What to Know Before Moving Into a City Apartment

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Moving to a new apartment isn’t always easy. Tight spaces, unclear rules, and even hidden fees can quickly derail your carefully laid plans.

To help you avoid any moving-day surprises, we’ve put together this guide on what to know before moving into a city apartment. By the end, you’ll know how to avoid the unexpected costs of moving into an apartment, understand your building’s lease terms and regulations, and learn how to avoid fines.


Know What Date and Time You Can Move In

a couple happily walks up the stairs carrying boxes and plants to move into their new apartment

Moving can be disruptive, and apartments aren’t particularly known for being soundproof. Even if you’re mindful, you can make a lot of noise coming back and forth with boxes or rearranging furniture. Quiet hours often apply in apartment communities, so you may have to plan around them.

Traffic, noise ordinances, and general rules can also affect your move-in. If your building uses an elevator, there may be specific hours or days that management allows you to book it.

Depending on your complex, you may have to move in on a Saturday. Others might specify that you have to move on a weekday when foot traffic is lighter. Check your building’s move-in policies in advance if you have time constraints for getting everything moved in.


Plan the Best Places to Park Your Moving Truck

a white moving truck is parked outside of an apartment building

Moving into an apartment is often more complicated than relocating to a house with a clear driveway. And if you live in the heart of a big city, it can be even harder. Ask your management office about hours, time limits, permits, and where you need to park. If you need a permit, apply as soon as possible so processing times don’t delay your move-in.

Some buildings offer a rear service entrance or loading dock. This can make things easier since you have a designated place to park, but you may have to schedule a block of time to use it.


Ask About Your Apartment’s Unloading Policy

Before moving day, ask your building management about how and where unloading works. Some apartment complexes require you to unload onto a staging area and move your truck away from the loading dock or service entrance as quickly as possible.

 

“A COI is a Certificate of Insurance. It lets your apartment complex know that your moving company is insured and provides important coverage details, such as policy limits, effective dates, and other key details.”

 

Others won’t allow you to leave items out, or they’ll require you to keep clear paths for egress. Don’t forget to inform your moving team of any rules or requirements.

Bonus Tip: Know Where to Dispose of Boxes

Many buildings set specific rules for how to dispose of moving boxes and packing materials. Even if a recycling bin is available, they may ask that moving debris not be placed there to prevent it from filling up too quickly.

Your building manager can tell you the preferred way to dispose of boxes. You can also try giving away empty boxes on social media. Or, if you unpack quickly, the movers might be willing to haul the boxes away for you.


Take Floor Protection Seriously

An apartment's floor is protected as a kitchen is remodeled for a move-in

Many buildings require floor protection to prevent damage in shared areas, especially those with hardwood or tile flooring. For example, an area with nice hardwood or marble flooring may require Masonite: wooden hardboards that can prevent damage to the floor while you’re shifting furniture. If you need it, make sure your movers have one on hand. Some buildings may have hardboards available to lend you, so ask ahead of time.

And don’t stop at protecting just the floor. Some management companies require additional protection in doorways and stairwells.


Familiarize Yourself With Your Movers’ Insurance

Most licensed moving companies have to provide basic liability insurance. However, some buildings in big cities require proof of moving insurance or even the purchase of extra policies. That way, if an accident happens, they can recoup the cost quickly. Without insurance, you could be left with hidden apartment move-in fees.

 

“Even if you’re mindful, you can make a lot of noise coming back and forth with boxes or rearranging furniture. Quiet hours often apply in apartment communities, so you may have to plan around them.”

 

If you need proof of insurance, tell your moving company as soon as possible. They’ll need time to get a COI form from the office and return it with all the necessary paperwork from their own insurance company. The building may not let you move in if you don’t have the proper paperwork filed, so check carefully.


Review City Apartment Moving Rules

There’s plenty more to know to make your move seamless. Check with your apartment complex about common rules like:

  • Building move-in hours: Confirm whether there are set moving hours listed in the lease.
  • Elevator reservations: If you need an elevator reservation, familiarize yourself with the process in advance. Make sure you book the reservation early to get the best date and time for moving day.
  • COI requirements: A COI is a Certificate of Insurance. It lets your apartment complex know that your moving company is insured and provides important coverage details, such as policy limits, effective dates, and other key details.
  • Noise and disturbance levels: Evenings and weekends may be subject to noise restrictions. While you shouldn’t be particularly loud while moving, you also want to avoid a costly fine for violating regulations.
  • Fire safety regulations: While you move, avoid any fire safety violations. Ensure that you never obstruct fire exits or safety equipment.
  • Parking: Know where to park your moving truck (and where guests should park if friends or family are coming to help you).

Prepare for a Smooth City Move

Ready to make your move as smooth as possible? Check out our moving checklist to make sure you have all the necessary supplies, such as dollies, stretch wrap, and moving blankets.

Additionally, if you’re moving on a narrow city street or to the top of a towering apartment building, let us know. We make budgeting for apartment moves easy by providing clear, upfront quotes from local moving companies. Compare services and book trusted, vetted, and highly rated movers through HireAHelper’s online platform.

The Best Atlanta Neighborhoods for 2024

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Of the top of your head, can you think of a city that’s referred to as the Hollywood of the South, the Silicon Valley of the South, and the New York of the South? If you answered Atlanta, congrats! You’re right. 

Believe it or not, Atlanta has so much going on that all these nicknames apply. The city is often used as a filming location, and it has more sound stages than anywhere outside Hollywood. There’s also a long list of tech companies that highlight the mix of Fortune 500 headquarters and startups that call Atlanta home.

With thousands of restaurants, an array of museums, professional teams in every major sport, and the largest aquarium in the country, Atlanta has rightfully been likened to The Big Apple. Oh yeah, and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world.

And that’s just the beginning. We’ll dive into the other reasons why Atlanta’s a great place to make your new home, and some of the neighborhoods that might be your perfect fit.   


Quick Facts About Atlanta

A sign on top of the Philips Arena and CNN Center in Atlanta, GA

  • Population: With a population of just over half a million, Atlanta ranks just 36th on the most recent list of largest cities in the US. But more than 6 million people live in the Atlanta metro area, with the population tripling in size since 1990, putting Atlanta in sixth place on the national list
  • Rent and Housing: According to Redfin, the median price for a home listed for sale in Atlanta is $430,000, which is 15% higher than last year, while RentCafe tells us the average rent for an apartment is about $1,800.
  • Cost of Living: According to Payscale the cost of living in Atlanta is 2% higher than the national average, the main culprits of the price being housing and health care. Food and utilities, meanwhile, are the most significant areas where you’ll pay less than average.
  • School Rating: Niche gives Atlanta’s public schools a solid overall grade of B. Of course, as with any sizeable city, there is plenty of variation and, naturally, some highly-regarded schools to be found among the individual listings
  • Quality of Life: With high scores for purchasing power, health care, and climate, Atlanta gets an overall QOL Index Score above 180, well into the “Very High” side of the scale.

The numbers only give so much of the picture, though. Where you want to be among it all is your call. Here are our picks for the best choices.


Best Atlanta Neighborhoods for 2024

Midtown

A colorful sign reading "Midtown" in the neighborhood of the same name in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta’s Midtown bridges the conceptual gap between the concrete urban jungle and nature, as it sits between dynamic Downtown and the trails, trees, and grassy expanses of Piedmont Park. The west side of the neighborhood is more commercial, with ample places to eat and drink, and the housing supply skewing towards apartments and condos. The eastern section of the neighborhood, dominated by single-family homes, is where you’ll also find the Midtown Historic District and Peachtree Street, made famous in Gone With The Wind.  

There’s no shortage of shopping in Midtown either, highlighted by the Midtown Mile. Keep up with all the latest events and opportunities to get involved in your new community via the Midtown Alliance, and hnd hey, if you really need to head into Downtown, MARTA will get you there in a matter of minutes. In short, if you want to have it all right next door to where you live, Midtown is a good place to start.  


Inman Park & Candler Park

Inman Park in the same neighborhood in Atlanta, GA

As Atlanta’s first planned suburb, Inman Park is known for its walkability along with a tendency toward the affluent – understandable for what this small slice of Atlanta has to offer. It’s best characterized by trendy dining establishments, including the Krog Street Market, part of the Krog Street District, which is a veritable village of shopping and dining.

Several parks add plenty of green spaces to the neighborhood, most notably Freedom Park and the Freedom Park Trail which runs along the northern edge of the community.

 

“Its compactness makes Cabbagetown easily walkable, and places like Krog Street Tunnel not only lead you up to Inman Park, but with its graffiti, murals, and even announcements about upcoming concerts and events, the tunnel is a destination unto itself”

 

The Candler Park neighborhood is an eastern extension of Inman Park, home to more of Freedom Park and its eponymous Candler Park. This quiet residential neighborhood has its own dining scene, and the Candler Park Fall Fest filled with concerts, fairs, and festivals is one of the highlights. Access to the Downtown area is a breeze with the MARTA passing right through the neighborhood. 


East Atlanta Village

A view of an intersection in East Atlanta Village in Atlanta, GA

Make no mistake, this neighborhood is small, but the people of EAV pack a lot into the space. “Atlanta’s Hippest Hood” is a mix of food, music, and art, centered around the intersection of Glenwood and Flat Shoals Avenues. Even walking around the neighborhood brings you face to face with a ton of great street art, and it’s home to the EAV Farmers Market, the city’s #1 farmers market for five years running.

If you’re ever not in the mood for fresh produce from the market, though, you can get your fill of locally-owned food and drink served up with live music at the Southern Feed Store, or craft brews at the gastropubs Hippin Hops and Argosy. You can also get some fresh air at Brownwood Park, or catch the neighborhood-wide festival East Atlanta Strut in the fall.   W

hen you need to get downtown for your commute or want to head further out into Atlanta, several bus lines run right through EAV and the I-20 sits near Moreland Avenue.


Virginia Highland

An arial view of an annual festival in the Virginia Highland neighborhood of Atlanta

Comprised largely of quiet residential streets, Virginia Highland is great for those who want to be close enough to downtown to enjoy the amenities and bustle, but don’t want to feel like they’re in the middle of a busy city center. Along with Orme Park and John C Howell Park, the neighborhood sits along the eastern edge of Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden. 

An abundance of single-family homes, including charming bungalows, makes for the perfect backdrop for the area’s tight community feel. And the schools that serve the neighborhood are top-notch. But it’s not all sleepy suburbia — along with their acclaimed legacy bars and trendy shops, the Virginia Highland District Association offers wellness and volunteer opportunities, neighborhood events, and festivals like the annual Porchfest music celebration. Unfortunately, homes don’t come cheap here, but for the vibe of small-town living so near to downtown, VAHI is worth a look.


Grant Park

A road running beside a cemetery near the Grant Park neighborhood of Atlanta

Though the residential streets in Grant Park are laid out in an urban-style grid, the Victorian homes and tree and grass-filled yards give the area a decidedly suburban feel. The vibrant and varied food scene is a draw for young professionals and families alike, as is the 131-acre Grant Park which the neighborhood is named for.

The spacious park offers not only leisure and recreation activities, but also volunteer opportunities and special events, including the wildly popular Grant Park Summer Shade Festival, which showcases local artists, live music, and family-friendly activities. And don’t forget Zoo Atlanta! All in all, if you’re looking for a neighborhood with a relaxed, suburban feel and plenty of spaces to have fun and connect with your neighbors, then Grant Park is the place to start.


Cabbagetown

The Krog Street Tunnel in the Cabbagetown neighborhood of Atlanta

A place with a unique name is bound to have a rich and interesting history, and Cabbagetown is no exception. The small neighborhood is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, and today, it exists as a friendly community where there’s always something going on. There are events like the Chomp and Stomp fundraising festival, which helps raise money to improve the neighborhood, a concert series at the Brookshire Amphitheater, and movie nights in the park

Its compactness makes Cabbagetown easily walkable, and places like Krog Street Tunnel not only lead you up to Inman Park, but with its graffiti, murals, and even announcements about upcoming concerts and events, the tunnel is a destination unto itself. However, if you do want to venture out into other parts of the city, buses and MARTA run throughout the neighborhood.


Buckhead Village

An arial image of baseball fields in the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta

  • Average 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,700
  • Average Home: $1M

Comprising approximately one-fifth of the total area of Atlanta, Buckhead takes up the northern tip of the city and is home to a number of smaller sub-neighborhoods. For its large estates and upscale lifestyle, Buckhead is sometimes referred to as the Beverly Hills of Atlanta.

Buckhead Village District is the place to go for luxury shopping and some of the best dining in Atlanta (or maybe in the entire southeastern US). As you might expect from a neighborhood with a nickname that likens it to one of California’s most affluent neighborhoods, the schools in the area are excellent. Balancing out the patina of high society are the many parks scattered across the area and various events going on throughout the year. So if your wallet can take the hit, you really won’t get a place more unique or luxe than Buckhead Village.  


Decatur

The Decatur neighborhood of Atlanta in the fall

While Decatur is its own municipality, its proximity and easy access to Atlanta on MARTA’s Blue Line make it seem like a part of the city. Then again, with its small-town vibe, Decatur can also feel a world apart, as it has been dubbed the most charming small town in North America before. Meanwhile, the National Civic League touts Decatur’s culture of community engagement. If you’re looking to be a part of something that straddles the line between city and suburb, this may be the pick for you. 

 

“Atlanta ranks just 36th on the most recent list of largest cities in the US. But more than 6 million people live in the Atlanta metro area…putting Atlanta in sixth place on the national list.” 

 

With a compact town center, Decatur has been ranked a Walker’s Paradise and ranks high in bike-friendliness as well. For families, this is an especially nice place to look for a new home. Through the Child-Friendly Cities Initiative, Decantur is striving to make this a great place for parents and kids


Atlanta is a lot of things to a lot of people, evident in all the nicknames the city has been given. No matter what you’re looking for in your search for your new home and life, you’re bound to find it in one of the many great neighborhoods here in the Big Peach. Hopefully, this guide has made that search a little easier for you. 

HireAHelper’s 2024 Moving Survey: 30% of Americans Plan on Moving This Year

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Key Findings

  • 30% of Americans surveyed plan to move at some point this year
  • Key reasons cited for wanting to move in 2024 were “Family” (26%), “Wanting more space/bigger home” (22%) and “New job or promotion” (17%)
  • 1 in 5 (20%) considered moving to a state with open access to abortion after Roe v. Wade was overturned
  • Florida narrowly beat California as the moving destination “if money was no object”
  • 52% of respondents who said they aren’t moving in 2024 cited financial reasons

an illustration of someone taping a box. In the corner it's labeled fragileIt’s officially moving season, AKA the four months of May through August when the majority of moves in the United States take place every year.

HireAHelper’s yearly Moving Season Survey asked over 2,000 Americans what their moving plans are for 2024. What did they say? Where are people going? And why?

We looked at how many Americans plan on moving this year, what was behind their decision to move or stay put, and how this year’s trends and developments might affect moving patterns in America this year.


Almost One in Three Americans Plan on Moving in 2024

Despite last year’s overall decrease in moving, 30% of Americans surveyed planned on moving at some point in 2024. An additional 54% don’t have such plans, while 16% haven’t made up their minds yet.

Overall, that’s a general decrease in moving intent compared to last year’s survey when 38% said they intended to move. Still, it’s a substantial percentage considering less than 8% of the U.S. population actually did move last year.

 

“…those in rental accommodation (38%) were twice as likely to report an intention to move in 2024 compared to those who owned a home (16%).”

 

Americans may be more likely to stay put this year than last, but one trend that hasn’t changed is younger generations are significantly more eager to move than their older counterparts. As many as 38% of Gen Z and 37% of Millennials planned to move in 2024, compared to just 24% of Gen X’ers and 12% of Baby Boomers.

Another important note is that the gap between renter and homeowner relocators widened this year; those in rental accommodation (38%) were twice as likely to report an intention to move in 2024 compared to those who owned a home (16%).

Furthering the narrative that America lacks affordable housing, only 25% of those relocating renters said they are moving to become homeowners, while the other 75% said they intended to keep living the rental life.


The Cities and States With the Most Movers and Stayers

an illustration of two people loading boxes into a moving truck. They and the truck are cast in shadow while the background of houses and trees is in evening lightAmong cities with a statistically representative number of respondents, people from Atlanta, GA (48%), Seattle, WA (38%) and Houston, TX (37%) were most likely to have plans to move at some point during 2024, whether in or out of their city.

Residents of Philadelphia, PA (18%), on the other hand, were least likely to say they would relocate this year, as people in Dallas, TX and Boston, MA had a reported moving intent of only 26%.

States

What about states? The states with the fewest amount of people who said they were likely to move in 2024 were Pennsylvania (22%) and New Jersey (24%).

The states where moving intent was the highest were Ohio (35%) and Florida (34%), places where more than one-third of respondents planned on moving this year.

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Family, Housing Top Reasons for Moving in 2024

What reasons did people give for wanting to move in 2024?

Much like last year, the biggest driving force for those looking to move was family, specifically “Moving closer to family members” (26%) and “Wanting more space or a bigger home” (22%).

Last year, the third most common consideration for potential movers was “Inflation“, but this year gave way to “New job or promotion” (17%). This could be due to the U.S. job market having had a strong year so far, with inflation itself significantly lower than one year ago.

Slightly More Financial Flexibility in 2024, And More

This year, financial reasons played a lower (but still significant) role in people’s moving motivations.

In our 2023 survey, 38% of all respondents who made plans to move did so (at least in part) for not being able to afford their home, moving to an area with a lower cost of living, and getting evicted.

But this year, only 29% checked a box for any one of these reasons. That’s a pretty significant drop!

 

“…(26%) of Americans we surveyed said they’d consider leaving the U.S. if Donald Trump were elected president this November. How many would leave if Joe Biden was re-elected? Also 26%! That’s just how divided the country appears these days.”

 

Another reason for moving that saw a drop this year was a move forced by “Climate change“. If 15% of potential movers in 2023 ultimately factored in climate change into their moving plans, only 9% plan to do so this year.

Other notable changes: more Americans intend to move because they “Want a better school district” (12%), “Bought a home” (11%), and because they started “A new relationship or got married” (10%).

Also interesting is that almost one in 10 (9%) respondents who intended to move in 2024 said the fact that they “Don’t like local politics where (they) live” was the main driver to their intentions to move. Last year, that share was only 5% of total relocators.


Many Moving Plans Affected by the Real Estate Commission 

an illustration of white plates and cups being wrapped in brown packing paper. A currently empty cardboard box sits nearbyBesides more typical reasons for moving such as family, jobs and housing, a few recent developments in the news have also impacted moving plans this year.

A recent landmark court case between the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and home sellers resulted in the abolition of the longstanding 6% commission on buying or selling a home. This court ruling, which is poised to shake up the real estate market in the coming months, has seemingly affected many, as the moving plans of 49% of all respondents and two-thirds (67%) of those planning to move this year reported being affected by this case.

How the NAR impacted moving

A total of 45% of respondents with moving plans in 2024 said this development made them more likely to move because “Homes are likely to become cheaper” (33%), or because they “Will be able to sell (their) home faster” (12%). 

Not everyone is quite as optimistic, however, as 13% of people who planned on moving admitted they’re moving because “They may need to pay a commission to (their) agent as a buyer“, while an additional 10% think they “Won’t be able to sell (their) home at a higher price“.


Most Movers Won’t Go Far: 71% of Planned Moves to Stay Within the Same State

A growing share of moves our respondents have planned are local.

Some 44% of those who plan on moving in 2024 intend to stay within the bounds of their current city. Only 27% plan on moving elsewhere within their state.

Changing States

16% of potential movers are looking to relocate to a different state. Curiously, it’s the older Americans who are most likely to have a cross-state move in the works; in fact, Baby Boomers (29%) were twice as likely to plan a move to another state compared to Millennials (14%).

This is likely because retirees are more likely to move farther than others, a fact we consistently find in our studies of moving for retirement.

Surprisingly, as many as 7% may leave the United States altogether! This sentiment is strongest with those who aren’t happy with politics where they live, 19% of which said they’d be willing to move to a different country.


How Politics Impacts Moving Intent in 2024

Speaking of leaving the country, more than a quarter (26%) of Americans we surveyed said they’d consider leaving the U.S. if Donald Trump were elected president this November. How many would leave if Joe Biden was re-elected? Also 26%! That’s just how divided the country appears these days.

Thus, with this year being a presidential election year, it would be hardly surprising that politics is playing more on people’s minds.

Another political issue impacting the consideration of moving is abortion. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, 20% of our survey participants considered moving to a state where abortion is more accessible. This includes 25% of Millennials and 35% of Gen Z.

Conversely, 17% have said they will consider moving to a state where abortion is more restricted.

All this said, 38% are satisfied with the local politics of where they currently live.


an illustration of a canvas wrapped in bubble wrap. it's stood on top of other packed boxes.Unaffordable for Most: Finances Continue to Hold Americans Back from Moving

If a smaller share of Americans are planning to move this year, what’s holding them back? 

For a majority of them, it’s simply not something they can afford.

Of respondents who are not moving this year, over half (52%) said they are staying put because they “Can’t afford to move“. One-third of respondents (33%) also noted they “Can’t afford housing where (they) want to live“. 

Additionally, nearly one in five “Worried it may not work out” (23%), “Would be too far away from (their) family” (23%), or are simply “Worried about making a big change” (21%).

It’s not all worries and concerns, however. One in four (25%) of those who aren’t moving this year are staying put for one very simple reason: “I like where I currently live“.


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About $500: Here’s How Much Americans Estimate Their Move Would Cost in 2024

With such a high share of our respondents not moving because they can’t afford it, how much do those who do intend to move plan on spending?

Of all who plan on moving, 50% plan want to keep their costs to a maximum of $500, which may include buying moving boxes, renting a truck, potentially hiring movers, etc. (The overall average estimate of moving costs is just under that amount: $496.)

The average estimate for moving costs specifically from respondents who plan on hiring movers was somewhat higher: $613. Meanwhile, those set on moving entirely by themselves plan on squeezing in a move with under $400.


an illustration of boxes being moved with a dollyCalifornia Florida Dreaming: Where Americans Would Move if Money Were No Object

If anything were possible and if money didn’t matter, where would Americans move to? 

Last year, Americans said they dreamed of moving to California more than any other state. In 2024, the dream state to be in is Florida, with nearly 10% saying that’s where they’d move to if money were no object. 

California is right behind the Sunshine State with 9% of the preference share. Hawaii is the only state that can compete as a potential dream destination; it was name-dropped in just over 8% of our study participants.

Texas, Tennessee, New York, and Georgia were named as the places people would move if anything were possible by between 3% and 4% of respondents. (Funnily enough, marginally more people (4.5%) indicated they’d rather leave the U.S. than move to these four states, if money were no object.)


The States Americans Would Never Move To 

California may have lost the popularity contest to Florida in this year’s survey, but instead, it appears to have topped a different kind of ranking this year.

When asked, “To which state or states, if any, would you not move under any circumstances?”, 28% of our study participants chose California – more than any other state. 

Other states that feature prominently on this list are Alaska, where 23% wouldn’t ever want to move, New York (22%) and Alabama (21%). Florida – a dream destination for some Americans – is a no-go area for 20% of our respondents.

Which state consistently got marked as the place to leave? Well, it was whichever state the respondent already lived in! “Home state” was the least desirable place to live, as reported by 12% of all dissenting respondents. 


Survey Methodology
The survey was run via Pollfish in April 2024 using a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults (18+) living in the United States. 
The results were weighted by age, gender, and income using data from the American Community Survey’s five-year data for the years 2017-2022 (latest available).
Illustrations by Nero Hamaoui

Identity Theft Is A Serious Risk for Moving Companies

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Last month, an Atlanta man hired a random moving company he found online, put down a deposit for his move, and …

You know where this is going.

The “company” the man hired, he soon found out, was not a real moving company. It was a scam website that used the name of a real moving company located across the country in California. This scam website, the victim told Atlanta’s WSB-TV, even linked to the real company they alleged to be’s website.

The only victim, in this case, was the man who hired the scammers—a man who happened to be a lawyer with the skills and resources to get his money back. Meanwhile, the real moving company out in California would have had no idea what was happening if the man hadn’t reached out to them. But things could have turned out much differently. They usually do.

What do they do?

We see it all the time: someone sets up a phony moving company using a real moving company’s name to appear legitimate, then proceeds to swindle people out of their money, not only by charging a deposit for their non-existent services, but by using the victim’s credit card information to make additional charges. Or in some cases, just go shopping.

But the scam can also affect the moving company whose name has been stolen. Victims can start posting bad reviews on the real moving company’s Yelp page, filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau, or even contacting law enforcement authorities in an effort to get their money back while trying to make sure no one else uses these “scammers”. The effects for the legitimate moving company can be devastating.

How do they do it?

All businesses have an Employee Identification Number, or EIN, which works sort of like a social security number. These numbers are a matter of public record and are readily obtainable, sometimes even online. It doesn’t take a lot of imagination to see that this right here can cause problems.

But that’s not the only piece of your company’s identity floating around out there; Besides your company name, address and phone number being readily available, some states require businesses to display their business license on the wall of their establishment, with their state registration information framed and hung for all to see.

With any of these few bits of information – printed out on a copy of your company letterhead, an extra nice touch as The Balance explains – it can be fairly easy for a person to set up a line of credit in your company’s name.

The savvier scammers out there even know how to change the information on your state registration files, one of the many additional schemes that Business ID Theft tells us to look out for. Spend some time reading through the various steps you can take to protect yourself and your company.

While you’re at it, check this page to review your business filings, and make sure you’ve kept up to date with all the required paperwork.

Here are some simple things you can do to prevent company identity theft:

  • Run periodic credit checks on your company
  • Read through your monthly credit card and bank statements carefully
  • Check Yelp for any false reviews
  • Be aware of your social media presence. Who’s posting what about you or what’s on your own Facebook page
  • Monitor your BBB rating if you are an active member
  • Set up a Google Alert for your own company’s name
  • Simply Google your company name every once in a while

Making sure you don’t end up with a sullied reputation is, sadly, a part of doing business. But you’ve worked hard to build up your business and your good name. Take the necessary steps to make sure no one out there destroys it.

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