Top 10 Removalists’ Hidden Charges & How to Avoid Them
Are you planning a house move but worried about the potential hidden costs associated with hiring a removalist company? You’re not alone. Many people have faced unexpected charges that can quickly turn a simple move into an expensive ordeal. To help you avoid the pitfalls, we’ve put together an ultimate list of hidden charges that removalists may impose, along with tips on how to avoid them.
Top 10 Removalists Hidden Charges
1. Packing and Unpacking Fees
The Hidden Charge: Some removalist companies charge extra for packing and unpacking services, even if you were not aware of these costs upfront.
How to Avoid It: To prevent surprise packing fees, ensure you get a detailed quote from your removalist company that outlines all services and their associated costs. If you prefer to pack and unpack your belongings yourself, make sure the company is aware of this and does not include these services in your quote.
2. Long Carry Fees
The Hidden Charge: If the distance between your property and the removalist’s truck is more than a certain limit, they might charge you a long carry fee.
How to Avoid It: To avoid this extra expense, discuss the access to your property with the removalist company in advance. If possible, make arrangements for parking the truck closer to your home or consider using a smaller vehicle to move items to the truck.
3. Stair Fees
The Hidden Charge: If your property has stairs, some removalist companies may charge an additional fee for the extra effort required to move your belongings up and down the stairs.
How to Avoid It: Ensure that you notify your removalist company about the presence of stairs during the initial discussions. Ask if they charge extra for stairs and, if so, negotiate a fair price. It might also be worth considering a company that doesn’t charge extra for stairs.
4. Heavy Item Fees
The Hidden Charge: If you have particularly heavy or bulky items, such as pianos, pool tables, or large appliances, you might face an extra charge for moving these items.
How to Avoid It: Inform the removalist company of any heavy or bulky items during your initial consultation, and request a quote that includes the cost of moving these items. It’s crucial to be upfront about these belongings to prevent unexpected charges later.
5. Cancellation and Rescheduling Fees
The Hidden Charge: Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes you may need to cancel or reschedule your move. Some removalist companies may charge a fee for these changes, especially if you don’t provide sufficient notice.
How to Avoid It: Always read the terms and conditions of your removalist company carefully. Understand their cancellation and rescheduling policies, and provide as much notice as possible if you need to make changes to your moving date.
6. Storage Fees
The Hidden Charge: If your new property isn’t ready for move-in on your scheduled moving date, you may need to store your belongings temporarily. Some removalist companies offer storage solutions but may charge additional fees for this service.
How to Avoid It: Plan your move carefully and ensure your new property will be ready for move-in when your belongings arrive. If storage is necessary, shop around for storage options and compare prices. Some removalist companies may offer discounted storage rates as part of their moving package.
7. Insurance Costs
The Hidden Charge: Removalist companies often offer insurance to cover any damage or loss that occurs during the move. However, the cost of this insurance may not be included in the initial quote and could be an unexpected expense.
How to Avoid It: Always inquire about insurance costs when discussing your move with a removalist company. Be sure to ask about the level of coverage provided, as well as any limitations or exclusions. If you feel the insurance offered by the removalist is insufficient or too expensive, consider looking into third-party insurance options.
8. Weekend and Public Holiday Surcharges
The Hidden Charge: If you plan to move on a weekend or public holiday, some removalist companies may charge a higher rate due to increased demand or penalty rates for their staff.
How to Avoid It: To avoid these surcharges, try to schedule your move on a weekday, if possible. If you must move on a weekend or public holiday, be sure to ask the removalist company about any additional fees that may apply and factor these costs into your budget.
9. Disassembly and Reassembly Fees
The Hidden Charge: Some removalist companies may charge extra for disassembling and reassembling furniture or appliances, even if these tasks are necessary for a safe and efficient move.
How to Avoid It: When discussing your move with a removalist company, be sure to ask about their policies regarding disassembly and reassembly. If possible, consider disassembling and reassembling items yourself to save on these costs. However, be cautious when dealing with complex or valuable items, as incorrect disassembly or reassembly could cause damage.
10. Travel Time Charges
The Hidden Charge: Some removalist companies may charge for travel time to and from your property, which can add unexpected costs to your move.
How to Avoid It: Before booking a removalist company, inquire about their travel time charges and whether these costs are included in their quote. To minimize travel time, consider hiring a local removalist company that is familiar with your area and can navigate it efficiently.
Navigating the hidden charges of removalists can be challenging, but with the right knowledge, you can avoid unnecessary costs and enjoy a smooth, hassle-free move. By following these tips, you can make informed decisions about the removalist company you choose and prevent unexpected expenses from derailing your budget. Remember, the key is to ask the right questions, clarify all costs upfront, and read the fine print.
And if you’re still unsure, why not give our team a call? At BC Furniture Removals, we pride ourselves on our transparency and competitive pricing, ensuring you get the best service at the best price.
And we’re always here to help, so call our friendly team now on 0431 323 804