Moving can be stressful, especially when it comes to choosing a moving company. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to moving scams. We’re here to help you spot these scams and find a reliable moving company. Keep reading to learn how to avoid a moving company ripping you off!
Table of Contents
Hiring a Moving Company
Here are some key points to consider when hiring a moving company, including both red flags to avoid and green flags to look for.
Red Flags
Let’s explore the top two red flags commonly linked to moving company scams.
Bad Website
In today’s digital age, most moving companies have a website, which is often one of the first things you’ll check when considering a company. Professional movers typically invest in creating a website that is easy to navigate and read.
A poorly designed website can be a red flag. While this isn’t a foolproof method, be cautious about hiring a company if their website has the following issues.
- Difficult to navigate
- Hard-to-read content
- Doesn’t contain key information
- No contact information provided
No Insurance
Another red flag is if a moving company doesn’t have insurance. All moving companies are required to assume liability for their moves, so it’s crucial to ask for proof of insurance. If the company reacts negatively or tries to avoid providing proof, they likely don’t have insurance, and it’s best to avoid hiring them.
Green Flags
Now that we’ve covered potential moving scams, let’s discuss a key indicator of a responsible moving company.
Responsive
A reputable moving company values your business. They will respond promptly to your questions, provide estimates, and address any concerns promptly. Most reliable companies also offer multiple contact options, such as phone and email, to ensure easy communication.
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What Kind of Moving Company Do I Need?
Let’s explore which type of moving company is best for your needs. Whether you prefer to be hands-on or want someone to handle everything for you, there are options to suit your preferences!
Labor Only
Labor-only moving companies are an excellent choice if you need assistance with heavy lifting. They can help with assembly and disassembly, loading and unloading, furniture moving, and other heavy lifting.
Pros
- You get to be in control of your items during every step of the move.
- You will save money because labor-only movers tend to cost 30-50% less than traditional moving companies.
Cons
- You have to use your vehicle or rent a moving vehicle.
- You have to find your packing supplies and pack your items.
Limited Potential Scams
Labor-only moving companies tend to have fewer scams because your belongings never leave your care. You don’t have to worry about the typical scam of movers stealing your items or withholding your items until you pay hidden fees.
Full Service
Full-service moving companies are a great option if you want assistance throughout every stage of your move. They provide services such as packing, loading and unloading, transportation, assembly and disassembly, and more.
Pros
- You get professional help during every stage of your move.
- You don’t have to worry about renting and driving a moving vehicle.
Cons
- You have to have a higher moving budget due to the higher cost associated with full-service movers.
- Your belongings are not constantly with you and could be damaged or stolen when out of your sight.
Potential Scams
Full-service movers are often associated with more scams due to their extensive involvement in your move. Since your belongings will be in their care, there are scams where items are withheld until you pay additional fees.
Hiring from Third-Party Sites
Many people use third-party sites like U-Haul’s Moving Help to find moving companies. These platforms offer various pros and cons to consider.
Pros
Easy to Compare Rates
Third-party sites make it easy to compare moving company rates and services. This straightforward comparison is a key reason why many people turn to these platforms to hire movers.
Cons
Less Protection
Most moving companies listed on third-party websites are not required to carry insurance. This means they aren’t responsible for covering the cost of any damaged items. While they must offer basic valuation coverage ($0.60 per pound) for broken or damaged items, this amount is typically minimal.
The third-party site Moving Help offers optional insurance called Safeload in various states. While Moving Help service providers aren’t required to have insurance, you can purchase Safeload for additional coverage.
Increased Rates
When hiring movers through a third-party website, you often pay an extra fee to the platform. For example, Moving Help adds a 15% surcharge to your moving costs so they can profit from the platform.
Non-Professional or Unlicensed Movers
While third-party sites like Moving Help list some professional moving companies, not all are licensed or professionals. Moving Help requires only the business owner to have a bank account and undergo a background check. However, the individuals who handle your move are not subject to these requirements, which means they could lack moving experience.
Paying for the Move
When paying for your move, there are many ways moving companies can try to rip you off. Here are some red flags to watch for and what reputable companies typically do regarding payment.
Red Flags
When to Pay
In Full Before the Move
A common moving scam is requiring payment in full before the moving date. Avoid this situation—if a company demands full payment upfront, there’s a risk they might take your money and not show up for your move.
How to Pay
Cash Only
Another common scam is companies insisting on cash payments only. Paying in cash raises several issues.
- No Payment Trail: There’s no record to track the transaction.
- No Dispute Options: You can’t dispute the payment if something goes wrong.
- Lack of Professionalism: Cash-only payments or limited payment options are unprofessional.
Green Flags
Now let’s look at some green flags that many reputable moving companies offer when it comes to payment.
When to Pay
After Moving Services are Completed
Reputable moving companies typically require payment either partially or in full on the day of your move. While some may ask for a deposit to secure your moving date, the majority of the payment will be due on the moving day itself.
How to Pay
Card or Check
Paying for your move should be done by card or check. Most reliable moving companies accept multiple payment methods, but many no longer accept cash except for tipping your movers.
Conclusion
Moving doesn’t have to be scary or risky. By understanding common moving scams and staying aware, you can avoid a moving company ripping you off. Look out for red flags like poorly designed websites, limited payment options, and lack of insurance, which often signal unreliable companies. A trustworthy moving company will be straightforward and aim to make your move as smooth as possible.
Whether you choose labor-only or full-service movers, be mindful of the associated scams and potential additional fees, especially when using third-party sites.
By being informed about common scams, you can make the moving process much easier and stress-free.
FAQ
While there are many moving scams out there, not every moving company is going to rip you off! Getting extra help during your move is worth it, as long as you are aware and on the lookout for possible scams.
Labor-only movers are often associated with fewer scams because your items remain under your supervision. Being more involved in the moving process can help ensure everything goes as planned.
Third-party sites are useful for comparing moving rates, but it’s often better to book directly through the moving company’s website. This approach can save you money and ensure a smoother booking process.
Jessica is a students at the University of Northern Iowa. She is majoring in English Education with a creative writing minor. In her free time she loves to read books of every genre, write short stories, and spend time with friends. In the future she hopes to share her love for reading and writing with her future students.
