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Conducting a smooth move is every person’s dream, at least every adult’s dream. The thing is, though, that despite structured packing, planning everything in advance, and double-checking down to the last tee, there is always the possibility that something might go wrong. An aspect of being human that we need to accept is that we simply can’t eliminate the probability of error, but what we certainly can do is have measures in place to work around it and address it when it does happen.

This is why having moving insurance is a must. Even if you hire the best people for the job, the fact remains that something could definitely go not as planned. Regardless of the reason, the only person being dealt with the short end of the stick in this situation is going to be you. Since it’s always better to prioritize caution over regret, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about moving insurance.

Moving insurance: what is it and what does it cover?

The truth is that as first-time movers, a lot of us might not even be quite sure what moving insurance really is. In simpler terms, it’s an act of preservation in place to cover for any damage, theft, loss, or injury that might take place during a move. Since the main conductor of the moving process are the moving company you hire, insurance renders them liable to reimburse you and compensate you.

Of course, the extent and process of this compensation depends firsthand on what kind of insurance contract you decide on with the moving company during the hiring process. If the moving company doesn’t offer insurance (which is something you’d do best to be cautious about), you can always reach out to your own insurance to see if they cover moving related damages too.

Full value protection.

This is one of the several types of moving insurance that you’ll get from a moving company. This one might work best for you if you have a lot of valuables in your items and a lot of them could be prone to breakage. This renders the company fully liable of compensating you completely for any damage during the move. Basically, you’ll be getting a penny for a penny in terms of any kind of loss.

The mover can also avail the option of repairing the item for you, if its condition permits that. While this insurance option sounds quite impeccable for a move, the downside is that it is pretty expensive. There is also the matter of different movers offering different estimates for it. Only opt for full value protection when your items are pricey and easily breakable. Otherwise, there are yet other moving insurance options to pick from too.

Released value protection.

This insurance policy works if you’re on an extremely tight budget when moving. Companies offer this free of cost, but there’s a catch. You can only avail minimum compensation for the damage. This is minimum to the point where compensation for hundreds of dollars would fall to just a couple of bucks. The thing about released value protection is that it’s only the kind of insurance that’s better than nothing.

Released value protection focuses on compensation according to the weight of an item, and not the value. And you already know that the compensation it does offer for weight is incredibly minimal. The whole concept of released value is to consider the reimbursement of a damaged item outside of what its market value is. If you pick this type of moving insurance, you should be extra careful.

Expanded mover coverage.

This is the kind of insurance coverage that focus more on liability and valuation. This will involve a detailed process of valuation for either each object or a broader valuation that you can pick according to the weight of your entire shipment. The best part here is that it allows you the peace of mind of knowing that any of your items that might be damaged will be replaced exactly as they are and exactly in the condition they’re in.

Some movers also allow you to set an assessed value for every item. This way you can focus on the value items outside of their weight and it will also cost lesser because you won’t have to be paying large sums because of weight. This is the best option when you have valuable items that don’t weigh much.

Separate liability coverage.

This is the part where your insurance company or a third-party steps in to cover all issues relating to insurance during a move. Moving companies are technically not allowed to provide insurance on their own, or actually, sell insurance. They can make claims based on liability or, as just stated, include a third-party insurance seller to do this for them. In this type of coverage, released value is still a given on the part of the moving company.

However, the rest of the coverage falls into the hands of the insurance provider. It is still imperative that you go through their policies about this in detail, though. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to assume that all damages will be covered down to the last dot. Read through the contract, policies, agreements, and even the fine print so there are no unpleasant surprises later on.

Here’s the verdict.

Do you need moving insurance? We say, you sure do! Moving is already risky and expensive as it is, and sustaining damage during it without any possibility of compensation is frustrating and unfair too. This is why it’s wise to always look into moving insurance or some kind of coverage based on what you can afford.

Remember that it’s always better to be safe than sorry and you deserve to have the peace of mind of knowing that the moving process is in good hands, but you have good moving insurance in place to manage any bumps along the way.

It is not uncommon these days that people are simply tiring away from the concrete scenery of most metropolitan cities in the United States. A lot of people are on the hunt for a breather in the form of relatively less populated cities that are tucked away in the folds of nature somewhere. Of course, simply relocating to a place that’s more out of reach and provides little to no facilities is no one’s dream; enter: St. George, Utah.

If you’re thinking of gorgeous green scenery all around and outdoor activities in abundance but still want to retain that peace of mind by knowing that bigger cities are close by, then St. George might fit you like a glove. While very convincing on their own, these aren’t the only aspect this beautiful city offers. We’re going to give you a detailed take on all the reasons why you should consider moving to St. George, Utah, until you’re completely won over!

You’ll be spending less and living better.

The flat-out major reason that lots of people are making a move to St. George is because of the very attractive facet of affordability. Good city life is exceptionally expensive, but St. George gives the living index of all other areas in the United States a serious run for their money. The fact that it falls over ten points below the average index of the US says a lot of the affordability front than anything else.

Also, it’s not as if affordability comes with a catch. There are plenty of really posh areas in St. George that accommodate one’s taste for a little higher-end living, all while costing significantly less. Everything from renting to buying houses, groceries, fuel prices, and the like is relatively less expensive than in all other areas of the country. If you’re looking for a great city to relocate to that will cost you less while retaining a good style of living, then St. George is the place for you.

You won’t be compromising on safety.

Perhaps the worst aspect of big city life is the tendency it imparts in you to always look behind your back and secure doors with extra locks. St. George can help you get over that trauma. The crime rate of the city is significantly less than in every other area in the US. The most common crimes pertain to theft, which means that bodily harm or personal safety aren’t issues for people living in St. George.

We’re not saying that crime is non-existent in the area, but it is significantly less in occurrence and intensity too. If you often find yourself worrying over your family’s safety and well-being, then considering moving to St. George might definitely be a feasible option for you. The lower crime rate is for sure one of the most compelling reasons you should consider moving to St. George, Utah.

It can provide an excellent education opportunity.

You might be thinking that because St. George has more of a small-town vibe to it that the standard of education it provides will be pretty average or below; well, think again. St. George is home to some exceptionally great elementary and middle schools. Moreover, with five high schools to choose from, you have plenty of options in terms of finding the right academic fit for your teenagers.

St. George also offers a college education, with the renowned Utah Tech College being within its premises. With three accredited colleges to its name, the city is surely a great choice for students who are hunting for affordable places to live. Also, if you’re big on good weather and sunshine, you should know that these aspects mix quite well with school days all across the city, all throughout the year.

You’ll get some breathing space.

St. George is a breath of fresh air, quite literally. If you’re more than done with inhaling the smoke and fumes from an uncountable number of cars and vehicles in the city, then head on to St. George, Utah. You’ll have lots of options for outdoor activities that are going to make you a serious hit with your family. From gorgeous and elaborate hikes to the most stunning national parks in proximity, you’ll find it hard to stay shut indoors when in St. George.

If you’re thinking of making the transition from a big city to St. George, then get ready to embrace outings that involve other things than simply wining and dining. You’ll find that you’ll truly be able to take a step back and connect with yourself when you step into St. George. If this isn’t an absolutely great reason why you should consider moving to St. George, Utah, then we don’t know what is!

The community is more than welcoming.

If you’ve ever felt like living in the city puts you in the midst of rude and unpleasant company, then St. George is the perfect place for the exact opposite experience. The city has become a sort of a retirement haven for people retiring from areas nearby. Most of the people in the location are easy-going and very easy to get along with too. If you’re someone who greatly values experiences with neighbors and likes to have a sense of community, then the city is perfect for you.

That’s not to say that you won’t come across groups of people that aren’t as ready to socialize, but the chances of that occurring are pretty slim in comparison to larger city life. The fact that the boost in St. George’s population is mainly because of people migrating to the area makes it a great place for different communities to mix and thrive.

Here’s the bottom line.

From the above-stated facts and figures, it’s more than established that St. George is a great option if you’re thinking of moving, and the sky’s the limit. That’s not to say that the city doesn’t have a select few drawbacks to its name, but we can safely say that the plus points outweigh them by a mile!

One of the reasons that moves are as distressing as they are is that there’s always the possibility that a lot could go wrong. While a slight delay in plans and a temporary misplacement of an item are mishaps that can be easily overcome, damage to your items during a move cannot. This is why all first-time or seasoned movers want to know if there’s any way they can make absolutely sure that no large-scale misstep or damage occurs during a move.

Unfortunately, there is no iron-clad surety that can fully save you from even the slightest possibility of damage during a move, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take some very efficient steps to absolutely minimize it. We’re gathering the most useful tips you’ll need on how to avoid damage during a move so you partake in the ordeal with significantly more peace of mind.

Shed some of the load.

One of the major reasons that damage takes place during a move is over-packing and overstuffing boxes. This occurs in the first place because there are too many items to begin with, and some of them are just weight and nothing else. Always make sure that decluttering is a part of your packing process before the move. Nothing quite meets the embarrassment and frustration that comes with watching boxes rip apart and spill items during a move.

If you’re not big on giving things away, try to sell them so you can generate some money to help with an already expensive move. Decluttering will also help you unload and unpack more easily, so it helps avoid damage during a move in a two-fold way. If thoughts of things going wrong during a move are plaguing your mind, try to reduce the number of things you’re packing.

Be a little extra with measures.

One thing about larger pieces of furniture is that they’re almost always likely to get stuck somewhere when being unloaded. This doesn’t only result in a lot of heavily flustered individuals but also causes lots of damage to your items. A way to avoid this is to take measures for these bigger pieces and compare them with the entrance dimensions of the new place. This way, you’ll know which furniture needs to be broken down.

Going the extra mile with this will also save you lots of time during the move. This is because you’ll already be sure that certain items will move and fit easily when they’re unloaded, nor will you have to go through the frustrating trial-and-error of forcing things in and out of tiny spaces. To avoid damage during a move, you need to make sure you take an appropriate handful of precautions.

Handle things with extra care.

It seems that no items are as prone to damage and breakage as much as fragile articles like mirrors, frames, décor, and other valuables. Luckily, there is something you can do about it. Get the right protective equipment for items prone to breakage, like corner protectors, and also make sure to add all the extra layers for safety too. Also, take your time with packing these fragile articles; the better you do it, the safer your items are.

Another essential tip is to never compromise on the quality of your supplies. Saving on packing items might seem attractive when every other aspect of the move is turning out to be so costly, but remind yourself that if saving money on that front results in damage, then you’re better off spending it. Good and sturdy packing supplies come with a peace of mind tag included!

Prevent other types of damage too.

Damage to your furniture and other items isn’t the only kind of damage you should work on avoiding during a move. In fact, you’d be surprised at just how many accidents and slips, and falls occur on a moving day. While it is beyond any of us to ensure that everyone involved in the move has impeccable posture and balance on the day of, there are some preventative steps you can take to ensure no one gets hurt on the job.

Ask your moving company for non-slip runners, or go out and get your own while stocking up on packing supplies. These make sure that slippery surfaces that have texture that provides friction. Also, try and integrate foam covers on as many parts of the house as possible, so if anyone does end up sustaining a fall, the damage will be minimal.

Take kids out of the equation.

Look, whenever there are children involved, the likelihood of someone getting hurt during a move just goes up drastically. One of the most efficient things you can do to avoid this kind of damage during a move is to hire a sitter for moving day or ask a family member over to watch your young ones at all times.

You’d be surprised at how easily children get into trouble during a move. There’s also a lot of disruption and confusion that comes with the loading and unloading process when kids are going in and out. Avoid damage during a move by making sure your children are at a safe distance. Ideally, the more distance, the better.

Get the right kind of insurance.

While we would love to tell you that the above steps can fully cancel out the chance of damage during a move, that’s not the case. This is why it’s always wise to remain prepared in the best of ways for damage, its compensation, and keeping everything as minimal as possible. Having an insurance contract in place with your moving company will ensure that you are reimbursed or adequately compensated for any damage that occurs during the move.

Make sure you go through your already existing insurance and detail what it covers and how it claims to recompense in the case of damage during a move. It’s also prudent to undergo a valuation process for your items, so there’s no confusion afterward. One of the best ways to avoid serious damage from a move is to be prepared.

Moving demands a lot of multitasking and juggling, and this naturally makes it more likely for mishaps to take place. But regardless of how common it is to mess up a little during a move, it doesn’t mean that you should let it slide and simply sit well with accepting that making mistakes while moving is an okay thing. Think of the stress, worry, and sleepless nights you’ve undergone over small and big moving missteps.

This time, you need to do things differently. Do a mental walkthrough of how much more smoothly the moving process would have gone if certain specific moments didn’t happen. At the very end, ask yourself. Is just surrendering to the likelihood of moving mistakes really worth the distress it all causes? We think not, which is why we’re enlisting the most common mistakes one can make while moving, so you avoid them.

Leaving things for the last minute.

There aren’t words big enough to stress just how important planning is for a successful move. The biggest moving mistake made in the history of moving is delaying the process as much as you can and then going haphazardly into it just as the moving date is staring you in the face. Of course, the Pareto principle sounds appealing when you’re trying to justify procrastinating but just think of the agony you’ll experience over prioritizing bouts of laziness.

Leaving packing and other aspects of your move for the last couple of days or weeks also strips you of the ability to plan and sort things right. This automatically means that you’re unpacking and settling-in process will be a nightmare. You’ll also be at much more risk of misplacing and losing things or not being able to locate those months after moving in. Trust us, that’s one scavenger hunt you don’t want to play.

Skipping over the decluttering process.

One of the hardest things during a move is to muster the strength to part with a lot of our possessions. This one tendency is behind one of the biggest moving mistakes that should be voided at all costs. Decluttering is a very important part of an efficient packing process. If you don’t take out useless items, you’ll be hoarding and ultimately packing more than you actually need.

An essential thing to remember is that the heavier your moving load is, the more you’ll end up paying for it. This roughly translates to you paying a significant amount of money to have your trash moved from one house to the other. Also, keep in mind that when you unpack these objects, they’ll end up dumped anyway or in the storage and eat up valuable storage space for other items of value.

Compromising on supplies.

Sure, you’re trying to save money any way you can during a move because, let’s face it, moving is really expensive. But some cost-saving techniques during a move might end up backfiring, and compromising on the quantity and quality of supplies is one of those things. Opting to purchase fewer packing supplies than you actually need is only going to come around as an extra errand run closer to the day of the move.

Opting for cheaper quality packing supplies will put your belongings in danger of damage. Poor-quality boxes and tape cannot sustain the weight of items and eventually end up spilling. If you want to avoid an added bout of stress on moving day and the embarrassment that comes with watching boxes rip apart and put your things out on display, make sure to avoid the moving mistake of compromising on supplies.

Avoiding inventory and labeling.

Anyone who has ever scoffed over doing inventory during a move and going the extra mile by labeling boxes too will certainly tell you that they were wrong for doing that. Nothing makes unpacking and putting things in their place as hard as unorganized and scattered packing. Even if you made an effort to pack well, cardboard boxes essentially look the same, and telling one apart from the other can only be done by opening them.

This makes for an exhausting and dizzying process. Avoid this moving mistake, and make sure you have a detailed list of your items with you in boxes that are labeled and easy to identify. The inventory process is also important because it helps avoid misplacing or losing things, and on the off chance that that does occur, you can seek compensation by showing your movers the detailed item inventory that you created while packing.

Not looking into insurance.

Look, moving is a messy business. Packing a life’s worth of items into boxes and trusting an entity to transport them for you across a considerable distance warrants that some kind of damage, mishap or unexpected situation could always occur. Even if your moving company is top-notch, you need to make sure to look into the kind of insurance they offer and read contracts in depth. Yes, the fine print too.

Make sure to have a valuation done on all of your items so you can apply for a replacement in the face of any unpredicted damage. Slacking on this is the biggest moving mistake you should avoid because simply having a verbal agreement about compensation will mean nothing when the situation actually presents itself and the moving company refuses to follow through.

Not having a separate bag for essentials.

The most frustrating aspect of a move is when you simply can’t seem to locate a particular document or an item of need at the moment when it is most crucial for you to have it. Save yourself time and stress, and instead, make sure to pack an essentials bag that has everything from your documents to keys and even toiletries.

Don’t underestimate the intensity with which the need for a seemingly small item might pop up. This has the potential to completely taint an otherwise successful move and is hence one of the moving mistakes you need to avoid with a passion.

The worst news anyone could receive is that they’ve been scammed by their moving company after a move that’s already taken a toll by itself. Whether you’ve been ripped off, have had items damaged that the company’s outright refusing to compensate you for, or you’ve simply had a very turbulent and distressing experience with them, you have every right to be mad and want to do something about it.

The good news here is that this doesn’t mean you’re at the mercy of the faulty moving company in question. There are actions you can take to address the matter, and we’ll walk you through them. Grab your reading glasses and sit down so you can find out in detail everything you need to consider in the matter and, of course, how to file a moving complaint.

Start by reaching out to the moving company.

Of course, you’re not searching how to file a moving complaint out of spite and have certainly had some contact with the moving company before resorting to drastic steps. However, it’s always prudent to check in with the company and let them know your poor your experience with them was. See if they’re up to compensate you in some way or if they stand firm on their claims of professionalism.

If their response is unsatisfactory or if they’re not even bothering to pick your calls up anymore, you need to seriously start considering a harsher approach. But just because a company might have conducted themselves in ways that didn’t make for the best experience on your part doesn’t mean a complaint on the matter will be entertained or addressed. This is why before filing a moving complaint, it’s wise to look into what makes for a genuine issue.

Understand what aspects can warrant a complaint.

Before you simply go on to scouting portals where you can file a moving complaint, you need to make sure the matter in question is something that concerned authorities would deem worthy of compensation. Anything from losing items, misplacing them, damaging them, or withholding them is a solid circumstance that requires filing a moving complaint.

Moreover, if the moving process is significantly prolonged, and outrageous additional charges come up in your final deposit, then you can certainly file a complaint. Also this is also important to consider because you need to start gathering all kinds of evidence to provide footing to your claim. Everything from contracts to agreements and receipts will come in handy as you proceed with filing a moving complaint.

Submit your complaint to the FMCSA.

The most straightforward approach to file a moving complaint is to submit your complaint in the FMCSA online database. The Federal Motor Safety Association is responsible for overseeing all moving companies and general transportation across the county. As a part of the Department of Transportation, it has a duty to keep a check on all registered and licensed moving companies, which means it’s also the perfect place to check whether a moving company is registered in the first place or not.

Head to the entity’s complaint database, and you’ll find all details about the complaint process there. If the moving company is registered, they’ll have a month to take notice of the complaint and three additional months to address the dispute with you. This will involve a professional third party in the process and ensure that the moving company follows through with things.

Take your dispute to the ATA.

If the moving company you worked with comes under the umbrella of entities signed with the America Trucking Association, then they’re automatically liable to be addressed for any complaints, issues, or disputes for their services. This is the best place to refer your complaint, especially if you’re dealing with larger-scale complaints like being ripped off of a great amount of money or sustaining heavy damages during a move.

The ATA is an excellent option for filing a moving complaint because it receives disputes in detail and is the perfect source to take specific moving-related woes to. If your issue is smaller in size or more general in its category, then there are other more generic entities to handle that kind of situation too. That’s not to say that the ATA doesn’t take on broader complaints of more general nature.

Opt for the BBB:

The Better Business Bureau is a very vast organization that addresses complaints against businesses of all kinds, and moving companies very much fall into that premise. You can find all the information for filing the complaint on their complaint page. It’s important to have all sorts of details and information about the company you’re submitting a claim against; leaving parts of their online form empty or missing important information could have your complaint left unattended.

Filing a moving complaint to the BBB is also more convenient in terms of time because they render the moving company liable for replying to the dispute within a two-week period. This is a significantly shorter time in comparison to other portals, which can take up to months. The BBB also ensures that the perpetrator is notified of the complaint within two days.

File a lawsuit.

Although filing a lawsuit is the last thing on anyone’s mind after a nasty experience with a moving company, sometimes it becomes the only viable option. A small claims court is the place to head to when all other options and portals have not yielded anything out of your complaint against a moving company.

Remember that heading to court, even a small claims one, will cost you money. So, scout for professional legal assistance before delving in too deep. Shelf the lawsuit option as a last resort when other online and less fatiguing methods do not pay off. Also, do consider whether seeking compensation for your bad moving experience will end up costing you more in legal fees or not. Regardless, it’s always best to know that you retain the right to file a moving complaint against an unsatisfactory moving company.

There are only a handful of individuals who could claim that moving is easy, and even they would have their misgivings about that statement. The majority of us know that moving is a chore and requires assistance for it. Hiring a moving company is first instinct, of course, but a lot of us don’t really know much about that process either.

If you’ve attempted to hire help for your moving process and have heard the words broker and company being thrown around interchangeably with moving, then you’re definitely confused. You can take a breather because we’re going to give you a detailed session on what differentiates a moving company from a moving broker. Read on to learn about their properties and which one you’ll need for your upcoming move.

A moving broker does the booking but not the moving.

A lot of first-time movers often mistake brokers for movers. This often occurs when they recruit contact numbers online and hire a service without looking too much into it. The safest play is firstly flat-out asking whether a service is a moving company or a moving broker. You want to be clear on this because both entities perform strikingly different functions.

A moving broker is hired when you need someone to do the booking process for you. They’ll be in charge of looking for a moving company and having them ready for the moving date you’ve set. A broker is essentially the middle person that sells a move to a moving company. What this means is that they don’t have the vehicles and equipment required to conduct a move. They just have a convenient contact list of moving companies and make finding one easier for people who are about to move.

A moving company does all the action.

For your moving day, what you need is a moving company. This is a service that will show up for the move and have all the right equipment for everything from packing and loading to unloading and transporting. A moving company will also take a walkthrough of your house to determine the cost of the move in regard to how many items there are and their complexity too.

The process of hiring and approving a moving company is more detailed and significantly requires consideration. The moving company is responsible for ensuring that your stuff safely makes it to another location, so there are many contractual aspects to hiring them. Moreover, a moving company offers a variety of packages depending on the extent of the services that you want to avail of them.

A moving broker provides options.

A moving broker definitely makes sense if you like to have options in place before making a decision. Without a broker, you’ll have to scout out different moving companies yourself. A moving broker makes it easier for you to gather information about a lot of moving companies from a single source, and it provides you estimates about their charges, too, although moving companies are definitely more accurate on that account.

Moving brokers usually have a list of moving companies that are associated with their person. So they’re able to provide information about them in helpful detail. If you’re not one to look around much and find just the thought of hunting down moving companies tiring, then opting for a moving broker is a good choice for you.

Moving companies are seasoned.

The one aspect in which moving companies always beat out the option of hiring moving brokers is that they have lots of experience under their belt. Having direct contact with a moving company will not only help you obtain a more accurate estimate about the move but also give you a first-hand account of the moving company’s approach. When opting for a broker, you won’t be able to test the moving company out for yourself and probably be stuck with them on the day of the move.

Moving companies are also a safer option when you’re a first-time mover and need some insights into conducting an efficient and bump-free move. They’ll give you a lot of information when they conduct a walkthrough of your place. They’ll guide you on packing before the move as well as what you can expect on a moving day. With a moving broker, you have to resort to the come as it may policy, and that doesn’t always turn out the best.

The credibility process of both is different.

When confirming if a service is, in fact, a moving broker, there are some things you need to make sure of before moving forward with them. Firstly, it’s essential that even moving brokers are registered with the FMCSA, and not just the moving companies they’re connecting you with. Moreover, you need to look into contractual and binding agreements that they have with the companies they’re vouching for.

For a moving company, the same registration confirmation applies. Also, taking a look at the certifications and logos that they have on their vehicles and equipment is a must. A moving company also has to provide insurance, which is something you need to look into in detail before finalizing anything with them. Singling out any potential scams on either company’s part is absolutely essential, which is why doing a detailed online search about the movers’ or brokers’ reputations is a must.

Here’s the verdict.

Now that you’re essentially clear on how moving companies differ from moving brokers, you’re on to the question of which one is the sounder choice in the end. Hiring a moving company allows a first-hand insight into a company’s process and how it’ll be operating on the day of the move. Hiring a middleman impedes the sampling process that’s almost essential in conducting a smooth move.

Also, directly approaching moving companies entitles you to various discounts on their part and might save significant expenses on a moving process that will already be costing you a lot of money. In the end, there’s nothing quite like testing a moving company’s credibility and expertise on your own.

The last thing someone who is already stressed out about a fast-approaching moving date wants to know is that there could be scams involved in the process. If you really think about it, the fact that you’re trusting one or multiple companies with all of the items in your house, having them transport everything and have it in their possession for a chunk of time only makes it likely that some scams could be snuck in.

Also, there’s the matter of money, price estimates, and the concern of advance deposits too. Moving scams come in many shapes and sizes, but ultimately they either rip you off financially or cause damages in some other form. You don’t need to worry yourself into an anxiety attack because we’ve got you covered. We’re going to walk you through ten common moving scams and also what you can do to avoid them.

1.    The moving company’s identity is sketchy.

This is the first indication of a scam and something you should look into immediately. Moving companies aren’t casual part-time businesses. These are licensed, registered, and certified workers that curate moving experiences. If a moving company doesn’t have a name to identify themselves, that means that they don’t really exist on the market yet. You need to be able to look up a moving company online, and without a name, that’s just not possible.

2.    Their bids are too good to be true.

Look, everyone wants to save as much as they can during a move, but with the fact that moving involves labor, fuel, and other equipment to execute, it being expensive is a given. If a moving company is giving you a bid or an estimate that is significantly lower than the prices their counterparts are offering, this means that something is amiss. Lowball estimates are a really common scam, and you can counter them by asking for quotes from other companies.

3.    They’re pressing you for a deposit in advance.

Since moving is a pretty straightforward process, moving companies don’t usually ask for a deposit beforehand. If the moving company you’re considering hiring is continuously asking you for a deposit, and a big one at that, you have to stay alert. The most efficient way to make sure you’re not being scammed is to pay through your card and not cash. This way, you can provide proof of the payment in case things go south.

4.    Their miscellaneous charges are through the roof.

When looking at a contract for payment while hiring a moving company, if a lot of undetailed costs are popping up, you need to look into it. Sometimes, moving companies scam customers by including extra charges and unexplained costs in the fine print. These later add up to make a hefty bill. Counter this by discussing each aspect of cost in the contract and catching add-ons while you do that.

5.    They’re hesitant about insurance.

Moving comes with a lot of unexpected and unpredictable facets, and sometimes damage and loss are inevitable. This is why having an insurance policy in place to compensate customers in the face of any such incident is a must for professional moving companies. Some don’t offer this protection at all, while others offer a part of the cost and not full compensation. You need to discuss these details beforehand and determine what kind of valuation and insurance they offer.

6.    They’re not big on liability.

Reputable moving companies are well aware of how important liability claims are to ensure the peace of mind of customers. They’re clear and open about how and when they’re liable and for what kinds of damage. Moving companies that make big claims about liability and won’t elaborate on them are all set to scam you. Have a written record of any and all agreements and claims they make so you don’t regret believing everything they say afterward.

7.    They’re more into doing things verbally.

Hiring a moving company and availing their services needs to be in the form of a contract; otherwise, any advance payment you might give them or any new estimates they might bring your way after are going to brew trouble. Any moving company that insists on finalizing things over a handshake and nothing more is trying to scam you. Counter this by having everything in writing, and make sure to add any extra details you’re concerned about for the move.

8.    Their walkthroughs are brief and cursory.

Any reputable moving company makes sure to have a walkthrough of your house to look over everything they’re going to be addressing and loading during the move. If a moving company’s walkthrough is incredibly short and surface level, there’s a strong chance they’re scamming you. These could very well be con artists that might take off with your things, so be wary of their estimation process to avoid this scam. Remember that efficient moving companies always have lots of questions and look through your items with lots of detail.

9.    They don’t have credentials to their name.

A good moving company has licensure, certifications, and logos from the concerned departments. If your moving company doesn’t have anything to back up its claims of professionalism and experience, then there’s a great chance this could very well be a scam in the making. You can confirm the eligibility of a moving company by doing a quick search through the Federal Carrier Service Safety website.

10.   They lack equipment.

Moving companies help people move for a living, so it doesn’t quite add up when a moving company is short on packing material or other equipment to carry and load heavy items. Moreover, if a moving company shows up on your doorstep with a rental truck and not transportation that is marked with their logo, then you need to beware. Don’t be pressured into moving ahead into the process with them and simply refuse. Nothing is worth the safety of your belongings and family.

The reality of why moves sound so overwhelming and terrifying is because of the packing part. Just the thought of having to break down and store a lifetime’s worth of things into boxes is enough to send one into a full-blown panic attack. Your experiences with packing for a move might be limited or unfortunate, which is why you’re not looking forward to having to go through the experience again.

If you approach this the right way, packing for a move can be a very disciplined, structured, and pleasant experience. So, unlearn everything you already know about packing and completely redo the narrative in your mind. We’re going to offer you a crash course on how to pack for a move, and you’re going to take it. Stick around to learn the best tips to pack efficiently for a move!

Put thought into your packing material.

What you might have been imparted about the equipment you need to pack is that it’s disposable, so quality doesn’t really come into the picture. However, if you really think about it, cheap packing material will cost you more in the long run. Think of the items that are heavy and likely to spill out of the boxes and tape, unable to hold them together. This means breakage, damage, and a whole lot of unexpected costs.

This doesn’t mean you have to spend considerably on packing material. Instead, just ask around; lots of your friends and family will have in their storage good quality packing material that has come in handy for them in several moves. When packing for a move, be realistic about how able a particular material is to safely hold the items you’re putting inside it.

Make an inventory.

This might sound like an unnecessary added step in the packing process because you’ve never had to do it before, and the moves turned out just fine. Except the packing and move didn’t turn out just fine, which might most likely have been because of skipping this step in the first place. Knowing your items and then packing them accordingly will save you from the loss that comes from misplacing items during a move, which is actually very common.

You’ll also find it easier to locate things when you need to unpack them. Doing inventory is also important when packing for a move because you’ll be having movers in and out of your house, and the likelihood of things going missing is always there. Save yourself from the unneeded stress of locating things and eventually coming to the conclusion that they’re gone for good.

Have a sequence.

Nothing says ill-done packing like one that consists of you stuffing items from every part of the house into random boxes. Think of the absolute nightmare all of that is going to be when you have to unpack and settle in. The most functional way to avoid this is to have a mind map to approach the packing process. Do one room at a time, so the items for it are close by and easy to locate too.

The one rule when packing for a move is to make sure to progress from harder rooms to easier ones. This demands that you do your kitchen items first because there are just too many categories of items to pack there, and they’re fragile, so they’re going to take time. Move on to the common spaces of your house where the bigger furniture is, and then address bedrooms, which can be divided for every person to pack their own belongings.

Labels need to be in the picture.

Although social media might currently be telling us that putting labels on relationships is a bad idea, putting them on your packing boxes is certainly not. Having gone through the entire process of making inventory and packing things in a sequence won’t come in handy until you label boxes according to their contents. Boxes can get misplaced or end up in other rooms even when you’ve monitored everything to the last dot.

Make sure to label according to rooms, too, so movers know where to put boxes without having to take directions from you at every turn. The thing about efficient packing is that it doesn’t only make a move easy but every process that comes after that too. Labels are especially helpful for keeping disassembled furniture together because nothing stresses one out quite like losing parts of furniture items that ultimately render them useless.

Pack essentials separately.

When packing for a move, the goal isn’t to get everything into boxes and have it only accessible when you’re moving in. There are going to be many items that you’ll need while you load, during the journey, and immediately as you move into the new house. Make sure to pack these essentials in easily accessible storage materials like duffel bags or backpacks.

Items like toiletries, chargers, and a change of clothes, should all be packed efficiently and always within reach. Other important things that might be needed during the journey to the new home need to be carefully thought of and packed accordingly.

Mark items that need extra care.

Nothing renders a move as sour as having valuable items damaged. While not every element can be controlled during a move, you need to make sure that you pack efficiently to avoid as many obstacles and bumps as possible. Mark fragile items as such and keep them in a separate room so that they can be loaded last and carefully too. Everything from furniture, electronics, and décor pieces that are a risk of breaking easily need to be packed with extra attention.

The essential thing to keep in mind when packing for a move is that this is the process that’s going to largely determine out the rest of the move pans out. It’s better to be safe and take precautionary measures instead of later going through the trouble of seeking compensation when damages occur during a move.

Selecting a responsible and trustworthy moving company is perhaps the most crucial part of planning and executing a successful move. Think about it; you’re entrusting the entirety of what makes up your house in the hands of people that have to safely pack it, load it, and transport it to another location. This demands that you put a lot of consideration into picking a moving company.

Most first-time movers aren’t sure where to start looking for a moving company, and it can feel intimidating beginning the process of searching for when and figuring out what things you need to consider before hiring them. Picking a moving company doesn’t have to be a long and daunting process. Instead, it only requires a couple of contemplations. Consider us a helping hand because we’re breaking down how to choose a moving company in as little as five definitive steps.

Start with word of mouth.

Looking up moving companies online usually doesn’t end well for people, which is why hesitant people about to move houses want to have solid and reliable sources to approach moving companies. The most efficient way to do this is to ask the people around you. Friends, family, and neighbors will all collectively have the contacts of at least a couple of good moving companies that they can vouch for firsthand.

Use these referrals to build up options. Remember that one of the rookie mistakes people make when choosing a moving company is to simply hire the first company they come across. Take your time and have at least three to five movers lined up before settling on one. You have to conduct your own little investigation before a moving company is in the clear for being chosen for your move.

Check for credentials.

Most moving companies will promise you the moon and stars, and while the promise of a smooth and professional experience is a sign of good marketing, it isn’t enough to choose a moving company. Check their licensure and also take a look at their insurance policy. What you’re after is making sure that the moving company you’re considering is everything it claims to be. Unfortunately, moving scams are very common, which is why confirming everything in advance is a reasonable move.

You can also check for the moving company’s performance record online and find feedback from other customers too. Other accreditations and logos need to be looked into too. A lot of moving companies want to attach unwarranted accomplishments and certifications to their name, which is why it’s always a good idea to make sure that the moving company you’re considering can put their accreditations where their mouth is.

Go through the technicalities.

Not reading the contract that a potential hire moving company provides you with is an absurdity. You need to look into their insurance policies, how they compensate for damage, whether they ask for a deposit, and so on. These aspects are very important in communicating how professional and reliable a moving company is. Remember that reputable and professional moving companies do not ask for a deposit beforehand, so beware of any scams that might be coming your way.

Other considerations like a company’s adherence to time and schedules and the measures that they take to ensure safety during a move are all things you need to consider when selecting a moving company. Keep in mind that the little knots and frictions that you’re thinking of overlooking right now can build up and become real obstacles during the move, and moving is already stressful enough as it is.

Recognize reasonable estimates.

After you’ve made sure everything else about a moving company adds up, it’s time to look into one of the major factors that are going to determine whether you’re going to work with a moving company or not: the financial side of it. Moving is expensive, so it’s natural that you’ll be looking for a company that’s charging within your affordability. But beware when a company’s estimates appear just too good to be real. Some clever moving companies incorporate a lot of hidden estimates that eventually build up to have the entire move cost an arm and a leg for you.

This will create a lot of friction and confusion for you and eventually strip you of the little faith you have in moving companies in the first place. Make sure to read through the fine print and identify any hidden costs that might threaten to pop up later on. Also, have a detailed discussion with the moving company to go through the financial aspect of the contract. Surprises are the last thing you need or want during a move, so actively do everything you can to avoid them.

Check their customer support.

The way a moving company treats its customers and entertains their queries and complaints say more about them than anything ever will. Take your time to do an online and physical perusal of how the moving company you’re considering hiring responds to its customers. You’ll find depictions of this up on their website or in the review section where customers have penned down their experience.

If a moving company truly values its professional relationship with customers, it will do its best to live up to the promised moving experience. A moving company that downplays issues faced by customers and takes hours and days to get back to you for queries is just bad news. All of this is an insight into the way you’ll be treated by them in the future. Don’t shy away from testing a moving company every way you can before you make the decision to hire them.

Here’s the bottom line:

Choosing a moving company is only as hard as you make it. If you stay focused and have a clear, laid-out plan about what things to look for, you’ll find the experience enjoyable and rewarding. Luckily, you have a set of indicators already placed out step-by-step for you!

Relocating an office can sound like a pretty intimidating task. Whether your office is moving because of an expansion or due to unfortunate circumstances, what remains constant is that a whole lot of preparation, planning, and teamwork go into conducting and executing a successful office move. Moving an office is essentially like moving houses but on a much bigger and more complicated scale.

If you’re fretting over a potential office move and can’t seem to figure out where to begin with the relocation project, take a breather and listen up. We’re giving you the only office moving checklist you’ll need to consult to ensure a smooth and timely relocation. We’ll also be squeezing in the timeline you need to consider to execute every step and proceed to the actual move!

Find the right place.

The first step you need to take as you entertain the thought of an office move is to locate a reasonable space for the relocation and sort out the details of the property you’re currently occupying. Take a look at the lease and remember that leaving earlier than the decided date could demand that you give up the deposit. Moreover, you also need to take a look at any damages or improvements that you might be liable for after occupying the space for a certain amount of time.

Once you’ve figured out these aspects, only then can you move on to seriously looking for another potential office space. You need to keep into consideration the needs of your organization, the growth you expect for it in the coming years, as well as what’s possible for the company on an affordability level. Ideally, this is the time you start to look around for spaces and obtain quotes relating to them. The right timeline to do this is at least a year before you’re scheduled to clear your current office space out.

Figure out your needs.

Now that you’ve settled on good office space for the move, you need to take a look at the stuff you’re going to take with you as well as the additional items that might need buying. If your office move is an expansion, then you’re definitely going to have to purchase furniture and appliances for potential new hires as well as fill new spaces and positions. This can’t be done on guesswork. Instead, you need to take time to discern what is needed, what you already have, and what needs to be discarded accurately.

You also have to evaluate the technology and technological devices you’ll need to safely transfer your data as you move to another location. These are all tangible items you need to enlist and secure before or immediately after an office move. Bigger items take quite some time to come in after being ordered, so make sure you finalize and place orders at least three to four months before your big office move.

Make the bigger arrangements.

You can’t even think of announcing an office moving date before you’ve hammered down the essentials required for a move. Booking a moving company and finalizing a date is at the top of this list. Hiring a moving company for an office move is no light task; moving an entire office demands a lot of effort and planning and a great deal of time too. This means that coming to a date or multiple ones that work for both parties is a very intense task.

In this step, it would help to make an inventory of all the items in the office as well as the new ones scheduled to come in later on. This helps arrange and transfer things during the move and keep track of them too. This is not a single-person task; rather, it requires the input of multiple teams, so make sure to efficiently allot duties for every department or floor and then obtain and organize input accordingly.

Pass on the word.

Now that you’ve addressed and accomplished the initial considerations for your office relocation, it’s now time to inform the concerned people. Inform your property manager of the move and discuss details pertaining to the lease. Professionally inform your team members of the moving date and location, so they have ample time to prepare and contribute. It’s wise to let staff know at least six months or more in advance so they can be ready for all the adjustments that will be coming their way.

Clearly communicate to workers what the expectations of them are during this office move and how soon everything is expected to commence and be settled in. It’s unwise to keep office staff uninformed until the last minute because this will cause confusion and mistrust, not to mention a lot of trouble for employees who have to make changes relating to the distance of the new office from their current address.

Have the essentials ready.

When planning an office move, you need to be far-sighted. Remember that your only concern shouldn’t be packing up and moving the office but also making sure that everything can go back to normal work-wise as soon as possible. Moves are costly, and the time invested in them cost offices their work days, too. This is why the goal should be to transition back into work mode as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Aspects such as securing a good Wi-Fi connection, having the utilities set up and going, and setting up the workplace enough to have essential operations going are priority tasks. These have to be considered when arranging the entire office moving process. Otherwise, the result will be a disastrous transition process that will cost the company a lot of precious work time.

Once you’ve settled in, make sure to update your new address on all professional fronts and portals so your official mail and other aspects can come through. Now all that’s left for you to do is follow this office move checklist and relocate as smoothly as possible.