How Do I Protect Myself from a Moving Company?

By USMPO EditorialAugust 30, 2024

Moving is often an overwhelming and time-consuming task, and the last thing you want is for an untrustworthy moving company to exploit you and scam your belongings away from you. Unfortunately, scams involving scam moving companies have unfortunately become all too frequent, with consumers being overcharged or having damaged goods taken hostage until additional fees are paid in order to receive their belongings back. So how can I protect myself against moving companies? This guide provides steps you can take in order to have a smooth and safe moving experience, including insights from USMPO experts.

Research and Verify Your Moving Company

Researching and verifying a moving company are among the key steps for protecting yourself against untrustworthy movers. Don’t go with the first company offering an attractive offer; take time instead to check their credentials with organizations like US Mover Protection Organization which offer lists of reliable movers that have been evaluated on reliability, professionalism and industry standards to reduce fraud risk significantly. Choosing one from this list significantly decreases fraud risks in moving arrangements.

COMPANY NAME	RATING & REVIEWS	DOT #
Allied	View Company Profile	76235
All My Sons Moving and Storage	View Company Profile	904955
International Van Lines	View Company Profile	2293832
JK Moving Services	View Company Profile	1065394
Suddath Relocation Systems	View Company Profile	425402
Wheaton	View Company Profile	70719

Click on Your State to Find a Certified Moving Company

Before selecting a moving company, ensure they have registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and possess an authentic DOT number – this enables you to check their complaint history and ensure they are genuine.

US DOT Number - How Do I Protect Myself from a Moving Company?

Get Written Estimates & Understand the Contract

One strategy used by dishonest movers is providing lowball estimates only to raise them significantly once your belongings have been loaded onto their truck. To protect yourself against this tactic, always insist on getting written estimates; an ideal scenario would involve using virtual in-home surveys such as that offered by USMPO so as to get an accurate assessment of moving costs without an in-person visit being necessary.

Use this app to easily document your
belongings in the moving industry format

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Moving From

Moving To

Move Size

Full Name

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Be wary of estimates that appear too good to be true; always insist upon receiving a binding estimate, which guarantees the cost listed will not change should your move change in terms. Furthermore, make sure that before signing any contracts that they fully understand its provisions. Pay special attention to clauses regarding additional charges; don’t be intimidated into asking any queries if something doesn’t seem clear!

Monitor the Moving Process

Once You’ve Choosen Your Moving Company, don’t assume your work is finished after selecting a moving company; remain vigilant throughout the entire moving process by registering with USMPO’s Registration Initiative – designed to hold movers accountable to their quotes, monitor carrier performance, and promote consumer safety within the moving industry. By doing this you add another level of oversight if any problems arise during transit.

Protect yourself from price hikes

Click here to Register Your Move

Keep an inventory of your belongings before packing, noting their condition prior to storage. A virtual in-home survey by USMPO may also assist in this regard, providing a list of items needing moving. During moving day itself, be present and supervise loading procedures carefully so everything arrives without incident.

Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities

As a consumer, you have rights when hiring a moving company. To outline them during the moving process, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has produced “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.” In it you are provided with details regarding receiving written estimates; being present during moving day; filing claims should your belongings become damaged; etc.

File a complaint - How Do I Protect Myself from a Moving Company?

As it’s crucial that consumers know what steps to take if anything goes awry with their mover, it is also crucial that they know who to turn to when something does go awry. Should anything arise regarding an unexpected charge or damaged items from your moving company – be it unexpected charges or damaged goods – don’t hesitate to file a formal complaint through USMPO as appropriate – the organization offer invaluable help with consumer safety by mediating disputes between moving companies.

Conclusion

Moving is an important life milestone and taking every precaution necessary to guard yourself against scams and fraud can ensure an easy experience. By conducting thorough research, obtaining written estimates, monitoring the moving process closely and understanding your rights you can ensure a stress-free move experience. Luckily, The U.S. Moving Protection Organization offers verified movers lists as well as virtual in-home survey tools as well as registration initiatives designed to hold them accountable – using these resources allows you to move confidently knowing you will always be protected every step of the way!

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How Do I Protect Myself from a Moving Company?

Research and Verify Your Moving Company

Get Written Estimates & Understand the Contract

Monitor the Moving Process

Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities

Conclusion

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