The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) wants to make sure you have the information you need to “Protect Your Memories. Your Money. Your Move” from moving fraud. That’s why they have put together these tips to help you choose the best mover for your needs. The best defense against moving fraud is to be informed and aware of your options when choosing a reputable moving company. While most household moves go smoothly, there are dishonest or “rogue” movers you should be aware of. For more information on interstate moves, visit the FMCSA Web site at: www.protectyourmove.gov.

Use Only Registered Movers
Make sure the mover you select has been assigned a USDOT number, is registered with FMCSA to engage in interstate transportation of household goods, and has proper insurance.
You can determine if a mover is registered with FMCSA by accessing www.protectyourmove.gov, or calling FMCSA at (202) 366-9805 for licensing and (202) 385-2423 for insurance

Read and Understand All Information Provided by the Mover
The mover should provide you with the following basic documents as part of your move:

• Estimates: The estimate should clearly describe, in writing, all charges for services the mover will perform. Make sure the estimate is signed by the mover. Do not accept oral estimates.
• Order For Service: The order for service is a list of all the services the mover will perform and shows the dates your household goods will be picked up and delivered.
• Bill of Lading: The bill of lading is a contract between you and the mover and a receipt of your belongings. You should be given a partially completed copy of the bill of lading before the vehicle leaves the residence at origin.
• Inventory List: The inventory is the receipt showing each item you shipped and its condition. Be sure you receive a written copy of the inventory after your household goods are loaded, and that you agree with its description of your household goods’ condition.

Moving Checklist

Before You Move

• Obtain the brochure Ready to Move? and the booklet Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move from the mover.
• Ask for recommendations from neighbors, friends, and relatives regarding the mover.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau regarding the mover.
• Find out what the mover’s responsibilities are for damages that may occur to your belongings.
• Ask if the mover has a dispute settlement program.
• Obtain estimates from at least three movers, and compare cost and all other services to be provided by the mover.
• Check to determine whether the interstate mover is registered with FMCSA, and has a USDOT number.
• Find out how and when pickup and delivery of your household goods will occur.
• Ask the mover how they can be contacted before the move, during the move, and after the move.
• Adequately insure your belongings.

Moving Day

• Be present to answer questions and give directions to the movers. Stay until they finish.
• Accompany the movers as they inventory your household goods and resolve any questions regarding the condition of materials being moved.
• Carefully read the information on the estimate, order for service, bill of lading, inventory, and all other completed documents before you sign them.
• Keep the bill of lading until your goods are delivered, the charges are paid, and any claims are settled.
• Before the moving van leaves, take one final look throughout the house to make certain nothing has been left behind.
• Give the driver directions to your new house.
• Inform the driver and the moving company of where you can be reached during the move.

Delivery Day

• Be present to answer any questions and give directions.
• Pay the driver, according to the term of your agreement, before your goods are unloaded.
• Supervise unloading and unpacking of your goods.
• Note on the inventory list all boxes or other items that are damaged before you sign any documents.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) develops, maintains, and enforces Federal regulations that establish safe operating requirements for commercial vehicle drivers, carriers, vehicles, and vehicle equipment. FMCSA regulates interstate household goods movers and requires them to register with the agency. Its regulations protect consumers on interstate moves and define the rights and responsibilities of consumers and household goods carriers. You can contact them at 1-800-832-5660.

Even under the best of circumstances, moving is stressful! Throw COVID-19 into the mix, and there may be new questions, concerns, and worries that may not have crossed your mind pre-pandemic. So, can you move during COVID? Yes! Moving companies like Horizon Moving & Logistics are considered an essential business and are ready to move you safely while following CDC and local guidelines.

Image Credit: Marko Geber/Getty Images

Tip #1: Communication is Key

Whether you are using professional movers like Horizon, family or friends to help with your move, clear communication regarding your expectations about safety precautions is essential. Talk to them about maintaining a safe social distance, wearing proper PPE and abiding by guidelines. If you are moving with Horizon, we have you covered when it comes to this tip! Learn more about what we are doing to ensure the health and safety of our clients, partners and employees.

Tip #2: Declutter, Declutter, and Declutter Again

Before you even begin the moving process, COVID times or not, decide which of your items should be moved, donated or tossed. This will help condense the amount of items being moved and save you time and money. Need some help? We have you covered! These ten questions will help you decide if you really need an item, or if you should toss it before the move.

Tip #3: Disinfect and Sanitize

Ask your moving company about their sanitation guidelines. Make sure they are vigilant about sanitizing and disinfecting trucks, moving supplies, etc., and while you’re at it, make sure that you are just as vigilant about cleanliness. Purchasing new moving boxes versus reusing old ones can help to lower the possibility of spreading the virus.

Tip #4: Get a Virtual Moving Estimate and Sign Documents Electronically

Many moving companies (including Horizon!) offer the option to receive a virtual moving quote and provide customers the ability to sign papers electronically. This helps to keep the spread of germs down, and is so easy to do from the comfort of your home that you may even want to receive your future estimates virtually once the pandemic is over.

Tip #5: Keep it Essential on Move Day

Moving day is exciting and stressful and you may want family and friends there to help and share in that excitement. However, we recommend only having those essential to the move there on the big day. This will help you to maintain a safe social distance, while limiting distractions and causing your move to take longer than it needs to. By limiting the number of people involved in your move, the process can be more efficient and less dangerous.

Tip #6: Wear Proper PPE

Require that those present on move day wear proper PPE, including masks and gloves. This will help to keep everyone involved healthy and safe on move day.

Tip #7: Pack Efficiently

Minimizing the number of boxes and moving supplies necessary for your move allows for a safer and more efficient move. Make sure to not leave empty space in boxes and label each one with the contents of the box. This helps with all stages of the moves. Imagine how easy unpacking will be when you know which room each box should go!

Tip #8: Look Into Contactless Moving Services

Moving containers can provide a contactless move for those that would prefer it that way. We’d be happy to tell you more about this option. Fill out our contact form or give us a call at 520-747-1400 to learn more.

Tip #9: Discuss the Closing Process with Your Realtor

Talk with your realtor about how the closing process will work given COVID. Many agencies are offering curbside signing or even virtual closings. Just like with the movers, talk to your realtor about signing documents electronically.

Tip #10: Unpack Carefully

Use the same carefulness as you did when you packed once it’s time to unpack. Sanitize your home prior to unpacking, as well as disinfect items as you unpack them from boxes and place them in your new home. You can even wear gloves as an extra precaution.