A quality moving company will provide strong customer support, service options, information and a sense of security. As the month of May kicks off the moving season and the number of relocations kicks up a notch, the American Moving & Storage Association and Preferred Moving & Storage would like to share some advice for the millions of Americans who will be moving this year.

Be cautious and don’t let the stress of relocating erode your common sense – this is the time of year to be extra vigilant in choosing a reputable moving company and protecting yourself as consumers.

  • Verify and Validate – check for your moving company’s physical address, federal motor carrier (MC) number, American Moving & Storage Association affiliation and ProMover status.
  • Reviews and Affiliations – a quality moving company should have positive online reviews, affiliations with moving associations such as AMSA, Better Business Bureau accreditation and a good BBB rating. Also look for awards and recognitions from industry agencies.
  • Contractual Documents – start with a walk-through and written in-home estimate; get everything in writing and keep copies of your estimate, contract and bill of lading if applicable. 
  • Consumer Materials – for interstate moves, Federal regulations stipulate that materials including the “Ready to Move?” brochure, “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” flyer and arbitration information be provided by your mover.  You can also check with local consumer affairs agencies or your moving association for regional guidelines.
  • Money Down – scammers and fly-by-night carriers may demand pre-payment or large down payments to hold your reservation during the busy moving season; whereas reputable movers may require a minimal amount down and signed contract.
  • Valuation & Insurance – interstate moves include valuation: $0.60/pound full-value protection and local movers may offer optional partial-value protection against loss or damage. Review the paperwork with your mover and discuss additional valuation options that can be purchased at an additional cost. 
  • Valuable Items – important paperwork, money, jewelry and the like should be kept with you rather than packed and transported by the movers.
  • Contact Information – keep your drivers’ phone, truck number and moving company office information on you in case you have questions, there is an emergency or plans change.

May is National Moving Month and Preferred Moving & Storage wants you to be a well-informed consumer. As a proud Wheaton Van Lines interstate agent, our BBB accredited moving company has an A+ rating, Michigan Movers Association (MMA) and AMSA memberships, AMSA ProMover and Michigan ProMover status, as well as several industry awards and recognitions over the years. We strive to be your preferred mover and the region’s most trusted company for moving and storage services.