While most moving companies are reputable businesses, there are always a few bad apples in the batch.  These “rogue movers” prey on families and have been known to wreak havoc for people during this hectic time.  If you are going to invest the money for professional movers, it is your responsibility to make sure the moving company is legitimate.  Luckily, there are plenty of ways to check out the credibility of a moving company before you hire them. Here are 6 easy ways to tell if a moving company can be trusted with your belongings.

Are They Properly Licensed and Insured?

Before hiring a moving company it is important to make sure they are properly licensed and insured.  Ask for proof of licensure and insurance and read up on your state’s requirements and regulations if it is a local move.  Interstate movers are required to register in the U.S. DOT system so you can check there for information.  You can also access certification information through the Better Business Bureau.

Are They Online?

If you can’t find any mention of a “moving company” online consider this a red flag.  It is unlikely that a reputable moving company would not be accessible online.  This could be the first warning sign that the company is a scam.

Do They Offer a Free Estimate?

Moving companies should perform an in-person inspection of your home and provide you with a free quote prior to booking your move.  Otherwise, you could end up with an astronomical bill that you weren’t expecting.  If they offer to give you an estimate over the phone based on your own account of your household goods, consider this a scam! Any company that quotes you a firm price without seeing your belongings is not to be trusted.  Rather, you should receive a detailed quote after the inspection is complete, leaving no unwelcome surprises for later.

Check the Reviews

We are all familiar with the expression, “Where there’s smoke there’s fire” and this certainly proves to be true in the moving industry.  The fastest way to find out if a company is reputable is to check reviews.  Many of these can be found online through sites like Yelp and Nextdoor but you can also ask neighbors, friends, and coworkers for recommendations.  You can also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints.

Are They Properly Identified?

Legitimate moving companies should arrive in a truck that has their logo on it and the movers should arrive in uniforms with identifiable logos and nametags.  If your moving company has an unidentified truck and the workers arrive with no identification you should probably be a little skeptical. 

Are They Professional?

One of the best ways to feel out a moving company is to use common sense.  Be on the lookout for true professionalism.  Do they have a real office and business email address?  Do they have reputable reviews?  Are they wearing uniforms and driving professional moving trucks?  Are they polite, knowledgeable, and courteous?  Have they gone above and beyond to answer any questions and provide you with quality service?  If your gut tells you something is off, it probably is!