Find Trustworthy Movers, Avoid Scams With BBB Moving Tips

Summer is prime time for moving. More than 37 million Americans move every year, and most of them do it in May, June, July or August.

And though moving can be an extremely stressful endeavor, most moves go well. When they don’t, the Better Business Bureau often hears about it. The BBB processed thousands of complaints about moving nationwide last year, including 174 in the St. Louis region.

Common complaints include dishonest, careless or unlicensed movers. Consumers often are upset about lost or damaged goods or final prices that exceeded estimates. In a few cases, movers held customers’ belongings hostage, asking for thousands of dollars before they would unload the van at its final destination.

Some red flags to watch out for include:

• The mover doesn’t make an on-site inspection of your household goods and gives an estimate over the phone or by email. The estimates often sound—and are—too good to be true.
• The mover demands cash or a large deposit before the move.
• The mover doesn’t provide you with a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move,” a booklet movers are required to supply to customers planning interstate moves.
• The company’s website has no address and no information about its registration or insurance.
• The mover claims all items are covered by its insurance.
• When you call, the telephone is answered with a generic “movers” or “moving company” rather than the company’s name.
• Offices or warehouses are in poor condition or don’t exist.
• On moving day, a rental truck arrives rather than a company-owned or marked fleet truck.

The BBB advises consumers to check movers out by getting a BBB Business Review at bbb.org. We have more than 17,000 reviews about movers across North America. Other tips for finding a reliable mover include:

1. Get at least three written in-home estimates. No legitimate mover will give you a firm price online or over the phone. Remember that the lowest estimate may be an unrealistic low-ball offer that can cost you in the end.
2. Know your rights. Learn about your rights at www.protectyourmove.gov or from your state attorney general’s office.
3. Make sure the mover has insurance. The insurance should cover your goods while in transit. However, you may want to consider getting full value protection (insurance), which may add to the cost upfront but could save you headaches after the move. Be sure you understand what the insurance covers, whether items will be repaired, replaced or if you will be offered a cash settlement that you can use to repair or replace the item on your own.
4. Check the mover’s complaint history. BBB Business Reviews include a company’s complaint history with the BBB. Find them at www.bbb.org or by calling 314-645-3300.

For more BBB news and tips, go to the BBB website or follow the BBB on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.