Imagine this: you buy a new home and hire a team of movers that you saw advertised in your Albany Facebook group. They claimed to offer great rates, and when they arrive, they look trustworthy. When the time comes for the delivery, there is no sign or word from the “movers.” You try to contact them only to find the number is disconnected, and they have stolen everything you own.

This is every moving customer’s worst nightmare, but fortunately, you don’t have to let yourself become a victim to one of these scams. Keep these five tips in mind as you search for an honest, reliable, and professional moving and storage company. 

Ask for Recommendations from Your Real Estate Agent

As soon as you close on a house, you should start the search for residential movers, and who better to ask for recommendations than your real estate agent? He or she helps clients move in and out of Albany homes all the time, so they most likely have a list of go-to movers that they trust. 

Schedule an In-Home Consultation for Accurate Estimate

Walk away from any company that refuses an in-home quote. Without assessing your household, they can’t give you an accurate quote. This results in a low estimate and a shockingly high bill. It should also be a red flag if any company is not willing to meet with you face-to-face.

Research the Company and Their Accolades

A lot of moving companies claim to have several award and accreditations. Therefore, we always encourage you to research these claims. For example, you can look up a company’s rating with the Better 

Get Information on Their Claims Process

Unfortunately, accidents can happen with even the most reputable moving companies. Whether you use short and long-term storage solutions or have your items delivered directly, damage could occur at some point in transit. The difference between a scam and a legitimate move is the way the claims process is handled. Avoid any companies who are not willing to be upfront about how you can file a claim. 

Be Wary of Internet “Deals”

We always suggest that you do your due diligence and investigate any company, but you should be especially wary of any vague listings on Craigslist, Facebook, or any other social media. If you can’t find a website or physical address for any of these movers, it could be a scam. You should also be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. Ultimately, the most important thing you can do to protect yourself is listen to your gut.

To find out more about choosing a household or specialized moving company in Albany, you should contact Don’s Moving & Storage. We can provide you with more information, or you can schedule an in-home consultation with our movers. You can contact us by calling or filling out our online form.