You’ve heard the horror stories about moving companies. Your friends have used a moving company and were quoted a number. But when they got to their destination all of a sudden a new number was listed on their final bill. Things were broken or missing. They were caught in a heated court battle. All because they chose a dishonest company. 

So how do you avoid those moving companies? How do you know when a moving company is trying to cheat or lie to you? Keep reading and we will tell you all the warning signs and how to avoid them.

Avoid Moving Companies Who Promise The World

There are moving companies out there who will try to reel you in by promising they can move anything anywhere. Here is why this is a red flag. There are special licenses required to move overseas versus moving in-state to out of state. Aside from licensing, moving companies need special equipment to move certain items. 

It is not unheard of when moving companies will try to say they can move anything anywhere in the world. For all they know you could have a baby grand piano on a second story and need to get it from point A to point B. Do they have the ability to hoist it and transport it safely? Stopping a company by mentioning your hard to move items is usually the best route. 

Moving Companies Who Give You A Quote Before A Home Visit

This is another one to look out for. Moving companies who jump to giving you a quote for your belongings and home before even seeing them will usually tack on extra fees. It’s best to set up a date for an in-home visit so they can see what they will be working with. If a moving company states they don’t need to see what they will be moving, they will more than likely wind up cheating you in some way or another. Request a moving quote from a reputable company like Mayflower if you want to make sure everything will be fair and transparent.

Read The Reviews

You have the world at your fingertips when it comes to researching a moving company. Just because a company says they are the best or can move anything isn’t necessarily true. Finding the moving company who makes big claims shouldn’t be hard. Just type in their name and see what people are saying about them. Normally there will be a DOT (Department of Transportation) number attached to the reviews. This number allows you to go to the DOT website and search a company through their database. 

If negative reviews outweigh the good, they will probably do the same to you. You will be able to also search the Better Business Bureau to see what others have said about the company you are interested in. 

Ask For Proof Of Insurance And License

An honest moving company will hand these over without hesitation. However, if moving companies you are researching seem a bit cautious when handing over the information, they are probably dishonest. Every moving company is required to hold the bare minimum insurance and a license in order to move your items while accepting funds for it. Those companies that refuse or say they don’t have it on hand; will more than likely scam you. What this means is that if anything happens to your belongings during the move; you won’t have a leg to stand on in court. 

So How Do You Find Honest Moving Companies?

Talk to friends and family; ask them for recommendations. You can also Find the best Moving Companies at GetYourQuote.com. By going to GetYourQuote.com, you will know that local moving companies who get in contact with you are licensed and honest individuals. This doesn’t mean you don’t do your research still, but it does make it less likely you will run into the bad eggs. 

What Information Do They Need To Get Moving Companies In Contact With Me?

• Move date
• Move description
• First and last name
• Address of from and to
• Phone number for contact

By providing the above information at GetYourQuote.com you will be contacted by licensed moving companies in your area. You should still request an in-home quote to be given and any proof of license and insurance. You should also be prepared to interview at least three companies to ensure you get the correct services for your needs. 

Moving is a stressful time, choosing a moving company is one of the biggest steps of a move. Trying to find someone who will care about your belongings as much as you do is no easy task. But by keeping the above information in mind when looking for a company, you will be sure to avoid the scams. 

Always do your research and do not be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to. Always get a copy of the paperwork and written agreements. Be sure to pay close attention to what others are saying about your chosen moving companies.