Common Scams that Un-Ethical Moving Companies often employ to Separate Unaware Consumers from their Ca$h…

“Packing Pitfalls”

Even if you pack yourself, it doesn’t guarantee that you won’t be subjected to additional charges when it comes to packing.  It’s not unusual for the moving company’s original estimate to double just from “packing materials.”

Here’s what can happen.  You didn’t have time to pack everything, or you ran out of boxes.  No big deal, right?  You just ask the movers to do it.  While you probably expect to pay a premium for the boxes, what you likely don’t expect is paying a fortune for packing tape.

The trick that the movers use (to jack the cost of your move) is to use a TON of packing tape on the boxes that they pack and/or on the boxes that you packed that the movers feel needs more tape.  So they wrap, and they wrap, and they wrap.  Before long, your boxes have more wrapping than an Egyptian mummy, and you soon learn that packing tape isn’t cheap…about twice what you’d pay for it elsewhere.

Another packing scam used by some unscrupulous professional packers is the “half-filled box trick.”   The mover puts just a few items in the bottom of the box, and fills the rest of the box with packing paper.  That small item is now in a big box, and your moving cost just grew accordingly.

You might also catch the movers trying to use the more expensive boxes (like dish-pack boxes) with double-thick sides, for items that don’t need it.

To protect yourself from this very costly scheme, if you’re packing yourself, make sure you have enough tape and buy extra rolls in case you need more on Moving Day.

If you hire professional packers, be around for the packing so you can supervise the work.  And remember…on Moving Day, the movers will insist that everything is in a box.  They won’t take anything that you’ve thrown in a garbage bag.

Common Scams that Un-Ethical Moving Companies often employ to Separate Unaware Consumers from their Ca$h…

“Guaranteed Moving Quotes”

You did it right…you had the moving company come to your home and do a physical inventory (survey) of all your household goods (that you will be moving), and the moving company provided you with a “guaranteed moving quote” also called a “binding estimate” or “flat rate.”  You are told that you will pay no more than the quoted amount, and you could actually pay less if the estimate was too high.   So, you have nothing to worry about, right?  WRONG!

What if the estimate is too low?  Answer:  YOU PAY MORE!  Maybe a lot more.

Here’s how it works.  The moving company estimator comes to your home for an “in-home visual estimate,” takes an inventory of your household goods, and gives you a “guaranteed moving quote.”  No problem, right?  But what happens when the estimator accidentally misses listing some of your belongings on the quote?  What happens is the moving quote becomes void, and you end up negotiating with the moving company for a new estimate on moving day.

To protect yourself from this very clever and common scam, carefully scrutinize the inventory that the estimator uses to determine your moving estimate, and make sure nothing is omitted.  Attics, basements and garages are common sources for this deceitful practice.

The cost of an interstate move is primarily determined by three factors: distance, weight, and extra services rendered. *

Distance and weight are easily understood, but many movers are uncertain about the 3rd factor “extra services.”

Extra services are often required to ensure that valuable or cherished items are moved safely from one location to another. This may include dismantling, reassembling, and/ or crating and uncrating of items.

Items requiring additional attention may include:

• Artwork
• Trophies
• Plasma televisions
• Pool tables
• Grandfather clocks
• Antiques
• Pianos
• Hot tubs
• Exercise equipment
• Glass tabletops

Since the interstate moving company assumes liability for the safe shipment of these items, it is often at their discretion whether these services will be required. Sometimes it is the homeowner that requests additional services for items that are especially important to them.

Another extra service, which may be required, is a shuttle. A shuttle is a smaller truck, which is used to transport household goods to or from the home in places where the large truck is unable to navigate, or where damage to property might be possible.

Other additional services may be requested by a mover including:

• Packing and/or unpacking
• Carpet cleaning
• Debris removal
• Maid services
• Storage

The American Alliance of Ethical Movers strongly urges movers to obtain visual surveys of their household goods. An on-site survey will allow the surveyor to note any items that will require special handling and those charges will be reflected in the written estimate. A visit to the home will also give the surveyor an opportunity to anticipate the need for a shuttle. If the mover believes a shuttle may be required at the destination, it is a good idea to mention this to the interstate moving company.

Don’t forget the 3rd factor – extra services rendered – when you plan your next move. Avoid being caught off-guard by unexpected fees!

*A fuel surcharge may also be factored into the cost of an interstate move.

1. Getting a price quote over the phone or from the Internet: One of the most common and potentially disastrous mistakes consumers make is accepting a moving quote given without a visual survey of the consumer’s goods being conducted first.  Most reputable national moving companies won’t do this even if asked to by the consumer.  Any quote given without a visual survey is a “non-binding” quote…meaning, the moving company is not obligated to honor the price.  If you accept a moving quote given over the phone or the internet, you are setting yourself up for a nasty scenario when the mover shows up at your new home and demands more money, sometimes up 2 to 3 times more.
2. Waiting too long to line-up a mover: Allowing time for a visual survey of your household goods, receiving a written and binding moving quote, and reserving a truck for your move typically takes a total of 4-6 weeks.  Although a state-to-state move can be arranged in a shorter period of time, many consumers find that their choices are limited by availability, especially in the busy summer months.  In the current real estate market many homes are taking longer to sell, but once sold are closing very quickly.  The time to obtain estimates for your move is before your home sells so that you are prepared when it does.
3. Misrepresenting what you are moving: It is very important to show the surveyor or estimator everything you are planning to move.  If you forget to show items in the basement, garage, attic, or off-site storage unit and then add those items at time of pick-up, your moving estimate will no longer be binding.  In the same vein, if you commit to packing your own items but don’t have time to finish, the mover will pack your items and charge you for the service.  If you are uncertain of whether you will be taking something or are not sure if you will have time to pack everything, ask the surveyor to include the items or service in the estimate.  If you decide not to take something, or do not require the packing, the cost will be adjusted downward.
4. Paying a deposit up-front: Reputable moving companies do not ask for payment up-front to reserve trucks or dates.  This is a classic red flag in moving.  A reputable mover will expect payment upon delivery of your household goods to your new home.
5. Choosing a moving company based on price rather than reputation and service: If a mover quotes you a price that is significantly lower than other movers, it is likely that you are being “low-balled.”  If a surveyor has underestimated your weight in order to give you a lower price, you may find on moving day that the moving truck does not have enough room for all of your belongings.  This is called an “overflow,” which means that your items will not travel together, will not all arrive at the same time, and will generally just cause you a big hassle.  Another way to lower cost is to compromise service.  Look for a competitive bid from a professional mover who is certified and reputable.  Although price is an important factor, don’t base your decision on price alone.

Packing Guide.

Packing all your own items will save you a pile of money.  It can also be quite stressful if you aren’t prepared, so here are some simple techniques to make it easier.

Use The Proper Packing Materials.

Sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap and packing peanuts can all be purchased at local moving/shipping companies, self storage facilities, or can be ordered in turnkey kits from www.Uboxes.com.  Why try to guess how many boxes, tape etc. you will when Uboxes will provide a complete kit (based on your specific needs) at discount prices. 

You Can’t Move That!

Here is a partial list of common household items movers will NOT ship:

Acid, Aerosols, Ammonia, Ammunition, Batteries, Car batteries, Charcoal, Charcoal lighter fluid, Chemistry sets, Cleaning fluid, Cooking fuel (Sterno), Fertilizer, Fireworks, Frozen foods, Gasoline, Kerosene, Lamp oil, Liquid bleach, Loaded weapons, Matches, Motor oil, Nail polish remover, Open foods, Paints, Paint thinner, Pesticides, Plants, Poisons, Pool chemicals, Produce, Propane tanks, Weed killer

Ask your mover for a complete list before you start packing.

Tools and Materials

• Razor, knife and scissors
• Dark, water-resistant marker (Sharpie)
• Packing tape
• Styrofoam peanuts
• Labels (ex. fragile, load first, load last, do not load)

One Room at a Time

It’s more efficient (and less stressful) if you pack one room at a time.  Be sure to label each box appropriately (on top and side) with a description of its contents.  Boxes containing breakable or sentimental items should always be labeled as “Fragile”.  Keep a detailed list of what items are packed in each box to make unpacking easier.

Empty all Drawers of Breakable Items or Anything that Might Spill

 Also, it’s a good idea to put all furniture knobs, feet, screws, etc. in one container so they won’t get lost or damaged.

Flammable/Heat-Sensitive

Do not pack flammable goods or heat-sensitive items like candles, records, audio and video tapes, computer disks, propane tanks, aerosol cans, oil based paints and certain cleaning fluids.

A Little TLC

Wrap each item individually and always place a layer of crushed paper in the bottom of the box or carton for cushioning.  Fill empty spaces with additional crushed paper.  When wrapping glass, carefully put paper in the glass as well. 

Will You Be Storing Anything?

If so, make sure your boxes are firmly packed with the heavier items on the bottom.  It’s a smart idea to pack according to the season(s) which your things will be in storage and mark the boxes appropriately.

A Note From The Chiropractor

Put heavy items in small boxes so they’re easier to carry.

When Packing The Truck

Make sure the items you need first are loaded last (e.g., kitchen items, television and radio).  Use common sense, keep in mind the the size, sturdiness and weight of your boxes.

It Pays To Plan Ahead

Pack a separate bag with toiletries, a change of clothes, etc., for the first couple of days after the move.