May is National Moving Month

It's time to kick off the busiest season for relocation! Many Americans start thinking about which moving companies to hire to help them pack and move wherever their destination may be.

Homeowners should be familiarized with the options they have and be more careful than ever in choosing a moving company.

An estimated 35 million homeowners in America moved last year, according to the US Department of Transportation. That's a lot of moving trucks!

Among these statistics, most of the moves took place in peak moving season - in May, June, July, and August. So if you are planning to move this summer, you should start comparing services of different moving companies. Get a quote and from there, select which mover offers the best service that fits your needs and budget. As the peak moving season start, most moving companies get fully booked pretty fast so it's definitely a great time to schedule your move as early as possible.

However, we also hear horror stories of people who were tricked by scammers who just disappear, or perhaps lure their customers by holding their goods hostage to get more money. To avoid this, the US DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created a website to assist customers in preparing for an upcoming move. Thanks to FMCSA, you can now avoid being a victim of scam.

Aside from useful tips and checklists that you can find at FMCSA website, the Better Business Bureau is another great resource to alert you to complaints against companies in your area.

Remember, keeping informed will help you make good decisions. Protect your money and plan your upcoming move carefully.

May is National Moving Month, kicking off the busiest season for relocation. It’s the time of the year when a lot of American families begin thinking about who they will hire to help them move. It’s also a time when consumers need to exercise caution and choose their household goods carrier wisely.

According to the US Department of Transportation,  more than 35 million Americans will move this year, and at BBB and the US Department of Transportation, our goal is to ensure that everyone who moves is treated fairly. After all, consumers should be able to expect honest and reasonable treatment when they move.

But all too often, we hear from people who were tricked by bad moving companies who disappeared with their goods or held their goods hostage for more money. That’s why the US DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ( FMCSA) has created a web site, www.protectyourmove.gov, to assist consumers in preparing to move.  When families are taken advantage of, FMCSA can help prosecute bad companies, order them to return hostage goods to their owners, and–thanks to new powers under the latest transportation bill–even return part of a company’s fine to the victim.

I’ve handled a lot of moving complaints and I’ve heard firsthand how frustrating these issues can be. It pays to prepare for your move by being an informed consumer and to plan ahead.  Check with BBB for information on movers prior to getting an estimate or signing a contract.  The US Dept. of Transportation recently launched a  red flag campaign to teach people how to Protect their Move by looking out for the most common signs of bad moving companies. Each of these is a red flag that a mover might not be trustworthy:

• Does the mover refuse to make a house call for an estimate?
• Does the mover offer a much lower estimate than other companies?
• Does the mover pick up your possessions and then increase the price?
• Does the mover ask or attempt to force you to sign a blank or incomplete document before they will deliver the shipment?

If you want more information about these red flags and other steps you can take to avoid moving fraud, please visit protectyourmove.gov. In addition to finding useful tips and checklists, you can also look up a mover’s registration and complaint history. And always remember to check the business out with BBB.

Remember, good decisions start with good information.

Moving is an exciting but stressful step. With the right preparation, there’s no reason your move shouldn’t be hassle-free. So if you’re planning a move, protect your memories and your money—visit protectyourmove.gov and www.bbb.org  today.

- See more at: http://www.bbb.org/blog/2013/05/may-is-national-moving-month-stay-informed/#sthash.JJdFZe5S.dpuf

May is National Moving Month, kicking off the busiest season for relocation. It’s the time of the year when a lot of American families begin thinking about who they will hire to help them move. It’s also a time when consumers need to exercise caution and choose their household goods carrier wisely.

According to the US Department of Transportation,  more than 35 million Americans will move this year, and at BBB and the US Department of Transportation, our goal is to ensure that everyone who moves is treated fairly. After all, consumers should be able to expect honest and reasonable treatment when they move.

But all too often, we hear from people who were tricked by bad moving companies who disappeared with their goods or held their goods hostage for more money. That’s why the US DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ( FMCSA) has created a web site, www.protectyourmove.gov, to assist consumers in preparing to move.  When families are taken advantage of, FMCSA can help prosecute bad companies, order them to return hostage goods to their owners, and–thanks to new powers under the latest transportation bill–even return part of a company’s fine to the victim.

I’ve handled a lot of moving complaints and I’ve heard firsthand how frustrating these issues can be. It pays to prepare for your move by being an informed consumer and to plan ahead.  Check with BBB for information on movers prior to getting an estimate or signing a contract.  The US Dept. of Transportation recently launched a  red flag campaign to teach people how to Protect their Move by looking out for the most common signs of bad moving companies. Each of these is a red flag that a mover might not be trustworthy:

• Does the mover refuse to make a house call for an estimate?
• Does the mover offer a much lower estimate than other companies?
• Does the mover pick up your possessions and then increase the price?
• Does the mover ask or attempt to force you to sign a blank or incomplete document before they will deliver the shipment?

If you want more information about these red flags and other steps you can take to avoid moving fraud, please visit protectyourmove.gov. In addition to finding useful tips and checklists, you can also look up a mover’s registration and complaint history. And always remember to check the business out with BBB.

Remember, good decisions start with good information.

Moving is an exciting but stressful step. With the right preparation, there’s no reason your move shouldn’t be hassle-free. So if you’re planning a move, protect your memories and your money—visit protectyourmove.gov and www.bbb.org  today.

- See more at: http://www.bbb.org/blog/2013/05/may-is-national-moving-month-stay-informed/#sthash.JJdFZe5S.dpuf

May is National Moving Month, kicking off the busiest season for relocation. It’s the time of the year when a lot of American families begin thinking about who they will hire to help them move. It’s also a time when consumers need to exercise caution and choose their household goods carrier wisely.

According to the US Department of Transportation,  more than 35 million Americans will move this year, and at BBB and the US Department of Transportation, our goal is to ensure that everyone who moves is treated fairly. After all, consumers should be able to expect honest and reasonable treatment when they move.

But all too often, we hear from people who were tricked by bad moving companies who disappeared with their goods or held their goods hostage for more money. That’s why the US DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ( FMCSA) has created a web site, www.protectyourmove.gov, to assist consumers in preparing to move.  When families are taken advantage of, FMCSA can help prosecute bad companies, order them to return hostage goods to their owners, and–thanks to new powers under the latest transportation bill–even return part of a company’s fine to the victim.

I’ve handled a lot of moving complaints and I’ve heard firsthand how frustrating these issues can be. It pays to prepare for your move by being an informed consumer and to plan ahead.  Check with BBB for information on movers prior to getting an estimate or signing a contract.  The US Dept. of Transportation recently launched a  red flag campaign to teach people how to Protect their Move by looking out for the most common signs of bad moving companies. Each of these is a red flag that a mover might not be trustworthy:

• Does the mover refuse to make a house call for an estimate?
• Does the mover offer a much lower estimate than other companies?
• Does the mover pick up your possessions and then increase the price?
• Does the mover ask or attempt to force you to sign a blank or incomplete document before they will deliver the shipment?

If you want more information about these red flags and other steps you can take to avoid moving fraud, please visit protectyourmove.gov. In addition to finding useful tips and checklists, you can also look up a mover’s registration and complaint history. And always remember to check the business out with BBB.

Remember, good decisions start with good information.

Moving is an exciting but stressful step. With the right preparation, there’s no reason your move shouldn’t be hassle-free. So if you’re planning a move, protect your memories and your money—visit protectyourmove.gov and www.bbb.org  today.

- See more at: http://www.bbb.org/blog/2013/05/may-is-national-moving-month-stay-informed/#sthash.JJdFZe5S.dpuf

May is National Moving Month, kicking off the busiest season for relocation. It’s the time of the year when a lot of American families begin thinking about who they will hire to help them move. It’s also a time when consumers need to exercise caution and choose their household goods carrier wisely.

According to the US Department of Transportation,  more than 35 million Americans will move this year, and at BBB and the US Department of Transportation, our goal is to ensure that everyone who moves is treated fairly. After all, consumers should be able to expect honest and reasonable treatment when they move.

But all too often, we hear from people who were tricked by bad moving companies who disappeared with their goods or held their goods hostage for more money. That’s why the US DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ( FMCSA) has created a web site, www.protectyourmove.gov, to assist consumers in preparing to move.  When families are taken advantage of, FMCSA can help prosecute bad companies, order them to return hostage goods to their owners, and–thanks to new powers under the latest transportation bill–even return part of a company’s fine to the victim.

I’ve handled a lot of moving complaints and I’ve heard firsthand how frustrating these issues can be. It pays to prepare for your move by being an informed consumer and to plan ahead.  Check with BBB for information on movers prior to getting an estimate or signing a contract.  The US Dept. of Transportation recently launched a  red flag campaign to teach people how to Protect their Move by looking out for the most common signs of bad moving companies. Each of these is a red flag that a mover might not be trustworthy:

• Does the mover refuse to make a house call for an estimate?
• Does the mover offer a much lower estimate than other companies?
• Does the mover pick up your possessions and then increase the price?
• Does the mover ask or attempt to force you to sign a blank or incomplete document before they will deliver the shipment?

If you want more information about these red flags and other steps you can take to avoid moving fraud, please visit protectyourmove.gov. In addition to finding useful tips and checklists, you can also look up a mover’s registration and complaint history. And always remember to check the business out with BBB.

Remember, good decisions start with good information.

Moving is an exciting but stressful step. With the right preparation, there’s no reason your move shouldn’t be hassle-free. So if you’re planning a move, protect your memories and your money—visit protectyourmove.gov and www.bbb.org  today.

- See more at: http://www.bbb.org/blog/2013/05/may-is-national-moving-month-stay-informed/#sthash.JJdFZe5S.dpuf

May is National Moving Month, kicking off the busiest season for relocation. It’s the time of the year when a lot of American families begin thinking about who they will hire to help them move. It’s also a time when consumers need to exercise caution and choose their household goods carrier wisely.

According to the US Department of Transportation,  more than 35 million Americans will move this year, and at BBB and the US Department of Transportation, our goal is to ensure that everyone who moves is treated fairly. After all, consumers should be able to expect honest and reasonable treatment when they move.

But all too often, we hear from people who were tricked by bad moving companies who disappeared with their goods or held their goods hostage for more money. That’s why the US DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ( FMCSA) has created a web site, www.protectyourmove.gov, to assist consumers in preparing to move.  When families are taken advantage of, FMCSA can help prosecute bad companies, order them to return hostage goods to their owners, and–thanks to new powers under the latest transportation bill–even return part of a company’s fine to the victim.

I’ve handled a lot of moving complaints and I’ve heard firsthand how frustrating these issues can be. It pays to prepare for your move by being an informed consumer and to plan ahead.  Check with BBB for information on movers prior to getting an estimate or signing a contract.  The US Dept. of Transportation recently launched a  red flag campaign to teach people how to Protect their Move by looking out for the most common signs of bad moving companies. Each of these is a red flag that a mover might not be trustworthy:

• Does the mover refuse to make a house call for an estimate?
• Does the mover offer a much lower estimate than other companies?
• Does the mover pick up your possessions and then increase the price?
• Does the mover ask or attempt to force you to sign a blank or incomplete document before they will deliver the shipment?

If you want more information about these red flags and other steps you can take to avoid moving fraud, please visit protectyourmove.gov. In addition to finding useful tips and checklists, you can also look up a mover’s registration and complaint history. And always remember to check the business out with BBB.

Remember, good decisions start with good information.

Moving is an exciting but stressful step. With the right preparation, there’s no reason your move shouldn’t be hassle-free. So if you’re planning a move, protect your memories and your money—visit protectyourmove.gov and www.bbb.org  today.

- See more at: http://www.bbb.org/blog/2013/05/may-is-national-moving-month-stay-informed/#sthash.JJdFZe5S.dpuf

May is National Moving Month, kicking off the busiest season for relocation. It’s the time of the year when a lot of American families begin thinking about who they will hire to help them move. It’s also a time when consumers need to exercise caution and choose their household goods carrier wisely.

According to the US Department of Transportation,  more than 35 million Americans will move this year, and at BBB and the US Department of Transportation, our goal is to ensure that everyone who moves is treated fairly. After all, consumers should be able to expect honest and reasonable treatment when they move.

But all too often, we hear from people who were tricked by bad moving companies who disappeared with their goods or held their goods hostage for more money. That’s why the US DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ( FMCSA) has created a web site, www.protectyourmove.gov, to assist consumers in preparing to move.  When families are taken advantage of, FMCSA can help prosecute bad companies, order them to return hostage goods to their owners, and–thanks to new powers under the latest transportation bill–even return part of a company’s fine to the victim.

I’ve handled a lot of moving complaints and I’ve heard firsthand how frustrating these issues can be. It pays to prepare for your move by being an informed consumer and to plan ahead.  Check with BBB for information on movers prior to getting an estimate or signing a contract.  The US Dept. of Transportation recently launched a  red flag campaign to teach people how to Protect their Move by looking out for the most common signs of bad moving companies. Each of these is a red flag that a mover might not be trustworthy:

• Does the mover refuse to make a house call for an estimate?
• Does the mover offer a much lower estimate than other companies?
• Does the mover pick up your possessions and then increase the price?
• Does the mover ask or attempt to force you to sign a blank or incomplete document before they will deliver the shipment?

If you want more information about these red flags and other steps you can take to avoid moving fraud, please visit protectyourmove.gov. In addition to finding useful tips and checklists, you can also look up a mover’s registration and complaint history. And always remember to check the business out with BBB.

Remember, good decisions start with good information.

Moving is an exciting but stressful step. With the right preparation, there’s no reason your move shouldn’t be hassle-free. So if you’re planning a move, protect your memories and your money—visit protectyourmove.gov and www.bbb.org  today.

- See more at: http://www.bbb.org/blog/2013/05/may-is-national-moving-month-stay-informed/#sthash.JJdFZe5S.dpuf

May is National Moving Month, kicking off the busiest season for relocation. It’s the time of the year when a lot of American families begin thinking about who they will hire to help them move. It’s also a time when consumers need to exercise caution and choose their household goods carrier wisely.

According to the US Department of Transportation,  more than 35 million Americans will move this year, and at BBB and the US Department of Transportation, our goal is to ensure that everyone who moves is treated fairly. After all, consumers should be able to expect honest and reasonable treatment when they move.

But all too often, we hear from people who were tricked by bad moving companies who disappeared with their goods or held their goods hostage for more money. That’s why the US DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ( FMCSA) has created a web site, www.protectyourmove.gov, to assist consumers in preparing to move.  When families are taken advantage of, FMCSA can help prosecute bad companies, order them to return hostage goods to their owners, and–thanks to new powers under the latest transportation bill–even return part of a company’s fine to the victim.

I’ve handled a lot of moving complaints and I’ve heard firsthand how frustrating these issues can be. It pays to prepare for your move by being an informed consumer and to plan ahead.  Check with BBB for information on movers prior to getting an estimate or signing a contract.  The US Dept. of Transportation recently launched a  red flag campaign to teach people how to Protect their Move by looking out for the most common signs of bad moving companies. Each of these is a red flag that a mover might not be trustworthy:

• Does the mover refuse to make a house call for an estimate?
• Does the mover offer a much lower estimate than other companies?
• Does the mover pick up your possessions and then increase the price?
• Does the mover ask or attempt to force you to sign a blank or incomplete document before they will deliver the shipment?

If you want more information about these red flags and other steps you can take to avoid moving fraud, please visit protectyourmove.gov. In addition to finding useful tips and checklists, you can also look up a mover’s registration and complaint history. And always remember to check the business out with BBB.

Remember, good decisions start with good information.

Moving is an exciting but stressful step. With the right preparation, there’s no reason your move shouldn’t be hassle-free. So if you’re planning a move, protect your memories and your money—visit protectyourmove.gov and www.bbb.org  today.

- See more at: http://www.bbb.org/blog/2013/05/may-is-national-moving-month-stay-informed/#sthash.JJdFZe5S.dpuf