Bargain Movers: A Steal or a Liability?
Moving house is already stressful enough without the added headache of unreliable movers. But let’s be honest, when you see a moving company promising rock-bottom prices, your first thought is: What’s the catch? And there’s always a catch. If you’ve ever Googled “cheap moving company near me“, you’ve probably stumbled upon the too-good-to-be-true deals. Spoiler: they usually are.
Why Are Some Movers So Cheap? (Hint: It’s Not Magic)
A company offering prices way below the market rate isn’t just being generous. They’re cutting corners, and guess who pays for it in the end? You.
Here’s a breakdown of how budget movers make their money:
| Cost-Cutting Strategy | Impact on You |
|---|---|
| Untrained staff | Broken valuables, slow moving process, damaged walls/floors |
| No insurance | No compensation for lost/damaged items |
| Hidden fees | “Oh, stairs cost extra? That wasn’t in the quote…” |
| Overbooked schedules | Late arrivals, rushed jobs, or last-minute cancellations |
| Subpar equipment | No proper tools to move heavy furniture safely |
Are Cheap Movers Really That Bad? Let’s Look at the Data
A 2023 survey of 1,500 people who used low-cost moving companies found:
- 43% reported damage to their furniture.
- 21% had items lost or stolen.
- 35% had a mover cancel on them last-minute.
- 50% were charged more than the original quote.
Now, you might be thinking, “Well, not all cheap movers are bad.” And you’re right—but do you really want to gamble your entire move on luck?
Common Complaints About ‘Cheaper’ Movers (That They Won’t Tell You)
1. They Underquote and Overcharge
You see a mover advertising a full house move for €250. Amazing, right? Then the day comes, and suddenly you’re hit with:
- “That’ll be an extra €100 for heavy lifting.”
- “We charge per stair.” (Yes, really.)
- “Packing materials aren’t included.”
- “That took longer than expected; we charge by the hour.”
By the end, you’ve paid more than what a reputable mover would have charged upfront. And you still don’t have the peace of mind that your belongings are in safe hands.
2. They Hire Anyone (No Experience Necessary!)
Moving furniture is an art. It’s about technique, strength, and knowing how to handle fragile items. The best movers are trained professionals who can carry a couch through a narrow staircase without taking chunks out of the wall.
Cheaper movers? Let’s just say “training” isn’t their strong suit. Your antique dresser could end up looking like an IKEA flat-pack by the time they’re done.
3. They May Not Have Insurance (Or Even a License!)
A professional moving company like Expert Removals carries full insurance, protecting your belongings in case of accidents. Budget movers? Not so much. If they drop your TV, good luck getting them to pay for it.
A 2022 report found that 30% of low-cost moving companies operated without proper licensing or insurance. That means if something goes wrong, you’re on your own.
4. They Often No-Show (Or Show Up Late)
Imagine this: It’s moving day. You’ve packed, you’re ready, but… no moving truck in sight. Calls go to voicemail. Your stress levels skyrocket. After an hour, they finally call back:
- “We’re running late. Be there in 3 hours.”
- “We double-booked. Can we reschedule?”
- “Our truck broke down. Can you wait till tomorrow?”
According to a consumer report, 1 in 5 people who booked cheap movers had their movers cancel or show up significantly late. Not exactly the seamless experience you were hoping for.
The Cost of Saving Money (A Cautionary Tale)
Let’s look at John’s experience.
- Booked a budget mover for €350.
- Movers showed up two hours late.
- They charged an extra €150 for “extra labour.”
- His couch was dropped and ripped.
- The company refused to compensate him.
- Final moving cost: €500 + one ruined couch.
Had he gone with a professional mover, the upfront price might have been €500, but he would have saved himself stress, extra costs, and his beloved couch.
How to Spot a Reliable Mover
If you want to avoid the nightmare, here’s what to look for in a real moving company:
- Licensed and insured ✓
- Transparent pricing ✓
- Experienced staff ✓
- Positive reviews & referrals ✓
- Proper moving equipment & vehicles ✓
At Expert Removals, we tick all these boxes (and more). No hidden fees. No last-minute cancellations. Just a professional, stress-free move from start to finish.
Final Thoughts: The Real Cost of Cheap Movers
If moving was just about getting stuff from A to B, you could probably do it yourself with a few strong mates and a rented van. But a stress-free move is about more than that.
- It’s about knowing your valuables are safe.
- It’s about having a team that respects your time.
- It’s about avoiding last-minute surprises.
The next time you’re tempted by a too-good-to-be-true moving quote, remember: you get what you pay for. And in the case of budget movers, that often means damaged furniture, hidden fees, and a whole lot of stress.
So, if you’re moving soon and want to do it right, give Expert Removals a call. Because moving shouldn’t be a gamble.
