How to Select a Reputable Mover

Selecting a reputable mover is one of the most important things you do when you’re planning a move. There are a lot of unethical, unqualified, rogue movers that are very good at taking advantage of consumers. Check out https://www.protectyourmove.gov/ for helpful tips.

Contact Moving Companies: Get referrals from Family, Friends Colleges and Realtors Make sure they have PRO MOVER status with American Movers & Storage Association Make sure the company represents a major Van Line that you have heard of before. Check local Better Business Bureau ratings Make sure they have a physical address Drive by their facility, take a tour, and meet the staff Make sure they have a DOT Number and Interstate Authority Check out https://www.protectyourmove.gov/

Get Estimates: Get an In-Home estimate, don’t take quotes over the phone or Internet Ask for a written estimate Ask for a guaranteed price Watch out for free Internet moving quotes, most of the time they will sell your information to out of state movers. Be sure you understand all the services included in your estimate

Set Moving Dates: Make sure you book your moving dates in advance. If you are moving in the summer be sure to book your date at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance. Make sure you confirm your loading date. Ask what the transit time is for your delivery. Be sure you understand the transit time.

Valuation (Insurance Coverage): Make sure you understand the Valuation options $.60 per pound per item, minimal coverage, no cost for this coverage. Example with minimal coverage: if a Flat Screen TV weights 50 lbs. and it gets broken it would pay you only $30.00. Full Replacement Valuation covers replacement cost. You have to pay a fee to get full replacement valuation. There are usually deductible options available. Ask what procedures are if there is a claim

Other Questions and Information: Ask how long have they been in business? Ask for References. Who will be your contact person during the move? How do you pay for the move? Legitimate companies collect on delivery. (If they ask for money upfront or for a deposit this is a RED FLAG!)

Other Red Flags to Look Out For

No home inspection: The mover doesn’t offer or agree to an on-site inspection of your household goods and gives an estimate over the phone or Internet—sight-unseen. Their estimates often sound too-good-to-be-true. They usually are.

Payment first: The moving company demands cash or a large deposit before the move. This would very unusual and a certain red flag.

Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move: The mover doesn’t provide you with a copy of the required “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move,“ booklet. Movers are required by Federal regulations to supply the booklet to their customers in the planning stages of interstate moves.

No local address, license, or insurance: The company’s Web site has no physical local address and no information about licensing or insurance.

Mover claims: The mover claims all goods are covered by their insurance. This is not true unless you add certain coverage.

No company name: When you call the mover, and the telephone is answered with a generic “Movers” or “Moving company,” rather than a real company name.

Office conditions: Offices and warehouse are in poor condition or nonexistent.

A generic rental truck is used: (such as U-Haul, Penske, etc.) On moving day, a rental truck arrives rather than a company-owned and marked fleet truck. Rogue movers often use rental trucks so they can illegally cross state lines without having the necessary mandatory state certifications and registrations and licenses, and they try to avoid paying the mandatory state line crossing fees. When they cross over a state line they say that they are just moving their own items. Also, they usually do not pack very well at all and your items will get damaged when shifting in the move, and they will also not reimburse you for the damage they caused.