Important Questions to Ask Movers

In a simpler time, you could ask any professional mover for a moving estimate and get an honest, straightforward answer. Today, however, the moving business has plenty of “rogue” operators who are out to scam customers during a move – a time of increased stress and vulnerability. For that reason, it’s more important than ever to obtain no less than three competitive moving estimates, and to ask right questions before you sign any contracts.

Here are the questions to ask movers before you have them estimate moving costs for you. Do not proceed unless the mover answers the following seven questions to your complete satisfaction.

1. Will their moving estimate be based on an on-site inspection?

Inspections allow the movers to size up the job so they can provide an accurate estimate, and are standard operating procedures for most reputable moving companies. Don’t use any company that answers “no” to that question. A common scam involves giving a low initial estimate over the Internet or phone to secure your business, and then inflating the fees later while they hold on to your belongings.

2. Is the company insured?

Any legitimate company will answer “yes.” If so, ask them to provide you with documentation. A “no” answer, or failure to produce documentation is a red flag, so walk away.

3. Is the company a member of any professional trade associations?

The main one to look for is the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA), and your state may have its own organization as well. Affiliation with such groups won’t guarantee they’re not scammers, but checking with the organizations will tell you if they’re lying about their membership. If they lied, they shouldn’t get your business.

4. Is it OK to visit their facilities?

A “no” answer for any reason means you should move on to the next company on your list. When a company says “yes,” then indeed you should follow through and tour their facilities. Look for inconsistent or missing signage, trucks marked with other companies’ names (including rentals), and any indications of disorganization or sloppy housekeeping. These red flags can indicate a rogue mover who just moved onto the premises. Most importantly, if you’re uncomfortable with their surroundings, do you want them handling your belongings?

5. Does the company automatically offer customary moving industry documentation?

Legitimate movers advise their customers at the time they estimate moving costs of the arbitration program they use (when necessary), and provide a brochure entitled " Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move," published by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. In fact, the law dictates that the moving company must provide this documentation if your move is to a different state.

6. What company name appears on the license?

Rogue movers usually have a number of business names in order to stay ahead of the authorities. If the company you’re considering has a different name on the license than on ads, web sites, signs, trucks or documentation, it’s a signal that you may be headed for trouble if you hire them.

7. Who is the company owned by?

An Internet search of a company name may come up squeaky clean, but it could be masking a scammer trying to hide his or her past. Once you know the owner’s name, try an Internet search of his or her name by itself, and then repeat the name search with the word “scam” added.

If you call to get a moving furniture estimate and the phone is answered with a generic greeting like “movers” or “moving service,” don’t even bother with the rest of the questions and hang up. Scam movers often do business under many names so they can stay one step ahead of the police and regulatory agencies. A lack of company identity should definitely be considered a red flag.

Moving is a major, expensive change in one's life. You can easily avoid any added stress by simply asking the seven questions mentioned above. And by all means, feel free to ask more!

Photo by Alexander Kalina

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