This is just a few suggestions that could be helpful in protecting yourself against a possible fraudulent situation from movers and moving company contracts because moving in most cases is a rushed situation and it can be difficult to think thoroughly when faced with a lot of decisions that need to be made suddenly.



Help protect yourself against fraud from movers because whether you're relocating from Florida, NYC or Boston, moving is always difficult and come with a lot of decisions that need to be made suddenly.This is the first thing that needs to be done to protect you. Make sure that the company you chose has ample insurance just incase of an accident or theft.

These are the three most important terms you can educate yourself with when having to move from one state to another or even city to city. Rates can vary from state to state like Boston, NYC, or Florida. More importantly get you several quotes and compare services and rates. Making sure that your move is protected by a moving company contract.

Understand that moving companies can issue three different types of estimates and contracts to you as the customer for your local, national, international and auto transporting needs:

1. (Non-Binding) Estimate.

2. Binding Estimate.

3. Not-to-Exceed Binding Estimate.

You need to get familiar with this terminology so that you can understand the differences better. It is to your advantage not to choose non-binding estimates because that is when rates can increase and you have no recourse but to pay the bill and it will probably go up. This is what you would want so make sure that this is actually an option with movers.

Estimate: Know exactly how much the truck weighs before your contents are loaded in order to calculate your exact household's weight. This is your right as a consumer. Generally the industry standard is about 20% more than what is generally expected.

Binding Estimate: Changes go on a written Addendum and the change order they must fill out and you both sign prior to the move. Always make sure that you get a binding estimate for your protection against price increases.

Not-to-Exceed Estimate: This is the third type of Estimate. The Not-to-Exceed Estimate is the kind of estimate that gives you the best of both worlds is the third type of estimate. The movers give you a Binding Estimate, then weigh the vehicle and reduce the price if the weight is less than anticipated.

This is where you can save a lot of money. As long as you have it in writing you generally have about 60 days for your estimate to keep at the price and terms stated on your contract. It doesn't matter what state you live in companies operate pretty much in the same manner.

Especially if you have a family to consider not having to scout around again for a good rate puts you in a better situation so that you can tend to better things like your family. Whether your moving to NYC or from Florida or Seattle, always read your contract thoroughly it can save you any undo stress in the long run.