You may have heard about the nightmares that some people have had with so-called professional movers in the past. From moving company scams to events that you just didn't expect, it can be difficult to come up with a response to certain situations. At the same time, the proper response is often the only thing that will stand between you and a nightmarish move. For that reason, it's important to know how to react when your mover does something you didn't quite expect them to do. Take the following advice to heart, as it was gleaned from experts in the moving industry, so that you don't have to worry about what you will do if you should find yourself in one of these unfortunate situations.
Scams and Fraudulent Behavior
There are three main types of moving scams out there. As a consumer, it is important to know what they are so that you can take the appropriate action if the mover you've hired seems to make an attempt to scam you during your move.
What if the mover says they won't deliver my things?
Federal regulations, some of the few that are out there, require movers to deliver your goods as long as you've paid 100% of a binding estimate or 110% of a non-binding one. If you feel that your mover had violated this regulation, make sure to file an online or over the phone complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Consider publishing a review of the company online and complain to the Better Business Bureau as well so that others don't become victims of this moving company.
What if the movers demand more money and threaten not to deliver my things?
Movers must, by law, deliver your goods as long as you've paid 100% of a binding estimate or 110% of a non-binding estimate regardless of how much the move ended up costing. If there are legitimate charges that go over these specified amounts, the mover must bill the consumer for that amount after 30 days have passed following initial delivery.
What if the movers never deliver my things and just disappear?
This is, perhaps, one of the worst forms of a moving scam. When a mover disappears with your things and you cannot contact the company, you should file a complaint immediately with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration either online or over the phone. Also be sure to contact your local enforcement agency and the Attorney General's office for your state.
Different Behavior
Sometimes, movers that come to your home are from different areas of the country, different countries altogether, or simply from a different background. If this is the case, they might act in a manner you may not be used to. Make sure to consider this before you write them off as just being rude. Here's just a few examples.
What if my movers demand more for a tip?
Providing your movers with a tip is almost expected these days. While a great job is rewarded with a higher amount, those who do a poor job still want money. Keep in mind that your movers probably won't see much of the money that you've spent on the move, and sometimes the supervisor ends up keeping the entire tip if you don't split it up. As such, consider rewarding each worker separately and tip according to the job, how much work went into it, and how well you think they did.
What if my movers damage my home?
There's always the chance that your movers will damage the home you live in or the home you are moving to. That's part of the reason that you should prepare your home for the move by putting up padding or covering the floor. Regardless of how you prepare, note that the movers will not be responsible, in most cases, for damage caused by the regular act of moving your things into or out of your home.
What if the movers break something of mine?
Accidents do happen, even when people are very careful. For that reason, it is important that you have enough moving insurance coverage to replace or repair things that might get damaged. You automatically get a certain level of valuation when you hire a mover, but you should always purchase a separate policy to cover the full value of the goods that you are shipping. This will protect you from any of those accidents that happen along the way.
Most importantly, no matter where you might be moving, be sure that you know what your rights and responsibilities are when you are moving so that you don’t find yourself on the bad end of a deal. In the end, it is your vigilance that will protect you and your goods throughout the move.
