Low Cost Movers Dangers And Hidden Costs

by Movivan | Created May 2024 | Updated June 2026

So, you’re thinking about going with the cheapest movers you can find for your upcoming relocation. While the allure of saving a few bucks might seem tempting at first, be prepared for the potential pitfalls that could turn your moving day into a nightmare.

From damaged belongings and surprise fees to unreliable service and lack of insurance coverage, the risks associated with budget moving companies are not to be taken lightly. Let`s not forget the fact that the cheapest movers you have found might not even turn up on the day. We get at least 5-6 calls each month where we have to save the day.

Before you make your decision, consider the consequences carefully and weigh the importance of quality service versus cost-cutting measures.

Table of contents

Cheap Movers Come With Hidden Extra Charges

Beware of hidden fees to prevent unexpected financial surprises during your move. It’s crucial to be vigilant and read the fine print in the contract to avoid being blindsided by additional fees.

Some budget moving companies may initially offer low quotes to attract customers but later tack on extra charges, such as fees for stairs, elevators, long carries, fuel surcharges, or equipment rentals. For instance, they may propose a minimum charge of two hours at a rate of £120. However, after the initial two hours, they might begin charging £120 for each additional hour.

What are the most common hidden charges you need to be aware of:

Stairs charge: Some companies might want to charge you extra if there are stairs they need to climb. If this is not discussed before accepting their quote and you have given them the correct details, you should not pay for this.

Long Carry Fee: Extra costs for carrying items a long distance from the moving truck to your home.

Elevator Fees: Additional charges if movers need to use an elevator, especially if it requires extra time or effort.

Insurance Fees: Costs for insurance coverage to protect against damage or loss, often inadequately covered by the basic quote.

Second Van Charge: Additional fees for requiring a second van if the movers arrive with a vehicle that is too small to accommodate all your belongings.

Many Low-Cost Movers Do Not Show Up on The Moving Day

When hiring cheap moving help, the risk of no-shows on the agreed-upon day can lead to significant stress and inconvenience. Imagine the frustration of having your carefully planned moving day disrupted by a no-show moving company. You’re left with boxes packed, furniture waiting to be loaded, and no movers in sight.

The uncertainty of whether they’ll arrive at all adds unnecessary anxiety to an already hectic day. Your schedule is thrown off, and the domino effect on your plans can be overwhelming. Every month, a few customers call for help with their London house move because they have been lied to and given false promises. If a moving company is not asking for a deposit, be very cautious. They might not turn up as agreed.

Why is Movivan a better choice? Once you decide you want to use our services, to secure your move, we require a 50% deposit to reserve a slot on our diary. We will also send an acceptance form with our Terms and Conditions. Once the deposit is paid, we will send you a receipt and confirm the booking. We call one day before the scheduled service to reconfirm our arrival.

No Insurance in Case of Damages

Imagine the added stress of dealing with potential damage to your belongings during the move, especially when the low-rate movers you hired offer no insurance coverage for such incidents. Without insurance, you’re left vulnerable to bearing the full cost of any damages that may occur during the moving process. This lack of coverage means items could be lost, broken, or mishandled, with no financial recourse for you. In the unfortunate event of damage, you’d have to bear the burden of repair or replacement expenses entirely on your own.

Movivan is a fully insured company with free £50,000 per vehicle Goods in Transit cover. We take furniture and property protection seriously and try to avoid any damages or issues as much as possible.

Coming with the Wrong Size Van

Selecting a van that doesn’t match the size requirements for your move can lead to logistical challenges and potential delays. When cheap movers arrive with a van that’s too small, it can result in multiple trips, causing your move to drag on longer than expected.

Not having enough space in the van means items may need to be left behind or squeezed in unsafely, risking damage during transit. Moreover, if the movers underestimated the amount of belongings you have, they might need to make additional trips, increasing the time and cost of your move.

Inadequate space in the van can also lead to disorganisation and confusion, making it harder to keep track of your items. To avoid these issues, ensure that the moving company accurately assesses your moving needs and provides a van that’s appropriately sized for your belongings.

How do we solve this problem?

Upon contacting us, our friendly removal specialist will gather all the necessary details about your move, including a comprehensive inventory list of the items to be relocated. If needed, we can also perform an on-site or video survey.

After collecting all required information, we will provide you with a detailed quote that includes the total volume of items to be moved. Based on this volume, we will determine the appropriate number and size of vehicles needed to ensure a smooth, efficient moving day.

If you want to check for yourself without a phone call, feel free to use our detailed removal costs calculator.

Check also: What van size do I need to move home?

Low Cost Movers Will Not Protect Your Furniture

Cheap moving companies most likely will not invest in buying quality padded blankets and will not waste time wrapping your furniture. Protecting furniture is a time-consuming process which will cost more money. Hiring cheap moving help will cost you more later, when you discover many items were damaged and scratched during transport.

Without adequate protection, valuable items such as wooden furniture, delicate glassware, and large appliances such as washing machines and fridges will be vulnerable to damage. This is extremely important when moving long-distance, as the more time the vehicle spends on bumpy roads and making turns, the higher the risk of furniture shifting inside the van.

What do we do better than the cheap movers?

At Movivan Removals, we prioritise the safety of your belongings by investing in high-quality protection materials, including blankets, bubble wrap, and furniture paper. Our commitment to excellence extends to providing comprehensive training for our removal teams, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle your items with the utmost care. All our removal vans are equipped with padded blankets, bubble wrap, extra boxes, plastic covers, and other materials to protect and transport your furniture safely to your new home.

Dodgy Removal Men with Unprofessional and Aggressive Conduct

Be cautious when hiring movers to avoid potential risks, such as dodgy behaviour, criminal activity, aggression, and unprofessional conduct.

Dodgy movers with criminal tendencies may pose serious threats to your safety and belongings. They might have a history of theft, fraud, or even violence, putting you at risk of being victimised during the moving process.

Additionally, movers displaying aggressive behaviour can make the entire experience stressful and uncomfortable. Their unprofessional conduct, such as showing up late, mishandling items, or being rude, can result in damaged goods and a negative moving experience.

Why are we different?

All Movivan’s movers are full-time employees who undergo comprehensive training to ensure top-tier service. Each team member undergoes rigorous background checks to ensure reliability and professionalism. Our commitment to excellence ensures that we deliver the best moving experience for our clients.

Low-Cost Moving Companies Are Known For Slow and Unreliable Communication

When hiring movers, the speed and reliability of communication play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and stress-free moving experience.

Slow and unreliable communication from cheap movers can lead to frustration and uncertainty during your relocation process. Waiting for responses to inquiries, quote requests, or updates on moving arrangements can cause unnecessary delays and anxiety.

Inadequate communication may result in misunderstandings, incorrect scheduling, or even last-minute changes that disrupt your plans. Clear and prompt communication is vital for a successful move, allowing you to stay informed and prepared every step of the way.

To avoid the pitfalls of slow communication, prioritize hiring movers who demonstrate efficiency and responsiveness in their interactions with you. By choosing a moving company that values clear and timely communication, you can help ensure a more seamless and reliable moving experience without unnecessary stress or uncertainty.

Cheap Movers Might Not Have Enough Experience

Inexperienced movers may struggle to navigate tight spaces, manoeuvre large furniture, or disassemble intricate pieces, increasing the risk of damage to your belongings. Without the necessary expertise, there’s a higher chance of accidents, delays, and mishandling during the moving process.

Having skilled, experienced experts is very important if you need help packing boxes. If paying for packing service, you should expect quick, safe packing using sturdy boxes, packing paper, and bubble wrap. All fragile items inside the boxes must be properly protected and secured. When hiring cheap movers, they might bring inadequately sized boxes, boxes of questionable quality, and poorly wrapped and protected breakables. No clear labelling and incorrect mixed items inside the boxes.

Inadequate Equipment

Insufficient equipment can significantly impact the efficiency and safety of your moving process. When hiring cheap movers with inadequate equipment, you risk delays, damages, and potential safety hazards.

Movers without proper tools, such as dollies, ramps, or moving straps, may struggle to handle heavy furniture or navigate stairs, leading to accidents or property damage. Without the right equipment, your belongings are more susceptible to being mishandled or improperly secured during transportation, increasing the likelihood of items getting damaged or lost.

Inadequate moving trucks without proper securing mechanisms can also result in shifting loads, causing potential harm and creating a chaotic moving experience. To ensure a smooth and secure move, prioritize hiring movers with well-maintained equipment suited for your specific relocation needs.

Unclear Contracts and Agreements

Consider reviewing contracts and agreements thoroughly before engaging cheap movers to prevent misunderstandings or unexpected costs. Unclear contracts and agreements with budget moving companies can lead to disputes and additional charges. When dealing with cheap movers, it’s essential to ensure that all terms, pricing details, services included, and potential extra fees are clearly outlined in the contract. Failure to clarify these aspects upfront may result in surprises or disagreements later on.

Unclear agreements might leave room for ambiguity regarding the scope of services, insurance coverage, liability for damages, or responsibility for delays. By carefully examining and discussing the contract with the moving company, you can address any uncertainties or discrepancies before the moving day. Make sure to ask questions about any clauses that seem unclear and request explanations or modifications if needed. This proactive approach can help you avoid misunderstandings and ensure a smoother moving process with fewer unexpected costs.

Delays and Extended Moving Time

When facing delays during your move, it can significantly impact your timeline and cause unexpected disruptions. Cheap movers often struggle with unreliable schedules, leading to extended moving times. Due to their lower prices, these companies might have high client volumes, resulting in overbooking and scheduling conflicts that translate into delays for you.

Such disruptions can throw off your planned schedules and commitments, adding stress and uncertainty to the moving process. Reliable movers, on the other hand, provide prompt crews and detailed timelines, ensuring a smoother and more efficient moving experience. Working with a moving company that sticks to a reliable schedule is crucial in avoiding unnecessary delays and ensuring that your belongings reach their destination in a timely manner.

Be wary of the risks associated with cheap movers when it comes to delays and extended moving times to make informed decisions for a less stressful relocation.

Difference Between Low-Cost Moving vs. Cheap Movers

Low-cost moving refers to strategies where you save money by handling some tasks yourself, such as packing, disassembling furniture, or helping load the van. This approach allows you to cut costs without compromising on the quality of professional services for the more challenging parts of the move.

On the other hand, hiring cheap movers might seem like a bargain upfront, but it can come with hidden fees, poor service quality, or a lack of proper equipment. Cheap movers may also be underprepared, which could lead to delays, damaged belongings, or unexpected extra costs.

Need Help Moving Soon?

Our prices are reasonable and fully transparent. Let us know what is needed, and we will give you the best advice, offer the most realistic price and provide a clear plan executed by trained and experienced movers.

Email: office@movivanremovals.co.uk
Tel: 020800 33260