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Moving to a new home should be an exciting start to a new chapter, but a few common misunderstandings can turn that excitement into a costly nightmare. Many people fall for moving myths that sound reasonable but leave them vulnerable to scams, hidden fees, and unnecessary stress. The best way to protect yourself, your belongings, and your wallet is to understand the truth behind these myths—a truth that certified professionals live by every day.

Let’s clear up five of the most dangerous moving myths to help you make a smart, secure choice for your next relocation.

Myth #1: The Cheapest Quote is the Best Deal

Choosing a moving company with the lowest price can be extremely tempting, especially when you are on a budget. However, an unusually low quote is often a red flag, not a bargain. A professional estimate is a detailed calculation, and a price that seems too good to be true usually is.

A rock-bottom price is the classic setup for a “bait-and-switch” scam. An operator gives you a low verbal quote to secure your business, but on moving day, the final bill is suddenly loaded with new fees for things like stairs, walking distance to the truck, or even for using moving blankets. In the worst scenarios, they hold your possessions hostage on the truck, refusing to unload until you pay their inflated price. Certified movers prevent this by providing a detailed, written estimate after conducting a proper survey of your home, ensuring the price is transparent and fair.

Myth #2: All Moving Companies Are Basically the Same

Many people think that moving is a simple service and that any “guy with a truck” can get the job done. This dangerous assumption ignores the vast differences in accountability, training, and professionalism that separate a legitimate business from a random operator. The reality is that the company you choose is the single most important factor in the success of your move.

An uncertified operator often has no real business address, uses unmarked rental trucks, and lacks the proper licenses and insurance to operate legally. If your goods are damaged or they simply disappear, you have no one to hold accountable. As proud members of the International Association of Movers, we prove that certified movers are legitimate, verifiable businesses. We have a physical address, a trained crew, and a reputation to uphold, ensuring we are fully accountable for the safety of your belongings from start to finish.

Myth #3: If Something Breaks, the Mover Automatically Pays for Its Full Value

This is one of the most financially damaging myths in the moving industry. Hearing that a mover has “coverage” leads many to assume that if an item is broken, they will receive a check for its full replacement cost. Unfortunately, the standard, default coverage works very differently and can leave you with pennies on the dollar for your valuable items.

By law, the base-level liability included in a move is called Released Value Protection, which covers your items at just $0.60 per pound. This means that if your lightweight, $1,500 laptop gets broken, you would only receive a few dollars in compensation. Certified movers are required to clearly explain your options. They will offer Full Value Protection (FVP), which ensures that any damaged item will be repaired, replaced, or paid for at its current market value, allowing you to make an informed decision to truly protect your assets.

Myth #4: A Verbal Agreement is Fine for a ‘Simple’ Move

For a small local move, it can seem like a hassle to deal with paperwork. Many think a quick phone call and a handshake are enough to seal the deal. This informal approach, however, strips you of all your protections and leaves you completely exposed if things go wrong.

Without a written contract, you have no proof of the agreed-upon price, the delivery timeline, the level of valuation coverage you selected, or even which items were supposed to be moved. If there is a dispute, you have no legal ground to stand on. This is why certified movers operate with a Bill of Lading. This document is a legal contract that outlines every detail of your move, protecting both you and the moving company. A professional will always insist on it, as it is a mark of transparency and a commitment to providing reliable service.

Myth #5: Hiring Gig-Economy ‘Helpers’ is a Safe and Cheap Alternative

Modern apps make it easy to rent a truck and hire hourly labor to do the heavy lifting, which can seem like a cheap and flexible solution. This approach hides a significant risk that many people are not aware of. When you hire individuals instead of a company, you may unknowingly take on all the liability yourself.

The biggest danger is personal injury. If one of the helpers you hired through an app gets injured in your home, you could be held personally liable for their medical bills because they aren’t covered by a company’s Worker’s Compensation policy. Furthermore, they have no insurance for your goods; if they drop your antique dresser, the loss is yours alone. Certified movers carry comprehensive insurance, including Worker’s Compensation, which protects their crew and frees you from all liability.

Move Smart, Not Scared: Choose Calgary’s Certified Movers at E&V Moving Solutions

Don’t let these myths dictate the success of your move. By choosing a proven and professional team, you ensure your relocation is handled with the care, transparency, and accountability you deserve. As proud members of the International Association of Movers, we are committed to providing a secure, stress-free experience.

For a clear, honest, and detailed estimate from certified movers in Calgary, contact E&V Moving Solutions today. Call us at 587-470-2308 and let’s plan your move with confidence.