May 24, 2024 | Best Moving Companies
How To Verify A Moving Company’s Legitimacy?
Moving an entire house is an experience many of us will go through multiple times in our lives, whether it’s for college, a new job, or settling down to start a family. While moving can be stressful and exhausting, hiring a dependable moving company might be more costly than doing it yourself—but it doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive. The added convenience of not handling the move yourself can be worth the extra expense. DIY moving costs typically range from a few hundred dollars for local moves to several thousand for long-distance relocations.
When you factor in truck rental, packing supplies, gas, and other additional costs, hiring a moving company can actually be more cost-effective—provided you choose a reliable and reputable one. Avoid falling victim to scammers or subpar movers who might damage your belongings or overcharge you. With over 7,000 certified moving companies in the US, finding one that meets your needs shouldn’t be too challenging. Just invest a little time in researching the best moving companies before making your decision.
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Ensure Their Online Presence
Before reaching out to a moving company for an estimate, there are several steps you can take to ensure they are reliable. Start by searching for them online to get an initial sense of their legitimacy. Reputable moving companies will have a professional website and a valid street address. Even if an address is listed, take a few extra minutes to confirm it’s a legitimate location and not just a PO box or a façade. Hiring a local company is also beneficial, as it allows you to read reviews from people in your area and potentially visit their office in person to check them out.
Verify Business Certifications
Reputable moving companies will be registered and have certifications that reflect their business practices. Moving companies that operate across state lines must be registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT), and 33 states also require DOT registration. This registration means the company will have a license for commercial transport vehicles engaged in interstate commerce. DOT-licensed movers must display their registration number on their website and in advertising, so a quick search can provide you with important information about their legitimacy.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issues carrier numbers to moving companies, which you can check to verify their legitimacy. This organization mandates that moving companies provide free estimates, so if a company doesn’t offer this, it could be a red flag.
Another useful certification comes from the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA). AMSA certifies moving companies that pass a comprehensive background check and commit to maintaining high standards. If a moving company is an AMSA member, it’s a good indication that they are reliable and legitimate.
Request a Free Estimate
A legitimate moving company registered with FMCSA is required to provide free estimates to potential clients, which can help you narrow down your options. These estimates are typically given after an in-home consultation, where movers assess the size of your move, identify any specialty items, and gather other details to provide an accurate estimate.
It’s advisable to obtain at least three written estimates following an in-home appraisal. If an estimate seems unusually low compared to others, it may be a red flag. Additionally, if a company offers an estimate only over the phone without sending a representative, this is a strong indicator that something may be wrong.
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Create a Moving Checklist
A comparison of moving companies helps you determine which ones are trustworthy and which might damage your belongings without offering compensation. To make an accurate comparison, use a moving checklist to evaluate each company on the same criteria. Here are some key questions to include when assessing your options:
- Did the company representative demonstrate professionalism, responsiveness, and courtesy during initial contact?
- Was it easy to schedule a home consultation, and did the representative arrive on time?
- Did the representative who conducted the assessment answer moving day questions and concerns?
- Are the company’s moving trucks recent models and well-maintained?
- Is the company available on your desired dates, and what is their estimated timeline for the move?
- How many years has the company been in operation?
- Are all employees legal, experienced, and insured?
- What additional services does the company provide (e.g., professional packing, packing materials, handling oversized items, storage)?
- Does the company hold the necessary licenses to operate?
- Does the company offer any type of liability or insurance coverage?
Read Customer Reviews
In today’s digital age, vetting potential service providers, including moving companies, is easier than ever. Start by checking review sites and conducting an online search for the company’s name to uncover any past complaints.
You can also look up complaints through the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB has been a trusted resource for evaluating companies across North America for more than a century,. Their website rates over 20,000 moving companies and includes information on any complaints or actions taken against them, making it a valuable tool for identifying unreliable movers.
Avoid Large Deposits
While many moving companies require a deposit to secure your booking, be wary if the deposit exceeds 20% of the total estimate. Companies that ask for full payment upon delivery are also a red flag. If a deposit is required, avoid paying in cash, as this makes it difficult to recover the funds if issues arise.
In the worst-case scenario, a disreputable moving company might demand additional money by holding your belongings hostage. If this occurs, contact the police immediately, as this practice is illegal.
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Use a Comparison Tool
With this information in hand, start your search using a website that provides quotes from a variety of reputable moving companies. These top sites help you navigate through options and obtain multiple quotes with a single search. Once you have a few promising quotes, use the checklist provided to ensure you receive quality moving services at a fair price.
