A call came in from a client who had just closed on her first home a few hours earlier in the day. She was crying and very upset. The reason: Her moving company was holding all her worldly belongings hostage, until she came up with an additional $800. In cash or a wire transfer no less! She was told “they had under- estimated her job and she had to pay up or they would not unload her belongings”. Unbelievable! Well, she ended up paying these crooks the additional money as she felt she had no choice.

Her story really bothered me. Not only did I feel badly for my client, but I felt helpless to advise her. So, I did some research and came up with sort of a “Don’t Get Ripped Off By Your Moving Company” check list that I will provide from now on to all of my clients who have a move in their future.

1: Read and Understand Thy Contract!
Is it a binding or non–binding contract? A binding contract means the price is set-no extras should be charged to you. Non-binding and you are liable for any extras and a percentage of those extra fees will be due at delivery. What are your insurance coverage amounts and limitations in case your belongings are lost (i.e. stolen) or damaged? What are considered “Extras” What about damage to your home you’re leaving or moving into? I’ve personally seen movers trash a home!

2: Get at least 3 Bids!
Get multiple bids and don’t automatically go with the cheapest bid. Especially if it’s WAY LOWER than the others. Get in-person bids. I would stay away from online bids. They’re ok for a ball park estimate, but have a rep from the company come out to your place for an in person estimate.

3: Be an educated consumer!
Check these 2 sites out before you do anything! http://www.protectyourmove.gov/ and http://www.moverescue.com/ Also, have the company provide you with a copy of the federal booklet “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” If they hem and haw about providing this booklet to you-RUN!

4: I want my stuff!
If your moving company does attempt to collect more than their bid, by holding your belongings hostage, you have the right to have them re-weigh your load-AT NO CHARGE. Call the National Conference on Weights and Measures at 402-434-4880 for more info on this.

While the majority of moving companies are reputable, consumer complaints were up last year. So, do your due diligence and what should be one of the happiest days of your life, won’t be ruined by a less than an ethical moving company!

For additional moving tips or if you have any real estate related questions or concerns, please feel free to contact The Wickland Group, an experienced team of Ann Arbor Realtors at http://www.wicklandgroup.com/.

By Steve Wickland