Finding the right moving company can make or break your relocation process. Regardless of whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, professional moving companies will carry out your move in the best possible way. However, choosing a trustworthy carrier is not as easy as you might think. There are tons of options out there, providing a wide range of moving services. It can be hard to pinpoint the scammers.
Of course, it’s better to take some precautions in order to avoid disappointment and frustration. You want to know you can trust their packing service for moving or any other type of service confidently. A thorough inspection of a carrier will free you from all of the possible negative consequences.
The Difference Between Movers, Scammers, And Brokers
While finding a reliable mover, it’s important to understand the difference between scammers, moving companies, and brokers.
- Movers. A professional moving company offers a wide range of transportation and moving services including packing, lifting, crating, disassembling, storage services etc. Movers have their own vehicles, specially trained staff, and moving equipment.
- Brokers. Brokers only evaluate the move and forward the job to the actual moving companies. Brokers don’t have their own trucks and moving staff.
- Scammers. Moving scammers try and obtain money from you before detailing their service. They usually offer unrealistically low prices in order to lure you in.
Tips On Identifying And Avoiding Rogue Movers
Here are some useful tips you can use in order to identify rogue movers and avoid frustration, damage, or even loss of your household items.
- Thorough inspection.We recommend verifying the moving company with their UDOT number (Department of Transportation), contact information, and credentials. The entire process will only take a few minutes, but will save you a lifetime of frustration. Also, check the mover with Better Business Bureau (BBB), Federal Motor Carrier Society (FMCSA) and American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA).
- Extremely low quotes. Low estimates don’t mean you’ve found a deal; they mean you’ve found a scammer. Always compare offers before selecting the right company. Moving is hard word – it will never be cheap.
- Moving insurance. Makes sure the movers provide proper moving insurance. Ask about additional insurance and its cost. This way, the movers are liable for all of your belongings.
- Cash exclusively. Try to avoid dealing with carriers that accept only cash and require large deposits before performing a service. It’s a red flag.
- An estimate. Be suspicious of an estimate given over the phone rather than on-site. If a mover refuses to send their representative to give you an accurate price based on your move, run in the other direction. You may end up paying a lot more in the end or dealing with scammers.
- The company name. Remember that reputable companies have their name written on the trucks and uniforms. Also, a professional moving company will start the phone conversation with you by stating the actual name of their company instead of some generic greeting.
- Contract.When dealing with scammers, you will not be provided with a terms and conditions contract. If they do offer a contract, make sure to read the contents carefully.
How Do I Find A Reliable Mover?
Use a QQ website to secure a trustworthy mover that has been vetted. Here you can find a moving calculator to not only choose a professional moving company according to your specific moving needs, but to also calculate the cost of your relocation.
The service is extremely easy to use. All you need to do is enter the details about your specific relocation and in only several minutes, find a moving company that exceeds your expectations. With this great service, you won’t need to waste your time on researching movers online.