What Should You Do If Movers Are Running Late?
Moving demands proper planning and patience to get things done in the desired manner. The ideal moving situation will be one in which you do not face any single problem and your move gets completed. but this is not the most common case. Generally, there will be some situations that will affect the smooth moving process. It’s not in your hands to control each situation at the time of relocation. Problems will always be there, without any invitation.
One such issue is related to the arrival and delivery times of professional movers. They may be late for picking up your belongings or there may be a delay in delivery time. Both of these situations bring an equal amount of stress. So what will be the solutions for this?
First of all, you need to remain calm and composed when your movers are running late for pickup or delivery. Along with this, there are many more options that you can try while waiting for your movers. So be with us and learn the points that you can follow whenever you encounter such a situation.
When Movers are Late for Pickup
Looking at your watch so many times and the arrival time of the movers has passed? Definitely, it will not be a happy or fun situation. You will feel nervous and stressed and several thoughts will capture your mind. So before questioning your hired moving company, it will be better that you follow some checklist points that can help you manage your stress and plan the waiting time in a useful manner.
1. Stay Calm
One of the easiest things to do when your movers are late is to remain calm. You need to cool down because you are not aware of the reason why your professional mover hasn’t come yet. Unless and until you know the reason for being late, you should not panic. Soon you will be able to know the reason so there is no logic in hurting your own health because of others.
For the time being, just imagine what the worst situation will be. Only your movers didn’t come; your precious belongings are with you at home. Completely safe, sound and under your supervision. You will only lose your deposit money if the mover takes it in advance.
2. Check the Moving Contract
Before you panic or think something is wrong with the movers, it is advisable that you check the contract you signed with the moving agency. It might be the case that there will be an approximate time mentioned, not an exact one. For example, according to your contract, it is stated that movers will arrive at your house between 7 and 10 a.m. and you assumed it to be exactly 7 a.m.
So before the next step, it is very advisable that you check your contract and confirm the actual time. If your movers are passing the time mentioned in the contract, then you can move forward and contact them.
3. Communicate With the Moving Company
Contact the customer service division of your moving company as soon as you have taken a deep breath and are ready. Locate their phone number on their website or in your documentation, then give them a call. When you contact them, kindly explain the circumstances, including the time of the scheduled pickup, and let them know how worried you are about the delay. By contacting them, you will be able to know the whereabouts of movers and plan your move accordingly. Also, your anxiety level will come down after knowing about the situation.
If you have hired a reputable and trustworthy company, then they will help you understand the situation and explain to you the reason for being late.
4. Ask Specific Details From Movers
After contacting the moving company and giving an explanation of the service you booked, you should only ask about “WHEN” movers will be at my home. There is no logic to go into much detail about what situation or problem solvers are facing. because if you get interested in this topic, then there will be a number of explanations that your moving company will explain in return. and you will not be able to justify whether they are telling the truth or lying. So it’s better to get the answer of “WHEN” from movers. By knowing the estimated time of arrival, you will be able to plan your time and finish up any pending last-minute tasks.
5. Make Adjustments Depending on What You are Told
When you know the expected time of arrival of the movers, you can plan to manage any important adjustments that will help you make your move more comfortable and relaxed. If your movers are coming in a few minutes as per communication, then you do not have to think much about any further work planning. but if there is some time remaining, then you can spend that time checking whether all items are ready to be moved or not. Whether proper labelling on moving boxes is done or not. Also, check that you have stored your valuable belongings with you and not packed them in boxes that the mover will transport.
But if you are informed that movers won’t be able to come today, then what will you do? So in that case, you have your belongings with you. Now you can unpack the things that are required for that day. You need to manage things for the time being. Also, there is another option if you are not able to reschedule your move. You can contact another moving company. There are several moving companies that offer last-minute moving so you can describe your situation to them and plan to move.
When Movers are Late for Delivery
When your movers are late for delivery to your new home address, it is much more painful than a pickup. Because at that time, you have your belongings safe with you. “They have all my belongings”, this thought keeps disturbing you continuously. You should not get too stressed thinking about that. As the moving truck has not reached the expected time duration, yes, it may be an alarming sign. But you should not reach a conclusion, as there will be a reason why they might have been late. But unless and until you have received any confirmation from their side, you should not completely understand this situation as TROUBLE.
Here we will again provide you with some tips that can help you if your mover is not reaching your new address in the expected time.
1. Don’t Be Panic
We will again suggest you be calm and patient. As we already mentioned, there will be some reasons behind their late arrival, such as flat tires, bad weather, heavy traffic, construction, going to the wrong address, or anything like that.
Also, we should understand that anything can happen on the road. Being human, it might be that any of the team members got sick or any family emergency came, which brought difficulties for moving partners to deliver your belongings.
Whatever the situation, you cannot control or change it by being frustrated or panicking. Nothing else will be harmed; only you. So it’s better to wait for some time to let movers come to your new home.
2. Cross Check the Moving Contract Paper
Before reaching out to the moving company’s customer service department and confirming the delay, it’s time to revisit the paperwork. It is imperative that you take this step to make sure you comprehend the terms of your agreement. Take close note of the dates for delivery that have been agreed upon, as well as any provisions pertaining to possible delays. It is important to understand the exact terms of your agreement, as most cross-country movers offer a delivery window to accommodate unforeseen problems while travelling.
As mentioned earlier, cross-country movers often provide a delivery window, typically spanning a couple of days. This window is designed to accommodate unforeseen delays like traffic, weather conditions, or other unexpected circumstances that may affect the journey. Make sure you know the exact timeframe within which you should expect your belongings to arrive.
If they are running out of their time frame, then it’s time to move on to the next point.
3. Call Movers
As movers have yet to reach your new address, it’s high time to contact the moving company and ask them what reason is making the move delay delivery. Also, most importantly, get the answer of WHEN your belongings will be delivered. Most deliveries get delayed due to certain reasons but the point is that you will know the time of delay, whether it will be some hours or it will extend to some days.
If you get information that your blogging is just on the way and will be delivered in a few minutes or hours, then you can use that time to plan and organise your stuff in your new home. Also, it will be the best time to give your new home a deep clean, as there will be no furniture or precious items at risk of damage.
But if the situation states that your moving truck will come one day later, then it’s time to plan some basic things for survival until you receive your belongings. You can either make hotel reservations or take the help of friends or relatives during such emergency situations.
It’s highly advised that you keep a backup plan with you when moving interstate so that you do not panic if your belongings are not delivered on time.
4. Share Your Feedback
You are not going to get anything by being angry and tense. Staying calm can bring another option or solution to your problem. Most of the companies will offer you a new estimated time for delivering your goods. Also, by knowing the new arrival time, you will know that your belongings are safe.
Once you have information about the whereabouts of the moving boxes and trucks, you can share your feedback and problems with the local removalist. And you can also ask for reimbursement of the charges that you paid because the moving van was late.
But it will not be easy to get compensation from the moving company. It will depend on the agreement that you signed with them.
5. Take Action
In case you didn’t get connected with the moving company you hired for relocating your belongings, then it’s advisable that you keep patience for one day. It might happen that they can contact you themselves to explain the scenario. Meanwhile, keep trying to contact them either by phone or email.
If you didn’t get any responses the next full day, then it is definitely a bad sign. Now it’s time to notify the authorities about the situation, as it may be a moving scam.
You can also visit their online profiles and website and leave reviews. Whatever situation you faced and what was their way to handle such a situation, all should be mentioned on their website so that others can get knowledge about such a moving company.
You can use this negative review for compensation too if a moving company contacts you for the same.
Common Reasons Why Movers May Be Late
Congestion: Moving trucks can move more slowly when there is a lot of traffic. Moving companies may find it difficult to stick to their schedule in crowded areas or during rush hour. This is particularly valid in urban settings where traffic is a regular occurrence.
Unexpected Weather: There are a number of reasons why delays can be caused by weather. Rain can cause slick roads, snow and ice can block traffic, and extreme weather can make driving dangerous. In response to bad weather, movers may need to slow down or even stop their trip.
Road Closures and Accidents: Moving trucks may need to detour due to unforeseen road closures, accidents, or construction work, which could cause delays. These circumstances are frequently uncontrollable and unforeseeable by the movers.
Previous Customer Delays: It may affect subsequent moves if the moving company’s prior client had issues or delays during their relocation. At an earlier site, the movers might require more time than anticipated.
Logistical Challenges: Movers may find it difficult to park and maneuver their trucks due to things like a shortage of parking spaces, congested streets, or difficult access to your location. They might require more time to navigate through confined spaces or locate a suitable spot to park.
Mechanical Issues: Moving trucks, like all automobiles, are susceptible to mechanical problems like flat tyres, malfunctioning engines, and other issues. Repairs for these problems take time, and they may cause unforeseen delays.
Labour and Staffing Issues: In order to execute a move effectively, movers depend on a group of skilled experts. Delays may arise due to the moving crew’s unavailability due to staffing shortages or scheduling conflicts.
Communication Issues: There may be misunderstandings among dispatchers, the moving company’s office, and the movers themselves. This may lead to problems with scheduling, such as late arrivals.
Customs or Border Delays: When moving internationally, delays may arise from problems with customs clearance or border crossing. Government regulations frequently apply to these procedures, so things might not always go as expected.
Distance and Route Complexity: It goes without saying that longer routes will take more time to complete between your old and new locations. Intricate routes with several stops or unusual paths could also cause the moving timeline to be extended.
Packing and Loading Delays: Occasionally, problems may occur when the packing and loading procedure is underway. It might take more time for the movers to handle particular packing requirements, or it might take longer to secure delicate or unusually shaped items in the truck.
Unexpected Circumstances: Occasionally, one or more moving crew members may experience personal emergencies or unforeseen events, which could cause delays. The team’s capacity to carry out its responsibilities may be impacted by these unpredictable circumstances.
Final Words
Delays in moving can be annoying, but they do not have to ruin your day of relocation. You can handle the situation by being proactive, adaptable, and knowledgeable. Keep in mind that even in situations where movers are running late, cooperation and understanding go a long way towards guaranteeing a positive moving experience. When you maintain your composure, your plan will finally come together.
Also, it’s important that you hire professionals and a reliable moving company like Harry the Mover to complete your move. We are well-known for offering the best moving services across Melbourne. And the best part is that we do not hide anything from our customers. You will remain updated on every step we take to relocate your belongings.