Moving can be rather stressful, just from all the packing and preparation alone. Choosing a reputable moving company is another challenging part, as many organizations are out to pull a fast one. A fraudulent moving company may have workers that swipe possessions and valuables such as money. Therefore, knowing how to avoid moving scams is critical.

Here are the most common scams and ways to avoid them:

Hidden fees

Rogue movers often tack on undisclosed fees for moving heavy objects, climbing stairs, and packing. To avoid this, insist on signing a comprehensive contract before allowing the company to transport any belongings.

Moving services deposits

Reputable moving companies generally don’t ask for deposits to hold a move date. They may request to put a hold on a credit card closer to the date. However, some movers might ask for a deposit, which is why it’s crucial to understand all associated fees.

Suspicious quotes

Disreputable moving companies utilize several shady quoting tactics:

Low-ball bids

These are bids that are too good to be true. The offers are suspiciously low and likely missing essential details. This issue allows a moving company to apply extra costs with the potential to escalate matters by refusing to deliver before payment. It’s not unheard of for the original quote to end up costing double or triple that amount.

Again, consult the mover on all provisions in the contract and go through all costs before signing it.

One-price-fits-all bids

The cost of moving is a lot more complex than calculating the starting and ending points. A contract that only lists transportation expenses is a huge red flag.

Reputable movers give comprehensive quotes that denote the zip codes, the number of rooms, the approximate total weight of the belongings, and the truck space needed. Steer clear of companies that leave out this vital data when determining moving costs.

In-and-out bids

Like the previous, the in-and-out bid doesn’t contain enough details to calculate long-distance moving costs accurately. Moving companies that offer such services rush the conversation and may not be inclined to discuss the terms until all of your possessions have been gathered. The price usually changes at this point.

If the rep doesn’t spend enough time examining each room in the house (including the closets), you may not want to hire that mover. They should also ask questions about moving plans to help them figure out the cost, or it may reveal that they are indeed looking to take advantage of you.

Volume-based bids

Be on the lookout for movers who calculate the cost of long-distance moving by the truck’s cubic footage instead of the estimated weight. While this method is standard with small-package carriers, it is against federal law when traveling interstate unless the company includes a weight conversion factor. If not, you can report such a mover to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Do you need a reputable moving service?

We have discussed some popular moving scams and how you can avoid them. These tips will also help you hire a reliable and professional moving company for a stress-free move.

Miranda Delivery Service offers moving services across Arizona, interior design moving and storage, furniture delivery and assembly, and commercial storage. Call 480-389-5928 today!