Summer is prime season for moving, with many families wanting to get settled in their new homes before school starts.
Moving is among the most stressful events in anyone's life. You want your furniture and other possessions to arrive in your new home in the same condition as when they were packed. Add to that the strain of leaving the community where you've put down roots to settle in a new location, and worry can be overwhelming.
Finding a great mover is one key to a smooth and stress-free move. Friends can be a good source of recommendations, but it pays to do more research before you sign a contract. Consumers should check out movers, contact their references and understand the contract with the moving company. Then there should be few, if any, surprises.
Common complaints about movers include damaged or missing items, bills that were higher than estimates, late deliveries and, in some cases, goods being held hostage for additional payments.
Several "red flags" could be signs of unreliable or unscrupulous movers. Be skeptical if a mover gives you an estimate without taking a look at your furniture and other property. Other bad omens are demands for cash or a large deposit before the move or claims that all items are covered by the mover's insurance. Be suspicious if a mover's website lacks an address, information about the company's registration or omits proof of insurance. Unmarked vans can also be an ominous sign.
Five tips that can help you find a trustworthy mover include:
• Get at least three written in-home estimates. No legitimate mover will give you a firm price online or over the phone. Remember that the lowest estimate may be an unrealistic low-ball offer that can cost you in the end. Compare your options and decide which one is best for you before committing.
• Know your rights. Learn about your rights at protectyourmove.gov or from your state attorney general's office. Movers who operate within a single state are regulated by that state's government.
• Make sure the mover has insurance. The insurance should cover your goods while in transit. However, you may want to consider getting full value protection (insurance), which may add to the cost but could save you headaches after the move. Be sure you understand what the insurance covers, whether items will be repaired, replaced or if you will be offered a cash settlement that you can use to repair or replace the item on your own.
• Read the contract before you sign it. Don't be afraid to ask the mover questions to explain anything you don't understand. A great mover will want to provide answers and will communicate with you throughout the move. Estimates and protection plans vary within different companies.
• Research the company. Go online and check the company's reputation and complaint history with a BBB business review. Ask for referrals from friends, family, neighbors and past customers to determine what type of experience they had with a company.
Mike Harrison is regional director for the Mid Missouri Better Business Bureau, whose mission is to create a marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other. He can be contacted at 573-886-8965 or [email protected].