When planning a move—whether it’s across town or across the state—hiring a local moving company can make the process smoother and less stressful. But how do you choose the right moving company, especially if you live in Plymouth, Michigan? While cost is often a top priority, there are other critical factors to consider to ensure a safe and hassle-free move.
Did you know that moving rates for trips over 40 miles within Michigan are regulated by the state? This means that if you’re moving from Plymouth to Lansing, for example, all licensed moving companies must charge the same rate. However, not all movers are created equal, and unfortunately, moving scams are a real concern. A little research and due diligence can go a long way in protecting yourself and your belongings.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you avoid moving scams and find a trustworthy moving company in Michigan.
The first step in finding a reliable mover is to do your homework. Here’s how to get started:
Once you’ve shortlisted a few companies, reach out to them directly. Speaking with the owner or manager can help you gauge their professionalism and legitimacy. Here are some key questions to ask:
If the company is evasive or unwilling to provide clear answers, consider it a red flag.
Don’t just take their word for it—verify the information they provide. Here’s how:
A professional-looking website or a fleet of branded trucks doesn’t always guarantee quality service. While these can indicate legitimacy, they should be considered alongside other factors like reviews, licensing, and customer service. Compare this to a mover operating out of their home with a single truck and temporary helpers—it’s clear which one is more likely to be reliable.
The last thing you want is for an unmarked truck to disappear with all your belongings. Unfortunately, this happens more often than you’d think, especially when people prioritize the cheapest price over quality. By following the steps above, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a moving scam.
At Men on the Move, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality, affordable moving services across Michigan. Our team is licensed, insured, and dedicated to making your move as seamless as possible. Have questions? Contact us today, and let us guide you through every step of the moving process.
For a full 10 step guide on how to find a trustworthy moving company in Michigan Click here.
This was a good article posted by the Texas attorney General. But it fits for all people that are moving.
Summer is the busiest time of year for moving companies. While most legitimate movers comply with the law, unfortunately, a few are unscrupulous. Operators employ a range of practices that take advantage of their customers.
Some unscrupulous movers give customers an artificially low estimate for their services. Then, on moving day, they revise their estimate and provide a much higher price. By that time, customers have no time to find another mover and have little choice but to go along with the increased rate.
Another type of moving scam is perpetrated after a customer’s belongings have been loaded up and hauled away. With the customers’ property in the movers’ possession, the company refuses to deliver or unload the customer’s property unless the customer agrees to pay a higher fee.
Knowledge is always a valuable weapon, so Texans in the market for a moving company should research several options and secure written estimates before moving day. Care also should be taken to ensure that movers are properly licensed and insured. Texans can look up a moving company’s rating and complaint history at the Better Business Bureau’s Web site, www.bbb.org.
Movers are required by law to deliver a customer’s goods for no more than 10% above the price of a non-binding estimate. Customers are not required to pay any amount above a binding estimate. The mover is required to bill customers for any additional charges within 30 days of delivery.