The moving process is stressful enough on its own, but finding out the company that you hired is trying to scam you can turn your move into a nightmare. Taking the time to research and ask important questions can help save you the stress of dealing with a moving scam.
3 Tips to Avoid a Moving Scam as You Prepare to Move
- Avoid moving companies that provide generic information. Moving companies that do not provide a local address on their website or those that answer phone calls with generic names, such as “moving company” should be avoided at all costs! Take the time to check for important details on the company’s website and search out some reviews from previous customers.
- Be cautious of phone only estimates. A phone estimate can be effective for smaller, local moves, but if your move includes two or more bedrooms, an on-site estimate (or video estimate) should be given. If a company will only offer an estimate by phone or online, cross them off your list and move on to the next one! You don’t want any surprises to your budget when they arrive and realize your stuffed closets and basement will take them a lot longer than they first thought.
- Beware of unusual payment methods. Cash payment and large down payments before the scheduled move date are two red flags. However, it is law to make payment upon delivery of your items.
By taking the time to do a little research and ask important questions, you can save yourself a lot of stress when hiring a moving company for your next move. For more ideas on how to help your move go as smoothly as possible, be sure to check out our post on Tips on Hiring the Right Movers.
If you’re ever unsure, please feel free to reach out to us. We’d be happy to give you a no-strings opinion or free moving estimate.
