Moving is a big deal and should not be taken lightly. It requires a lot of planning and organization and usually marks a big transition. Getting your life all boxed up and transferred to another place can be very stressful. Unless you only have a few things and can move it over time, you will need the help of friends or movers. Some of your best memories may be times you got your pals to help you move all your stuff and then bought everyone pizza and beer for a job well done. But when you start to accumulate a lot of furniture, say more than two rooms worth, and have expensive things to move, you will want to consider a mover. It is very easy to get scammed by moving companies. There are obviously reputable movers but before you hire one it’s important to check them out.

How Not to Get Scammed

Choosing a moving company is tricky. Thousands of people file complaints every year because they have been scammed. Some companies will give you a low estimate and then when all your stuff is in their truck demand much more money to release your belongings. Others put up impressive web sites to attract customers and then hire other people to do the moving for them. Experts say don’t choose your mover on line. Find local companies. Ask around. Realtors usually have a list of reputable movers. Talk to neighbors or friends. Get three estimates.

What to Expect From a Reputable Mover  

1. They will come to your home and examine what has to be moved. If they are not willing to do this, do NOT hire them.
2. They will provide an estimate of what it will cost in writing and the price will have to remain in that range unless changes are made after the estimate is written.
3. Once you have agreed to an estimate they will provide you with a document with the dates of pick up and delivery, the charges you will incur and a phone number to reach them during the move.
4. All movers are supposed to be insured and they need to provide information on how to make a claim if they break anything.
5. If you can afford it, let the movers pack your stuff because if they break anything they have to pay for it.
6. If you pack it, their insurance only covers damage to the box. You would have to then prove that damage to the box caused damage to the contents within the box. If you do pack your own stuff be sure to label it well so the movers know where it goes.

There are two very good web sites you should check out if you are moving. One was started by a guy who was scammed. He’s got all kinds of tips to save you from his fate: movingscam.com

The other is a site created by the American Association of Professional Movers called: moving.org