7 Expensive Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Removalist

Moving to a new home or office can be an exciting yet stressful experience. One of the most critical decisions you’ll make during this process is hiring a removalist to handle your belongings safely and efficiently. However, many people unknowingly make costly mistakes that can lead to damaged goods, unexpected fees, or even delays. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve compiled the seven most common and expensive mistakes people make when hiring a removalist — along with expert tips to ensure your move goes smoothly.

1. Not Researching Removalist Companies Thoroughly
Mistake: Choosing the first removalist you find without checking their reputation or credentials.

Why It’s Costly: Unreliable or unlicensed removalists can cause damage, lose your items, or charge hidden fees.

Expert Tip:
Always research multiple removalist companies. Check online reviews, ask for recommendations from friends or family, and verify their licensing and insurance coverage. A reputable removalist will have positive testimonials and transparent policies.

2. Failing to Get Multiple Quotes
Mistake: Accepting the first quote without comparing prices and services.

Why It’s Costly: You might overpay or miss out on better service options.

Expert Tip:
Request detailed quotes from at least three different removalists. Make sure each quote includes all potential costs—packing, insurance, travel fees, and any additional services. This allows you to compare apples to apples and select the best value for your budget.

3. Overlooking Insurance Coverage
Mistake: Assuming your belongings are automatically insured during the move.

Why It’s Costly: If your items get damaged or lost, you could be left with no compensation.

Expert Tip:
Confirm the type and extent of insurance coverage the removalist offers. If necessary, purchase additional insurance to protect valuable or fragile items. Keep an inventory of your belongings with photos and descriptions to support any claims.