Top 10 Mistakes People Make When Booking Removalists Near Them

Table of Contents

1. Summary

2. Introduction

3. Mistake #1 – Not Checking Accreditation & Licensing

4. Mistake #2 – Choosing Solely Based on Price

5. Mistake #3 – Ignoring Reviews and Testimonials

6. Mistake #4 – Forgetting Insurance Coverage

7. Mistake #5 – Skimming Contract Terms

8. Mistake #6 – Booking Last Minute

9. Mistake #7 – Not Decluttering Before Moving

10. Mistake #8 – Ignoring Local vs Interstate Expertise

11. Mistake #9 – Overlooking Equipment & Fleet Quality

12. Mistake #10 – Skipping Inventory Documentation

13. Bonus Tip – Poor Communication with Movers

14. Conclusion

Summary

Running quotes. Trusting the cheap deal. Skipping insurance. All because you just want to have it over with. A little planning now saves you a pile later.

Check quickly:

• Make sure the mover’s licensed and insured.
  
  

• Compare quotes line by line, not by headline numbers.
  
  

• Confirm what insurance really covers.
  
  

• Read the fine print — yes, REALLY.
  
  

• Book early, declutter, and stay in touch.
  
  

👉 When comparing interstate movers in Adelaide, focus on honesty and track record rather than price tags.

Introduction

So, booking a mover seems easy enough until your boxes are lost in disorder, the invoice doubles overnight, and the insurance the crew had doesn’t even exist. Yep, it happens more than you would imagine.

In 2025, it is a hard decision to choose a removalist. There are that many paid advertisements and stuffed AI reviews available on Google, and all it takes is one bad click for moving day to become quite a costly lesson.

Forget all that chatter. Here are the ten biggest mistakes people make when booking movers — explained by the data and decades of sweaty, real-world jobs trying to avoid them.

By the end, you’ll know what to ask, what to check, and how to move without losing your bond or your mind.

Mistake #1 – Not Checking Accreditation & Licensing

Just because a friendly voice picks up the phone, it doesn’t mean they are a legitimate company. Real movers identify themselves — here is their ABN from the Australian Business Register, along with proof of public liability and transit insurance.

Most disputes, according to the ACCC, begin with unregistered operators or vague contracts.

If the website doesn’t match the email address, and if those don’t match the Google listing — run for it.

Takeaway: Paperwork always beats promises every time.

Mistake #2 – Choosing Solely Based on Price

At first, everything seems fine, but “sundry” charges suddenly start appearing out of nowhere. In a report published by Compare the Market (2025), surprise fees ranked among the top complaints by moving consumers.

Take time to compare estimates and see if they include packing materials, fuel, insurance, and loading time. If there’s anything marked as an “extra” cost, ask for written clarification.

Clarity saves more than discounts ever will.

Mistake #3 – Ignoring Reviews and Testimonials

Reviews aren’t ornaments — they’re radar. If you ever spot cloned five-stars or repeated wording, someone’s gaming the system.

According to BrightLocal’s 2025 consumer survey, 82% of Australians trust reviews only when they read like real people wrote them.

Look for specifics — staff names, suburb mentions, and photos from the move.

Takeaway: Ten minutes of reading can save months of regret.

Mistake #4 – Forgetting Insurance Coverage

Most people just assume that damage is automatically covered by a moving company. It’s not.

Budget Direct’s Moving Home Report discovered that over 60% of households moved without the benefit of insurance.

Before the truck arrives, ask whether transit insurance is included or optional, what happens if something breaks, and request to see the Product Disclosure Statement.

Don’t forget: verbal promises evaporate quicker than an adhesive’s bond, so get them on paper.

Mistake #5 – Skimming Contract Terms

The devil’s in the fine print — stairs, narrow driveways, and public-holiday surcharges. Muval’s guide to hidden costs gives a clear example of how quickly those little clauses can add up.

Signing before reading may lead to unexpected expenses, such as the 30% surcharge often added to end-of-month moves during demand spikes.

Takeaway: Fairness lives when you read before you sign.

Mistake #6 – Booking Last Minute

And that’s leaving it too late. Kent Removals even notes that end-of-month moves can get a 30% loading due to demand spikes.

Better booking dates, less hurried packing — and lower blood pressure to prove it. Book early to secure better slots, avoid rushed packing, and keep your nerves steady.

Takeaway: The peace of mind offered by early bookings is worth more than the savings.

Mistake #7 – Not Decluttering Before Moving

Each additional box adds fuel, time, and labour costs. Budget Direct’s Reuse & Declutter study found that a full quarter of the items people move never get used again.

Sort early: keep, donate, sell, or bin.

Takeaway: Don’t pay to move the stuff you don’t even want.

Mistake #8 – Ignoring Local vs Interstate Expertise

The crew that rocks in the ‘burbs may be all at sea when crossing the border.

Industry data reveals that around a third of long-haul delays occur when individuals hire out-of-state movers without the right experience.

Local movers are generally hired on an hourly basis and operate within a set radius, while interstate movers handle permits, route planning, and long-haul insurance.

Lesson: Match the mover to the distance — it’s cheaper than fixing it later.

Mistake #9 – Overlooking Equipment & Fleet Quality

The truck tells the story. Dents and worn straps? Expect rough handling. Dawson Moving’s maintenance guide links poorly maintained fleets with higher damage rates.

Ask if they keep track of trucks using GPS, ensure the vehicles are serviced, and that they’re padded with proper gear.

Takeaway: If their gear’s tired, your furniture will be too.

Mistake #10 – Skipping Inventory Documentation

An inventory list is your safety net. Without it, lost items become arguments. Condition reports are the key evidence in any insurance claim, according to CBD Movers.

No list, no claim. It’s that simple.

Even the best teams can’t guess what you don’t tell them. Confirm times the day before, share parking details, and stick to one contact person.

Clear talk prevents chaos. Silence multiplies it.

Bonus Tip – Poor Communication with Movers

Most moving headaches come down to guesswork — missed checks, unclear quotes, or hasty decisions.

Whether you’re moving within the city or hiring long-distance movers in Adelaide, choose transparency over vague assurances.

An honest mover will clarify costs, show insurance documents, and give straight answers.

At Harry The Mover, we keep it simple: insured crews, trained staff, no hidden extras.

Get your free quote now and see how a well-organised move should feel.

Conclusion

A stress-free move is built on preparation and clear communication. The biggest mistakes — skipped checks, vague quotes, or rushed decisions — all come down to one thing: preventable oversight.

Whether local or interstate, look for transparency over promises. The right mover will explain costs, show insurance, and keep you informed from start to finish.

Harry The Mover delivers that standard — insured, experienced, and dependable.

👉 Ready for a dependable moving company in Adelaide?

Get your free, no-surprise quote from Harry The Mover today and move with confidence instead of hope.