When planning a move, it’s important to always be vigilant regarding your choice of moving company. There are many dishonest movers who plan on trusting clients to ignore warning signs.
Generally, their plan is to offer an enticing estimate over the phone or email, without having ever seen your belongings or location. After the truck is loaded and en route, more money is demanded before your goods will be delivered — your belongings are h eld hostage until you pay.
Services like Zipmover can help ensure you find a reputable, reliable mover, but it’s still a good idea to be aware of the red flags to look out for.
We recommend being on the lookout for the following signs:
- The mover makes a “too good to be true” offer without inspecting your items, location, or destination. They may also suggest making an offer after loading your belongings.
- You are asked to make a large deposit or sign blank document s before the move.
- You are not provided with a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet and a copy of FMCSA’s “Ready to Move” brochure. Movers are legally required to supply these to clients, per federal regulations.
- There is no local address, or information about the mover’s registration insurance.
- Telephone calls are answered with “Movers” or “Moving Company,” instead of the company’s name.
- Offices and warehouses are in poor condition — or nonexistent.
- The company uses a rental truck instead of a company-owned or marked fleet truck.
- The mover claims that you have more belongings than you previously estimated, or claims that all of your belongings are covered by their insurance.
We strongly recommend that you cease working with any company that exhibits even one of these red flags. Instead, start a new search for a reputable company, and continue searching until you find one. This extra effort will ensure you and your belongings are in good hands for your entire journey.