movers moving furniture into moving truck

BBB Tip: How to hire a mover you can TRUST

Have a move coming up? Find a mover you can trust with help from the BBB.

Moving is more than just relocating your belongings to a new home.

Moving across town or the country requires time, patience, money, and, most importantly, trust. Movers are among the top categories of companies searched on BBB.org, which has BBB Business Profiles on more than 13,000 moving-related companies*. With all that competition, you will want to look for the most reputable company to handle your precious belongings.

In 2023, consumers accessed moving companies' BBB Business Profiles more than 1.5 million times, while customers filed over 5,900 complaints about movers and moving companies with BBB.* These complaints ranged from damaged or missing items to unexpected expenses and late deliveries. To avoid moving mishaps, consumers must be vigilant in selecting a trustworthy mover.

*BBB research 2023

BBB encourages movers to be mindful of these moving misfortunes:

Photo of a plain white moving truck parked on the street in front of a house.
Fly-by-night movers:

Movers show up in an unmarked rental truck, rather than a clearly-marked company-owned fleet truck, and take off with your possessions. Only when you have arrived at your new residence do you discover your things didn't make the journey. 

A moving van packed with furniture and belongings
Holding your belongings hostage:

The move seems to be going smoothly until you arrive at your new home, and the movers demand more money before releasing your things from storage. 

Sad evicted tenant moving home boxing belongings
Conniving contractors:

Some movers try to gain clients' trust and persuade them that there is no need for a written contract. The contractor denies all responsibility if something goes wrong during the move, leaving you on the hook for costs and damages.

      

BBB offers the following tips on preparing for a move, finding a trustworthy moving company, and avoiding scams:

Do your research.

Look up Business Profiles for moving companies on BBB.org. Look for BBB Accredited Businesses, which have met BBB's standards of trustworthiness and reliability. Additionally, consider checking the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) or Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) for reputable movers. Many BBB Accredited movers are also AMSA ProMovers or CAM Members. Note the length of time a company has been in business and read reviews from previous customers. 

Verify credentials.

Ensure the mover's credentials and professional memberships are legitimate. Ask for proof of licenses, insurance, and affiliations with reputable industry organizations. In the U.S., certified movers will be registered with the Federal government and have a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number, which you can verify by going to the DOT website. The American Trucking Association also offers a Promover certification and a Certified Moving Consultant certificate for salespeople.

Get it in writing.

Obtain at least three written estimates from different movers, preferably based on visits to your home. Though most professional movers do give quotes over the phone, it's still a good idea to get written documentation of all the services you are receiving. Be cautious of estimates that seem too good to be true. Ensure that both parties understand and document any changes.

Discuss payment terms.

Find out how and when payment is required. Many movers request a deposit to secure your moving date, with full payment due before delivery. Find out what your payment options are and what payment method is available.  You may want to tell your bank that you are relocating if they notice increased or unusual charges on your credit card.

Prepare for potential damage.

While reputable movers are trained to handle belongings with care, some damage may occur during the move. Be sure to inquire about inadmissible and non-protected items, such as hazardous materials, jewelry, currency, etc. Determine what your homeowners' insurance policy covers and what is/is not covered under your replacement valuation protection. If you are arranging for other workers to be in and out of your home, consider documenting the conditions before and after access in case any property damage occurs. 

Insure your possessions.

Confirm your mover provides full-value protection insurance for lost or damaged possessions. Understand the coverage limitations and consider additional coverage for high-value items such as wide-screen televisions.

Take valuables with you.

Take cash, coins, jewelry, photographs, and important papers with you or ship them separately using a shipping service with tracking numbers and insurance.

Educate yourself.

Familiarize yourself with federal regulations and resources provided by organizations like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in the United States and the Canadian Association of Movers. These resources offer valuable insights and checklists for hiring qualified movers and ensuring a smooth relocation process.  

For more information

See BBB's tips to avoid falling prey to a moving scam.

BBB Accredited Businesses uphold BBB's Standards of Trust. Find a moving company you can trust on BBB.org.

Keep yourself and others safe by visiting BBB Scam Tracker to report and look up scams.

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