Comments about ‘Preventing scams by rogue movers’

Another option for many people is a "Do it yourself" move.

Yeah, it is a LOT of hard, sweaty work, and really needs to be started by packing stuff weeks in advance, and using regular moving company type boxes, especially wardrobes for hanging clothes and dish packs for china and fragile stuff.

Renting a truck from Hertz, Penske or U-Haul is not all that expensive, and you can be careful as you (and some young, strong friends!) load the truck. You can drive it to your destination, taking time, and paying about $4 per gallon for not very good mileage, but you know where your stuff is at all time. At night, disable the engine, or use something to block the steering wheel or tires to discourage theft of the whole truck.

Yes, it is hard, sweaty work unloading too, but you will probably have far less aggravation with the process, and little damage and none of the rampant theft problems with hired movers.

Not a solution for everyone, but a really good choice for many people. And, a lot cheaper, even before you figure in scams, or losses by theft or damage!

We need stronger consumer protection. This is one of the worst industries for these shenanigans, because they take your stuff hostage and seem to have the right to do it. The previous post is correct, if you can do it yourself you're better off. Unfortunately, sometimes we have to get help and it turns into a mess. Broken things, missing items, and worse.

Do-it-yourself has the advantages that DN Subscriber describes. However, be advised that one takes their chances with the trucks and equipment available. When we moved across the country a few years ago, we had trouble from the start with the truck's steering as well as the electrical system. The agent knew nothing. We loaded and left. Somewhere in southern Idaho one of the truck wheels SHEARED OFF. The bolts and lugnuts were still attached, it sheared off at the joint. Had not my husband, a road professional, been driving, the situation might have been so much worse. Since those rental agents are independent, we were pretty much on our own. Like everything else, Buyer BEWARE!!