Moving can be a stressful, expensive and time-consuming venture – and that’s without the added headache of avoiding scammers! This blog by Mr Mover will show you how to protect yourself against con-artists and tricks so that moving can be smooth sailing.
Understand the terms and conditions
When you are considering hiring a mover, it is important to make an effort to understand the terms and conditions of the agreement. It is not enough to simply assume that you or the mover is acting in good faith; there are too many scammers out there who take advantage of naive customers. Before signing on with a mover, make sure to read all the paperwork carefully and make sure you understand what you are agreeing to before signing anything.
In your contract, pay attention to details such as the dates for moving services, specific tasks performed by movers, exact pricing for services rendered and expected payment terms. Read over all terms regarding liability for damaged goods and any promised refunds if something goes wrong during the move. Make sure that any special requests or contingencies on either side of the agreement are included in writing as well. You should also be aware of any additional fees that may be incurred before signing so there will be no surprises after you hand over your signature.
Finally, if at any point during this process you don’t understand something fully or feel unsure about signing a document, speak up! Get clarification from your mover and/or a lawyer before committing yourself.
Keep an inventory of your possessions
When moving, it is important to keep an accurate inventory of all your possessions. This will help you avoid any potential scams and make sure that you receive everything that was promised. An inventory should include items, descriptions and photos of all valuable items in the shipment.
Be sure to also record the serial numbers on any electronics or other items which may be preferable in case they are lost or stolen. In addition, keep packing slips, bills of lading and receipts for each item in the shipment, including any moving supplies used. And don’t forget to document any damage done to your belongings during the move – take pictures if you can.
All this information will be invaluable when it comes time to submit a claim for lost or missing items or damages caused by the movers.
Read reviews
It’s important to read reviews of the moving company before signing a contract. Don’t trust a company without doing some research, as this will be your only protection against scammers. Check online reviews, speak to friends, family members or other customers to find out how reputable the company is.
Make sure to look for indications that they may not be legitimate such as lack of detailed information, being unlicensed or having no feedback from satisfied customers. Make sure reputable customer reviews highlight the customer service provided and that the job was completed on time and within budget. Additionally, inquire about the total cost of moving from start to finish including any additional fees and charges that have not been included in the contract or quoted amount.
Don’t sign a partial or blank contract
Never sign parts of a contract that are unclear, blank or partially filled in. Make sure that all of the details about the move, including pricing and insurance coverage, are clearly stated in the contract. Prior to signing, obtain copies of all paperwork involved in your move from the moving company. Read each document carefully and then ask questions if anything is not clear. If any red flags come up during your research, such as overly high pricing or suspicious promises, don’t hesitate to terminate your relationship with the moving company and look for another one more suited to your needs. Be wary if a company attempts to rush you into signing contracts or making payments before you have had time to thoroughly read and understand them.
Plan in advance
It is important to plan ahead when you decide to move and do your research before selecting a mover. Each state has laws regulating moving companies, so be sure to find out what the regulations are in your state and familiarize yourself with any consumer protections that apply.
Do an online search for reviews from previous customers of movers you are considering, or ask friends and family for a referral. Make sure that any company you use is licensed, insured, and bonded– this will give you some assurance that your items will be safe during the move. You should also check for BBB Accredited Business status for added assurance in the quality of services delivered. Additionally, get references from other people who have used the company, and call those references to make sure they were satisfied with the service they received from the mover. This can help ensure that there will not be any necessary charges after-the-fact or surprise fees at delivery time.
Ask around for a recommendation
It’s best to rely on the recommendations of individuals you know and trust when selecting a moving company. Ask family, friends, or colleagues for personal experiences and opinions. Knowing which businesses have already been tried and tested is a great way to go.
If you don’t know anyone who has used a moving service before, take advantage of trusted online reviews available on websites like Yelp and Angie’s List. Reading the customer reviews can provide valuable insight into the quality of a company’s customer service as well as their professionalism and punctuality. Try to look for any indication that customers have had problems with items being lost or damaged during the move.
Feel free to compare different companies and do your research — it’s often worth spending a few extra minutes searching for at least two or three other rental companies if the first one doesn’t seem suitable. Make sure that no matter who you choose, they are properly licensed, insured, and bonded so that any issues related to moving would be covered in the event of an accident or physical damage during transportation.
Check their license
It is important to do your research when hiring a mover and verify that they are properly licensed and insured. Make sure to ask for these numbers as proof that the company is legitimate.
In addition to licensing requirements, laws vary from state to state. Contacting local agencies or utilizing online resources can help you gain more insight into regulations in your specific area. Doing your due diligence can help you save time and money before signing a contract with a moving company.
Conclusion
Moving scams are a reality and it’s important to do your research when confronted with these types of situations. Consider getting recommendations from family and friends who have had successful moves in the past and always use reputable, experienced companies.
By understanding the different moving scams you can avoid becoming a victim of one, ensuring your move goes as smoothly as possible without any surprise charges or other issues. Make sure to carefully read any paperwork that’s involved in arranging a move to ensure you’re adequately prepared for any legal or financial issues that could arise during the process. Taking the time to research and verify will ensure you choose an experienced moving company that is trustworthy and reliable.