Moving scams to avoid while planning your relocation

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Now that school is out of session and summer is here, many families are in the process of packing up and relocating. Are you one of them?

According to Industry Trends, the quarterly publication of the American Moving & Storage Association, the months of May through August are the most popular times to move. With that knowledge in mind, Joe Beverly, owner of Blue Ox Moving & Storage in The Woodlands, TX, said, “While many movers are legitimate, because of the increased number of moves during this time, “rogue movers” or people who pose as movers often try to solicit business.” Moving scams are avoidable, but customers need to be educated in order to know what to do.

“A con artist with a truck and a website can claim to be a legitimate mover with unfortunate results for consumers who don’t check out a company in advance,” said Linda Bauer Darr, American Moving & Storage Association president.

“In order to ensure a smooth and reasonably priced move, research is critical,” stressed Beverly.

Most importantly, Beverly recommends, is to hire a mover with an established track record. Make sure your moving company is registered as a household goods mover with the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) or Texas Division of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). If they are registered, corresponding numbers will be printed on the moving truck. If you don’t see any numbers on the truck when it arrives, send it away says Beverly.

Consumers should get multiple in-home estimates as well. Beverly suggests at least three moving estimates. He also advises that if a moving estimate seems too good to be true, it probably is. The lowest quote may not always be the best deal. Be wary of deals offered on Internet message boards or sites. Along with your estimate, your moving company should provide you with a brochure that outlines your rights and responsibilities under Texas law.

Texas law also requires movers to provide a written proposal or estimate that clearly shows either a guaranteed flat price or a “not to exceed” maximum amount for the move. By getting a binding estimate, there are no surprises and by law, a mover cannot charge more that 10% beyond the estimate. This is important, reminds Beverly, because some movers may try and charge you hidden fees for extra boxes or packing materials or even going up a flight of stairs.

Make sure all of your estimates are in writing, says Beverly. Never accept a verbal quote either in person or over the phone; instead, get a written quote which is signed and dated. Also, avoid those moving companies that require payment in full or large deposits or down payments. Once your possessions are in a truck and the move is paid for, all leverage is lost.

If you do need to move during the summer, follow Beverly’s suggestions and try to schedule your move mid-month and/or mid-week, since the busiest times for movers are weekends and at the end of the month. Not only will your crew be refreshed, but you will probably save a little money too.

If you do need to file a complaint against a moving company in Texas, you may file it with TxDMV by going online to www.TxDMV.gov, calling 1-888-368-4689 or emailing TxDMV at TruckStop@TxDMV.gov.

Blue Ox Moving & Storage is a family owned and operated company and has been in business since 2012, servicing Texas and the Gulf Coast region. Blue Ox Moving & Storage provides personalized moving needs including packing, storage and local and long distance relocation services. They are a member of the Southwest Movers Association.

For more information on Blue Ox Moving & Storage, call 832-934-2583 or visit blueoxmoving.com.