For lots of obvious reasons, summer is the most popular season for moving to a new home or office in Canada. The high demand means that, if you’re planning a move, you need to find and hire a moving company sooner rather than later in the process. But, unfortunately, it also means that you need to be more vigilant in choosing a moving company.
With so many people needing to move, and many of them waiting too long to take the time to find a reputable moving company, it gives less than scrupulous operators the opportunity to take advantage of the situation.
Among other nasty practices, shady moving companies have been known to hold furniture hostage – refusing to unload it – until extra undisclosed fees were paid. Some will overbook and either show up late or not at all. This can mean added costs in lost deposits or having to pay ‘rush’ rates to find another mover at the last minute.
If you want to avoid being the victim of scam mover, you need to give yourself enough time to do proper research to find a trustworthy moving company
1. Get In-Person Quotes
A good moving company needs to have a clear idea of what’s involved in the move before being able to put together an accurate quote. If you call a company that gives you a quote over the phone or by email without visiting, there’s a chance that it’s a low-ball quote just to get your business and that they will add on hidden fees after the fact.
2. Google the Mover
The internet gives you a fast and easy way to get an idea of a company’s reputation. Look for third-party review sites like Homestars, where former customers post valuable information about their experiences with the company.
3. Use Your Scam-Dar
Knowing that there might be shifty companies out there, you should have your defences up when looking for and talking to potential movers. If you feel that something isn’t right, or that a quote is too good to be true, trust your instincts.
A good moving company will accept different forms of payment, if any of them ask for cash only, that’s a red flag. And check their business address and phone lines. If the address is not a business location, or non-existent, and they operate only from a cell phone, get suspicious.
It’s Your Move.
Moving is never easy and being the victim of a scam makes it far worse. It’s your property and your money, so it’s up to you to protect them.
