Moving to a new home is exciting, but it can also be stressful—especially when it comes to hiring the right moving company. With so many options available, how do you know which company is trustworthy and which could leave you in a nightmare scenario?
Unfortunately, moving scams are more common than you might think. According to the Better Business Bureau, an average of 13,000 complaints and negative reviews about movers are filed every year. Some companies offer lowball estimates, demand hidden fees, or even hold belongings hostage—and you don’t want to be their next victim.
At Cross Town Movers of Eugene, Oregon, we take pride in offering honest, professional, and reliable moving services. Whether you hire us or another company, we want to ensure you avoid moving scams and have a stress-free experience.
Let’s dive into the top warning signs of moving scams and how to choose a trustworthy moving company for your next move.
? Warning Signs of a Moving Scam
1️⃣ Suspiciously Low Estimates
✔ If a moving quote sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
✔ Some dishonest movers lure customers with super-low prices but add hidden fees later.
✔ What to do: Always get multiple quotes and compare services before deciding.
2️⃣ Large Deposits Required Upfront
✔ Reputable movers typically don’t require large deposits before moving day.
✔ If a company demands a big upfront payment, they might disappear with your money.
✔ What to do: Choose a company that accepts payment after delivery and offers clear terms.
3️⃣ No Physical Address or Office
✔ A moving company should have a physical office and registered business location.
✔ If they only provide a phone number and no address, it’s a red flag.
✔ What to do: Visit the office or verify their business registration before hiring.
4️⃣ No Written Contract or Agreement
✔ A legitimate moving company provides a detailed contract, including:
- Estimated cost
- Pick-up and delivery dates
- Insurance coverage
✔ What to do: Never sign a blank or vague contract. Ensure all terms and conditions are documented.
5️⃣ Unmarked Trucks or Untrained Movers
✔ Professional moving companies use branded trucks and uniformed movers.
✔ If the company shows up with rented trucks or unidentified workers, it’s a bad sign.
✔ What to do: Ask if their employees are background-checked and trained before hiring them.
? How to Find a Reputable Moving Company
Now that you know what to avoid, let’s look at how to hire a trusted moving company for your relocation.
✔ 1. Read Online Reviews and Testimonials
✔ Check Google, Yelp, and Facebook for customer feedback.
✔ Look for detailed reviews—not just ratings—to get real customer experiences.
✔ If a company has a pattern of complaints, move on to another option.
✔ 2. Verify Licensing and Insurance
✔ Legitimate movers should have a business license and insurance coverage.
✔ Ask for proof of insurance to ensure your belongings are protected.
✔ Cross Town Movers is fully licensed and insured to provide you with peace of mind.
✔ 3. Get a Free, In-Person Estimate
✔ Avoid movers who give only phone or email quotes without seeing your items.
✔ A professional mover will:
- Assess your belongings in person
- Provide a written estimate with no hidden fees
- Explain all charges upfront
✔ 4. Understand the Pricing Structure
✔ Ask about:
- Hourly vs. flat-rate pricing
- Extra charges for stairs, heavy items, or long distances
- Cancellation and refund policies
✔ 5. Check Their Customer Service
✔ A trustworthy moving company has clear communication and responsive support.
✔ If they ignore your calls or avoid questions, consider it a red flag.
? Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How do I check if a moving company is legit?
✔ Look for business licenses, insurance certificates, and customer reviews.
✔ Verify their physical office and ask for written contracts.
❓ Can I trust a moving company with no online reviews?
✔ Be cautious if a company has no reviews or only recent 5-star ratings.
✔ Scammers often create fake reviews to appear legitimate.
❓ Do I have to pay for my move upfront?
✔ No. Reputable movers only require a small deposit or full payment after the move.
✔ Avoid companies demanding large pre-payments.
❓ Should I get moving insurance?
✔ Yes! Basic liability coverage is included, but for valuable items, consider full-value protection or third-party insurance.
❓ What should I do if I get scammed by a mover?
✔ Report the company to the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
✔ File a complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
✔ Contact local authorities if necessary.
? Call Cross Town Movers for a Stress-Free Move!
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful when you hire a reliable moving company you can trust. At Cross Town Movers of Eugene, Oregon, we’re committed to honest pricing, professional service, and customer satisfaction.
? Why Choose Cross Town Movers?
✅ Fully Licensed & Insured – No hidden fees, full transparency.
✅ Experienced, Background-Checked Movers – Your belongings are in safe hands.
✅ Affordable Pricing – We Move Affordably with flexible options.
✅ 100% Customer Satisfaction – Check our 5-star reviews!
✅ Local & Long-Distance Moving Experts – Serving Eugene, Springfield, and beyond.
? Call (541) 683-5211 today for a free moving quote!
? Check our website to learn more about our services and book your move!
? Cross Town Movers – Trusted Movers in Eugene, Oregon! ?