Moving can be a stressful, chaotic time for people. As such, it's important to make sure you don't get taken advantage of by unscrupulous moving companies out there who prey on vulnerable customers and pad their bills with unnecessary services or hidden charges.
Here are some tips so you won't be one of the unfortunate ones...
1)) Get The Estimate In Writing
When planning a move, it's vital to do your due diligence and get an estimate in writing.
Ask questions about what fees are included and if there will be any additional costs during the process - this way you can avoid hidden charges.
Doing research on the moving company is key; trust should not be given lightly when considering who will facilitate such an important transition.
2)) Get A Physical Address
Make sure your moving company is the real deal before you book online!
Cross-check any online advertisement with a physical address to ensure that they are, in fact, legitimate.
Failing to do so runs the risk of being taken advantage of—not only will it be difficult or even impossible to resolve issues if there's no business present at their listed location but also make sure you're getting quality services from trusted professionals.
3)) Be Wary Of A Deposit
Paying a deposit can be risky when it comes to hiring movers, as getting the job done on time and in full is never guaranteed.
A genuinely professional company will only expect payment once they have completed their service - failing this could leave you without your belongings or worse still out of pocket.
4)) Avoid The Blank Contract
With so many scams out there, it's important to be vigilant when dealing with a moving company.
Don't let the movers sweet-talk you into signing any contract unless all necessary information is filled in - they could add extra fees later and leave you feeling powerless.
Always protect yourself by ensuring everything is clearly written down before putting pen to paper.
Conclusion
Moving can be stressful and expensive. To avoid falling victim to a scam, it is essential that you do your homework before deciding on which moving company to hire.
Be sure to obtain everything in writing with clear details such as the price per mile, fees associated with the move, and even dates/times involved so there are no surprises down the line.
Also remember to check several references—doing thorough research will help ensure that you work only with an honest, reputable company that has fair practices!