"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world"
- Margaret Mead, 1901 - 1978

The number one question MovingScam.com receives is "Can you recommend a good moving company?". Previously, the answer was "no". I am happy to say that after 12 years in business, the answer to that question is a resounding "Yes!". What we won't do is give you the name and number to a company. What we will do is give you the tools you need to find the best moving company to help you in your current situation. By making use of articles like "How to find a reputable moving company", and "A Guide to International Shipping", our listings on the Review Verification System and the "Super List", and our own MovingScam.com forums, we hope you will find a moving company that suits both your needs and fits into your budget.

Before we go into how to find a good moving company, it would be best if we explain why we are here. MovingScam.com got it's start in 2001, when the site owner, Tim Walker, was scammed by America's Best Movers and decided to fight back (see "The True Story"). Very shortly, Tim learned that he was not alone in his plight and was joined by other consumers who were dedicated to providing solid, impartial consumer education and to working for better consumer protections in the moving industry. Early on, this led to the feeling that all movers were evil greedy companies out to gouge their clients. As the years progressed, it became apparent that not only were there many, many legitimate moving companies out there, but also those who try to keep their customer's best interest in mind, many of whom you will find listed here. Later on, these consumers were joined by people within the moving industry, volunteering their time to help consumers like you, find moving companies in their industry with whom you can work and trust.

How common are rogues in the moving industry? There aren't any statistics that give us a firm answer, but it’s safe to say that less than 5% of moving companies generate the majority of problems that would qualify as a scam. This not only hurts consumers, but the very industry in which these rogues work, making it difficult for legitimate moving companies to gain the consumer trust they have earned. This not only makes it a consumer problem, but an industry problem. While the moving industry is regulated, there are too few federal agents to handle the amount of problems that occur each year. For more detail on this, you can reference our previous front page located here.

Let's stop for a moment and define what constitutes a moving scam. A moving scam is defined by any mover who takes advantage of their customers through illegitimate, and/or illegal means. There are two primary methods involved - the bait and switch and the hostage move. The bait and switch involves quoting an unbelievably low price to get the customer in the door, and later tacking on services or charges to inflate the agreed upon price. The hostage move often accompanies the bait and switch, in that the mover then holds the customer's goods in a storage area until they agree to pay the inflated price. Both of these tactics are illegal, but as you get into how to research these companies, it will become apparent how they get away with these unsavory practices.

So where to begin? Researching a moving company may seem like a very time consuming endeavor. However, you are looking for not only someone who will pack and move everything you own, but that you can trust with the belongings you have collected your entire life. This makes it very important to find a moving company you can count on to not only offer you a good deal, but who will take the time and effort to take the stress out of your move. That being said, no move is stress-free, and a good mover is not cheap, but the best movers in the country understand that this is a difficult task for you, and will do their very best to make sure your move goes as smooth as possible.

The first step is understanding how to research your mover. For this we recommend you start with "How to find a reputable moving company". If you are making an international move, be sure to check out "A Guide to International Shipping", which will help you understand the international process. Once you understand the process involved in your move, the rest will be easier by far.

Now that you know how to spot a reputable mover, let's move on to the Review Verification System. The RVS is quickly becoming a sound resource for finding a good mover. Consumers are frequently adding their reviews to the system and movers are finding it a good resource for feedback. While the system is far from complete in its current form, it will eventually replace the super list as the place to go to find a reputable mover. If your mover is not a verified mover on the RVS, ask them to join so other consumers can see how well they perform.

While it will eventually be replaced by the RVS, the Super List is a listing, by state of movers who have been mentioned on this site. While it is a fairly comprehensive list, there are movers who are not listed. If you know of a mover who is not listed, but have questions about, jump onto the forums and ask. Someone is sure to know the moving company you are talking about or guide you in finding more information on that moving company. As you look at your particular state, you'll notice that we not only keep records on positive and negative reviews, but also BBB information helpful in finding your mover.

Finally, we have the forums. The forums are staffed by an entirely volunteer group of people who have your best interests in mind. Again, they will not tell you who to move with, but will be happy to help you answer any questions you may have regarding movers you have chosen, standard practices in the industry, what you can do to prepare for your move and what you can expect during the process. Please keep in mind that our volunteers are here to help you, not do the research for you. They will be happy to assist you in finding the information you need to have a safe, trouble free move.

Thank your for visiting MovingScam.com! We hope that the resources provided to you will be helpful in making your move a smoother process.

Jeff Walker
President, MovingScam.com

IF YOU ARE MOVING IN 2013.... PLEASE READ:

To all who are looking at moving this year, I suggest you start planning now if you are within 6 months of the move. Moving companies are already reporting that they are booking moves well in advance of what they have seen in recent years.

There are some moving companies out there that are doing guaranteed estimates for 6 months if you sign within 30 days. They will also allow you changes of days but the cost for a Thursday thru Monday loading date change could increase your price.
I do not expect to see these 6 month estimates staying around too much longer with the continual increasing price of fuel.

I have also taken an excerpt from the Military to post here that even warns their members about the moving season.

“The time period between 15 June and 31 July is the peak of the HHG moving season. If at all possible, members should avoid moving their HHG during this period. In past years HHG moves scheduled during this time frame which have been confirmed by both the transportation office and the TSP are routinely canceled or rescheduled on short or no notice due to lack of TSP personnel or equipment to actually conduct the move. These changes often put members in an untenable situation with other activities scheduled around their HHG movement. Because of these unpredictable changes, it is highly recommended members avoid requesting their HHG shipment between 15 June and 31 July."

TSP is Transportation Service Provider (The Van Lines)
HHG is Household Goods

So plan early to stay away from moving company issues and scams.
The last minute moves always opens yourself up to problems, scam and of course complaints.

PLEASE PLAN AHEAD IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. This even goes for rental trucks!

For more information, please visit... IF YOU ARE MOVING IN 2013

ROGUE MOVERS!

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Kicked out of the state and facing a multi-million dollar fine. That's what happened to a New Jersey moving company found guilty of destroying and holding customers possessions hostage in exchange for jacked up rates.

See more about Rogue Moving Companies

This Months Packing and Moving Tips:

JEWELRY AND SMALL STUFF:

You know how it sucks to have jewelry get tangled up? For a couple bucks at Wal-Mart (and a little spare time, but it's worth it)...there are jewelry baggies.

These also come in nice if you have furniture with adjustable shelving (usually particle board)....place the shelve support thingies or screws into a baggie, attach it to the item or label as to which item it goes with.

ELECTRONICS:

if you won't remember which cord goes to which component...
A small piece of masking tape. Or some colored post it notes (with extra tape to secure it) A goes to A....B goes to B....Line In on A goes out Line Out on B.....

MOVING ON A BUDGET - PACKING MATERIALS:
- Newspaper (on stuff that won't mind a little ink)
- Clothing.
- Towels.
- Blankets.
- Reusable shopping bags.
I've even wrapped shot glasses in socks when traveling.

BOOKS/MAGAZINES:
Beer boxes. Ask at your local store, the best size is the ones for 24 packs or 4 6-packs. You might need a few small pieces of cardboard to cut to size to fit under your mags. Tape the box at the bottom, place small piece of cardboard at the slit and tape it, you now have a box that will hold approx 20 lbs of magazines. You'll need a little newspaper or small (non breakable item) to fill the end.

Follow This Thread... PACKING TIPS