Work with a Reputable Moving Company

As with many industries today, there are certain moving companies that take advantage of customers and give the honest working movers a bad name. With that in mind, your reliable Atlanta movers wanted to put together a list of possible red flags you should pay attention to when searching for a moving company to help with your next relocation.

Did you know that thousands of moving complaints are filed with the FMCSA each year? Protect yourself and your belongings with the help of our list of warning signs:

A vague moving company. Any one presenting themselves as a moving company but lacking a physical address, phone number, or even company name is a dangerous sign. Just going by a generic term like “Moving Company” or “Movers” provides no brand reliability or security. Each mover should have a business name listed with the FMCSA and should have an ID or USDOT number. Find out the company logistics before hiring anyone.

Unbelievably low estimates. Remember the saying, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is?” That applies to laborious work like moving as well. If you are getting estimates from a few local companies and one is astronomically lower that the general quote, be wary that there is a reason for the lowball figure. A good mover should give you an accurate estimate based on your home size, rooms, and belongings that need to be shipped.

Only accepting cash. Moving companies that only accept cash as a form of payment are likely not registered, are a fly-by-night company, or are potentially evading the IRS. Don't get mixed up with unscrupulous companies and their poor practices.

Asking for a large deposit. Any company that asks for a large up-front payment for your move should be a cause for concern. There might be a booking fee with some moving companies if it is the busy season, but a large deposit to reserve the move is something to raise your eyebrows at.

Generic moving vans. Any reputable movers will have their name, phone number, and website slapped on the side of their fleet, as the moving truck serves as continual advertising. If a plain van shows up ready to haul your goods it is likely not the company you should be working with. Also, if the actual mover is a sub-contractor of the company you signed up with, you can cancel the move on the spot.