How to check if a moving company is legitimate

5 Ways to Make Sure a Moving Company Is Legitimate

1. Are they online? If you can’t find any mention of a would-be moving company online, consider it a red flag and a possible moving scam. …
2. Request a free estimate. …
3. Certified moving companies must have a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number. …
4. Check business certifications. …
5. Visit consumer protection sites.

What can you do if you get scammed by a moving company?

Report Fraud

Consumers seeking to file a complaint against a household goods moving company, broker or other carrier may contact FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database online or toll-free at: 1-888-368-7238.

Are movers insured?

Are items insured during the move? Movers might be bonded and insured, but that doesn’t mean your belongings are covered during the move. Some states require companies put a valuation of 60 cents per pound of coverage.

Do moving companies steal?

According to Murphy, movers do not steal from shippers – ever. Murphy assures readers that after thirty years of working as a mover, “I never once saw anyone steal anything from a shipper” (21). Before you get too comfortable, though, you may want to reconsider letting the movers pack your socks and underwear.

What to do if moving company is late?

Just contact their head office (you should have the phone number clearly written on your moving contract or if it’s missing there, visit the company’s website to acquire it) and ask them what is going on.

Do movers set up beds?

Yes, movers will assemble and disassemble your furniture. In fact, some items like bed frames will need to be taken apart in order to move them safely. … The most common items to be disassembled are bed frames, large dining room tables, bureau’s (dresser with mirror attached), and vanities.

How far in advance should I hire movers?

two months
Ideally, two months before your move date. Worse case, at least four weeks, but know that if you only have a month or less before your move, you’ll have a limited choice of movers. Most good movers are booked two to three months out.

Should you help your movers?

Our movers love to move quickly and efficiently, so take it from me, it’s definitely not a weird thing to help your own mover… but not by lifting anything! Helping them in other ways is more than just a load off their backs: the faster they can get done, the more money you will save.

How much does it cost to hire a moving company for a local move?

On average, hiring professional movers for a local move will cost from $300 to $1,500 depending on the size of the move. Long distance movers or van lines will cost on average $2,400 – $5,000 depending on the size of the move and the distance.

What insurance do I need for a moving company?

There are standard insurance policies every mover should carry. The key insurance coverages you want to see are for any moving company are auto liability, cargo coverage, and workers compensation. Auto liability works the same as in personal auto, it provides coverage for bodily injury and property damage.

Does homeowners insurance cover moving?

Homeowners insurance generally does not provide coverage for moving. If a moving company damages your personal property in the process of moving it from your old home to the truck or from the truck into your new home, a homeowners policy most likely would not cover you.

Are movers responsible for damage?

In general, your mover is legally liable for loss or damage that occurs during the transportation of your shipment and all related services identified on the bill of lading . … All moving companies are required to assume liability for the value of the household goods they transport .

Do you pay movers upfront?

Reputable movers will NOT demand cash or any large deposit before moving you. You generally pay upon delivery. If you pay up front, you have zero control over when you’ll see your belongings again. When you do pay, use a credit card that will help you fight any fraudulent activity.

How many days does it take to move?

While the actual amount of time it takes to move can vary greatly from move to move, professional movers provide these general timelines based on the size of an apartment: Studio or one-bedroom moves take about 2-3 hours. Two-bedroom moves take about 3-5 hours. Three to four-bedroom moves take up to 7 hours.

How much should you tip movers?

A good rule of thumb is to tip movers $4-5 per person for each hour of work. Here’s a guide on how much tip for movers is customary: A half-day move (4 hours or less) – $20 per person. A full 8-hour day – $40 per person.

Is it cheaper to hire movers during the week?

The short answer to this question is that it’s cheaper to move on a weekday — Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Simply put, most moving companies offer better rates during the week because they aren’t as busy then.

Do you feed the movers?

To keep things simple, we’d recommend providing food if the move takes longer than four or five hours. At that point, even if the movers start early, you’re likely running into lunchtime. Letting the movers go off to lunch is fine, and they may very well need the break.

Can you move a dresser with clothes in it?

Empty Dressers are Easier to Move

That’s one we reason we always recommend removing all items from all furniture. However, if time or resources dictate, it’s generally okay (but never recomended) to leave soft, light, and non-fragile items like clothes or linens in small and low-weight dressers.

Can you leave movers alone?

Even full-service moving companies can’t move everything for you. Moving companies are prohibited by law from putting flammable, perishable, or dangerous items onto their trucks. … Set aside these items in an area labeled “do not pack” (make a sign if you have to) so the movers know to leave them alone.

How much should I pay someone to help me move?

Expect to pay between $60 and $80 per hour for professional movers. Keep in mind that these hourly rates apply whether the movers are wrapping your belongings, actively carrying them, or driving from point A to point B — and that rates may vary depending on whether you’re in a metro area or a more rural location.

Is it cheaper to buy new furniture or move it?

If you’re moving locally, it will be probably better to keep your existing furniture. Local moves are considerably less expensive than long distance moves, so moving your old items to your new home will almost certainly be cheaper than buying new ones.