from clarkhoward.com
from clarkhoward.com
Mar 10, 2005 -- Help protect yourself when moving
We’re coming into a time of year when Americans tend to move a lot and real estate activity picks up. Consumers have targets on their backs when it comes to hiring a moving company. The moving industry has been infiltrated by criminals who engage in a series of practices that eat up your wallet in a move.
There are several different scams out there, but one of the most common we hear about involves the bait-and-switch of moving quotes. A moving broker or broker’s representative gives you a quote on how much a move is going to cost. Then, when the movers actually get there, you’re told it’s going to cost much more. And, the greatest abuses happen to people with very nice stuff. Typically, these thugs will hold the goods hostage until you pay more.
Another variation is that a very polite sounding company shows up at your house, loads up your goods very carefully and then takes off with your goods forever. They usually sell it off or fence it for money. There are legitimate movers out there. But the government has very little power in overseeing the state-to-state moving industry. The FBI has gotten involved and busted several rings in Florida, but it still goes on in great numbers. If you work for a big company, be sure to use the company’s mover. If you don’t work for a big company, be sure to hire a mover from AMSA, the certified mover’s association. AMSA’s Web site,
moving.org. And before you start the moving process, check out
movingscam.com.The site lists all of the rogue movers that have ripped people off, as well as tips on how to avoid getting ripped off.
Get a binding estimate in advance specifying the cost of your move.
Check to make sure the mover you pick is a member of the American Moving and Storage Association's "Certified Mover Program."
In your contract, require the mover to pay a penalty if he doesn't deliver your belongings on or before a specific date.
Buy replacement value insurance on your possessions, in case something breaks during the move.
Before you choose a moving company, get a clear understanding from that mover what happens if something is broken that you've packed yourself.
When the mover drops off your furniture at your new residence, do not sign the release form until you've examined your furniture piece by piece.
The best way to protect crystal, china, and any other extremely valuable and delicate possessions is to move them yourself in your own car.
If you want to risk your back and move yourself, be careful about what packing materials you buy for the move. You'll generally do better renting the truck from the rental company and buying your boxes and other materials somewhere else.
To save money on truck rentals, move during mid-month or during the week.
