May is National Moving Month and the start of the busiest time of year for changing residencies…which means unlicensed movers and dishonest scammers are waiting to take advantage consumers who aren’t careful.
BBB has teamed up with American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) to offer tips on how to select the right mover and how to avoid the scams.
Research the company thoroughly. While state regulations vary, all interstate movers must, at minimum, be licensed by the federal government and are assigned a motor carrier number you can verify on FMCSA’s website, www.protectyourmove.gov.
Get at least three written in-home estimates. Not all price-quotes online or over the phone are legitimate. Keep in mind that the lowest estimate can sometimes be an unrealistic low-ball offer, which can cost you more in the end.
Know your rights. Research your rights as a consumer with either FMCSA for interstate moves or the state in which you reside for moves within that state. Also, enlist the help of BBB or local law enforcement if the moving company fails to live up to its promises or threatens to hold your belongings hostage. FMCSA requires interstate movers to offer arbitration to help settle disputed claims.
Consider accepting full value protection. It may cost a few dollars more up front, but it can provide some peace of mind and eliminate headaches after your move. Purchasing full (replacement) value protection means any lost or damaged articles will be repaired or replaced, or a cash settlement will be made to repair the item or to replace it at its current market value, regardless of age. It’s important to note that the required minimum coverage of 60 cents per pound would not cover the replacement cost, for example, of a flat panel TV if damaged in transit. For your protection, a new interstate regulation effective May 15 requires the cost of full value protection to be included in the estimate you receive.
To read the full article, visit www.bbb.org/us/article/protect-your-move-and-yourself-during-national-moving-month-34027.
Excellent information, moving is a difficult and time consuming effort and I like the idea of gathering and putting all your ducks in order. Use caution on deciding on storage and moving considering the Bed Bug issues that have developed over the years. Take care in packing and unpacking and use common sense and all should go well. Search out websites that have ideas and choose a great plan of action!
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Hey! I completely agree with agree with you blog post.
I have listened about many forgeries related to storage units and seriously knowing about the company’s background is really very essential. Secondly, everything should be in written as a proof of document. Our items should be insured and so the company also.
Their Storage Solutions should be perfect!
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This should save a lot of problems.
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