My friend Arnie is the kind of person who does everything full-tilt. So it was no surprise when he told me he was getting a massive new flatscreen TV for his Super Bowl party. But there was a problem. He had no idea how he was going to get that beast all the way home from the store in one piece.
“Can I lay it down flat in my truck?” he asked. “Or is the liquid plasma stuff inside the screen gonna get all messed up and totally destroy my new baby?”
If you’re planning on getting a new flatscreen TV during all the great Black Friday deals, you might be wondering the same. It’s a question I get all the time. The short answer? “No, you can’t lay it down. And no, the plasma won’t mess up your TV.”
The long answer is below, along with some other tips about getting your new TV home in one piece.
Transporting Flat Screens: Opinions vs. Facts
Here are a few common opinions I found about moving a flatscreen TV, from typically credible places:
“Never lay a TV flat when transporting it. I speak from experience.” (avforums)
“There’s no real issue with transporting LCD’s laying down. They don’t have a pane of glass like plasmas do.” (MacForums)
“Manufacturers recommend storing the TV upright, rather than flat or on its side” (Techwalla)
While there’s definitely an agreement that transporting flatscreen TVs horizontally can lead to damage, there’s some anecdotal advice that says this only applies to certain types of televisions. But is that really true?
First, let’s look at the two basic types of flat screens.
Plasma screens consist of a double layer of glass holding millions of tiny cells containing microscopic fluorescent ‘lamps’ that produce an image. It’s a similar sort of technology that light bulbs use. Older models of flat screens are more likely to be this plasma type.
LCD (liquid crystal display) screens contain millions of pixels, made of sub-pixels that are like windows with shades that let in different amounts of red, green, or blue light. These produce light in varying percentages to form the picture we see.
(Note: A third type, the LED (light-emitting diode) display, is basically an LCD screen, but with LED backlighting.)
If you want to read up on some finer points between TV types, here’s a handy guide.
“Whether you’re picking up a used flat screen TV or buying one new, be sure to set it vertically in your vehicle, right side up, with sufficient padding on all sides to keep it firmly and safely in place.”
So, despite what my pal Arnie was afraid of, there’s nothing inside either type of TV that’s going to get ruined, or settle at the bottom of your screen. As long as it remains properly vertical, your TV will be just fine no matter how many years it stands on your table, hangs on your wall, or sits in the moving truck if you’removing long distance.
But, when it comes to keeping your flat screen safe, it doesn’t really matter which type it is. Both are susceptible to damage if transported or stored improperly.
But why is it bad to lay a flatscreen TV down flat?
Because flatscreen TVs are designed to sit upright. More specifically, your TV is constructed to fully support that screen when it is vertical, but not at all when it’s horizontal. If you lay your TV down, the absence of support in the middle of the screen can cause cracking or distortion around the edges if left that way over time.
It’s fine to lay your TV down temporarily — like to attach accessories or clean it — but if you drive down the road with your TV laid flat you’re risking serious damage. A few bumps and jolts are all it takes for that screen to start sagging in the middle and cracking or warping under its own weight.
This is why glass-delivery trucks have those vertical racks on the sides, and why we movers always load mirrors and picture frames vertically.
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Transport your flatscreen TV the right way
Whether you’re picking up a used flatscreen TV or buying one new, be sure to set it vertically in your vehicle, right side up, with sufficient padding on all sides to keep it firmly and safely in place.
If you are buying a used flat screen from someone who doesn’t have the original packaging anymore, take the time to protect it properly. A few thick blankets might work in a pinch, but if you can, packing your TV like it’s amirror applies just as well.
Your TV, your wallet, and all your friends at your Super Bowl party will be glad you did.
In 2023, 12% more moving scam reports have been filed with Better Business Bureau compared to last year
After a dip in 2022, complaints about moving companies are set to grow 35% year-over-year by the end of 2023
The financial toll of moving scams is projected to reach $1.59 million in 2023, 42% above last year’s total
Consumers lost an average of $836 to moving scams in 2023, 7% more than in 2022
Moving scams are most common in Wyoming (one in every 4,426 moves) and least common in Texas (one in every 41,410 moves)
Moving scams may have dipped in 2022, following their peak during the COVID-19 pandemic years. But according to the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker, they are on track to increase 35% year-over-year.
In response to this trend, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) launched an operation called Protect Your Move in April of this year. This is timely, as our data indicates almost half (45%) of all the moves in any given year take place from May through August.
As we’re currently within the period that we in the business call “the moving season,” let’s look at the latest trends in moving scams, review which scams are the most common in 2023, and where these scams are most likely to happen to you.
Mover Beware: Moving Fraud on the Rise Again in 2023
After surging steadily through the COVID-19 pandemic years of 2020-2021, the number of moving scam reports fell by 60% in 2022, according to our analysis of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) figures.
This positive trend is unlikely to continue this year, as 12% more scam reports have been submitted to the BBB’s Scam Tracker in the first five months of 2023, compared to the same period last year. And that’s before moving season (i.e., the three months of the summer when the demand for moving services and total moves usually peak).
At this rate, the total number of reported moving scams in 2023 is projected to be 194, some 35% higher than last year.
That number would still be lower than what we’ve seen during the pandemic, but significantly higher than in any other non-pandemic year since 2016.
Hidden Costs: The Ongoing Financial Toll of Moving Scams
As if the increase in moving fraud wasn’t enough, the average amount U.S. consumers are reporting as lost to scammers is also increasing. In 2022, the average amount claimed to have been lost to scammers was $784. In 2023 so far, moving fraud in the United States averages $836 of loss, which is 7% higher than last year.
“What’s new this year is incidents of no-show (26%) and mover fraud (24%) have increased. Combined, they now account for 50% (up from 40% last year) of moving scams reported to the BBB.”
It’s worth mentioning that this increase isn’t just down to the average number being skewed by a few exorbitantly costly scams. The median amount lost to a moving scam in 2023 so far is $260. That figure is substantially higher than last year’s $190.
And what about the total financial toll of moving scams? Incorporating the latest BBB Scam Tracker figures, it currently sits at around $2.2 million per year, which is a figure extrapolated from the assumption that only 10% of fraud incidents get reported.
As moving fraud is estimated to rise in 2023, so is its financial toll. In the first five months of this year, American consumers already lost an estimated $543,000, which is 42% more than moving scams claimed over the same period in 2022.
If the current trend continues, the total amount lost to moving scams could reach $1.5 million by the end of the year.
Widespread in Wyoming, Costliest in Kansas: Moving Scams by State
Based on the most recent figures on moving scams and the number of people moving in each state, Wyoming comes out as the state where the ratio of moves to scams is the lowest. One scam is reported for every 4,426 moves that take place in Wyoming.
In second and third place on this unfortunate ranking are Vermont (one scam per 6,548 moves) and South Dakota (one scam per 6,783 moves).
Elsewhere, all three states on the west coast of the U.S. — Oregon, Washington, and California — feature among the 10 states where moving fraud is most pervasive.
State
Moves Per Scam
Wyoming
4,426
Vermont
6,548
South Dakota
6,783
Oregon
6,867
Minnesota
7,262
Colorado
8,488
Arizona
9,408
Connecticut
9,634
Washington
9,736
California
10,152
State
Moves Per Scam
Texas
41,410
Idaho
30,933
Oklahoma
28,578
Nevada
28,419
Kansas
24,155
Kentucky
22,307
Massachusetts
22,185
Mississippi
21,966
Louisiana
21,074
Tennessee
21,050
In Texas on the other hand, moving scams are rarest, where scams affect one in every 41,410 moves. This is rather impressive, considering Texas is the state with the second-highest number of people moving (with the highest being in California).
Idaho is the second-safest state for moving scams, hosting an impressive 30,933 moves per single scam. Oklahoma and Nevada register one scam in around 28,000 moves, while in Mississippi, Louisianaand Tennessee, the scams-to-moves ratio raises to around one in 21,000.
Dollars Lost Per State
As far as the financial toll is concerned, moving scams average the most financial damage in Kansas, where the average amount lost is $2,700.
Nevada ($2,435) and Alabama ($2,325) are close behind and, together with Kansas, are the only three states where the average financial loss from a moving scam averages higher than $2,000.
Other states with some of the highest average financial losses include New Jersey ($1,677), California ($1,210) and Florida ($1,001).
Conversely, in some states, moving fraud barely registers financially. For example, Idaho ($45), Massachusetts ($43) and Wisconsin ($40) all average less than $50 lost per moving scam so far this year.
Check out the interactive map below to see the average amount people lose to moving scams in your state.
Scam Tactics: Most Pervasive Moving Scams in America
Similar to last year’s findings, the most common type of moving scam reported to the BBB is the change of address scam.
Using this trick, perpetrators trick people who have recently moved into paying a fee (usually around $99.95 or more) for changing their address. Victims are directed to a website disguised to appear as a website from the United States Postal Service (USPS). This scam accounts for 31% of scams reported, down from 37% last year.
Not showing up
What’s new this year is incidents of no-shows (26%) and mover fraud (24%) have increased. Combined, they now account for 50% (up from 40% last year) of moving scams reported to the BBB.
A no-show is a scam where a moving company asks someone for a deposit or some form of an upfront fee, that fee is paid, and then no movers show up on the day of the move. Most frequently, that so-called moving company is unreachable afterward.
Here’s a description of one such scam reported to the BBB by someone who fell victim to it this year:
“Contacted movers to move my son. They said I would need to Zelle them with the deposit ($561.00) which I did. Moving day came and they contacted me and said they were running late. I was ghosted after that! No move was performed by this company.”
Mover fraud is a category of scams that includes fake moving companies posing as real moving businesses that at best are operating without a license, or, in the worst of cases, take people’s possessions until a ransom is paid (otherwise known as a “hostage load”).
It was specifically the increase in “complaints of movers holding household possessions hostage to extort exorbitant additional charges from consumers” that prompted the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to launch a crackdown on hostage loads in April of this year.
The other 19% of scams couldn’t be placed in a single category, and include a mixture of things like suspicious movers failing to adhere to the terms of the contract, overcharging, giving customers discounts for positive reviews, and more.
More Moving, More Problems: Why Moving Scams are Spiking in 2023
Why are the scams spiking in 2023? Based on our analysis, the reason behind the recent rise in this type of fraud is twofold.
Firstly,more people are moving. A recent Census Bureau’s Residential Home Sales report shows a 15% year-over-year jump in residential home sales in April 2023. Elsewhere, recent figures show a spike in new home sales. By contrast, 2022 was the year when home sales declined continually and sharply.
Housing is one of the top reasons why people move, so it’s likely that more scams occur because there is a greater demand for moving services and, therefore, a greater likelihood to encounter scammers.
“In 2023 so far, moving fraud in the United States averages $836 of loss, which is 7% higher than last year.”
The second reason has to do with the high susceptibility of consumers to moving scams. The BBB defines susceptibility as “the percentage of consumers who reported losing money when exposed to a scam”. By this metric, moving scams are among the most dangerous, with 66% of them resulting in financial loss. That’s second only to online shopping!
With such a high rate of financial damage, moving scams are more likely to be reported, as consumers attempt to do all they can to reclaim what they’ve lost and warn others of potential fraudsters.
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Moving Safely and Soundly: How To Not Get Scammed When Moving
To help you avoid getting scammed while moving, we have put together these tips.
Compare multiple quotes to avoid scams and ensure a good deal. Beware of significantly lower or higher quotes, lack of concrete details, absence of written contracts, and excessive down-payments.
Check out the company’s online presence. Legitimate moving companies have a website and listings on legitimate platforms like Yelp or HireAHelper. A lack of online presence or frequent name changes may indicate a suspicious company.
Look up verified customer reviews. Check past customer reviews and avoid companies with a history of dissatisfied customers on review-aggregating websites like Yelp and the BBB.
Keep a detailed inventory of your possessions. Create a detailed list of packed items and consider taking photographs. Being organized helps prevent theft and identify missing items after the move.
Lock up your most expensive valuables. Use lockable moving boxes and properly pad fragile items to prevent tampering or theft.
Consider buying moving insurance. Moving insurance can protect against financial losses due to damaged or lost items. Third-party insurance is recommended in case of fraudulent moving companies.
For more information on moving scams, and how to protect yourself from fraudulent movers, please read our extended guide.
See how prolific and costly scams are in each state with our interactive table below.
Sources & Methodology
To calculate the number of moving scams and the associated dollar amount lost we utilized the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker. For topical analysis of scams, we used Structural Topic Modeling on written descriptions of scams to derive their key themes.
To calculate the number of moves in each state for the year 2023, we utilized the U.S. Census Bureau’s Migration/Geographic Mobility Data series.
After all the stress, money spent, and late nights packing, you’re finally at your new home and ready to unpack and settle in for the last leg of your move. Only, you discover your pricey, one-of-a-kind glass coffee table has been shattered. Or the box filled with family heirlooms is missing. Or while pulling in, the moving truck dings the fence and knocks over your mailbox.
These can be nightmare scenarios, depending on how precious the item is and how expensive it could be to replace. But there are some things you can do once you discover any damage — as well as some things you should try before you move.
If my stuff was broken during a move, what do I do?
Did you hire movers who you suspect damaged or outright broke something? Know that even if money can’t wholly replace the item you lost, there are usually steps you can take to get compensation, both before and immediately after anything gets damaged.
1. Document the damage
For broken or damaged items, the first step is to get plenty of photos.
Those pictures will be very helpful when you file a claim, either with the moving company or with insurance (if you have it). Right after you discover the damage is the best time to do this, but even if some time has passed, any documentation is better than none.
If you’re lucky enough to have any photos of your belongings before the move (which is highly recommended), include those too for a before-and-after. Photos are mandatory for showing exactly what type of damage occurred and the potential cost to repair or replace the item.
My stuff is missing!
But what if after taking stock of everything in your new home, you realize the lamp that’s at the perfect angle for a reading light isn’t there? You’re absolutely sure you packed it, but it’s simply gone.
Obviously, you can’t take photos of something missing. Ideally, if you have one, you should go through your entire moving inventory thoroughly when your movers are finished and still there. Rushing through the process and confirming that everything made it to your destination when that’s not the case will make it much harder to locate a missing item or file a claim.
“…it’s much tougher to deal with moving problems after the fact. Which is why it’s so important to work with a company that’s been pre-vetted.”
If it turns out something truly is missing, your only true recourse is to ask the moving company to track it down. It could have been left behind or delivered to the wrong address. (Ask your old property manager/check your old place too, of course.) Alerting the moving company ASAP is key, since the more time that passes, the higher the chance of it getting lost for good.
(If this isn’t an accident and you think there’s been a crime, read about what to do.)
2. File a claim
Once you’ve taken stock of what’s damaged or missing, it’s time to inform the moving company of what happened.
Below is the contact information for a number of national moving companies and where you should file a claim for your lost or broken items.
How To File a Claim With National Moving Companies:
Allied Van Lines: Fill out their online claim form. You can also e-mail claimstrace@alliedvan.com or call (800) 470-2851 to discuss a missing item or coverage prior to filing a claim
Arpin Van Lines: If you need information or help filing a claim, call (855) 405-9293 and dial option 3 to speak to a claims representative or email claims@wvlcorp.com. You can also file a claim online
Atlas: You can file a claim directly through the Atlas® Customer Portal. If you need help, call (800) 638-9797 (ext. 2846# or 2850#)
Mayflower: Most claims can be submitted online. However, if your move took place within the state of Texas, call (800) 325-9970 to get the appropriate form
Moving Help (U-Haul): You can contact them or fill out an Issue Resolution request online. You’re also able to file a claim directly under the subcategory “Safeload”
North American Van Lines: File a claim online, or call (800) 348-3746 or email claims@navl.com for help. Note that intra-Texas moves use a separate claims form and it must be filed within 90 days of delivery
U-Pack: Email moving@upack.com with your name and reference number, and they’ll send you a claim form to complete and submit
United Van Lines: Most claims can be filed online. For intra-Texas moves, call (800) 325-9970 for assistance
Unfortunately, there is no formal process for damages caused by a local moving company that you hire directly. That said, many local moving companies will offer to help or partially pay for damages, but it’s entirely up to them to work with their customers on a case-by-case basis.
However, if you hire a local moving company through an online mover marketplace like HireAHelper, you will be covered in all instances of damages. HireAHelper automatically steps in to mediate and get your money back.
HireAHelper: You can call (800) 995-5003, or email customer-support@hireahelper.com. They are available seven days a week, so you should always be able to get ahold of somebody to help.
3. File a third-party complaint (maybe)
If you submitted a claim but the moving company is not responding, or you feel that they’re not taking enough responsibility, you should file a complaint with a third-party organization.
The first organization to contact is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This is a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). You can file a complaint online for issues such as lost or damaged items, issues with the company’s license or insurance, overcharges and more.
Once you file a complaint, the movers have 30 days to acknowledge it, plus another 120 days to dispute or resolve it. (Not ideal, but it’s something.)
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You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. After filing your complaint, the BBB processes it within two business days. The business then has 14 days to respond from the date you filed. Complaints are usually closed within 30 days. However, if the business fails to respond, it can negatively impact its BBB rating.
If you think something was actually stolen or intentionally damaged, you should contact your local police department and file a report.
4. You can also seek arbitration from the government
Another option you have if a claim isn’t being handled properly is arbitration. It’s a form of dispute resolution that allows everyone to avoid going to court. Interstate movers are required to participate in an arbitration program, such as the one offered by the FMCSA. (Click here to get started.)
What about moving insurance?
If you’re worried about any possessions being damaged, but you haven’t even hired movers yet, insurance is a possibility. Unfortunately, for reasons all too familiar, you probably won’t be able to rely on your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance for items lost or damaged while moving. But you’re not necessarily out of luck.
Hired movers are generally responsible for the items they’re transporting. However, if you move across state lines, all moving companies are federally required (that means in every single state) to offer two insurance options:
Full value protection: This means the moving company is responsible for covering the total replacement value of any possessions that are lost or damaged. They can opt to repair or replace the damaged item, or give you cash. This is the most comprehensive coverage, which means it’s also the most expensive.
Released value protection: It’s free… but you get what you pay for. It provides up to $0.60 per pound of an item that’s lost or damaged. So if your 40 lb. flat-screen TV worth $1,000 gets cracked, the most you would be compensated is about $24.
Third-party liability insurance: Some movers may offer this separately. It costs extra but will cover any damages beyond the released value coverage, up to the policy’s limits.
Hiring movers directly means you’re responsible for most of this research and decision-making. But companies such as HireAHelper that curate and help you find the best movers also help you with all the moving insurance stuff.
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On top of full value protection, HireAHelper automatically offers a $1,000 Safety Guarantee with every order for free, with plenty of other options to upgrade. After curating thousands and thousands of moves, HireAHelper knows everything about what can go wrong and how to fix it. It’s much easier to work with a company that knows the ins and outs of claims and insurance and has a vested interest in your satisfaction, rather than muddling through things on your own.
Again, if you have no insurance, you should still be able to receive some kind of compensation, as long as you’re working with a licensed and reputable moving company. (It’s important to check before hiring anyone!)
What happens after filing a claim with the insurance company?
In many cases, you have up to nine months to file a claim with the company. But again, the faster you file, the sooner you’ll resolve the issue.
After you file the claim (usually this is done online but possibly over the phone):
The company will respond to acknowledge they received it (generally within 30 days)
They will investigate the situation and eventually either offer compensation or deny the claim
Keep in mind there are some situations when the insurance company isn’t responsible for covering your damages. For example, if you choose to pack your own items yourself and something breaks, that’s typically on you, not the movers. The same is true if you pack anything that’s perishable, hazardous, or highly valuable without notifying the movers. Damage from natural disasters is also usually not covered.
Hiring Reputable Movers Is Important
You might assume that if you hire a professional moving company, they have all the necessary processes in place to handle damages. But the truth is a lot of local moving companies don’t actually have insurance or customer service in a traditional sense. And scarily enough, in some cases, you could be dealing with a moving scam. (Click here to learn more if you think you’re being scammed.)
Of course, it’s much tougher to deal with moving problems after the fact. This is why it’s so important to work with a company that’s been pre-vetted. And that’s exactly why HireAHelper exists — we built a national database of reputable movers who not only pass our strict requirements to be listed, but also get publically rated by verfied customers to hold them accountable.
We often write about how to move things like houseplants, your pantry, and even your dog. But what happens when you’re moving not just things, but also your livelihood?
This is often the scenario for photographers who are moving. This places a huge burden on their moves to be speedy, but also needing it to be extra safe. Not a great combo.
To help iron out this problem, we spoke with Seattle-area professional photographer Brianna Bray to walk you through the most important things about moving your photo studio.
Why is moving photography equipment a big deal?
A $11.5 billion industry, photography is an essential profession in small and big cities alike. Capturing important and intimate moments of life knows no borders.
Given that photography is needed everywhere, this means photographers are often on the move. And when they relocate, the average professional photographer is likely moving at least $10,000 worth of photo equipment to a new area — not something you want to leave up to a random stranger to pack. (Yes, professional studio movers ARE a thing, you sometimes just have to ask.)
How Professional Photographers Prepare To Move Photography Equipment
Brianna Bray
Whether you’re planning to move your photo studio somewhere permanent or temporary, the pros advise creating a detailed moving plan any time your equipment is transported anywhere, no matter how you do it.
Give your photo equipment its own packing day
When you decide to move, give yourself plenty of time to pack your equipment carefully. “It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Take your time packing your equipment and triple-check your gear,” says Brianna Bray. Thus, she recommends relegating your photo packing to its own day.
Write down important measurements
If you have any large photo equipment in your studio (or just a lot of it), it’s a good idea to write down the height and width measurements of your largest equipment AND the dimensions of your new location. If you can’t physically measure the new area, ask your realtor to help you get the dimensions of whatever space is intended to become your new photo studio. If this isn’t possible, research storage units in the area so you have a backup plan in case something doesn’t fit.
Here’s a helpful guide for determining how much space you need for a photography studio.
(Additionally, estimating the size of your current setup will help you determine what size moving truck you may need if you intend to rent a truck or hire professional movers for the job.)
Inventory and photograph your equipment
Regardless of whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer, you likely have equipment. It’s a great habit to create an inventory list for every single item you own.
Your photo equipment inventory list should include:
Make a separate column to record the condition of all of your items. (You get bonus points for taking photos and digitizing receipts, in case you need to pursue reimbursement.)
You can use a pre-written equipment list like this one to help jog your memory.
Example equipment list – slrlounge.com
Get camera moving insurance (or don’t)
If you haven’t already consulted your insurance provider about a policy to cover your photography gear, doing so before you move is exactly the time to do it.
Cameras are typically covered by most home or renter’s insurance policies, but they usually only cover things like theft, vandalism, and fire. But for more likely problems like loss and damage (especially in between homes), generic policies probably won’t cut it. Call your insurer to explain your specific situation and ask them what you’d need. Consider specific electronics insurance if you feel your collection is important enough.
As a bonus, because you just made an inventory (you did, right?), you can easily share it with your insurer! Include how much you paid for each piece of equipment. Update your inventory as you get rid of gear or add new pieces over time.
Is insurance really necessary?
Even if you only have a single lens, no one is so amateur they deserve to lose hundreds of dollars due to a broken camera.
Still, insurance isn’t always the best option. Consider a cost-benefit analysis: how much extra would it cost to hand-carry your equipment instead of insuring it for a move inside a moving truck? If you haven’t invested much in your studio, it may not make sense to spend extra. However, far fewer photographers insure their equipment than likely should (especially if you’re moving long distances!).
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Camera Cases
When it comes to transporting your camera and lenses, it may be tempting to bubble wrap everything and put it in a box. However, bubble wrap is not usually the best option for moving expensive equipment.
For this part of your gear, there really is no replacement for a proper camera bag or hard case. Brianna suggests investing in a high-end case to avoid both damage and stress on your equipment during a move. “A hard case with shock-absorbent padding inside is always going to be the best option,” suggested Brianna.
Photographerscooperative.com
Yes, these cases can be pricey in themselves, typically running you about $200 to upper $300s on Adorama and Amazon, especially for higher-end brands like Pelican. So if you’re already committed to spending this much, another option is to order a custom case to make sure your equipment fits like a glove, which will typically run you between $300 and $400.
Budget Option: Casematix Hard Shell Camera Case – $28.99
If you’re moving on a budget, Casematix makes a solid basic camera hardshell case. While you won’t get the same durability and weather resistance as a more deluxe option, the egg-crate foam interior and hard plastic exterior still makes this a superior choice for moving day.
Casematix.com
Higher-End Option: Pelican 1510 – $209.95
Pelican.com
It’s no secret in the photography world that Pelican makes great cases. For photographers who can spend a little more on a case, Pelican 1510 is a carry-on sized option that is great for both short and long-distance relocations with both roller wheels and a pull handle. Watertight and crushproof, the 1510 is pretty durable and will keep your gear safe in all kinds of weather and temperatures.
Custom Option: My Case Builder, Nanuk 945 – $360.09
For those looking for a custom hardshell, My Case Builder offers a variety of options. The Nanuk 945 is fully customizable through a customized builder app, which lets you look up your existing camera equipment for foam perfectly matched to your gear. The Nanuk 945 is also dustproof, waterproof, and fully TSA-compliant.
Mycasebuilder.com
Protip: If you earn income from your photography and pay taxes, you should be able to include these expenditures as business expenses when you file your taxes (be sure to double-check with your accountant for specific tax information).
For the rest: bubble wrap, stretch wrap, and foam
For less expensive and fragile equipment like lights, backdrops, props, and hard goods, boxes and bubble wrap can be a good solution. Just make sure that you buy enough so you don’t have to skimp on moving day.
Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap camera gear – Uhaul.com
We recommend getting a large, 100-foot roll of bubble wrap from a department or office supply store. Bubble wrap all hard items that you don’t want getting scratched or bumped, like monitors, external hard drives, battery grips, and props.
Stretch Wrap
Stretch wrap tripods – Uhaul.com
Invest in stretch wrap to secure the legs of tripods and umbrellas, light stands, and stacks of hard goods.
Packing Foam/Dish Foam
Dish foam fragile items – Uhaul.com
Packing foam can be used as a soft extra layer of protection for smaller components that you’ll be boxing up and want to avoid getting scratched like filters and lights.
How to pack camera equipment if you DON’T have a special case
You want to avoid using plain old cardboard boxes with no padding for your camera stuff. That said, if your only option is cardboard, get boxes that are big enough to properly fit your other equipment, but that don’t stretch the sides of the box. You’ll also want to have enough boxes to avoid overloading a box and blowing the bottom out.
If you have a lot of fragile items that cardboard can’t properly protect, consider using a wood-moving crate instead of boxes. While they are a little more expensive, this is a better way to ensure that your livelihood isn’t damaged during a move.
“Even if you only have a single lens, no one is so amateur they deserve to lose hundreds of dollars due to a broken camera.”
But no matter what you use, it’s crucial that you avoid empty space inside of where you are packing them. Empty spaces are an opportunity for items to move and crash into each other in transit, which can easily lead to damage. That bubble wrap you got is a great way to take up space, but you can even use crumpled-up newspaper, dish towels, or balled-up plastic bags if you have extras laying around.
Properly packed box – Bhphotovideo.com
Transporting Your Studio
Packed? Now you have to choose the best transportation option for you. Photo studios come in many different shapes and sizes, which means you have a surprising amount of options. Here are the best ones.
You should always hand-carry your photography equipment, if possible
If you’re moving your studio across the country, Brianna suggests bringing your cameras with you, whether you’re driving or flying. If you’re flying, she highly recommends that you prioritize your most expensive camera by making it your carry-on.
If things are out of your hands (literally), you really need to try and keep your studio gear separate from other items. Label your boxes as fragile, of course. You might also want to give them an additional label, so you know that it’s your photo gear.
Camera carrying cases are great for hand-carrying, NOT for packing, shipping or storage – Photographerscooperative.com
Mailing your camera equipment is a realistic option
You actually have the option to use a postal provider like FedEx to ship your gear to you. If you do this though, be sure to plan enough time to ship if you choose this, and cover your purchase with insurance when possible. As Brianna explained, “If you have to ship your gear, I would heavily research the carrier company prior to using their services. See what company has the least issues, best insurance options, ideal shipping speed, etc.” She added, “Make sure everything is labeled as ‘fragile’ as well.”
Also, don’t advertise that the boxes contain photography gear. A simple “PS” (for photo studio) will alert you that the materials belong in your studio without advertising to potential thieves that the packaging contains expensive goods.
An example of a ready-to-ship camera package – Bhphotovideo.com
Properly secure them in your rental truck or vehicle
If you’re carrying your items or transporting them in your own vehicle or rental truck or container, you’ll have to consider just a few more logistics. Will all the items fit into your vehicle, or do you actually need to rent a moving truck? (Also, do you have experience driving a moving truck large enough to fit your studio plus anything else?)
When packing your vehicle or a moving truck, you’ll need to ensure that your cases and boxes are secure. This means doing these things:
And it sounds obvious, but Brianna cannot stress enough, “Never leave your equipment unattended. I always have my gear properly packed and then stored in the trunk of my vehicle. You never know when your car could be broken into so best to not leave anything in sight.”
Get moved by professional studio movers for a few hundred bucks
Because your photography studio constitutes a significant investment and, possibly even represents your livelihood, you may just want to hire a professional moving company to relocate your studio, along with your other things. In fact, some moving companies are actually professional studio movers, meaning they have specific experience moving your exact equipment.
Take time to get to know moving companies in your area if you’re moving locally, as you may be able to hire labor-only professionals for only a couple hundred bucks. And if you’re moving long-distance, reputable moving companies should be able to uniquely assess your studio and move it for you. Either way, just make sure to check out online reviews to ensure the company you pick has a good safety record.
Brianna Bray is the Owner & Photographer at Farside Photography, you can find her work on Instagram: @farsidephoto.
Real Moving Scam Stories (and What To Do When It Happens to You)
Last year, 230 moving scams were reported to the Better Business Bureau (BBB)—nearly double the number reported in 2019.
That might not seem like a lot, but consider the BBB estimates that only about 10% of scams actually get reported. And if you were one of those victims, even one scam would feel like one too many.
Here’s the story of one couple who ended up the victims of a terrible moving experience, what they did, plus what you can do to avoid fraud on your next big move.
How Moving Scams Happen
When Mary and Will* needed to move long-distance across the state of Georgia to St. Simons Island, they didn’t realize how tough it would be to find movers.
The larger moving companies weren’t returning their calls due to high volume, and local movers couldn’t accommodate the over 300-mile move. (The couple also looked into moving container companies, but the cost didn’t fit their budget.) Yet eventually, a Google search connected them with a moving company called Nation Relocation.
This company responded quickly to Will’s call and sent someone out to do an estimate. “That meeting went well enough, so we had no reason to distrust the company,” Mary explained to HireAHelper. “As a retired Army family having had only great moving experiences, it didn’t cross our mind that this one would be any different.”
Suspicions mounting
The problems started when the owner of the moving company was leaving Mary and Will’s home after one day of packing. The mover veered the moving truck off the driveway and onto the lawn, breaking a sprinkler head and leaving a large divot in the lawn. Afterward, he dismissed it as not his fault and quickly left with all his employees.
The emergency repair to the sprinkler cost the couple $642. “When he came back the next day to finish packing, my husband presented him with the invoice for the emergency repair and he asked him if he was going to pay for it,” Mary recounted. “His response was ‘that’s not going to happen.’”
Still, Mary said they expected that the move itself would be handled properly, having no past bad experiences. Unfortunately, things only got worse from there. After the couple’s items were unpacked in their new home, they discovered extensive damage to their belongings. An antique mirror that has been in Mary’s family since the 1940s was alarmingly handled. ”There was literally one sheet of packing paper wrapped around it for protection,” she said. Additionally, an antique vase that was given to Mary by her late mother-in-law was wrapped in a thin sheet of paper and jammed into a box with heavy items.
Also damaged were the couple’s flatscreen TV, washing machine, two bikes (one was damaged beyond use, and another simply disappeared), a brand-new cabinet, antique furniture and dishes, and more. In fact, entire rooms of items went missing during the move, including a 24-foot extension ladder, compound miter saw, electric chain saw, circular saw, hand sander, power drill, kitchen chair, car jack, garden wagon, moving dolly, and 40-50 DVDs.
“The owner was belligerent and disrespectful and showed little care for our personal property, both in hearing about damages as well as how things were packed,” Mary recounted. The couple filed a written claim with the company over a week before our interview, but they still haven’t received a response.
Not an isolated incident
Mary and Will are far from the only people who have been scammed by a moving company.
In just one of a plethora of potential examples, Konami Moving and Storage, a moving company operating out of Las Vegas, made headlines when multiple customerscame forward with claims they were taken advantage of during their moves. One local TV news station interviewed a woman who claimed her belongings were actually held hostage by the company, as they refused to return them unless their customer paid an exorbitant, undisclosed fee. Another customer shared that he was out $4,500 after half his items went missing and several more were broken as a result of working with Konami. A look at Konami’s online reviews reveals many other angry customers complaining of everything from damaged property to extortion.
With a national increase in home sales driving heightened demand for movers, some experts warn that moving scams like these will increase. Thus, it pays to know the warning signs coming from a fraudulent moving company.
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How To Avoid Becoming the Victim of a Moving Scam
If you hire movers, it may feel stressful when virtual strangers enter your home and handle all your items. While the vast majority of moving companies employ courteous and professional workers, there’s always a chance you could get stuck with ones who aren’t.
From avoiding being overcharged to making sure your belongings aren’t damaged or stolen, here are some important steps you can take to stay safe.
1. Get several quotes
One way to make sure you aren’t getting ripped off or working with a questionable company is to look at more than one quote for the move. (This is very simple to do entirely online using a mover marketplace.) This can help you compare offers and be sure you’re getting a good deal.
Some red flags to look out for when comparing quotes:
One number is way lower than everyone else’s quote: If any one quote is significantly lower (or higher) compared to the others, it’s a sign there’s something amiss. You want to get the lowest price possible, but avoid anything that seems too good to be true.
It’s hard to get concrete details: This includes pricing, license numbers, insurance information, and more. “If there is any pushback from requests for this information, that could be a red flag that you are working with a fraudulent moving company,” explains Kristen Bolig, founder of SecurityNerd.
They won’t put it in writing: It’s best to avoid any verbal agreements that don’t include a written contract. Without the terms of your contract in writing, it’s easy to change or go back on what was originally promised.
A large down-payment is required: Be wary of companies that want you to pay a lot of the principal before the move takes place. This is a practice amongst scammers who take the money and run.
2. Check out the company’s online presence
Most businesses want to make it easier for potential new customers to find them and for existing customers to engage with them… not harder.
It’s expected that any legitimate moving company will at least have a basic website and additional listings on websites like Yelp or HireAHelper that feature pictures, company details, and reviews. A complete lack of online presence, as well as a history of name changes, is a red flag that a company may be hiding something.
“Movers need to be licensed with the state, and if they’re doing interstate moves, they need to be federally licensed too.”
For example, the aforementioned Nation Relocation (whose website is not currently active) has also done business under another company name: “Region Relocation”. “They have no social media presence either, and it is the opinion of myself and multiple others whom they have scammed that they’ve done this intentionally to minimize their traceability and their accountability footprint,” Mary said.
3. Look up verified customer reviews (that means the moves really happened)
Before choosing a moving company, see what past customers have to say about them. A couple of negative reviews are to be expected, but a long history of dissatisfied customers should make you look elsewhere.
“Looking back, we would have started our market research earlier in the moving process and looked at online reviews and Better Business Bureau reports,” Mary said. Nation Relocation, for example, has a one-star rating on Yelp, with multiple customer complaints ranging from damages to harassment. Meanwhile, Region Relocation has an F rating from the BBB fueled by 48 customer complaints.
4. Keep a detailed inventory
To be sure that none of your items go missing without you realizing it, keep a detailed list of what was packed. For high-value items, you may also want to take photographs. “Moving can be hectic, but being organized will help mitigate any risk of theft,” Kristen Bolig advises. “Keeping inventory of your belongings will allow you to know if anything is missing once the move is done.”
5. Lock your most expensive valuables
As an added measure against tampering or theft, Bolig recommends using lockable moving boxes and totes for extra security. Just be sure that if you do, you properly pad anything fragile so it doesn’t break during transit.
6. Consider buying moving insurance
Though moving insurance can’t bring back irreplaceable items that were broken, lost or stolen, insurance can ensure that you don’t take a major financial hit from the loss. “This kind of insurance covers the costs of any damaged or lost items during a move,” Bolig said.
Though your moving company may offer its own protection, you may want to purchase insurance through a third-party in case the company ends up being fraudulent. “Even if you do fall victim to a scam, you can have this insurance to fall back on,” Bolig said.
Generally, the more useful third-party liability coverage costs around $1.25 per pound. So if you move 2,000 pounds of belongings, you could expect to pay $2,500. It’s a significant added cost, but depending on what you’re moving, it could be worth the peace of mind that you’re financially protected against moving damages.
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What To Do if You Just Got Scammed
Of course, no one wants to get ripped off, but it still happens. So if despite your best efforts, if you end up getting scammed by a moving company, here’s what you should do.
There are a few benefits to doing this. For one, investigators can help you track down missing belongings or get compensation for damaged items. Plus, they can take unlicensed and illegal movers off the streets so no one else falls victim. Movers need to be licensed with the state, and if they’re doing interstate moves, they need to be federally licensed too. Cross-checking these licenses and reporting an unlicensed mover is a quick way to get an investigation started.
2. Call your local police station
The police are sometimes limited in what they can do when a moving scam occurs. At the very least, you should file a police report for any damages or harassment you experience. In some cases, depending on state laws, the police can actually mediate a dispute. For example, if a moving company holds your belongings hostage in demand for more money, the police can step in and help you get your stuff back, especially if it involves an interstate move. But again, the level of involvement by police will be dictated by state law, so do your research and learn what’s allowed where you’re moving
3. Consider contacting a news outlet
One of the best ways to put pressure on a company to resolve your complaint (and protect future customers) is to contact a local newspaper or TV station and see if they’ll do a report on your incident. This does involve putting yourself and your misfortune in the public eye. But if you don’t mind taking the spotlight for the greater good, it can be worth it.
Ultimately, when choosing a moving company, it’s important to trust your gut. If anything about the quote, contract, or communication feels off, it’s probably a sign that you should work with someone else. When in doubt, trusted, established moving services with consumer-friendly policies are always the better choice.
*Names have been changed in order to protect the couple’s privacy.
Updated: We’ve added updated info and new links for 2019.
First of all, I want to say, “well done.” If you’re taking the time to ask this question and figure out the answer, you’re off to a great start! Nothing will ruin your move more than becoming the person in that horror story who has all their belongings stolen by their movers or is charged 300% more than the original quote. It’s important to protect yourself from rogue movers and scammers operating nationwide.
What is a “licensed mover”?
Regulations and requirements for licensure vary from state to state. You can check out your state’s requirements here. Some states require movers to register with the state as a moving company and to offer at least two options for insurance (full-valuation or released-value). Some states have additional requirements. Beyond insurance, states might set standards regarding estimates, liability, mover agreements, etc.
If you are moving across state lines, your mover should have federal licensure, meaning the government has signed off on their business. Being licensed requires the movers to follow certain guidelines regarding insurance, safety measures, financial responsibility and so on.
If your potential movers will be traveling across state lines, check to make sure they are licensed for interstate moves on this government website.
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What is an “insured mover”?
When I first got into the moving business, I struggled with understanding the difference between a mover who is insured and one who offers insurance.
If your mover is insured, it generally means they carry basic moving insurance (release value insurance) that will cover a very small portion of damage or loss to your stuff while they’re handling it (typically at a payout rate of $0.60 per pound, per item). So a dropped 10 pound, $1,000 TV would only see an insurance check of $6.00!
“…ask them for a copy of their COI (Certificate of Insurance) and to see their state and/or federal license.”
A small handful of movers offer an even better option – the opportunity to purchase additional, full-valuation insurance. Full-valuation covers the total cost of repair or replacement in the event that your movers ruin or lose seriously valuable items during your move (e.g., gold and fine china).
Make sure you about this critical difference.
How do you know if your mover offers insurance?
The first and most obvious way for you to check out your mover’s credentials is to simply ask them. However, if you ask a thief whether or not they are a thief, they won’t likely tell you the truth!
So with that in mind, ask them for a copy of their COI (Certificate of Insurance) and to see their state and/or federal license. If you’re booking a mover online, they will likely have credentials listed on the site you’re booking through. The FMCSA (listed earlier) is also available if you want to be absolutely positive about their current licensure status.
As far as insurance goes, ask for everything in writing – on paper or via email. You should have your coverage in writing not only to retain proof of that coverage, but also so you know exactly what you’re entitled to in the event that something is broken or lost.
If you’re planning a long distance move, we recommend getting a quote from Moving Place. They can help you orchestrate a seamless move. All you have to do is take care of packing and loading, and they’ll get the truck and driver ready to deliver your stuff to the door of your new home.
Have a story to share? Please share your moving insurance stories, tips, and experiences – good or bad – in the comments below.
Victoria is enjoying her summer time off from grad classes by soaking up rays, spending time with family and working with HireAHelper from her small town in Nebraska (aka “the good life”).
How Much Will Your Move Cost? Here’s How to Figure it Out
So how much does a move cost? It all depends. Years of moving experience shows that customers typically fall into one of three categories:
Gazillionaire
Employee relocating on the company’s dime
Confused soul wondering aloud, “Good gosh, how much is this going to cost me?”
As you probably guessed, most of us are the third one. AMSA, the American Moving and Storage Association, tells us the average in-state move costs$1,170, while interstate moves average $5,630. But take that with a grain of salt, because the real answer lies is in the details of your specific move—from off-base estimates to logistical issues, from slower-than-syrup movers to incidental expenses, all big and small.
So how is it possible to even come close to predicting the final number so we don’t go into shock when we’re handed the bill?
Some things are out of our control, but there are definitely things you can do and look out for to make the moment we get that final bill pleasantly unsurprising.
The Baseline Cost of Moves
These are the basic questions you need to ask ahead of a move:
Are you getting a Full-Service moving company to handle everything?
Are you renting your own truck, then hiring moving labor separately?
Are you doing everything yourself?
These are known as the three basic ways to move: A Hybrid Move, a Full-Service Move, and a DIY Move.
How much do movers cost?
Getting a Full-Service Move? That means the movers load, unload, and drive the vehicle all on their own. The estimate? Though it will largely depend on the distance traveled and volume of the move, Full-Service Moves run north of $1,500-$2,000, on average, and sometimes can be more expensive if it’s a really big move.
Hybrid Moves, on the other hand, separate moving labor from moving vehicle. That means you hire a mover to load and/or unload your stuff, then rent the moving truck on your own, saving you a lot of money. Roughly, the cost can run anywhere between $300-$1,000 for a truckandmovers, occasionally more.
What’s the cost difference between a long distance and local move?
Local or state move? You’re looking at roughly anywhere between $100 to $300 for the moving truck, depending on the size needed and after accounting for mileage and insurance fees.
Moving long distance? Like, across the country? This will likely cost around $1,000 after gas and fees, plus potentially lodging and food.
As for local movers, prices vary dramatically based on scheduling and location. Moving during a busy summer is just going to cost more than during the dead of winter. Movers’ hourly rates also vary, depending on the size and distance of your move.
Here are some generalized queries on price ranges for “2 Helpers for 2 hours”, taken straight from HireAHelper.com:
Boston, Massachusetts: $250-$350
Austin, Texas: $200-$300
Baton Rouge, Louisiana.: $300-$400
Los Angeles, California: $250-$400
Of course, some movers do charge more, or sometimes less. Check out our movers’ reviews, give a few of them a call, get some estimates, and then go with who you feel best about.
If the quote from your movers felt expensive …
Make sure it lines up with the costs reported by other Americans.
Finally, there’s the DIY Move, which hides plenty of hidden costs, such as:
Gasoline
Power tools
Moving supplies
Pizza and beer
Heavy stress
Not to mention what it does to close friendships and schedules. You can get away with casually moving a bedroom with some friends, but let’s just say that in the past, I wish I had spent a couple hundred bucks to have had total peace of mind for those really stressful moves. As a mover, I recognize I am biased, but I am also just a person who has moved many, many times—just like you.
Why do random internet searches for movers cost more?
Moving estimations are rarely conservative. That’s because it’s dreadful to be ill-equipped and strapped for time, versus the other way around.
No matter which one you choose, having someone come out and do a thorough visual of your place and all your belongings can be an extra useful way to get the most reliable estimate of how much your move will cost, as it’s an estimate based on time needed.
Getting an estimate over the phone? That’s cool, but keep these two things in mind:
First, if someone can’t see all the things you want moved, no matter how pure their intentions, it is ultimately a guesstimate.
Why should I avoid “move brokers”?
Secondly, unfortunately, it’s a very real possibility that the “moving company” you quickly searched for on the internet is actually just a move broker.
That’s another term for a middleman who will assure you that they can give you an accurate quote – which will sound too good to be true – then sell your move to the highest bidder. That person will then come out (most likely in a rental truck) and load up your stuff … before telling you that your final bill will be a lot higher than you were originally told.
It happens every single day. Don’t let it happen to you.
That’s why after 20 plus years of experience moving people, I write for HireAHelper, a moving labor marketplace. All the movers are real movers with real reviews, which means absolutely zero of them are move brokers. Everyone here is the real deal.
See prices for local moving labor. Read real customer reviews. Easily book your help online.
Still, marketplace or not, keep in mind that the more stuff you have, the more important it is to get an in-person estimate so your movers can give you a good idea of how many people you’ll need for how many hours.
Extra, Hidden Mover Costs
How much stuff you have isn’t the only thing that determines the cost of your move. Here are some other important factors that some moving companies take into consideration when giving quotes:
If the path from your door to the truck involves stairs or an elevator
If the distance from your door to where the truck will be parked is particularly long (meaning 75 feet or more)
If your movers can’t get their tractor-trailer anywhere near your place and they have to use a smaller truck to shuttle your stuff from your driveway to the big rig
If you have any (or a lot of) heavy, bulky or unusual items, like pool tables or gun safes
All or some combination of these will likely bring your quote up. This is another reason an in-person estimate is important. But if you do find yourself having to give movers a run-down of your stuff over the phone, be sure to let them know the lay of the land so no one ends up surprised. Also, don’t forget to potentially tip your movers.
Total:
Local Hybrid Move: ~$350+
Local Full-Service Move: ~$700+
Long Distance Hybrid Move: ~$1,300+
Long Distance Full Service Move: ~$2,000+
Optional, Accidental and Potentially Hefty Costs
There are some potentially optional costs that can add up quickly.
Packing Costs
Doing your own packing? Be aware that boxes can getexpensive—a couple of bucks a pop on average.
Meanwhile, packing paper goes for around $30 per 25-pound bundle, and box tape runs at minimum a dollar per roll.
Thinking of using bubble wrap? Plan on dropping anywhere from $20-$50 a shot.
You’ll save some cash by doing your own packing, but your packing supplies can run you a couple hundred bucks, at least.
Total:
Moving boxes: ~$0-25
Packing supplies: ~$35-75
Packing help: ~$75-100
Rental Trucks
Renting a truck? You may find one for $20 or $30 or $50 a day, but gas, tolls, equipment rental, liability insurance, mileage charges and any fees included in the fine print of your rental agreement add up fast. Plus, obviously, the bigger the truck you need, the more it’ll cost. Not to mention, some days are busier than others (e.g., holidays, weekends, etc.), and you’ll get charged more for a last second rental. (Read this rental truck guide for more info.)
If you are moving long-distance, you also need to factor in food and lodging. And by the way, if you’re driving that truck, how are you going to get your car to your new home? All of this basically means one thing: get a quote on a moving truck early.
Total:
Local (or daily) moving truck: ~$75-300+
Long distance moving truck: ~$1,000-5,000+
How much does insurance cost?
Planning on getting your stuff insured? Full-service moving companies offer free basic coverage against loss or damage, equaling 60 cents per pound for any lost or damaged item. If you are okay with getting fifteen bucks in return for your newly-smashed flat screen TV, then this is the plan for you. That’s called valuation, not insurance.
If you want to be actually insured, you’ll want to consider paying for coverage that actually means something—which will cost you a percentage of what your stuff is worth in total.
Insurance cost is completely relative to the item you insure (as well as how far you take it). Taken from MovingInsurance.com FAQ:
The cost of the insurance, or premium, is based on a proportional rate, relevant to the declared value of your shipment and the level of deductible you have chosen, and includes an administrative fee. Rates vary depending on your insurance type as well as based on your household goods’ final destination, whether be locally, out of state or internationally.
Storage and Lodging
And if your new home isn’t ready when you are? This unfortunate possibility comes with having to shell out more cash for the extra time your stuff has to sit on the moving truck, the extra time you have to hold onto your rental truck, or the storage space you have to rent until your home is finally ready for you. You might not include such expenses in your moving budget, but be aware of the potential for things to go wrong. There’s even the hotel cost if you’re moving for more than a day.
And what if you don’t get your life all packed up on time? You’ll have to hire packers last-minute. Obviously, this situation is entirely avoidable. All you have to do is make a careful and calculated estimate as to how long it will take you to pack everything. Then whatever time frame you come up with, multiply by two and a half. (Seriously.)
Total:
Storage container costs depend on their size and distance driven. Taken from Moving101:
You can move locally or long distance, but moving containers are more affordably suited to local moves of small houses or apartments…mostly because you need to rent out more than one container for larger homes, which raises the fee. And the costs associated with the company driving the container long distance (read: paying the driver, fuel, insurance, etc.) all pile onto your bill, but then again, you’re not driving that massive truck 2,000 miles in 110-degree heat. Tradeoffs. Prices range from just under $500 for a local move (with the largest container) to more than $5,000 for a long-distance move (with two of the largest containers).
Incidental Costs
After moving people day in and day out for decades, I’ve heard everything under the sun when it comes to random moving costs the customers weren’t expecting. But the thing is, they almost are never random, just unexpected. The list of sometimes surprising incidental costs include:
Restocking your pantry/kitchen, and replacing items you got rid of
Paying deposits on utilities, cable, and public services at your new home
Sucking up any cancellation fees or broken contract penalties for things like cable, phone and health club membership
Repairing damage in your old home – or losing your security deposit if you don’t
Changing your driver’s license and car registration
Running a credit check to pass along to your new landlord and new utility companies
Picking up all the little things you need for your new home: light bulbs, shower curtain, shades/curtains for the windows, cleaning supplies because you used up and wore out everything cleaning your old place so you could get at least some of your security deposit back
Getting socked with penalties for being late paying bills because your mail didn’t get forwarded promptly, or you missed a bill altogether
Apartment Costs
Also, are you renting a new apartment? Obviously, don’t forget you have a security deposit as well as first and last months’ rent to shell out. Those can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to the value of the entire month’s rent. Buying a new home? That’s another topic altogether, but with that comes closing costs, realtor fees, appraisal costs, inspection fees, attorney fees and more. Yay!
Long-term Costs
There’s another part to this incidental list, which includes moving costs that are repeating or more long-term in nature.
Does parking cost where you live, and how much?
What are the average car and health insurance rates in your new state?
With your new home will you be subjected to building maintenance fees? Property fees? Homeowners’ association fees? Do you have to buy special trash and recycling bins?
That’s a lot of stuff to take into account, huh?
Figuring out what your own move will cost is all about specifics, not averages. So get that in-person estimate (more than one, if you are able). Use a moving cost calculator. Find a deal on a reliable rental truck (and remember to read the fine print). Check out rates for coverage against damage. Keep an eye on all those incidental charges and keep a list of things you’ll need at your new place.
If you feel like taking the easy route, you might want to consider getting a quote from Moving Place, a long distance moving company that can work with your budget. They take care of transportation, like booking your truck, driver and related costs. All you have to do is pack and get ready to start a new chapter in your life!
And please, leave yourself plenty of time to pack!
At HireAHelper, we hear other people’s stories of bad movers all the time.
Whether these stories come to us through emails or from customers calling us after a moving company has wronged them, these same cries come up time and again: “All my stuff is missing,” or “All my stuff is damaged,” or even worse, “My movers are holding my stuff for ransom!”
There’s one word we always hear from these customers-turned-victims: “helpless”.
In these situations, it’s painfully clear: these movers aren’t playing by the rules. But what recourse do you actually have when your movers refuse to pay for damages, replace missing items, or opt to not deliver your stuff unless you fork over another thousand bucks?
Unprofessional movers get away with a lot of crap. That’s the unfortunate truth. But if you believe your movers have acted illegally and they aren’t taking responsibility, there are ways to fight back.
Here are four options you should immediately explore.
Alert your state’s Consumer Affairs Division.
Not only can investigators help you resolve your complaint about broken items or track down your stuff – or your movers – but they may also work with law enforcement authorities in getting unlicensed, unethical and illegal movers off the streets, just as they have in New Jersey. From New Jersey’s official website:
“Horror stories about predatory movers are all too common. By its very nature, the moving industry touches the lives of consumer when they are vulnerable and when they must rely on strangers to transport their valued possessions,” Acting Attorney General Hoffman said. “These situations create the potential for abuse. We are enforcing New Jersey’s licensing laws in order to protect consumers and, just as importantly, to ensure a level playing field for New Jersey’s many honest and licensed moving companies.”
Movers must usually be licensed with the state. (Here’s a list to check your’s.) If they are doing moves across state lines, they must additionally be licensed by the federal government. Cross-checking this with your Consumer Affairs Division is a quick way to begin the resolution process. Get ahold of Consumer Affairs Division in your state via this directory, which is a government-run database with the corresponding phone number, website and/or email address of your local division’s office.
See prices for local moving labor. Read real customer reviews. Easily book your help online.
If this was an interstate move, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) can also get involved. How they can help, along with the info and links you need, can be found on their Protect Your Move page. Their toll-free hotline is 1-888-368-7238.
Call your local police.
In the past, there was not much local law enforcement could do in disputes between moving companies and customers due to the fact such disputes are civil and not yet criminal matters. But recent changes in some states’ laws have given those local authorities the power to mediate; In particular, some laws now intervene when a moving company is sitting outside a customer’s home demanding more money before they unload.
Just this year, Arizona passed House Bill 2145, which in Arizona requires moving companies to unload customers’ belongings in case of a dispute regarding payment on an intrastate move. We’d hope that this would be standard lawful procedure across the country, but sadly not all states are up to speed on this loophole.
But regardless of civil versus criminal matters, a mover being properly licensed is something the police can act on. Knowledge is power – but only if it is used!
Get in touch with MoveRescue.
This organization can assist you by obtaining information on your move, advising you as to your options and, in some hostage situations, working with the moving company to get your goods released. Plus, they’re vetted by United and Mayflower, two of the larger Full-Service moving companies in the industry.
Approximately 1.6 million Americans hire interstate household goods movers each year. Unfortunately, a reported 3,000 cases of possible mover fraud occur annually. Many of these cases involve criminals who offer low estimates and then hold customers’ possessions hostage in undisclosed warehouses, demand thousands of dollars in additional payments and threaten auction. MoveRescue is devoted to ending this problem by seeing that moving companies abide by the federal consumer protection regulations.
Move Rescue does offer a disclaimer that they cannot offer immediate and complete assistance to everyone who calls. Call them anyway: 800-832-1773.
Contact your local news.
More often than not, whenever we do hear of a customer finally getting their belongings delivered it was because they sought the help of a local news station. In this case, the victim had refused to pay her movers what amounted to extortion, and the movers drove off with her stuff. The victim then contacted a local news station and their consumer reporter got the recovery ball rolling by calling the FMCSA, who got right to work. From WFTV9:
“Every day I don’t have my stuff, I can’t work, it’s put me farther and farther behind,” said Smith as she fought back tears.
Todd Ulrich contacted the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that oversees interstate moves.
After federal regulators reviewed the company’s estimates, and the final bill, the agency took action. It ordered the company to honor the $1,200 estimate and return her belongings or face a possible $10,000 fine.
“They felt there was negligence, and generally they were out of compliance,” said Smith
A week later the mover released the storage unit address and key.
Smith took a huge step toward starting her new life in Winter Park.
“I don’t believe I would have gotten here this quickly without your intervention, so I appreciate it,” she said.
Understand that the process took weeks, not minutes. If you find yourself the victim of a bad bunch of movers, you may also need weeks, or even months, to get the situation resolved. So before you find yourself a victim, protect yourself by doing your homework on any moving company you contact. This list of recommendations by the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association covers everything you need to know and do before you hire a mover.
Or to likely avoid any of this …
It’s harder to tend to these issues after they’ve already happened, which is why we built HireAHelper around holding movers accountable from the get-go; movers on our national database live and die by their reviews. Our sister company Moving Place can also take care of planning and executing your whole long distance move at reasonable price and with every security protocol in place. We also work seven days a week to take care of any potential claims, or if something drastic happens, to find replacement movers as soon as possible (often for the same day).
Small claims court, calling the police or filing reports take a long time. Booking a vetted mover through a marketplace is much safer because even if something goes wrong, we work with you to fix it.
We believe it’s important to keep movers accountable, so you don’t have to.
As for opting to work directly with moving companies, you can help others from falling victim to the same irresponsible, illegal movers by writing an online review (which might more accurately be called an online warning), informing the Better Business Bureau of your situation, and filing a complaint with your state authorities as well as the FMCSA. These governmental agencies don’t usually have the resources to go after every moving company that pulls a fast one (sad but true), but if the complaints on a company start piling up there’s a chance that company will have the hammer of the law come down on them.
And that’s really all we want.
That, and getting all our stuff back, undamaged, on time and at cost. That shouldn’t be too much to ask.
Getting ready for the big move? Don’t pack that camera away just yet!
Besides getting those great social media shots (“I’m driving a U-Haul, everybody get off the road!”), taking pictures before, during and after your move can help protect your stuff – not to mention your wallet.
The main reason for taking pictures when you move might be obvious, but it is worth iterating. No matter how skilled, experienced and careful your movers are, accidents do occasionally happen. And if you don’t prepare, you may not be properly reimbursed for damage that occurs.
So before your movers show up, go around and take pictures of anything and everything you deem valuable. This means furniture, electronics, breakables and anything else you think would be difficult and/or expensive to repair or replace. Then when your move is complete and you find that something has been damaged, you will have proof that the item was in fact damaged in transit.
This also means taking pictures of existing damage: a scratch on your kitchen table, a dent in your dryer, or a small crack in the corner of your mirror. Why? Because if you suddenly find a bigger scratch, a deeper dent or a longer crack, your movers can say “That was already there.” “Yes, but it’s much worse now!” you will cry. And you will lose.
Knowing all that, here are some crucial tips for everything you’ll especially need to take pictures of.
Take photos of your cleaned-out apartment.
Believe it or not, there are some crafty landlords out there who would love to pocket your security deposit. Taking pictures of your old place before you leave for good can help you defend yourself against false claims of damage. And if you did damage something? Take a picture of that too, so that same unscrupulous landlord can’t charge you hundreds of dollars for fixing a couple of nail holes.
Protip: Take pictures of the bathroom and the shower. Yours truly got nailed for leaving the toilet “a filthy disgusting mess” after moving out of his Boulder, CO apartment, even though it was sparkling and sterile when I locked the door for the last time. I don’t even want to know.
Likewise, take pictures of your new place.
Again, don’t just photograph any existing damage you may find. Photograph everything! Why? Because walls, doors and light fixtures (and door jambs and floors and ceilings) can suffer damage during the move-in process. Your movers might be a great bunch of professionals, but you probably won’t want to have to pay for the gash they accidentally put in the kitchen floor.
Protip: Also take pictures of your rental truck! Get shots of any existing damage, inside and out, as well as the general condition of the interior of the cab and the back where all your stuff will be going – especially if these areas are less than pristine.
Take a picture of the back of your TV, for reference.
You know all those dusty wires back there? The ones to your surround sound system and your Blu-Ray player and your four different gaming consoles? It’s all going to have to be disconnected (and, probably, untangled). Having a photo of which wires go where can save a lot of time and aggravation when you are setting up your system at your new home.
Protip: Snapping a pic of the make, model and serial number of each of your electronic components can be a huge help in case you have to track something down – or, if something goes missing, to confirm that component’s age and value.
Take pictures of large, especially valuable or just unusual items.
This isn’t to highlight damage, but it’s simply a good idea to have pictures of things, from furniture to expensive décor to items that we’d rather not have to try to describe. Because if something goes missing, a picture helps A LOT in finding it. (Use your inventory sheets, people!)
True Story: A week or so after delivering a long-distance shipment we’d taken into our warehouse, I got a call from the customer. “I’m missing a chair,” she told me.
This was not very helpful.
We had literally hundreds of chairs on the 30-foot-high racks in our warehouse. Knowing that this chair was upholstered with a flowery fabric was only slightly better, and as the woman lived up in the mountains two hours away. She wasn’t about to come down and help me find the right one. “Let me fax you a picture of the chair,” she said. (Yes, this was a few years ago.) And even though the picture was black and white and a little blurry, I recognized it right away, saving me hours of searching during the already-hectic summer season and saving the customer from days, if not weeks, of inconvenience and uncertainty. (Not to mention a two-hour drive to our warehouse.)
Take photos of the water, electricity, and gas meters.
Do this both at your old place before you leave, then at your new one before you move in. Why? To protect against being charged wrongly for utilities. Not that the utility companies are out to scam you, but it’s quite common for them to charge based on usage estimates (which saves time and money on meter readers). If their baseline reading is off, then so is your estimated usage. There may also be a lag – or an overlap! – between customer accounts. Bottom line is, there are plenty of ways you can end up being charged for another resident’s utility usage. Taking photos of your meters can help immensely if such a situation comes your way.
Take a video of your electronics in action.
On their inventory sheets, movers describe anything electric, electronic or mechanical using the acronym “MCU” – mechanical condition unknown. This means they don’t know if something works. Which also means you can’t prove something was rendered inoperable during your move. Without proof, it’ll be difficult to get reimbursed for the flat screen that has suddenly gone to plasma heaven.
To guard against this, videotape your TV, stereo, air hockey table, pinball machine, lava lamp, or whatever to show that these things were indeed working properly before the movers showed up.
And ALWAYS timestamp your photos!
Imagine having pictures showing that you left your old place in perfect condition, but then having your old landlord claim that you took them before you did the damage he is trying to charge you for. Or owning a picture of the damage the movers did to your new place, only to have them say “No, that was like that before we showed up.”
How do you answer that?
There are a few ways.
Set your camera so the time and date show up on your photos.
Email your photos to yourself as soon as you take them.
Make sure your time and date is correct on your phone’s camera roll.
Even print out the photos you take and snail-mail them to yourself.
Protip: It may be easy for someone to claim that you simply changed the time/date setting on your camera before you snapped those incriminatory photos. So keep them on your memory card, sandwiched in between other pictures you took along the moving process – or even in between photos from before and after the process – to prove your timeline if need be. Most people are reasonable.
Are we being too cautious?
After all, the majority of moves – and the vast majority of HireAHelper moves – are completed without a hitch. But remember: accidents happen. Taking pictures can save you a ton of time and aggravation – not to mention a bit of cash – if something does go wrong.
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As far as the financial toll is concerned, moving scams average the most financial damage in 
If you haven’t already consulted your insurance provider about a policy to cover your photography gear, doing so before you move is exactly the time to do it.
The emergency repair to the sprinkler cost the couple $642. “When he came back the next day to finish packing, my husband presented him with the invoice for the emergency repair and he asked him if he was going to pay for it,” Mary recounted. “His response was ‘that’s not going to happen.’”
In the past, there was not much local law enforcement could do in disputes between moving companies and customers due to the fact such disputes are civil and not yet criminal matters. But recent changes in some states’ laws have given those local authorities the power to mediate; In particular, some laws now intervene when a moving company is sitting outside a customer’s home demanding more money before they unload.
More often than not, whenever we do hear of a customer finally getting their belongings delivered it was because they sought the help of a local news station. 
