How to Protect Your Move: Top Tips From From Five College Movers

To protect your move means taking intentional steps to safeguard your belongings and your overall experience during a move. This includes working with licensed professionals, ensuring items are packed properly, avoiding scams, and having proper moving protection in place.

It also means having a plan that prioritizes moving protection and safe moving practices from start to finish. Whether it’s protecting fragile items or reviewing company credentials, it’s all about reducing risk and making sure your move goes off without a hitch.

Moving without protection can be a costly mistake. Items may be lost, broken, or even stolen. There are also moving scams that prey on unsuspecting customers, from unlicensed movers demanding more money mid-move to disappearing with your possessions altogether.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), thousands of complaints are filed annually regarding moving issues, many involving damage, loss, or fraud. Having a strategy in place, including moving safety tips, is vital to protecting not only your belongings but your peace of mind.

One of the most effective ways to protect your move is to start with the right moving team. A secure moving company will have a proven track record, clear communication, and all the proper credentials.

Verify that they hold a valid moving company license. Look up their USDOT number, read reviews, and check for Better Business Bureau accreditation . A legitimate company will never shy away from transparency or documentation.

Packing may seem like a simple task, but it’s one of the biggest factors in ensuring moving protection. Damaged or broken items usually stem from improper packing methods or poor-quality materials.

For best results, hire professionals or purchase high-quality boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. Take special care with fragile items like glass, electronics, and antiques. When it comes to moving household goods, safe and intentional packing is your first line of defense.

Even with the best packing and movers, accidents can happen. That’s why moving protection through insurance is a smart investment. There are two primary types:

• Released Value Protection: Basic coverage that compensates by weight (often cents per pound).

• Full-Value Protection: Comprehensive coverage that pays for repairs, replacement, or reimbursement of lost or damaged items.

Always ask your movers what kind of protection they offer and consider third-party insurance if needed. And if you choose us as movers, we offer a range of services, including local and long-distance moves, packing and unpacking, eco-friendly packing materials, and storage options. Fully licensed and insured, we maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and have garnered over 1,100 five-star reviews on Google, reflecting our commitment to providing a personalized, stress-free moving experience.

Moving can bring out the best in people, but unfortunately, it can also attract shady operators. Moving scams range from overcharging to vanishing movers. Here are some red flags:

• No physical address or contact info.

• Vague contracts or no written estimate.
• Demanding large cash deposits upfront.

Always check that the mover is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. You can use their USDOT number to search the DOT regulations for moving companies and verify credentials.

Look into moving company regulations at both the state and federal level. A valid moving company license should be clearly displayed on their website or promotional materials. If not, move on.

Moving across state lines brings added layers of complexity. Each state may have different regulations, and not all movers are licensed for interstate work. That’s why you need to understand the basics of interstate moving tips early in your planning.

Interstate moves require more detailed inventory, long-distance coordination, and often different insurance requirements. Ignoring these aspects can put your belongings, and your wallet, at risk.

Interstate moves call for extra scrutiny. Make sure the company meets moving company requirements by state and has proven experience in long-distance relocations.

Check their reviews and DOT compliance , and confirm their mover responsibilities when crossing state lines. Ask if they subcontract part of the move, this can impact liability and timing.

Moving company regulations exist to protect you. But if you don’t know what to look for, you could end up working with a company that cuts corners or breaks the law.

Licensed movers must follow federal rules, including issuing written estimates, providing your “Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklets, and honoring the type of valuation coverage chosen. Know the moving company requirements by state so you can hold your mover accountable.

Your mover isn’t just there to lift boxes. Legally, they’re required to handle your belongings with care, provide accurate paperwork, and offer valuation coverage options. These mover responsibilities are outlined in your moving contract and should be clearly discussed before moving day.

They’re also responsible for following agreed delivery windows, documenting any damage, and responding to claims in a timely fashion.

As a customer, you’re not off the hook. You play a critical role in keeping the process smooth and secure. From choosing a licensed mover to packing correctly and keeping an inventory, your involvement matters.

Following moving safety tips like labeling boxes, supervising the process, and reviewing all contracts helps reduce your risk of damage or disputes. Think of it as a team effort, you and your mover are working together to protect your move.

There’s no shortage of helpful moving resources online to guide your decisions. Here are a few you can trust:

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): Search movers by USDOT number.

• Better Business Bureau (BBB): Read company reviews and complaints.

• Moving Authority: Offers ratings, quotes, and mover comparisons.

Using these tools ensures you’re hiring a mover that meets all safety, insurance, and performance benchmarks.