Rogue movers, unfortunately, are a real thing. Because so much is now online, they prey on unsuspecting people who believe a good website is proof of a good company. Luckily, with the next three tips, you should be able to protect you from these people, and find the best movers Arlington VA has to offer instead.
Step 1 – Online Reputation
All businesses nowadays have an online reputation. You will usually see many glowing reviews on the company’s own website, as well as on their social media pages. However, it is all too easy for companies to suppress any negative reviews on these platforms. This is why you should also look elsewhere, particularly on ProtectYourMove.gov. This website was set up by the U.S. Department of Transportation and has been designed specifically to protect everyday people from rogue movers. A range of resources are listed there, including information on how to investigate a rogue mover, and how to check on registration and licenses. Make sure you use these resources.
Step 2 – Check Out the ‘Red Flags’
One of the things the Department of Transportation has also done is list a number of ‘red flags’ to watch out for. If you spot any of these red flags, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have stumbled across a rogue mover, but it does mean you need to investigate further. The red flags include:
- Moving companies not agreeing to visit your site for a free estimate on your moved.
- Moving companies requiring a huge deposit before hand.
- Moving companies not giving you a ‘Your Rights and Responsibilities when You Move’ booklet, which is required by federal regulations.
- The website not having information about insurance, licenses, or a local address.
- Movers claiming that their insurance covers everything.
- Moving companies answering the telephone without saying the exact name of the business.
- Companies not having a warehouse or office, or if they do, it being in very poor condition.
- Finding that the moving truck you are offered is not marked as belonging to the company.
Step 3 – Check at Least Three References
It is all too easy to forget about the most obvious steps. Have you ever applied for a job without being asked for at least three references? When you hire a moving company, you are essentially hiring someone for a job, so why would you not check their references? Make sure, therefore, you receive contact details for people or companies who the movers have worked with for 30 days. If they don’t want to provide you with this information, or if you can’t actually check up on the references they do give you, you may want to search for a different company.
It is a shame that rogue movers exist, but the reality is that they do, and you have to protect yourself from them. With the three steps above, you should be able to do just that. Take care, focus on the red flags, and make a decision that is right for you.