Beware the moving company scam! Even though you may scoff along with all the other moving advice you receive from well-intentioned yet pushy bystanders, learning how to avoid moving scams is the best advice you must take. When you arrange your move, the numerous tasks you must accomplish could outweigh any concern over falling prey to swindling, but it happens and you must protect yourself and your possessions. Use this guide before moving to avoid scams and have an uneventful but successful moving experience.
Check Them Out
As for every service, getting referrals from those you know and professionals like your real estate agent should be the first step in the moving process. While you gather personal reviews, visit websites for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration which is part of the Department of Transportation, and the Better Business Bureau, says Architectural Digest, for industry and customer reviews.
Shop Around
Picking the first moving company you spot driving down the road is no way to find a good mover. Contact a handful of companies and ask for written estimates. Even if you must adhere to a strict budget, avoid being charmed by low rates because you get what you pay for.
Meet the Movers
When you find a prospective moving company, avoid making arrangements over the phone or Internet and meet a moving company representative in person if possible, especially if you’re not sure if they’re legit. Today discourages scheduling your move through a third party because how can you be sure that party is really a liaison to the moving company? During the meeting, ask questions about their moving policies and any concerns you may have. After you hire the moving company, make sure they conduct an estimate of the contents of your home that you plan to transport using weight as the assessment. Let the moving company representative who scouts out your home know if you’re interested in additional moving services and how much more they will cost beyond the basic package.
Read and Review
Whenever you receive a contract to sign, review it first and ensure it details the services you require and what they will cost. Take specific notice of how much moving insurance they provide and what your homeowner’s policy covers regarding moves between residences. Ask the moving company about their method for filing claims on the off chance that your possessions may endure damage, theft, or loss. Remember to always get everything in writing, so you have a backup for any unforeseen moving obstacles or debacles.
Money Matters
Reputable moving companies will not insist on a large deposit before your move, so don’t spend your money all in one place on a sketchy company that raises red flags every step of the way. Get a record of your moving expenses by using your credit card, not cash. If you need to file claims against the moving company, file them immediately and be diligent about following up on them, says MarketWatch, or you won’t receive restitution and the company may forget about you and your things.