Moving day is chaotic enough without worrying if the long-distance movers will vanish into thin air with all your stuff. And really, plenty of them can look a little too good to be true. Knowing how to check if a moving company is legitimate can be a literal lifesaver. Thankfully, spotting the real pros isn’t rocket science – it just takes a few simple steps (and maybe a raised eyebrow or two).
Start by going through reviews and ratings, looking for consistent positive feedback and reliable problem-solving. Verify the company’s licensing by checking for a USDOY number and confirm they offer proper insurance coverage. Also, avoid deals that sound too good to be true – reputable movers provide clear, realistic quotes.
Red Flags or Green Lights? The Basics of Licensed Moving Companies
There are over 21,000 moving companies in the US, so finding one should be easy, right? Not quite. With that many options, a few relocation scams are bound to sneak in. In fact, the reports keep rising, climbing by 12% just last year. And 2024’s numbers? Let’s just say the trend hasn’t slowed down.
The top complaints are eye-opening too – inaccurate estimates, surprise fees for packing services, and some good old-fashioned deceptive practices. In the world of flashy websites and five-star ratings, picking the right movers means knowing how to dodge the red flags.
How to Make Sure a Company Is Legitimate – Why Is It Important?
At the end of the day, working with a legit business is about peace of mind. Reliable movers handle everything with care, from moving furniture to packaging fragile items. They communicate, stick to their word, and handle the unexpected like the pros they are. Choosing the right team can be the difference between a move that feels like a fresh start and one that feels like a survival game.
Stay Clear of the Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals for Long-Distance Moving Services
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is – this is especially true when we’re talking about cross-country moving services. Rock-bottom rates may sound like a win, but they often come with nasty surprises – hidden fees, poor service, or worse, an MIA truck.
A smart strategy? Get multiple quotes and compare them. It’s like shopping for anything else – price is important, but so is reliability. When the rate’s ridiculously low, take a step back and dig deeper!
A good deal is hard to resist, but make sure it's not a scam
How to Check if a Moving Company Is Legitimate – Start With Reviews and Ratings
Reviews are like the backstage pass to a company’s true colors. They give insight into things like punctuality, professionalism, and how well they handle the unexpected (like, say, fitting a grand piano through a door that’s clearly too small).
Before trusting someone with all your prized possessions, a quick scan of reviews can reveal if they’re heroes or zeroes. Sure, some reviews might be dramatic, but the trends speak volumes. Here’s what to look for when reading reviews:
- Consistency – are most reviews positive, or is there a rollercoaster of highs and lows?
- Specificity – are there details about timing, pricing, and customer service?
- Damage control – when things went wrong, how did the company respond?
- Hidden costs – are there any mentions of surprise fees that popped up along the way?
- Communication – do the reviews mention clear, friendly communication?
Check out the Long-Distance Moving Company on Better Business Bureau
With a simple search, the official Better Business Bureau (BBB) website can reveal a company’s overall rating, customer complaints, and how well they resolved them. If a company’s score is high, it means they’re generally doing something right.
A lower score or plenty of unresolved complaints? That’s a red flag – you certainly don’t want those movers to disassemble your furniture, or even worse, arrange auto transport. You’ll be lucky if anything arrives at the new home in one piece, including you!
Read up on reviews - they're like a safety net for the upcoming move
Insurance and Licensing Are Deal-Breakers When Hiring Cross-Country Movers
Here’s the most important of all relocation tips – learn how to check if a company is licensed and insured. Just imagine the horror of a dropped TV or a dinged-up antique! Reputable companies such as East Coast West Coast Movers come hand-in-hand with moving insurance to keep your belongings safe and your peace of mind intact.
Now, let’s talk about licensing – the official stamp of approval that says – we’re real, and we know what we’re doing. Any legitimate company handling moves to another state should have a USDOT number, which tracks their compliance and reliability. It’s kind of like their ID card, so make sure they have it before handing your belongings over. After all, who wants to leave their stuff with someone with zero credentials? It’s a no-go!
Auto Transport
East Coast West Coast Express ships all kinds of vehicles, regardless of their shape, size, price, or weight. From scooters to trucks, if you need it shipped, we can do it.
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Whether You Need West or East Coast Movers, Our Team Is Here to Help!
Sure, it takes some planning and sifting through reviews, but when you land the right team, it’s all worth it. No broken dishes, no mystery fees, and no headaches. So, whether your goal is to cross state lines or make it coast-to-coast without losing your sanity, take your time when it comes to this important choice.
Need the best on either side of the country? Our team at East Coast West Coast Movers is pro at turning any move – big or small – into a breeze. Say goodbye to moving-day chaos and contact us today! We’re ready to take you coast-to-coast, minus the stress!
