Now that the weather is warm, people start to think to new things like summer vacations, grilling out and MOVING. Yup! Tis the season for moving.
And, as we usher in a new season of moving, we also usher in the season of moving SCAMS!
I can’t stress enough that moving scams really are on the rise. My Google alerts keep getting tripped by the words “moving scam”. It’s the same thing again and again. People want a cheap move, so they hire the cheapest person or company. Now, I can’t fault them for wanting to save money- I’m the biggest bargain hunter there ever was (you have to be with 5 kidlets!).
It’s true, your worldly possessions are just that- stuff. But, amongst all that “stuff” are treasured memories. So, make sure you take the necessary precautions to not get scammed.
- Check out your moving company. Ask around. Check the reviews online. Check the BBB. Call your congressman! Ok, maybe not that one- but do everything you can to vet the companies who are giving you quotes.
- Just say no to Craigslist. I know Craigslist can have a wealth of service providers and not all of them are looking to take you for everything you have. But, some are. And those “some”, make me want to say “no” to the entire bunch.
- Check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/) site for proper licensure. No proper license, no move-y.
- Make sure you purchase moving insurance and preferably from someone other than the moving company you are using. Most moving companies who offer additional insurance coverage (for an additional price), are legitimate. But, there are other options available than purchasing directly from someone whose moving you. Explore those options and compare prices. Chances are, pricing will be about the same and, should a claim arise, you won’t have to deal directly with the moving company- you can deal with an insurance company who is experienced at handling claims!
- Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right about the situation or the moving company, then don’t proceed. It’s always difficult to trust your instincts in stressful times, particularly when you’re moving because the only thing you want to do is to get it over with, fast. But, if you don’t trust your gut and something goes awry, you’ll regret it for years to come.
You can make your summer move a success by using a little common sense and taking a bit of precaution. You'll soon be on your way to summer fun in your new digs!
