As moving season gets underway, the Better Business Bureau offers important advice

It’s officially moving season! In May, college students take their last finals, and many leave their college towns. Also, Americans are selling homes and making residential moves. 

According to movinglabor.com, the peak moving season begins in April and ends in September, with more than 40 million people, on average. moving each year in the U.S.

During this time the demand for movers is very high, especially in June, July and August.

The BBB Serving Wisconsin reminds consumers to check on moving companies before hiring them. Common complaints we receive about movers include damaged or missing items, bills that were higher than estimates, late deliveries, and, in some cases, goods being held hostage for additional payments. 

“Moving can be very stressful, and therefore finding a trustworthy mover is vital to ensuring a smooth move,” says Jim Temmer, BBB Serving Wisconsin CEO and president.

BBB offers consumers the following tips on hiring a mover:

• Get at least three written in-home estimates. No legitimate mover will give you a firm price online or over the phone. Remember that the lowest estimate may be an unrealistic low-ball offer that can cost you more in the end.
• Make sure the mover has insurance. The insurance should cover your goods while in transit. However, you may want to consider getting full value protection insurance for yourself. While that may add to your upfront cost, it could save you headaches after the move. Be sure you understand what the insurance covers: Will items be repaired or replaced? Will you get a cash settlement that you can use to repair or replace the item on your own?
• Check the mover’s complaint history. Check bbb.org for free BBB Business Reviews, which include complaints and vetted customer reviews. Also check that an interstate mover is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
• Make sure you know if you’re working with a moving broker or the actual mover.  If you are working with a broker, ask for confirmation of who will be conducting your move. Then check out that company in advance to verify it has a positive customer-service track record as well as all required licensing.
• Get a written contract.  Carefully read the terms and conditions of the contract, as well as the limits of liability and any disclaimers. Make sure pick-up and delivery dates or delivery “windows” are spelled out. Understand how the rate is being calculated – for example, time spent on the move versus volume of items being moved.
• Check references.  Take time to call several former customers of the company to personally hear of their experience.
• Move your priceless items yourself.  Insurance can’t replace items with sentimental or high market value, so whether you have autographed memorabilia or your grandmother’s delicate vase, it’s best to make plans to carry those items with you to ensure they make it to your new home in perfect condition.
• Use BBB’s Request a Quote. Request A Quote is a great way to find trustworthy movers. BBB Accredited Businesses are pre-screened and reputable.

Some “red flags” to watch for when hiring movers include:

• Movers who don’t make an on-site inspection of your household goods and give an estimate over the phone or by email. Such estimates often sound — and are — too good to be true.
• Movers who demand cash or a large deposit before the move.
• Movers who don’t provide you with a copy of a written contract
• Company websites that have no address and no information about a mover’s registration or insurance.
• Movers who claim all items are covered by their insurance.
• Telephone calls answered with a generic “movers” or “moving company” rather than a company name.
• Offices or warehouses that are in poor condition or don’t exist.
• On moving day, a rental truck arrives rather than a company-owned or marked fleet truck.

If you have a problem with a mover that you cannot resolve on your own, file a

complaint with the BBB and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

 For more information or further inquiries, contact the Wisconsin BBB at www.bbb.org/wisconsin or 414-847-6000 (metro Milwaukee), 920-734-4352 (Appleton), or 1-800-273-1002 (elsewhere in Wisconsin). Consumers also can find more information about how to protect themselves from scams by following the Wisconsin BBB on Twitter, Facebook and You Tube.