What to Do If You Chose the Wrong Moving Company

RE Resources Team By RE Resources Team OregonLive.com
on April 28, 2017 at 11:36 AM, updated April 28, 2017 at 11:39 AM
After everything is accounted for, you'll sign the sheet and you note any damaged or missing items.

During different stages of the moving process, you may suddenly decide you've hired the wrong moving company. If you figure this out early, you can still do something about it. However, too late in the game and you've learned a very hard lesson that may include trying to get reimbursed for broken merchandise or fighting to get your stuff back. While some movers are simply unprofessional, others are completely dishonest. Throughout your move, watch for warning signs you've picked the wrong moving company and decide whether it's too late to do something about it.

Furniture outside of a house signifying eviction

Problems with Paperwork

Each stage of the moving process includes specific paperwork, so any time this paperwork is missing, it should be a warning sign the company you're dealing with isn't on the up and up. If the company doesn't provide paperwork, won't let you read paperwork before signing it or wants you to sign blank or incomplete paperwork, something is definitely wrong.

During the pre-move stage, you receive a moving estimate, which can be binding or nonbinding. If you accept the estimate and hire the company, you receive an order of service, which is your official contract with the mover. This document includes all the terms of your move, including the cancellation policy, so if something doesn't look right, don't sign it.

On your moving day, you receive a bill of lading, which outlines your agreement, including a list of fees, your pickup and delivery dates and insurance coverage information. The terms you agreed to in your order of service should match what's on this form, so read it carefully.

During the actual move, your movers fill out an inventory sheet that includes everything they remove from your home. Each item is tagged, then logged on this sheet. You should be involved in this process to ensure everything is recorded properly. Once complete, you receive a copy. This is your guarantee that everything was loaded on the truck. Items are checked off this list as they're unloaded at your new home to ensure everything arrived. After everything is accounted for, you'll sign the sheet and you note any damaged or missing items. There will also be a separate high-value inventory sheet for more valuable items.

Pre-Move Stage

This stage is the best time to learn you've picked the wrong moving company, because it's the easiest time to fire them and hire someone else. For example, if you hired the company with the lowest quote, then you read numerous negative reviews about it online, rethink your choice. Other warning flags include a company that is hard to reach by phone, doesn't have a physical address, only accepts cash, demands a large upfront deposit or can't provide proof of appropriate licensing or insurance. Also, any company who provides quotes over the phone or online, instead of in person, should give you pause. It's impossible to give an accurate quote without a detailed in-home inspection of all your household goods. If your move crosses state lines, movers are also required by law to give you a copy of the "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" booklet from the FMCSA. If your mover is lacking in one or more of these areas, hire another company.

Day Of the Move

If your mover shows up on your scheduled moving day in a rented or unmarked truck, it's a horrible time to learn you chose the wrong company. However, if you can postpone your move, do so, instead of entrusting all your worldly goods to what's probably a rogue mover. It's doubtful they have the appropriate licensing and insurance to operate a moving business, which means your stuff isn't covered, if it's lost or broken. Rogue movers are also notorious for charging more than what was quoted or holding your stuff hostage. If it's too late to replace your movers, watch them carefully throughout the move.

After the Move

At this point it's a little late to find out you hired unscrupulous movers. A sure sign you did is finding broken and damaged items in every box you unpack. Now you must file a claim against the company to try to get compensated for your stuff. However, if it was a rogue mover, and you can find them, it's doubtful they have insurance. If you have a legitimate name and contact information of a company without insurance, you can opt to take it to civil court to try to recoup your losses.

The best way to avoid a bad situation with a moving company is to do your homework. Just because a mover has a truck or even a flashy website, doesn't mean they're the best choice for the job. Also, count on plenty of paperwork, so if your mover doesn't have anything for you to sign, chose someone else.