According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 14 percent or 40 million Americans move every year. Over the last year, your BBB recorded more than 9,200 inquiries locally about moving companies. Nationally, your BBB received more than 1.8 million inquiries and about 7,000 complaints about this industry.
Realtors say the best time to move is from spring to the fall. It’s a primetime when children are out of school. If you can, try to move midweek because most people wait until the weekend due to work schedules. Most moving companies have low reservations during the week, so they can offer lower rates to entice you to do so. Likewise, avoid moving at the beginning or end of the month because they are also prime moving times.
When looking for a reputable moving company, your BBB offers these tips:
• Get recommendations from friends and family. If they’re pleased with their movers, most likely you will be too.
• Request estimates from several moving companies. Don’t settle for the lowest bid.
• Research the mover online. Check and see if the company has a brick and mortar office. If not, it could be a red flag.
• Find out how long the moving company has been in business.
• Get references and contact them. A reputable moving company will have no problem giving you this information.
• Select a moving company at least six weeks in advance of your move.
• Find out if a moving company is a member of an association like the Association of Movers, Inc.
• Make sure you know moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to give you a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.
• Make sure the mover is licensed, bonded and insured.
• Get everything in writing, including cost, move date, loss or damage policy and inventory of items to be moved.
• Read over the contract to make sure there are no hidden items.
Remember, if you pack your own boxes, many movers will not accept liability for items they didn’t pack. So, it’s best to keep valuable and important documents with you. Also, be sure you’re present when movers pack, pickup and deliver your items.
Your BBB can provide a list of BBB Accredited moving companies and Business Reviews on ones you’re considering. Visit www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301.
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