When planning a move, picking the company offering the lowest price is tempting. At first glance, the savings seem significant. However, many customers find out too late that the cheapest quote often turns out to be the most expensive move.
Factors such as hidden charges, inadequate coverage, and risky practices can quickly drain your wallet. To help you stay informed and know what to look out for, here are nine reasons hiring budget movers can cost far more than expected.
1. Hidden Fees Turn Bargain Quotes Into Costly Surprises
The low price you see in advertisements often excludes several additional fees. Budget movers may exclude charges for mileage, fuel, stairs, long carries, bulky items, shuttle services, packing supplies, and even “environmental” surcharges.
There are plenty of common extras, and a 2025 FTC complaint revealed a $19.95 U-Haul rental that ultimately cost $45 for an eight-mile DIY move. When these hidden fees accumulate, the final bill can be double or triple the original estimate.
2. Lowball Estimates Lead to Expensive Hostage Situations
Some movers use non-binding estimates to secure business, meaning they quote a low weight, load your belongings, and then re-weigh the truck. Under a non-binding contract, they can demand up to 110% of the original estimate before releasing your goods, which leaves you little choice but to pay.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) stresses the importance of knowing that some estimates can lead to extra fees. That’s precisely why choosing a mover that offers a written binding or binding-not-to-exceed estimate helps avoid this costly scenario.
3. Rogue Operators Skip Licensing and Put You at Risk
Unlicensed movers often bypass USDOT and MC registration and insurance requirements. Hiring such a company puts you at risk of cargo being held hostage, poor service, and minimal recourse if something goes wrong.
In December 2024, the FMCSA fined one rogue carrier $25,000 for skipping regulations and emphasized the serious consequences of working with unlicensed operators. Customers who hire these companies may experience a total loss with no compensation.
4. Bare-Bones Coverage Leaves You with Huge Losses
By law, interstate movers are only required to offer “Released Value Protection,” which pays a mere 60 cents per pound per item. So if a 25-pound, 50-inch television is destroyed, you receive only $15.
Although full-value coverage or third-party insurance requires an upfront investment, it offers significant financial protection. Many customers who opt for cheap movers and minimum coverage regret the decision when they have to replace high-value belongings out of pocket.
5. Poor Handling Means Expensive Damage Claims
Low-cost moving companies often hire day labor without proper training and fail to use adequate padding or tie-downs. When movers handle items carelessly, they frequently cause greater damage to furniture and belongings.
The FMCSA reports that the average household goods loss claim is around $16,200, a staggering figure that far outweighs the savings from a bargain quote. Using experienced movers with the right equipment is one of the best ways to prevent damage and avoid unnecessary expenses.
6. Scams and Hostage Loads Drain Your Budget
Cheap movers are more frequently associated with scams, customer complaints, and hostage situations. In 2024 alone, the Better Business Bureau recorded over 100,000 mover inquiries and 718 formal complaints, with a median loss of $754.
During the FMCSA’s “Operation Protect Your Move,” authorities addressed 128 hostage cargo cases in just three weeks. These predatory tactics leave customers paying unexpected fees or losing access to their belongings altogether.
7. Homeowners Bear Liability for Injured Workers
Uninsured movers often skip workers’ compensation coverage, exposing homeowners to lawsuits if a laborer gets injured on their property. A single accident, such as a worker slipping on stairs, can lead to medical bills and lost wages that exceed six figures.
Industry guidance warns that homeowners’ insurance policies often exclude coverage for contractor injuries, leaving property owners financially vulnerable. To protect both parties up front, a reputable moving company provides proof of workers’ compensation.
8. Poor Equipment and Lack of Training Drive Up Costs
Budget movers often rent trucks at the last minute, arrive with worn-out equipment, or show up understaffed. These problems increase load times, lead to overtime surcharges, and cause more property damage; they also raise the risk of breakdowns that delay shipments.
The Better Business Bureau has linked these practices to higher rates of theft and complaints among carriers. Choosing a mover with high-quality equipment and trained personnel may cost more upfront, but it lowers the chances of mishaps leading to significant expenses later.
9. Delays Create Real Financial Setbacks
Late arrivals, missed delivery windows, and no-shows can result in unexpected expenses. Families may need to pay for extra hotel nights or storage, while businesses can lose valuable work hours.
Consumer watchdogs identify no-shows as one of the top moving scams, and hostage-delivery tactics can magnify potential downtime costs. Choosing movers recognized for punctual service helps customers avoid interruptions that can derail their moving plans.
Making the Smart Choice Pays Off
Cut-rate movers may seem like a bargain, but cutting corners often results in damage or losses that far outweigh the savings.
Fees stemming from hidden charges, inadequate coverage, and unreliable crews all add up, often leaving customers frustrated and financially drained. Choosing a mover that’s licensed, insured, and committed to quality service protects your belongings and your budget.
At MG Moving Services, we’ve built our reputation by delivering dependable moves without the unpleasant surprises many customers experience with discount movers. We provide reliable moving solutions that inspire confidence across Northern Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, Lynchburg, and Florida.
Contact us today for a free online quote or call 1-(888)-707-7709, and let us make your next move the smooth experience it should be.