Moving scams happen all the time. And even if they don't, uninformed consumers coast through the process of hiring a moving company, assuming that everything will undoubtedly be fine.Sadly, this 'coasting' approach all too often leads to inconvenience and even disaster. Moving companies could be a great convenience, and can take a lot of the trouble out of relocating your home and family. But remember: whoever you decide to handle your move, you're entrusting with all you own. That is not a choice to take lightly!In that spirit, use this guide to assist you avoid a number of the common pitfalls that consumers encounter when coping with moving companies. These tips can save you a lot of cash and heartache.First - A small amount of HistoryPrevious to 1980, moving company prices were regulated by the now defunct Interstate Commerce Commission, or ICC. The ICC governed the pricing structure that moving companies were allowed to charge consumers for moving services.In 1980, Congress passed the Household Goods Transportation Act. This act deregulated moving industry pricing, allowing movers to issue their own estimates and develop their very own pricing structure. This brought new competition into the moving industry, sufficient reason for this competition came lower prices and an ever dwindling profit percentage.What Does This Mean For Me?Moving companies are out to make money. With thin income and keen competition, moving companies will have a tendency to do whatever it takes to squeeze as much money as they can from your upcoming move. Sometimes this may mean hidden fees or extra charges. Other times it could mean out right scams.As a consumer, you would prosper to be as educated as you can about your moving company and the moving process generally. Here are a few ideas to avoid scams, hidden fees, and other moving nightmares:Get a binding, in-home estimate. Typically, over-the-phone or over-the-internet estimates aren't considered binding. Your mover must inspect your property and household goods to accurately offer an estimate for you.Avoid companies that show no fascination with providing an in-home estimate, that only accept cash, or that want large deposits previous to the move.Read reviews on the net. There are numerous of consumer watch dog sites together with user driven review sites that will offer you feedback on your moving company. Google Maps provides a review system, and is often a good place to start for information about your moving company. Furthermore, ask your moving company to supply references and be sure to call them. Also, contact your local BBB and see if any reports have already been generated regarding your moving company.Ask for a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities ONCE YOU Move. Federal regulations require your moving company supplies you with a copy of this booklet through the planning stages of an interstate move.Avoid companies that arrive in rental trucks or that answer their phones with generic responses such as for example 'Movers'.Avoid companies that list no local address on their website or that are struggling to produce any information regarding their state or federal licensing.Require a copy of one's moving company's insurance certificate.Learn if your moving company charges minimum rates (e.g. a minimum billing for four hours of work, regardless of real-time expended), travel expenses, fuel charges, or other fees that will be built into your estimate.Learn if your moving company is really a broker.A broker sets up moving jobs for another company. If you opt to go with a brokerage, research the company they are brokering your proceed to.Be involved  Clearance Removals Dalton in Furness . Read everything you sign. Ask questions. Get everything on paper. The better documented your move is, the better able you are to protect yourself.By the end of day, there are numerous good moving companies out there. We'd like to think that we're one of them! But you do have to look after yourself. Applying the tips above will let you do just that!