Tips to Avoid Moving Company Scams

According to Forbes, The Better Business Bureau receives an average of about 13,000 complaints about moving companies each year. Here are five essential tips to help you avoid moving company scams:

Verify Credentials and Licensing:
• Ensure the moving company is properly licensed and insured. For interstate moves in the U.S., check if they have a valid USDOT number from the Department of Transportation.
• Look for local licenses and verify their legitimacy through official state or federal resources.

Read Reviews and Check References:
• Research the company’s reputation online through reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Ask the company for references and follow up with previous customers to hear about their experiences firsthand.

Obtain Written Estimates:
• Get written estimates from at least three different moving companies.
• Avoid companies that provide significantly lower estimates than others, as this can be a tactic used by scammers.


Avoid Large Upfront Deposits:
• Reputable moving companies typically don’t require large upfront deposits.
• Be wary of companies that ask for cash payments or large deposits before the move.

Check Physical Address and Contact Information:
• Verify the company’s physical address and visit if possible. Ensure they have a legitimate office.
• Be cautious if the company’s contact information is incomplete, or they answer the phone with a generic greeting like “movers” instead of the company name.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from moving company scams and ensure a smoother, safer moving experience.

4 Ways to Obtain Boxes When Making a Household Move

No matter how many moving boxes you have, it can seem like you always need more. Finding moving boxes can be a pain, especially if you’re on a budget. Fortunately, there are many places where you can get moving boxes, even if you’re on a budget. Knowing where to get cartons can help keep the packing process moving. Here are some places to get them.

1. Retail Stores for Free

Some stores will give away boxes they receive shipments in for free. Boxes that come free from stores have advantages and disadvantages. For many, saving money during a relocation is a significant benefit, as relocations can be costly. Free boxes are a great benefit, even if they have downsides like the following:

  • Some may be damaged when you get them
  • They might not be the sizes you need
  • Some may have a strange odor or stains from foods (depending on what was in them)

One way you can control the quality of the box is by limiting where your free cartons come from. Grocery stores may have many boxes available, but quality control is difficult. Retailers selling dry goods like tools and housewares are likelier to give you cartons in good condition.

Speak with a manager about obtaining their empty boxes. Also, remember that retailers prefer to only hold on to boxes for a short time because they take up space. If they allow you to take the carton, pick them up on the agreed-upon date.

2. Buy Them at Stores

Buying boxes from stores allows you to control box quality and size. Buying from stores may not be the cheapest, but if you’re searching for sturdy, clean boxes, purchasing them from stores is one of the best ways.

3. Purchase from Your Mover

Some movers will sell moving cartons to clients. This can be an excellent way to get varying-sized boxes for different purposes. For instance, in addition to standard boxes, they will have specialty ones for:

  • Mirrors
  • Artwork
  • Glassware
  • Dishes
  • Wardrobes

They might even offer gently used containers at a discount. If you have a full-service move that includes packing, the moving cartons are generally part of your relocation price.

4. Donation from Others

After moving, some people give away their old boxes through online classified advertisements. This is another way to get second-hand boxes if you’re willing to watch the classified for notices that people are giving away free boxes in your community.

You can also put out an advertisement of your own, indicating that you need free boxes. When the move is over, give them away again. If you’re on a tight budget, gently used boxes may be just what you need to complete your relocation.

Need a Mover? Schedule It Today

As soon as you know your moving date, start talking to a reputable company to schedule your relocation. The best movers book early, so get started on a consultation. Contact us today for a free quote.

 6 Features to Look for in a Commercial Moving Company

Is your business relocating? Do you know what qualities to look for in a professional moving company? Selecting the right moving service can mean the difference between a stressful and successful relocation. Knowing what to look for and what questions to ask when vetting moving companies can help you find the right commercial moving company for your needs. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Excellent Customer Service

Using a company that provides its clients with excellent customer service is essential. Gauging customer service can be challenging, so when you’re contacting moving companies, ask yourself questions such as:

  • Do they answer the phone right away?
  • Are they polite when they talk?
  • Do they respond to questions quickly and accurately?
  • Do the phone representatives seem well-trained and informed?

The answers to these questions can help you determine whether the moving company you’re speaking with offers good service you can count on.

2. Commercial Moving Experience

Not all moving experiences are the same. Residential customers are very different from commercial customers, so finding a mover with experience helping commercial clients through their relocations is crucial. When you meet with your moving company to discuss your relocation, ask them about their previous experience.

They should be able to tell you how many years they’ve been helping commercial customers with their relocations and what moving challenges they can help their commercial clients overcome. They should also have good references from previous commercial relocations.

3. Good Reputation

A good reputation is essential. You should be able to gauge your moving company’s reputation by looking at its presence online. Some qualities to look for that would indicate your moving company has a good reputation:

  • Good online reviews
  • Professional website
  • Member of local associations
  • Award-winning service

If the company has a good reputation, you may also be referred to that company by previous customers. Speak with other businesses you know of that have relocated recently to find out if they would refer their moving company.

4. Affordable Pricing

Once you know your moving budget, find a moving company with affordable pricing that fits within that budget. Finding the right mover doesn’t mean finding the cheapest mover. While finding a company that will provide a service you can afford is important, price isn’t everything. Compare multiple moving companies before settling on one that makes you feel comfortable.

5. Full Range of Services

Are you in need of a moving company that will pack up some of your files and other items? If you’re planning to do only some packing on your own, find a moving company that offers a full range of services. This can make your relocation less work for your staff, so you can get up and going more quickly after your relocation.

6. Flexible Scheduling

Moving can be disruptive, but wisely scheduling your move can help. Find a moving company that can work within your schedule to make your relocation the least disruptive event possible.

Get Started Choosing a Reputable Commercial Moving Company

Contact us today for a free quote and discussion about your upcoming relocation.