BBB Warns Consumers Before Hiring Movers

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving the Northwest is reminding consumers to be cautious when hiring a moving company or they could end up with a business that can’t deliver.

Movers doing business in Washington must have a permit from the Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission in order to legally provide residential moving services. Idaho companies are required to be registered with the Idaho Department of Transportation. In Montana, local movers are required to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued to them by the Montana Department of Transportation.

Consumers who hire an illegal company usually have little or no recourse if their belongings are damaged, lost or stolen.

There are a number of state laws and rules designed to protect customers of in-state moving companies. Permitted companies are required to conduct background checks and drug testing of potential employees. Because a mover interacts so closely with customers in their homes, these measures are designed to protect the customer’s safety, as well as their possessions.

To ensure a smooth move, BBB offers the following tips to remember when hiring a mover:

• Check reviews. Check out bbb.org/search to find out the company’s rating and determine if there are any complaints filed against them.

• Get it in writing. Be sure to receive a free written estimate – moving companies are required to provide one.

• Shop around. Get estimates from at least three different companies, but avoid making a decision based on price alone.

• Confirm the deal. Do not sign any incomplete documents. Make sure all forms are as complete as possible.

Between April 1, 2015 and April 1, 2016 consumers turned to BBB serving the Northwest more than 47,500 times to inquire about moving companies. In the same period, consumers filed 126 complaints against moving companies in the BBB Northwest territory.