Packing up your items to move to a new place can be extremely stressful for everyone involved. From setting aside time to pack and clean to coordinating your move and finding movers, a lot is involved as you work toward a successful move. 

Hiring a reputable moving company can help ease the stress for your next local or long-distance move. However, it’s crucial to do your homework beforehand and research the moving companies you’re interested in so you don’t become a victim of a moving scam.

According to the Better Business Bureau, each year, they receive an average of 13,000 complaints and negative reviews about movers.

Before you hire movers, you want to do some research on the company. An excellent way to do that is by visiting their website to understand the services offered and who they are. Consider it a red flag if their website has no local address or information about their registration or insurance.  If you like what you see on the company’s website, the next thing you should do is see what customers have to say. Third-party review sites like Facebook and Google are good places to check out and see what customers say about their experiences. By reading people’s experiences, you can gather information on how the company operates and treats its customers and belongings.

Cost is often the deciding factor when people are looking to hire movers. Sometimes, the price could look good, but the service may not be what you expect. This is why you should ask questions before booking anything. Great questions include asking about deposits, if they are refundable, and if there are any extra fees. Damages are also important to ask about. Do they repair, replace, or pay pennies per pound? Do they offer additional insurance for high-value items? If a company cannot answer these questions, finding a different company is probably best.

Before you hire a moving company, you want to make sure you can check off your list that company movers are trained and have undergone extensive background checks. Another thing to keep in mind is that a reputable moving company hires full-time uniformed movers to complete the jobs, not day laborers. This emphasis on professionalism will ensure you feel secure in your choice of moving company. 

Visit www.protectyourmove.gov to make sure the mover you choose is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Avoid movers that do not show U.S. DOT and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers on their trucks, websites, and paperwork.

Missouri https://www.modot.org/HHGoods and Illinois https://www.icc.illinois.gov/authority/household-goods-movers also have websites to protect consumers. Research the companies to ensure they are licensed to move in and out of your state.  

Moving is the third most stressful experience in life, with death and divorce being the first and second most stressful, but hiring a reputable moving company can help ease the stress. To avoid moving scams, it's essential to research the moving companies beforehand, read reviews, find the costs, ensure the movers are professional, and check their licensing. Following these steps can provide a successful move and avoid becoming a moving scam victim.