Moving to Charleston, SC (or moving to anywhere) is adventure
enough without including one of the moving company scams that are all too
common. It seems hard to believe that unscrupulous carriers can continue to
operate, but the fact is, there are a lot of them out there. If you will be
moving to Charleston area anytime soon, you don’t have to worry about any of
the rip-off artists if you follow some straightforward guidelines:
1. Check the FMCSA
The
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration runs a household goods program
designed to aid consumers. Their website includes a search feature that records
past complaints for known companies…but be aware that only interstate movers
are listed. Along with complaint information, it lists company contact details
so you will know you’re dealing with the people they say they are.
2.
Check Online
Reviews
A search engine search of the company can
be helpful: just enter the company name plus ‘reviews’ or ‘ratings.’ You’ll
often find Yelp entries, and with luck, recent experiences by customers moving
to Charleston, SC.
3.
Get A
Written Estimate
You
should be skeptical of any moving company that is willing to provide a quote
over the phone or internet. This may not be evidence of a scam, but often means
that you are dealing with a broker rather than the company itself. In fact, the
U.S. Department of Transportation red flags any over who doesn’t offer or agree
to an on-site inspection of our household goods “or gives an estimate over the
phone or internet”…the too-good-to-be-true estimates, demands for large upfront
deposits, or failure to hand you the “Rights and Responsibilities When You
Move” pamphlet (Federal regulations require Interstate movers do so during the
planning stages) are all signs of trouble ahead!
4.
Insurance
Issues
Before
you hand over your belongings, it is a good idea to check that you’ll be moving
to Charleston area with the proper insurance. Ask the movers about their
insurance policy and note the policy number. If you have any concerns, you can
check with the insurance provider to confirm that they are properly covered.
5.
Use A
Mover With A Physical Address
Another
sign to watch out for are moving companies that don’t list a physical business
address. With a brick-and-mortar base of operations, you know where to head
should anything go wrong.
Moving scams can cost a lot of money—not to mention the
stress that results when unscrupulous operators have all your stuff! If you’re
planning on moving to Charleston, SC this summer, please consider me your local
guide to our area. I’m here to offer professional real estate representation—as
well as a ton of information about all things Charleston, SC!
Interested in selling your Charleston area home? Visit: www.jeffcookrealestate.com
Interested in buying a Charleston area home? Visit: www.discovercharlestonareahomes.com
-Jeff Cook
Jeff Cook
Real Estate
Charleston,
SC
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