A moving company helps people move to a new home or business, often from a far
distance. The company may offer services such as packing, loading and transporting
boxes and furniture, and assembling items in the new home. It may also provide
storage, cleaning, and other related services. A customer should carefully choose a
moving company to avoid being mistreated by unfair or misleading practices, and to
make sure the service is delivered as promised.
Customers can find a moving company by searching online for the best option, or
asking friends and family for recommendations. It is important to read reviews on
multiple websites, looking for information such as up-front pricing, easy booking,
safe handling of expensive items, and great customer service. Some negative
reviews may highlight complaints about lost deposits or unfriendly staff, but these
should be taken with a grain of salt.
Full-service movers charge for their work based on weight and the distance traveled.
They generally send an inspector to the house or business before the move to
assess items, and then they provide a general estimate of the costs based on a
basic average. However, specialized items like hot tubs, pianos, or safes will be
charged at higher rates. The customer should always be provided with a non-binding
price estimate and the opportunity to observe the weighing of items.
Some movers will also provide a list of prohibited items, such as cash, personal
documents, and medicine. This is usually done to avoid theft and other harm. Some
companies may have additional restrictions on items such as treadmills or ellipticals,
and they might not be willing to move these items at all or only for an extra fee.
It is crucial for a customer to understand whether the moving company is licensed
as a carrier or broker. A license is required to transport goods across state lines, and
some moving companies carry both a USDOT number and a motor carrier number.
The customer should search these numbers online to find out whether the company
is a carrier or broker, and how that licensing is used.
If a customer believes a moving company is using unfair or misleading practices,
they can file a complaint with the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau of New
Hampshire. The Bureau will track such claims and investigate any companies that
consistently mistreat consumers. If the company is found to be engaging in these
activities, it can be subject to fines and other enforcement actions. Customers
should also know that if they hire a moving company to transport their belongings
and the cost exceeds 110% of the non-binding estimate, they have a right to
demand the item’s return within 30 days. This is called the 110% rule. This is a legal
protection to prevent moving companies from holding items hostage until the final
bill is paid. umzugsunternehmen