When planning a move, selecting a reputable moving company is crucial to ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition.
Based on my years of experience, I created this list to help you be smart when you pick a moving company. It is my sincere hope that this list will empower you to make an informed and judicious decision, saving you from potential financial setbacks and unnecessary stress associated with unscrupulous movers. Armed with this knowledge, you can embark on your moving journey with confidence and peace of mind.
- No Local Address or FMCSA Registration: The company’s website lacks a local address or information about its DOT number, FMCSA registration, or insurance.
- Generic Phone Greeting: The phone is answered with a generic “Movers” or “Moving Company,” rather than the company’s name.
- Generic Email Address: The company uses a generic email address that doesn’t include the company’s name.
- Misleading Experience Claims: The company claims to have been in business for many years but lacks an online presence or has only recent reviews.
- Fake Reviews: The moving company seems to have an excessive number of glowing reviews that appear inauthentic.
- No Onsite Inspection: The mover doesn’t offer or agree to an onsite inspection and provides estimates over the phone or Internet without a written binding or non-binding estimate.
- Pushy Sales Tactics: Aggressive sales representatives who pressure you to commit quickly.
- Not Providing Required Information: The mover doesn’t provide you with a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move,” which is required for interstate moves.
- Suspicious Payment Demands: The company does not accept credit cards and insists on postal money orders, wire transfers, or cash.
- Rental Truck on Moving Day: A rental truck arrives on a moving day instead of a company-owned or marked fleet truck.
- Pressure to Sign Blank Documents: The mover tries to get you to sign blank forms on a moving day.
- Vague Storage Location: The company provides only a vague location instead of the exact address of its storage facility.
- Unsolicited Calls and Evasive Answers: The moving company makes unsolicited calls and emails, and fails to provide adequate answers to your questions.
- No Physical Address: No physical address or residential address is provided.
- Unmarked or Generic Trucks: The trucks are unmarked or have temporary signage.
- Bad Reviews and Complaints: There is a pattern of negative reviews or unresolved complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
- Lack of Professionalism: The staff is unprofessional, rude, or unresponsive.
- No Written Contract or Vague Terms: The company does not provide a written contract or has vague contracts.
- Changing Names: The company has changed names multiple times.
- Lack of References: The company cannot provide references from previous clients.
- Unusual Packing Fees: The company charges exorbitant packing fees or claims they can only move items they have packed themselves.
- No Bill of Lading: The company doesn’t provide a bill of lading.
- Lack of Membership in Industry Associations: The company is not a member of associations like the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA).
- Inconsistent Branding: The company’s name, logo, or contact information varies between their website, business cards, and trucks.
- Claims of Limited Liability: The company claims that they have very limited liability for damaged or lost items.
- No Inventory List: The company does not make an inventory list of your belongings.
- Lack of Communication: The company is not communicative about the details of the move.
- Hidden Fees: The company is not transparent about their fees and surcharges.
- Exclusivity Clause: The company demands that you should not hire any other service or individual to help with the move.
- Use of Brokers Without Disclosure: The company uses brokers to secure business but does not disclose this.
- No Questions Asked: The mover doesn’t ask you any questions about what you need to move or your preferences.
- Cancellation Policy: The company does not have a clear cancellation policy or has an overly strict policy.
- Excessively Lengthy Delivery Windows: The company provides a very large window for delivery.
- Personal References: Employees or representatives of the company give you personal references, rather than business references.
- Not Providing a “Binding Not-To-Exceed” Estimate: The company does not provide a “binding not-to-exceed” estimate for long-distance moves.
- Demanding Large Deposits: The company demands cash or a large deposit before the move.
Carefully study this sheet and take the choice of a moving company very seriously, as it will save you from financial losses, problems with relocation, and stress.