keeping your items safe during transit, so it’s important to choose a trustworthy, reliable company,” said Hicks.
“If you’re on a budget and need to balance cost and quality, consider doing some of the moving process yourself while bringing in a professional to do the rest,” she added. “For example, you can choose to pack yourself and only hire movers for the loading and driving portions of the move.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Signs You’re Spending Too Much on a Moving Company
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