How To Protect Yourself When Dealing With Removalists

Anybody who has experienced moving knows how stressful it can be. Whether you are relocating to a new home or office, it is such a daunting task for most people. This is why it would be a great idea to seek the help of professionals.

Doing things by yourself is possible, of course. But keep in mind that it entails a lot of time, effort, and attention. What if you have important work that needs to be prioritized? Or what if you need to attend to your family first? For sure, you should prioritize these compared to the task of doing logistical work yourself.

Removalists, especially those with a solid reputation, will take care of everything for you. You just need to make sure that you are dealing with certified professionals. Unfortunately, some rogue operators do not deliver exceptional services.

What are the most common issues with removalists?

Among the most common complaints people make is damage to their property. Imagine trusting people whom you thought were experts at what they do. You allow them to handle your most prized possessions. But when you open some boxes, you see that your furniture has been damaged. This is a nightmare.

Another issue with unprofessional removalists is late arrivals. Even if you both agree to a time for pick up and delivery, some arrive and deliver your stuff late. This may seem inconsequential, but for busy people, every moment counts.

Some customers also complain about false advertising. Removals companies misrepresent their services by saying that they have insurance. But when untoward incidents happen, consumers find out that the companies did not take care of insurance. So this leads to more complications and headaches.

In addition, people have reported that some operators do not have the right equipment and vehicles. This is alarming because this can lead to poorly handled furniture in the course of moving.

Another critical complaint is regarding payments. Some demand them upfront, even if this was not agreed upon in the contract. According to customers, they hesitantly agree because they fear what will happen to their property if they do not oblige.

These are only a few issues that people face. They add unnecessary burden to the already stressful task of moving. These are among the most significant reasons why you must only hire professional removalists.

What are some useful tips consumers can follow to protect themselves?

So, what can you do to prevent such horror stories from happening in your own situation? Here are some guidelines that may help you:

• Get written quotations

Do not underestimate the need to research several companies before deciding. Sure, it is more convenient just to hire the first company that appears on your web search. But this is a big mistake.

Having only one option will not give you the flexibility with the services you need and want. If you get quotes from three or more companies, you can compare many variables.

Which one is the cheapest? Which company is most responsive and accommodating? What are the reviews of each removalist? Is there a company that offers the most comprehensive service? 

If you practice due diligence, you will arrive at the best decision because you have seen your options. Make sure to look at the fine details like the number of staff, sizes of vehicles, and add-on services.

• Check credentials and recommendations

It helps a great deal that everything is online nowadays. People can quickly post their complaints and commendations on social media pages. As a consumer, you should take advantage of this.

Before hiring a removalist, make sure you look at what past clients are saying about its services. Sure, customer experiences vary from person to person. There are instances when some people would complain about the smallest things. Some are not well-meaning people who just want to destroy others’ reputations.

But if you study the pattern of feedback from past consumers, you will get an idea if the company is reliable or not. Often, you will know if the comments are from the genuine experiences of real people. You can discern this when you read about online reviews. So, as a rule of thumb, make sure you check what others are saying. 

It will also help if the company belongs to an elite group that upholds strict standards. For example, Adlam Transport, a firm that offers furniture removals in Perth, is a member of the Australian Furniture Removals Association (AFRA). This implies that they abide by the Code of Conduct of the association.

• Estimate the volume of goods

Of course, you need to do your part as well. To help the removalists you hired, it would be best to give them a close estimate of the volume of your things. This will ensure that they can bring the right tools and equipment.

• Ask for details about insurance

Make sure that you know the specifics about insurance. It will help if you know what items are covered and under what circumstances. Ask also for a copy of the Certificate of Currency just to be sure.

• Take photos

It would also be wise to have photos of your furniture to have evidence in the future. If there are damages, you can show your pictures as proof.

All of these are meant to help you during the difficult time of relocating to a new place. Follow these guidelines so you can avoid unnecessary hassles.