The Top What-If Questions Asked by People Moving

Just before a move I always doubt our decision; usually, it's too late to back out (although, I'm a firm believer it's never too late). These doubts come from my own fears of the move not working out. Find out what the common "What if?" questions are then face the fear to see that if even the worst happens, you'll be okay.

• What if the movers don't show up on moving day? This is the most common fear when you've hired movers to move you. I've never actually had it happen, but friends did and they were moving an entire house across the country on a very tight time line. If this does happen, first try to get in touch with the driver of the truck to see if he or she's been delayed. If the movers simply refuse to move you, get out your list of the moving companies you had previously interviewed and call each one to see if other arrangements can be made. If you're moving during the off-season, movers might be able to move you on short notice, but if you're moving across the country, this will be almost impossible.
  If movers are unable to accommodate your move for that day, book it for the next day or as soon as possible. To avoid potential time issues, that is having to move out on a specific day because others are moving in, make sure when you're scheduling your move that you allow time for these kinds of delays. If possible, arrange your move-out day two days in advance of the drop-dead date. This will ensure that you have time to deal with these kinds of issues should they arise.
  
• What if the truck I reserved from the rental agency loses my reservation? This just happened to a friend of mine who'd reserved a moving truck months in advance. She managed to find another agency with a truck available the morning she needed it, but that was pure luck (and a lot of phone calls).
  Again, have a back-up plan. Know which agencies have trucks available for that day by calling a few days before your move. Keep a list with telephone numbers and prices. Also, find out where you'll be picking up the truck since some agencies may require you to drive a long way first, cutting into your move time.
  
• What if the people (friends and family) I asked to help me move, cancel? This is always difficult, in particular if you're counting on friends and family rather than paid help. I always keep a list of movers handy, local people who do local moves. If they aren't busy on a move, often they'll help you for a fee, just make sure you let them know that you don't need their truck. The other option is to call up your friends two days before the move to confirm that they are definitely helping out. Always offer dinner or drinks or both afterward just as extra incentive.
  
• What if our new home isn't ready to move into on the day we move out of our old home? This happened to us once. We ended up having to pay the movers to load and unload our stuff into storage for a few days until the new place was ready. We insisted that our landlord pay for the storage fees, simply because it was her error. She agreed.
  It's always a good idea to build this kind of contingency plan into your budget as well. Adding extra money to the budget allows for such errors to occur and for you to have the funds to amend them. While storage isn't cheap and paying movers to move it twice adds up, at least your things will be safe and secure while your new home awaits.
  
• What if the movers don't arrive with our things on the day they're supposed to? This can happen if you move a long distance. Movers have to give you a move in window of time in which they'll arrive, so make sure that's written into your contract. Ultimately, if the movers are late, there's not a lot you can do except continue to call the moving company on a regular (daily at least) basis then wait. If you feel the company is not being straight up with you, then you should contact the BBB and report the problem. Let the movers know that you'll be reporting them if your things don't arrive soon.
  
• What if after the move I find some stuff missing?
  It's important when you move in, that you play an active role in checking off your items as they come through the door. Using the household inventory sheet, check each item to make sure it's there. If you're missing a box or an item, don't sign the waybill or make sure the item is clearly marked so the company can try to trace the item. If the move truck is sharing moves between a few households, your item may have ended up at another home. It's up to the company to trace the item and to pay for replacing it. Just make sure you have adequate insurance and that you report missing items as soon as possible; at least three days within the move.
  
  
  Are you moving soon or in the near future? Moving the traditional way puts an unbelievable amount of trash and other waste into our landfills which are harmful to the planet. Why waste time and money on cardboard boxes and tape that you’re just going throw away when you move into your new place? Instead, consider getting green plastic moving boxes from us at Rentabox. 
  
  
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