The process of packing and moving is an arduous task that does not often elicit excitement. Because of this, people planning to move may opt to hire a moving company instead of doing it themselves.
In a busy market, it means movers will be hard to find or will have limited availability. If your idea of selecting a qualified mover includes simply reading a few online reviews and getting a free quote, you may be in for a surprise when it comes time to move.
What you may not know is that a limited online search of a company’s reviews may not tell the full story. There are certain state and federal regulations that determine the requirements for movers and it’s in your best interest to know what these are ahead of your move.
The Household Movers Act
The Household Movers Act lays out the laws, rules and regulations for moving companies transporting household goods over California’s public roads for compensation. It requires that they be licensed by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS), which falls under the CA Department of Consumer Affairs. Furthermore, the law prevents anyone from encouraging or condoning household movers in violating the Household Movers Act, whether it’s intentional or not.
REALTORS: If you are referring a client to a household moving company who is not licensed, you are doing so illegally and this is considered a misdemeanor offense!
The purpose of the Household Movers Act is to protect consumers from dishonest companies. Choosing an unlicensed mover could result in major financial despair for the consumer in addition to delayed, missing, or damaged items. In some cases, movers will even hold items hostage until the customer agrees to pay additional funds for their release.
Quick Tips for Finding a Moving Company for Intrastate Moves (Within California)
- Be sure the company is licensed and authorized to operate in California.
- Thoroughly research the company before moving forward with them. If possible, visit their place of business.
- Check the company’s complaint history with the BBB.
- Do not accept a telephone or Internet “estimate” as they are prohibited and may not be enforceable. Estimates must be in writing only after inspection of goods to be moved.
- For more tips and links, visit The Household Movers Information page at the Bureau of Household Goods and Services website.
The Household Goods Program
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) works alongside law enforcement, the moving industry, and consumer groups to help protect consumers with regard to the hiring of household movers over state lines. FMCSA’s website, Protect Your Move, informs customers where and how to search for reputable movers to verify their license status, review consumer complaint history and safety performance records.
The site offers valuable advice such as Red Flags to look for when searching for a mover, Tips for a Successful Move, and a downloadable PDF Moving Checklist. It also provides links to the Better Business Bureau, information on how to file complaints, and state specific moving resources.
Quick Tips for Finding a Moving Company for Interstate Moves (Across State Lines)
- Make sure the mover is registered with the Federal government and insured.
- Check the mover’s complaint history in the FMCSA database.
- Thoroughly research the company before moving forward with them.
- Review “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet, which the mover is required to give you per Federal regulations.
- For more tips and all links, visit the FMCSA Protect Your Move website.
Bottom Line
If you are moving either within California or out of state, be sure you are aware of the regulations for household movers and your rights as a consumer. Even if your Realtor provides you with recommendations for a moving company, you might want to vet them before making a decision in order to protect your best interests.
