3 Colossal Mistakes When Hiring Movers (And How to Avoid Them)

3 Stories of Colossal Mistakes People Do When Hiring Movers

by TheLorry on 13 August 2025.

When it comes to relocation, house moving, lorry rental, or hiring movers, the process often comes with stress, heavy workloads, and countless small details to manage. For most people, moving isn’t just tiring—it’s a logistical challenge.

Alas, no troublesome task is without its solution, as there has been gargantuan amounts of tips, tricks and hacks on the internet that ensure easier time during house moving. This article however, aims to not be another advice. This instead is a collection of stories told by people who have made terrible mistakes during their house moving. Note that the names describing the people below are not real names for obvious reason. Let us dwell into these interesting tales, and take a lesson or two from them.

While there are countless moving tips, hacks, and checklists online, sometimes the most valuable lessons come from hearing about real mistakes others have made. In this article, you’ll hear three true-to-life stories (names changed) of people who made costly errors when hiring movers—so you can avoid doing the same.

Story 1: The Last-Minute Booking Disaster

Michelle, a marketing professional from southern Singapore, had a busy life and a tight schedule. Three weeks before her moving date, she started organizing, labeling, and packing every single item in her home. She was meticulous in her packing—but forgot one critical step: hiring the movers.

When she finally called around, most companies were fully booked. The only movers available at short notice showed up 90 minutes late in a rundown lorry. The crew handled her belongings carelessly and even tried to increase the price on moving day.

Lesson learned:
Book movers early. Use a trusted platform like TheLorry.com where you can compare services, read reviews, and confirm rates upfront.

Story 2: The “One Option” Risk

Joey, a bachelor moving out of his shared apartment, believed in keeping things simple. He saw a movers’ ad in his apartment lift, called them, and confirmed without checking other options.

On moving day, the movers charged extra fees for unclear reasons and mishandled his belongings—breaking a table lamp in transit.

Lesson learned:
Don’t just hire the first movers you find. Get at least three quotes and check for hidden costs, proper insurance, and customer reviews.

Story 3: The Management Notification Oversight

Zaid, a freelance photographer, booked his movers online in advance. But on moving day, the lorry was denied entry at the guardhouse—because he hadn’t informed the building management in advance.

He had to leave half his belongings behind and redo the move two days later, doubling his costs.

Lesson learned:
If you live in a gated community, apartment, or office building, always notify management ahead of time. Some places require special permits for lorry entry.

Even though he was quite busy with his work, Zaid were able to make use of his free time to pack his things early, and had done all the necessary thing before moving out. He had also settled the mover hiring process through an online platform he found.

All looked good for Zaid, until moving day came. It turned out that he forgot to notify the new apartment’s management about the one-tonne lorry to arrive and help him move. As per policy, the lorry were unable to get past the guard house, as they have not being notified earlier about it. Frustrating was a word aptly describes Zaid’s moving experience. He had to leave most of his things back at the old house while he moved in to the new house and he had to go through the process again 2 days later. Waste of time and, more importantly, money.

Do it right

So now you have heard of the frustrating tales of Michelle, Joey and Zaid.

Michelle was too focused on packing her things properly that she forgot to hire movers until the last minute. Joey simply took the risk of only calling one service instead of a few to choose. And notifying the management was something that had escaped Zaid’s memory.

Make sure you don’t make the same mistakes if you are moving any time soon. It is always a hassle, relocating. But do it right and you could have the least amount of stress coming your way.

How to Avoid These Mistakes When Hiring Movers

Pro Tip: Always confirm the moving date, lorry size, and payment terms in writing.

Trusted Moving Services with TheLorry

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Whether you’re moving within the city or across borders, don’t leave it to chance. Choose TheLorry’s House Moving Package for a safe, affordable, and hassle-free experience. Your move deserves a trusted partner—book today.

More Moving Tips from Our Blog

Moving is just one chapter in your homeownership journey. Once you’ve successfully relocated without falling into the pitfalls Michelle, Joey, and Zaid faced, the next big step is ensuring you’ve chosen—and prepared for—the right home.

That’s why we’ve selected two in-depth guides from TheLorry Blog that go beyond moving trucks and packing boxes. These resources address the questions and challenges many people face before and after moving—from property buying anxiety to understanding the true responsibilities of owning a home.

• The Ultimate Guide to Purchasing Your First Property – If you’re still deciding on your dream home or in the process of buying, this guide is packed with practical tips on budgeting, loan approvals, location scouting, and property inspections. It’s ideal for first-time buyers who want to make a confident purchase without regrets.

• The Benefits and Responsibilities of Owning Your Own Home – Moving into your own property isn’t just about decorating—it comes with ongoing costs, maintenance obligations, and lifestyle adjustments. This article gives you a realistic view of what to expect, so you can protect your investment and enjoy the rewards of homeownership.

Whether you’re planning a move, preparing to buy, or settling into your new place, these guides will help you make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)