Bad Movers: How To Deal With and Avoid Them

Bad Movers: How To Deal With and Avoid Them

Sign reading "scam"

Last updated 10/16/2024

Moving can be incredibly stressful, and the last thing you need is the added pressure of dealing with a bad moving company or moving scam. You already have plenty on your plate: clearing out your old home, organizing your belongings, and transporting everything to a new place. Whether you’ll be moving down the street, across town, or to a new state, it’s a long and arduous process.

Hiring a moving company can significantly ease your stress and spare some strain on your muscles. But what happens if you end up with subpar movers or fall victim to a moving scam? Or if the movers you hire belong to a fraudulent or disreputable company? 

It’s crucial to do your homework before hiring anyone. If you do find yourself in a situation where you’re dealing with dishonest movers, it’s also important to know how to handle the situation. Keep reading for tips on navigating the challenges of vetting potential moving companies and advice about what to do in the event of dealing with unreliable movers.

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Recognizing A Bad Moving Company

To protect yourself from a fraudulent, devious, or disreputable moving company, it’s essential to do your research! Finding a moving company should be approached with the same care as buying a car or a house. Taking the time to verify that the company you choose is legitimate can save you a lot of headaches down the line.

We’ll explore ways to spot a scam, but we’ll also focus on identifying unreliable labor-only moving companies. These are companies that handle loading and unloading storage units, moving trucks, and similar tasks. These are not the companies that transport goods from one location to another.

Here are some red flags to look out for when researching a potential moving company:

Go To Their Website

In today’s digital age, having a website is essential for any business looking to establish credibility with its customers. Does the moving company you’re considering have a website? If not, this should cause you to raise your eyebrows.

If they do have a website, take a moment to evaluate it. Is it well-designed? What kind of information is available? This initial assessment can help you decide whether to investigate the company further. If the website feels sparse or lacks important details, it’s probably best to keep looking to avoid any potential scams.

Additionally, look for a contact phone number. A reputable business with nothing to hide will be happy to help and answer any questions you may have, so don’t hesitate to call. Asking questions to make sure you know what you’re getting into is a way to protect your money, your belongings, and your future sanity!

Moving Estimates

Some disreputable companies might try to provide estimates to you over the phone or online, raising a red flag. How can a moving company accurately price your move without seeing your belongings in person? 

While reputable movers typically want to evaluate your items directly, it’s worth noting that plenty of legitimate moving companies might skip in-person estimates to keep overhead costs down. Some companies may include moving estimate calculators that can help you gauge what you can expect to spend.

That said, it’s important to be discerning. A lack of in-person estimates can be a sign of a potential moving scam, but it doesn’t always indicate one. When considering a moving company that doesn’t offer an in-home appraisal, be sure to research their reputation and reviews. Trust your instincts, and remember that a thorough assessment – whether in person or through detailed questions – can help you identify bad moving companies.

If you’ve called a moving company and received a quote that seems too good to be true, take a moment to reconsider. It could be a sign of a moving scam. Some unreliable movers lower their prices to attract more business, but this often comes at the cost of quality service.

To protect yourself (and your wallet), consider getting multiple estimates before deciding. This will give you a clearer picture of what to expect and help you avoid potential pitfalls.

Proper Insurance Information

Ensuring that your moving company offers the right insurance coverage is crucial. Moving puts your possessions at risk of damage and theft, so having a moving insurance policy can help reimburse you for any mishaps during the process.

By law, moving companies must assume liability for the items they transport, but the specifics of that liability can vary. As a client, you should feel free to ask for proof of insurance and any additional materials that explain their policies.

If a company reacts negatively or is reluctant to provide insurance details, that’s a significant red flag. A trustworthy company should be transparent about its coverage options.

When you hire movers, they are generally liable for the items you entrust to them. If you’re moving across state lines, federal law requires that moving companies offer two types of coverage, and the choice you make will determine how much you are reimbursed if any of your items are lost or damaged.

A moving truck with "Scam Alert" written on the side
  • Full Value Protection (FVP): This option holds your mover liable for the total replacement value of your lost or damaged possessions. If something goes wrong during the move, your mover can either repair the item, replace it, or provide a cash settlement based on the repair costs or current replacement value. While this coverage is more comprehensive, it typically comes at a higher price, which can vary depending on the mover and the deductible you choose.
  • Released Value Protection (RVP): Offered at no extra cost, this option provides minimal coverage. You’ll receive up to 60 cents per pound for any damaged or lost items. For example, if a valuable item worth $600 that only weighs 5 pounds is lost or damaged, you would only receive $3 (60 cents multiplied by 5 pounds).

Some movers offer additional liability coverage through third-party insurance providers for an extra charge. While your mover is still responsible for released value protection, this additional policy can cover losses beyond that limit, up to the specified policy limits.

If you opt for extra moving insurance, whether through the movers or a third-party provider, be sure to get the coverage details in writing. Understanding what is included and excluded in the policy will help protect your belongings during the move.

Other Red Flags Of Bad Moving Companies

While we’ve covered a few signs to look for to identify bad moving companies and moving scams, there are a few more important considerations to keep in mind:

Broken dishes on the floor
  • Limited Payment Options: A reputable moving company should accept various forms of payment, including credit cards, debit cards, or checks. Some legitimate companies will accept cash, but it can be hard to tell if they’re reputable until it’s too late. Moving companies that ONLY accept cash are likely scams. Keep in mind that if your movers went above and beyond and you’d like to tip them, they usually prefer this to be handled in cash.
  • Slow or Unresponsive Communication: If you find it difficult or impossible to get in touch with your moving company, that’s concerning. Good communication is key in any service, and lack of responsiveness is a warning sign.
  • Incomplete or Blank Contract Documents: Never sign a contract that has little to no information. If a mover asks you to sign incomplete documents, walk away! Always read the contract carefully to avoid unexpected loopholes or conditions.

By staying vigilant and trusting your instincts, you can better protect yourself during the moving process.

Recognizing Unreliable Transport Companies

In the previous section, we covered how to assess the trustworthiness of labor-only moving companies. Now, let’s focus on how to determine if a full-service moving company is reputable.

You might be wondering: what exactly is a full-service moving company? These are the businesses you hire to move your belongings – like furniture – from one place to another in their vehicles. In contrast, labor-only moving companies only handle the loading and unloading of items.

Let’s dive into how to evaluate transport moving companies:

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Licensing Information

Federal law requires interstate movers to be registered and licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can easily verify a company’s licensing status on the FMCSA’s website. All licensed interstate moving companies have a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number as proof of legitimacy. If you find that a moving company lacks proper licensing, it’s best to avoid them entirely.

For local moving companies that don’t operate outside of state lines, FMCSA licensing and registration are not necessary. Instead, state rules and laws govern those companies. If you’re working with a local mover, don’t hesitate to ask about their licensing status – any reputable company will be happy to provide this information.

If a moving company fails to provide licensing or registration information (whether local or interstate), steer clear! Also, keep in mind that labor-only movers are not required to have licensing or registration. 

Tips From Others

Stressed woman surrounded by boxes following moving scam

We reached out to people who had bad moving experiences for some wisdom. Here’s what they told us:

Understand Your Requirements

Cathryn Bailey, a home renovation professional and founder of Bomisch has a tip for anyone looking to hire movers – understand your requirements!

“It’s important to understand that not every mover is capable of fulfilling every job,” Bailey said.

If you have something difficult to move, it might be worth it to find a specialized mover (labor or full service). Bailey offered the example of a client trying to move granite countertops. Granite requires greater care, but the client chose to stay with the already-hired moving company.

As you might have suspected, these granite countertops were scuffed and the client was left unhappy. Bailey said that a moving company is unlikely to turn down a job if it offers money, so do extra research on what your move might require.

Pay the Extra Money

Another respondent, Chaz Wyland, said, “I figured [moving] wasn’t a difficult job, so why should I pay a lot of money for the well-known business?”

Unfortunately, his valuables and fragile items ended up broken without a care. Wyland’s tip? “Pay a little extra to get the job done right!”

Mover unloading moving boxes from van using dolly

Reporting Bad Movers

If you encounter a moving scam or an unreliable moving company, you can report it to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) through their platform.

To report or file a complaint with the FMCSA you’ll need a few things:

  • Your name, phone number, and address
  • The name, phone number, and address of the company
  • The addresses of both the origin and destination of the shipment
  • The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) identification numbers, if you can supply them
  • A detailed account of what went wrong during the move

For in-state complaints, the FMCSA also offers a separate platform for reporting bad companies. Be prepared to provide the same information to help address the issue with your moving experience.

Conclusion

Moving is a challenging experience, and dealing with a bad moving company can add unnecessary stress. As you manage the logistics of packing up your home and relocating, it’s important to make sure you’re working with a trustworthy mover. 

Always remember that you have the power to choose which moving company you end up doing business with. You are the client, and the final decision is yours. Be sure to do your research and consider purchasing insurance if it makes you feel more secure. But if something feels off, don’t hesitate to walk away!

Always verify the company you’re considering. Do they have a professional website? Are they courteous and professional in your communications? Do their prices seem fair, without being suspiciously low? Trust your gut to ensure a smooth and stress-free move to your new home!

Ultimately, investing time in research and preparation can make all the difference. A little diligence upfront can help you avoid potential moving scams and ensure a smoother transition to your new home. Remember – the right moving company can turn a stressful situation into a manageable one, allowing you to focus on settling in and enjoying your new space!

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Content Editor/Guest Blogger at UniMovers | + posts

Skylar Sanders is an Atlanta native and earned her BA in Film and Media Studies from Georgia State University in 2022. She is currently a graduate student at GSU studying Communications with a concentration in Digital Media Strategies. In her free time she enjoys being in nature, volunteering, creating digital art, and catching up on her favorite TV shows.