(Guest post.)
Are you on the move? What a thrilling time it is—a time of fresh starts, unfamiliar settings, and new routines. In addition, moving can be difficult, strange, and labor-intensive, whether you move to the Umatilla or Morrow County region of eastern Oregon or some other state. It’s time to relocate the belongings that help to make your house seem like home. As per the U.S. Department of Transportation, around 35 million Americans relocate every year. Thankfully, most moves go smoothly, but within the past ten years, there have been a growing number of complaints about moving companies. A hassle-free moving experience in today’s shifting market depends on choosing the proper movers and how to spot common moving scams.
An AMSA study shows that 21% of people use moving companies to save time, avoid being hurt while lifting large objects, and have a hassle-free moving experience. The best defense against moving scams is being an informed customer who completes their homework at every stage. These are some common moving scam types and warning signs to look out for.
The Top 9 Common Moving Scams
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation reports that the most frequent complaints concern goods held hostage, shipment loss, damage, or delay; unlicensed movers; and misleading practices, like overcharging. These are the top 9 common moving scams you should be aware of, along with warning signs and housing market myths.
Calling it in
A mover offering you a sight-unseen estimate does not insist on an on-site assessment of your home belongings; those are typically too good to be true. Generally speaking, homeowners have a lot more possessions than they realize, and skilled estimators focus more on estimating the bulk and weight of objects than on specific items. For instance, a queen-size bed lacking a footboard and headboard weighs significantly less than one with a large, elaborate wood frame if you want to move it from, for example, Florida to Oregon. In addition to mileage, the cost of moving depends on the size and weight of your possessions in the truck.
The brief look
An “estimator” who conducts a cursory inspection of your house without opening cupboards and without writing precisely what you intend to move is going to be significantly off. “Are you planning a yard sale to get rid of anything? If so, what?” is one of the questions a qualified estimator would ask you.
You should provide as much information as you can, for example, “We’ll be purchasing a king-size bed here to bring with us, so add on that cost.” Scammers take thousands of people’s things hostage every year by undervaluing your quote and then refusing to deliver your stuff until you pay them hundreds or thousands of dollars more—in cash.
The “necessary” deposit
Before moving you, reputable movers won’t ask for cash or a sizable payment. Usually, payment is made at the time of delivery, especially for movers in eastern Oregon. The moment you see your possessions again is completely out of your control if you pay in full. Make sure the credit card you choose to make your payment will protect you against fraud.
The alteration of the name
Some businesses frequently operate under different names to evade fraud detectors. Verify if the company has a physical address in the area and details regarding its insurance and license. When someone answers the phone, they ought to say the complete name of the company rather than just “moving services” or another platitude. Ask for their details and then check as much information as you have online. A good source for this is the MovingScam website, which has an extensive database to help you find the most reliable movers in your local area.
The mover does not provide the data that is required by federal law
Federal law mandates that while you are arranging your move, movers must provide you with a booklet named “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.” Pick a different mover if the one you choose doesn’t offer one.
Packing expenses
Moving presents a catch-22: if you pack your items, the mover is usually not liable for any damage they may sustain. You’ll be paying exorbitant costs for boxes and other packing supplies, in addition to labor and time, if you let your mover pack them. If you choose the latter, find out about their experiences. While the majority exercise caution, others may simply throw everything they can into a box and close it. They will pay no attention to whether anything will bend or shatter. As stated otherwise, it would be more advantageous for you to pack yourself or use professionals like those in the Umatilla and Morrow County region.
Additional costs
Have a two-story home now, or are you moving to one? You’ll probably have to pay more. Moving from or to a flat on the tenth floor? Likewise. Do you live on a little street too small for a moving van? The delivery of your belongings in a smaller truck may incur an additional fee. Ask ahead of time to avoid being surprised by unexpected fees or excessive rates.
The unfilled contract
Regardless of how much you like the mover, you should never sign a blank contract. Make sure everything is documented. Your estimate, all additional costs, and the dates of collection and delivery must be visible.
Go over your contract from top to bottom and ensure that the inventory includes everything you own. If a box is simply listed as “Office supplies,” don’t be content with it unless it is filled with nothing more than notepads and paperclips. You shouldn’t expect the laptop computer to be in the box when the driver comes if it isn’t labeled on the inventory form you sign before he leaves. Anything that isn’t listed on the inventory list isn’t covered by claims records.
The quote with “guaranteed”
One of two types of moving contracts is required by federal law. When an estimate is non-binding, it indicates that the business cannot demand payment after 30 days of delivery, which exceeds 10% of the initial estimate. A binding estimate should include a price guarantee for the relocation along with all additional costs and services. If more services are necessary, you should make a payment within 30 days of delivery.
Do you believe you are signing a legally enforceable, “not to exceed” contract? Go over the fine print. It frequently states that the cost won’t exceed that amount until your possessions’ weight exceeds the estimate. You want written confirmation that this is the final cost, or you want to be sure that the weight estimate you were provided is appropriate for your move to Oregon or any other state. To ensure you get the best deal, choose a moving company that can help you navigate the complexities of your move, like you chose a great local real estate agent when you bought your new house.
Estimates from three separate moving firms could differ by several thousand pounds. In certain cases, you might feel more secure with the larger cost. To determine the weight of your stuff, for instance, movers weigh their vehicles empty and then again after loading them.
Final Words
Making sure that you work with legitimate movers will save you lots of money and hassle. Thus, be sure to keep an eye out for the common moving scams above when working with potential hires for movers. If any or all of the indicators are present in the moving business you wish to work with, avoid them!
