Moving scams happen all the time. And even when they don't, uninformed consumers coast through the process of hiring a moving company, assuming that everything will be fine.

Sadly, this 'coasting' approach too often leads to inconvenience and even disaster. Moving companies can be quite a great convenience, and can take a large amount of the hassle out of relocating your home and family. But remember: whoever Home Removals Barrow choose to handle your move, you're entrusting with all you own. That's not a decision to take lightly!

In that spirit, utilize this guide to help you avoid some of the common pitfalls that consumers encounter when coping with moving companies. These pointers can save you big money and heartache.

First - A small amount of History

Previous to 1980, moving company prices were regulated by the now defunct Interstate Commerce Commission, or ICC. The ICC governed the pricing structure that moving companies were permitted to charge consumers for moving services.

In 1980, Congress passed the Household Goods Transportation Act. This act deregulated moving industry pricing, allowing movers to issue their very own estimates and develop their own pricing structure. This brought new competition into the moving industry, sufficient reason for this competition came lower prices and an ever dwindling profit margin.

What Does This Mean For Me?

Moving companies are out to create money. With thin income and keen competition, moving companies will have a tendency to do whatever it takes to squeeze just as much money as they can out of your upcoming move. Sometimes this might mean hidden fees or extra charges. Other times it could mean out right scams.

As a consumer, you would do well to be as educated as possible about your moving company and the moving process generally. Here are some ideas to avoid scams, hidden fees, and other moving nightmares:

Get yourself a binding, in-home estimate. Typically, over-the-phone or over-the-internet estimates aren't considered binding. Your mover needs to inspect your property and household goods to accurately offer an estimate for you.
Avoid companies that show no fascination with providing an in-home estimate, that only accept cash, or that want large deposits before the move.
Read reviews on the net. There are a number of consumer watch dog sites and user driven review sites that may offer you feedback on your own moving company. Google Maps provides a review system, and is usually a good place to begin for information about your moving company. In addition, ask your moving company to supply references and be sure to call them. Also, contact your neighborhood BBB and see if any reports have already been generated regarding your moving company.
Require a copy of one's Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. Federal regulations require your moving company supplies you with a copy of the booklet during the planning stages of an interstate move.
Avoid companies that show up in rental trucks or that answer their phones with generic responses such as for example 'Movers'.

Avoid companies that list no local address on their website or that are unable to produce any information about their state or federal licensing.
Require a copy of your moving company's insurance certificate.
Find out if your moving company charges minimum rates (e.g. a minimum billing for four hours of work, irrespective of real-time expended), travel expenses, fuel charges, or other fees which will be built into your estimate.
Learn if your moving company is really a broker.
A broker sets up moving jobs for another company. If you choose to go with a brokerage, research the company that they are brokering your proceed to.
Be involved constantly. Read what you sign. Ask questions. Get everything on paper. The better documented your move is, the higher able you are to protect yourself.
By the end of day, there are several good moving companies on the market. We'd like to believe that we're one of them! But you do have to take care of yourself. Applying the tips above will assist you to do just that!