Moving day in Lake Mary Jane should be about starting a fresh chapter, not stressing over a broken dresser or a moving bill that suddenly doubled. We get it: moving is expensive. When you’re looking at the beautiful homes tucked away near the water or planning a move into a quiet suburban street, your first instinct is to search for cheap moving companies to save a few bucks.
But here is the thing: there’s a massive difference between "cheap" and "affordable." A lot of people in Florida fall into common traps when they hire budget-friendly movers, and those mistakes usually end up costing way more in the long run. At Get It Gone, we’ve seen it all.
If you’re planning a move in Lake Mary Jane, here are the seven biggest mistakes people make with affordable movers and exactly how you can fix them to keep your sanity (and your furniture) intact.
1. Choosing the Lowest Bid Without Questioning Why
It’s tempting to just pick the lowest number on the screen. If Company A says $500 and Company B says $1,200, your wallet is screaming for Company A. However, in the moving world, an abnormally low bid is often a red flag.
Extremely cheap moving companies often cut corners to keep those prices low. This might mean they aren’t paying for proper insurance, they’re using day laborers who aren't trained, or they’re driving trucks that haven't seen a mechanic in years. When a price seems too good to be true, it usually is.
How to Fix It: Instead of looking for the lowest price, look for the best value. Ask for a breakdown of what the quote includes. If one company is significantly cheaper, ask them point-blank: "How are you able to offer this rate when others are double?" A reputable company will have a straightforward answer. You want reliable movers who are honest about their costs.
2. Skipping the Background Check
In the age of the internet, there’s no excuse for not doing your homework. Many people hire movers based on a flyer or a quick social media ad without checking if the company actually exists as a legal entity. In Lake Mary Jane, you want someone who knows the local area and has a track record of success.
How to Fix It: Spend fifteen minutes playing detective. Look for Google reviews, check their standing with the Better Business Bureau, and verify their USDOT number. If a company has no digital footprint or a string of 1-star reviews complaining about "disappearing movers," move on. You can learn more about what the most reliable movers do differently to see what a "good" company looks like.
3. Relying on Over-the-Phone Estimates
If you call a moving company and they give you a firm price without ever seeing your stuff, be careful. Every house in Lake Mary Jane is different. Some have narrow hallways, some have heavy oak furniture, and others have three flights of stairs. A mover can’t accurately guess the weight or volume of your life over a five-minute phone call.
How to Fix It: Demand a visual estimate. Most affordable movers who are worth their salt will offer a virtual walk-through or send someone to your home. This ensures that the quote you get is actually based on reality, not a best-case scenario that will change the moment they see your oversized sectional sofa.
4. Forgetting to Ask About "Hidden" Extra Services
This is where the "cheap" move becomes expensive. Some companies offer a low base rate but then start adding fees for everything else.
- Did you know there’s a fee for stairs?
- Did you know they charge extra for wrapping a TV?
- What about the "long carry" fee if the truck can’t park right in front of your door?
How to Fix It: Ask for a list of potential additional charges. Be upfront about everything you have. If you’re worried about the packing process, you might even consider professional packing services to ensure everything is handled correctly from the jump. Clarity is your best friend when trying to stay within a budget.
5. Waiting Until the Last Minute to Book
Lake Mary Jane is a popular spot, and the best affordable movers get booked up weeks or even months in advance: especially during the summer or on weekends. If you wait until the week before your move to find a company, you’re going to be left with the "bottom of the barrel" options or forced to pay a "last-minute" premium.
How to Fix It: Start your search early. As soon as you know your move date, start getting quotes. Booking early not only gives you peace of mind but often allows you to lock in better rates before the schedule gets crowded. Check out our quick start guide to local moving services to get a jump on the process.
6. Not Understanding Liability and Insurance
This is the mistake that hurts the most. Most cheap moving companies provide the bare minimum "Released Value Protection," which usually pays out by weight (often just 60 cents per pound). If they drop your 50-pound $2,000 OLED TV, you’re getting back $30.
How to Fix It: Read the contract. Understand what is covered and what isn't. If you have high-value items, ask about Full Value Protection. It might cost a little more upfront, but it’s a lot cheaper than replacing your entire living room setup because of a clumsy mistake.
7. Being Disorganized on Moving Day
Even the best affordable movers will cost you more if they are standing around waiting for you to finish taping boxes. Most local moves are billed by the hour. If you aren't ready when the truck pulls up, you're literally burning money every minute the crew waits.
How to Fix It: Be packed, labeled, and ready to go. Declutter your home before the movers arrive. If you have junk that you don't want to bring to the new place, handle that beforehand so the movers only touch what’s actually going to your new home. Having a clear plan makes the whole process faster and cheaper.
Why Lake Mary Jane Residents Trust Get It Gone
At Get It Gone, we don't believe in "cheap" moving: we believe in high-quality relocation that fits your budget. We’re straightforward about our process because we know that’s what our neighbors in Lake Mary Jane deserve. Whether you are moving across town or need a hand getting organized, we focus on reliability and care.
Moving doesn't have to be a disaster. By avoiding these common mistakes and choosing a team that values your belongings as much as you do, you can actually enjoy the process of settling into your new home.
Ready to make your next move the easiest one yet? Skip the stress of the "too-cheap-to-be-true" guys and get a quote from a team that actually shows up. Check out our Lake Mary Jane services and let’s get you moved!