There’s an inherent trust that we believe exists between consumers and companies providing a service, and it’s not a bad thing to be trusting. Unfortunately, not everyone deserves that trust, and if we’re not careful, that trusting nature can lead to regrettable situations—like getting scammed by a moving company. This is why it’s vital to do extensive research before deciding on a moving company. Sometimes life is unexpected, and we need to rush a move, but what can’t be rushed is the time we take to look into a moving company. Carefully selecting a moving company can actually save you time, money, and energy if you take the time to do your research.
At Q’s Moving, we go the extra mile to make sure you’re happy. Moving is stressful, especially when you’re in a time crunch or are worried about getting scammed. That’s why the team at Q’s Moving goes above and beyond to make sure you feel comfortable. We will work hard to exceed your expectations and ensure you have a smooth transition to your new home. Our team will answer any questions you may have to reassure you that we’re here for you.
In recent years, there’s been a big push to support small and local businesses, and that’s fantastic! We want to see our local businesses succeed, but when researching movers you’re less familiar with, it’s important to keep an eye out for red flags. No one should be punished for trying to do a good thing. Protect yourself from moving company scams by keeping an eye out for these red flags.
Deposits can sometimes be like tips: not everyone takes them, and it’s tricky to know when it’s appropriate or not—so it’s important to know how they work in the moving company industry. In most cases, quality moving companies will not require a deposit when you book your move. However, it is possible that a company may require a deposit for legitimate reasons. For instance, during peak moving times (such as summer time) and in high-volume areas, some movers may require a small deposit to save the date of the move.
Another thing to be wary of is a company asking for cash up front. This is one of the many signs of a moving company scam. If you’re asked for a cash payment upfront before the moving process has even begun, it’s important to ask follow-up questions such as “what is the deposit for” or “is making a deposit such as this standard practice for your company?” Movers may be able to provide satisfactory answers, but it’s important to proceed with caution.
One of the best ways to avoid getting scammed by a moving company is to make sure you get a real and in-house estimate. It’s important to actually meet your mover, ask questions, and get an accurate quote. Some companies can give you a ballpark estimate of your moving cost based on the distance you’re traveling and the size of your home, but it’s different from an actual quote or moving contract.
Professional movers know that there’s no way to accurately gauge the size and weight of your items without looking at your living space. This may be trickier since the pandemic, but for the most part, professional movers need to see the space to provide an accurate estimate. If the company you speak to gives you a final quote with little to no information about your belongings, that is potentially a red flag, and you should proceed cautiously.
Many of us are accustomed to not reading the fine print. We just want to click okay and get access to whatever we need, but when you’re paying potentially thousands of dollars to have people haul your precious belongings—-it’s kind of important to take an extra few minutes to read the fine print. Your contract (sometimes referred to as an order of service) is the thing that protects you from being taken advantage of by a moving company. A contract should have clear language that outlines:
If any of this information is missing from the contract you’re presented with, or there are blank sections within the contract—do not sign it! This can be challenging because a mover may tell you that it’s standard policy, but the devil is in the detail. The details of a true and proper contract are what protect you and the moving company, so when there are blank spots or information missing, this should start signing off red alarms.
At Q’s Moving, we believe that the way to succeed is to make sure we instill our core values (being courteous, motivated, professional, reliable, and result-oriented) into our team. We are committed to giving our employees the training, support, and tools they need to make sure we can exceed your expectations and execute your move in a timely manner.
We understand that it can be stressful to be vigilant about moving scams while trying to make sure your move is done in a timely manner. That’s why our team is committed to walking you through every step of the process and answering any questions you may have. Plan your next move with Q’s Moving and feel confident that you’re getting the best service possible. Contact us at (201) 820-2772 or fill out our contact form.
Full Service Moving in New York: 718-445-1555
Full Service Moving in New Jersey: 201-820-2772
Toll Free: 888-951-MOVE (6683)
US DOT #3554915
FMCSA # MC-1395715
NJ PM LICENSE # 39PM00128100
Q’s Moving is a family owned and operated business with branches in both New York and New Jersey. Spanning over 3 generations, we’ve helped countless families relocate throughout the tristate area and beyond! We are committed to caring for our customers just as we’d care for our own loved ones because when you move with Q’s, you’re moving with family.
Need a Mover?
Call 888-951-MOVE (6683)