Red Flags to Avoid in a Moving Company

If you’re hiring a moving company, you’re going to make a big investment. From the moment you first contact a company, there are things to look out for. Beyond the old adage of “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is” there are several other things you can look out for!

The most important tip we can give to our friends and clients before a move, is to start with a moving company trusted by someone you trust. Ask around, poll friends on social media, ask one of our agents for a recommendation. Finding someone you trust will save you tons of red flags in the future! 

Here are our top red flags to look out for when speaking with a moving company:

• You Aren’t Given an Estimate: Movers aren’t cheap! Most people need to know how to budget for a moving company. If your mover doesn’t give you any sort of ballpark estimate beforehand, know they’re likely going to scam you on moving day. 

• The Estimate is Made Blindly: Your 2,500 square foot home may have a lot less stuff than your neighbor’s 2,500 square foot home! If your moving company claims they can give you a binding estimate over the phone, move along. 

• The Movers Won’t Give a Price Before Loading: While some incidentals are to be expected, your mover must give you some sort of price before moving day. If the company demands that you must wait until their truck is loaded to estimate the price, it’s a good idea to step away. 

• The Company Demands a Large Cash Deposit or Payment Upfront: While some deposits are understood, an exorbitant deposit or full cash payment up-front is simply not how it’s done. This is a red flag that should be avoided at all costs! 

• The Company Doesn’t Call Itself By a Legitimate Name: If you call and the person on the other end of the line says, “movers” upon answering instead of a company name, they probably aren’t legitimate. 

• They Aren’t Easily Searchable: Not everyone has a great website, but it’s important to have a decent online presence. If the moving company you’ve hired doesn’t have any sort of website or page, it’s probably best to find someone else! 

• They Seem Careless or Clumsy: When you interview the mover (in person), it’s important to see how they treat the items in your home. They’re planning on packing all of your belongings into a van and put it through lots of stress and movement. Does this mover seem like he won’t work hard to pad your items? Does he seem careless with your home? Be aware and find someone new if needed.  

• Your Google Results Are Concerning: Google has tons of amazing reviews for most any business. If you can’t find reviews for a moving company, or worse, find reviews that seem overwhelmingly negative, you’re going to need to call someone else. 

• Trust Your Gut: Your gut instinct is one of the best indicators you have for finding red flags! There’s no reason you should hire someone without feeling confident in their ability to do a good job. 

You don’t have to feel blindsided by a scammy moving company! Use your instinct, trust your gut, talk to trusted friends, and keep this list handy before you call a moving company! 

Photo by Bruce Mars Via Pexels.com.