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About Moving Companies...

Consumer complaints against moving companies have been on the rise over recent years. When you and your roommates are moving, you can protect yourselves from claims and rip-offs by asking questions, getting references, and making sure to keep track of your possessions.

Here's a typical moving scam:

You and your roommates call directory assistance and ask for the number of a well-known moving company. Instead, you get the number of a fly-by-night company with a similar name. This company provides a low-ball estimate to you and your roommates and you sign a contract. The movers pack up your belongings, but then refuse to deliver or unload them at the other end, demanding payment of a higher fee. In this situation, there is almost no one that you or your roommates can turn to for assistance. Unfortunately, interstate movers are beyond the reach of state courts and law. It is estimated that consumers have lost hundreds of millions of dollars in the last ten years from these unethical moving companies.

Below are some tips and guidelines to help you and your roommates experience a smooth move:

• Ask around for referrals. You or your roommates must know someone who has moved in the past few years and may be able to secure an honest mover from a good referral.
• You and your roommates should contact at least three different movers for estimates.
• Ask the mover for recent references in writing from previous satisfied customers.
• Ask what the “claim ratio” is for each company in the previous year. Specifically, you and your roommates want to know how many claims were filed in comparison to how many moves.
• Request a Written Binding Estimate, or a Best Price Quote. If the mover is trying to lowball you and your roommates, the agent eats the difference in cost, not you.
• Inquire about the moving company’s on-time record, and other complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
• You and your roommates should check your existing home-owner’s or renter’s insurance policy because movers are limited by law regarding the amount they can provide for lost, or damaged goods.
• Ask about expected gratuities and have these written into the contract.
• Take an inventory of all of you and your roommates’ belongings before packing.
• Do not sign any paperwork without reading it completely. Don’t let the driver, or sales rep, pressure you and your roommates to sign in a hurry – it’s your money, so make them wait.
• If there are any points in the contract that you and your roommates do not understand, ask for an explanation.
• If the moving company is packing your belongings, find out how long each packer has been in the moving industry. Also, you and your roommates should find out how long the driver and his crew have been in the business
• Never leave valuables in dresser drawers. You and your roommates should carry any valuables, or articles that can be easily stolen, with you when you move, especially if your belongings are to be stored in a warehouse.
• You and your roommates should carefully watch the loading and unloading of your belongings and examine all items carefully before signing a receipt.