Don’t Get Burned: How to Avoid Shady "Moving" Companies
Don't miss our summer playlist at the end of this newsletter!
But first, a few tips to make sure your next move hums along nicely…
With the moving season in full swing, it's time for Camelot's annual reminder on how to avoid the industry's potholes. Whether or not you move with us, we want to inform and empower you (or your friend or family member) as you navigate your next move.
With over 40 years in the moving business, I have personally seen the industry change, and not always for the better. As competition increases and costs rise, the bad actors respond by cutting corners. These days, the corner that is getting cut is the moving service itself. How is that?
Meet the Moving Broker
A moving broker isn't a mover, though he may sound like one when he answers the phone. Without trucks, a warehouse, furniture pads, or employed movers, he cannot provide the moving service he is quoting you. Rather, he books you as a customer and then sells your move to the highest-bidding subcontractor.
Did a real moving company buy your move? Did a freight company with some downtime buy your move? A few guys with a pickup truck? You won't know until they show up at your door on Moving Day—if they show up on Moving Day.
Sadly, Camelot regularly receives calls from moving families on the day of their move, desperate for a moving company because the hired company did not show up. More often than not, our schedule is full, and we cannot help them. Avoid the moving broker and hire a real moving company. How?
Ask to see the moving company's facilities, their moving trucks, to meet a crew member. Real moving companies don't hide behind a phone number and a website. They're in the field, loading the van, driving the truck.
Avoid the Cog in the Wheel: Van Lines
When I first started driving a truck, I was one such “cog,” a long-haul driver for Bekins, a van lines. Bekins provided a reasonably good moving service via a network of independent contractors. However, even then, I could see the cracks in the system. With many independent parties involved, blame gets pushed around and the customer suffers from a revolving door of crews, transfer points, and third parties. What was once an adequate moving service has devolved into a blotch on the industry.
To avoid the pitfalls of a van line, hire an independent moving company to handle your move from beginning to end. Don't be afraid to ask your prospective moving company for the details of how your long-distance move will be handled. Are there third parties involved? When comparing quotes, avoid comparing apples to oranges. The moving service delivered by a van line versus that of an independent moving company cannot compare, and neither can their quotes.
Cutting Costs Vs. Saving Money
Of course, we at Camelot understand the appeal of a lower moving quote. Even more than our customers, we are exasperated at the rising costs of moving homes. Rather than cutting costs by using subpar equipment, techniques, and employees, we'd rather help you save money with our best moving tips. How can you save money on your move? Declutter, donate, and plan ahead. And here are three guides to help you do just that! Free of charge!
We're here for you. Whether you're moving with us or another reputable moving company, give us a call to see how you can practically bring down the cost of moving. We're happy to help.
And now for the overwhelming responses to our requests for musical suggestions last month…
Thank you all so much for sending in your suggestions to build the Camelot Summer Playlist. For all those that will be driving cross- country this summer or simply making a beach trip along PCH, here is a feel-good Camelot–curated playlist, more than 2½ hours' worth including timeless classics from the '60s to today. Roll down your windows, put down the top (if applicable), and hit the highway!