Moving is one of the most stressful events in life. And hiring the wrong mover can make it even worse.
Sure, it may be funny to watch careless movers on the big screen: wrecking stuff, taking their sweet time packing things or never arriving on time. In real life, mishaps like these can feel like a living nightmare.
Who wants their stuff stolen? Broken? Held for ransom? No one hands over his/her hard earned money to have a negative moving experience.
Most people hire movers to make it easier. They want to have more peace of mind, not a never-ending headache.
Beware of Sketchy Moving Companies – 4 Tips to Help You:
- Find a reputable moving company – Use the company name and address to confirm it is licensed. Is the mover insured? Review any complaints on Better Business Bureau or protectyourmove.gov.
- Get several moving estimates in writing upfront – Shop around and compare estimates across companies. What type of insurance is included? Does the estimate seem too low? A low estimate could be a red flag.
“If you hire a mover based solely on the lowest price, you may be sacrificing other things that are actually more important, like getting your possessions moved safely and delivered on time. And remember, movers are required by law to deliver your goods for no more than 10% above the price of a nonbinding estimate. This is known as the 110 percent rule.” – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- Pay with a credit card – This could provide you with more recourse should something go terribly wrong.
- Moving to another state? – Read the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move
Happy Moving!
Photo: woodleywonderworks
