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You are dealing with a lot at the moment. The last thing that you want to struggle with right now is a scam. That is absolutely right. If you are in the process of moving your house, you will become the target of a lot of online predators who would advertise themselves as the best moving company out there. They would also come up with useful moving tips and also send you promotional content on your registered email ID.
The pricing is also going to be very impressive but this is where you should wake up and smell the coffee. This is a fraud in the making and it is better that you realize it right now. The following section is going to talk about a few ways to safeguard yourself and protect your hard-earned money from moving scams. Let’s dive right in:
1. Always Do Your Research
Research is going to include a visit to their official website. Then you are going to follow them on their social media channels such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter may be. Look for any success stories that they might have posted on Instagram. Talk to the people who follow them regularly and look for a few verified clients that have worked with them in the past. This is going to give you enough information about the packers and movers you want to choose for your move. Also, it will give you a sense of security that you are in good hands if everything turns out to be favorable.
2. Yes, There Is A Written Estimate
There is always going to be a written estimate. Before you sign the contract with the movers, ask them for a binding estimate in writing. Remember to contact at least 3 or 4 moving companies and ask them for the same. Draw comparisons between all of them and the number and variety of services that they offer within a similar price bracket. Take your time. Do not make this decision in a hurry.
3. Get Insurance Coverage
Getting insurance is very critical for you especially if you have any expensive items in your cargo. For example, if you have a set of high-definition monitors that you use in your gaming console, it is better to get them insured. This protects them against any probable damage or breakage while they are being transported to your new house. While it is not going to act as a cushioning or padding agent, it is definitely going to compensate you for the damage in case of any accident that is.
4. Pay Attention To The Terms Of Service
This is very important. A legitimate moving company is always going to have a set of terms and conditions. The same is usually found on their official website as well. And also, you will get a copy of them in the contract that they have prepared for you. You must make sure to go through those terms and conditions before you sign on the dotted line. Go through the entire list of things that are included and excluded for the amount that you have to pay at the end of the moving process.
5. Take A Round Of Their Physical Office
Some families prefer to visit the physical office or place of business of professional movers. If you want to be absolutely certain about the moving company and its legitimacy, it is better you do that too. This is a sign of a truly aware and diligent customer and you should not shy away from exhibiting it. It only goes out to say that you care about how you spend your money. It is definitely going to prevent you from getting scammed.
6. Do Not Pay For Any Service In Advance
Usually, there are no payments to be made in advance. If the house moving company asks you to make a big deposit or wants 50% of the total amount in advance, it is not a good sign at all. Even if they ask you for a token amount in exchange for allowing you to have a closer look at the moving vehicle, there is no way you should oblige.
7. Do Not Pay A Huge Deposit Amount Either
It is always in your best interest to avoid paying any initial deposit amount too. Most of the house moving companies out there are going to ask for probably 15% or 20% of the entire amount. If you find a figure that exceeds this percentage, you should be cautious. This means that somebody is out there to rob you of your money.
8. Ask Pointed Questions
If you have any doubts about the moving company, do not forget to ask pointed questions. If you have any queries or even if you are in your skeptical mode, it is better to get clarity on all of the things that seem to bother you. For example, when you want to be certain about what kind of moving vehicle you will get in this agreement. Another instance is a complete breakdown of the cost. If you are not able to get clarity on things like these, it is not a good idea to associate with them.
9. Say No To The (Extremely) Low Price
Any professional movers that guarantee the lowest price in the market are trying to fool you. First of all, if they come up with words such as “guarantee”, “surety”, or “100%” it is better to stay away from them. House moving is risky and very much dependent on various factors such as weather conditions, traffic, detours, availability, probable problems with the vehicle, and a lot more. So if you come across a very low price despite all of these uncertainties attached to this service, it is better to say no.
10. Pay Attention To Reviews
Always pay attention to the reviews and testimonials of these companies. Look for verified users both on their official website and social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Do not just go through the positive points that have been mentioned by their previous clients. Go through the negative reviews as well. Remember that no moving company is going to be perfect and if you come across something like that, it is definitely a red flag
It Is Important To Enjoy The Moving Process
Remember, it is very important to enjoy the moving process whether you choose any professional movers in the city or not. Even if you decide to ditch packers and movers and do it all on your own, the experience is going to be worth it. However, if you doubt that you will be able to do it, a dependable and experienced moving company is only a few reviews away.
