a row of trucks on a parking lot
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Moving Red Flags: 5 Signs You’re Working With Bad Movers

When you decide to relocate to a new home, what’s the first thing you do? That’s right – start thinking about hiring a moving company. And this is definitely the right thing to do. Moving can get pretty complicated and frustrating, so having professionals by you side helps. When your relocation is handled by people who know what they’re doing, that definitely reduces stress during the move. On the other hand, though – you need to know how to avoid bad and fraudulent moving companies. Which is why we’ve decided to give you a few tips on recognizing the signs you’re working with bad movers!

Negative online reviews are among the signs you’re working with bad movers

Okay, so you decide to hire a moving company to help you out with your relocation. How do you go about doing that and finding the right company? Obviously, in this day and age – you utilize the power of the Internet! These days, you can use platforms like Yelp to find reviews on every service provider you can think of, so why not moving companies? And obviously, what you’re looking for here is positive customer feedback. Sure, some people leave bad online reviews for no reason, or for petty things, but if a company has consistently bad reviews across the board, that’s one of the signs you’re working with bad movers.

Still, make sure not to rush to any conclusions. And, in this case, we primarily mean not reaching a conclusion solely based on a numbered grade, or a low star review. Make sure to actually read the experiences people have had with any particular company. That way, not only will you know if their experiences are useful for your situation, but you’ll also know what to avoid in the future.

a laptop on a table, where you can recognize signs you're working with band movers
Make sure to read online reviews before choosing a moving company!

A lack of transparency

Of course, simply looking at online reviews is not enough, in most cases. If you want to check out any trace of signs you’re working with bad movers, you have to go a bit deeper. And bear in mind, this is true regardless of what kind of moving service you’re looking for. Even if you are looking for storage solutions, for example, and not a full-fledged relocation, you should still be careful. And one of the biggest red flags when it comes to moving companies is a lack of transparency of information on them.

So, first and foremost, check to see if the company that you’ll potentially hire is registered at all. Trust us, this is crucial; the first thing any reputable movers would do is register their company. And this is important for you as well because that’s your only guarantee that your items will be relocated safely to your desired destination.

Their demeanor is sketchy

Let’s face it, when it comes to hiring someone to do a job for you, there’s one thing that’s absolutely crucial – first-hand contact. Sure, you can do plenty of research online, and you can ask around all you want, but at the end of the day, there’s really nothing that’s more important than your own personal impression. That’s one of the main ways you’ll spot signs you’re working with bad movers.

So, to surmise – don’t forget to interview your potential movers thoroughly. Ask them as many questions about their jobs and their methods as you can think of. Reputable, registered movers will have no problems answering all of them – that’s their livelihood, after all. On the other hand, uneasy, unsure answers and sketchy behavior are definite red flags, so stay away from moving teams that exhibit them. If you pass on them, chances are high that you’re avoiding fraudulent movers.

People having a business meeting while drinking ice tea.
Don’t forget to interview your movers thoroughly!

Unrealistic estimates

So, if you’ve talked to a few different moving companies, what’s the next step? Generally, you should examine the moving estimates they’ve given you. Remember – if you want to pick the right moving company, storage unit or furniture movers, it’s important to have plenty of choices available. Which is why we recommend asking for written moving estimates from no less than four or three different movers. This is a move that grants you the opportunity to think long and hard, proceeding to make an informed choice in the end.

But how does a moving estimate help you spot shady movers? Well, once you take a look at all the different services they all offer and their prices, you may notice a large discrepancy somewhere. In comparison with legitimate, reputable movers, ridiculously cheap estimates are one of the signs you’re working for bad movers. Which is why it pays to have a few other estimates to compare them to, in order to know what the market average is.

Suspicious details

While there are many signs you’re working with bad movers that we’ve listed above, these are mostly bigger, major things you should be wary of in general. But just as often, people may run into a fraudulent moving company that’s less obvious in its misgivings. In this case, the devil is in the details, literally. So, be wary of small things like:

  • Lack of a logo – In most cases, reputable movers like to advertise their company with every opportunity, which is only natural because they’ve got nothing to hide. But if you see that a company has unmarked vans and trucks with no clear insignia, that’s something to be wary of.
  • Bad estimate – In most cases, the cost of your relocation will depend on the weight of the shipment. So, before giving an estimate, reputable movers come to your home and do a visual estimate. If they fail to do this, you’re bound to receive an inaccurate estimate.
  • A large deposit – If the moving company asks you to pay a huge deposit upfront, you should know that this isn’t standard practice, and avoiding that company is probably a good idea.
A pile of one-dollar bills.
If movers are asking for a very large deposit – avoid that company!
Guide to Avoid Fraudulent Interstate Moving Companies
/ By / Cross Country Movers/ 0 Comments

Guide to Avoid Fraudulent Interstate Moving Companies

We all know that this world we live in is a dangerous one. With the rise of technology and artificial intelligence, ripping people off is now easier than ever. Believe it or not, danger lurks even when undertaking a task such as moving. Since the boom in the moving industry, a lot of companies whose sole purpose is to steal from people have developed. Now, while deciding to play it safe when moving locally and pulling off a DIY is possible, if you are moving to another state, you are forced to look for movers. At least, you are forced if you want your relocation to be an easy one. But how do you manage to protect yourself and avoid fraudulent interstate moving companies? That’s something we as a site dedicated to finding cross country movers can answer.

Signs that the Company You are Dealing with is a Fraudulent One

Just like no two persons are the same, no two companies will conduct their business the same way. And just because a moving company doesn’t operate the way you think is the norm, doesn’t mean that they are fraudulent. That being said, you should know that there are some huge red flags that should warn you that the company you are thinking of hiring is a fraudulent one.

Guide to Avoid Fraudulent Interstate Moving Companies

Stop for a second, and make sure you don’t recognize any of these signs in your movers.

  • If you want to avoid fraudulent interstate moving companies, don’t try to find and opt for the lowest moving estimate. Low-ball moving quotes serve to lure you into a trap, so know that any company whose quote drastically differs from the other ones you got must be fraudulent.
  • When it comes to fraudulent movers, it all comes down to money. If they ask for you to pay large sums ahead of the move itself, feel free to politely refuse.
  • When talking to a moving company’s representative, you should receive a good vibe from them. If you feel like they sound unprofessional, especially if, at the same time, they refer to themselves simply as movers, without any specific names, know that you are about to become a victim of moving fraud.
  • Fraudulent moving companies do their best to avoid any face to face contact. If you have a hard time setting up a date with a company in question, it’s best that you move on to the next ones.

How to Avoid Fraudulent Interstate Moving Companies

Knowing the signs of fraudulent movers isn’t enough to protect yourself from them. As a database dedicated to helping people find reputable movers, we have made sure every company that enters our system has passed our test. If you want to conduct a test of your own, here’s how to do it. It will ensure you are never crossed over by less than reputable movers. 

Look for a license and insurance

It might be superfluous to mention this, but you would be surprised how many people forget to check a thing as basic as this one. In order for any moving company to be legitimate, they must have all the necessary licenses. For starters, every company should have a US DOT number. It serves as proof that a company is registered with FMCSA and allowed to operate a moving truck. It doesn’t matter whether you are moving to Denver, Los Angeles or New York – movers’ licenses are something you should always check by yourself.

Guide to Avoid Fraudulent Interstate Moving Companies

Check whether a moving company’s truck is registered to avoid fraudulent interstate moving companies.

Licenses and insurance go hand in hand. You need to make sure your movers can financially cover any damage caused to your items during transport. Of course, fraudulent interstate movers won’t get as far as to transport your possessions. If a mover can’t offer you even the two basic types of liability coverage, look into your other options.

Check whether there are any moving reviews and testimonials

Think about it. If you became a victim of moving fraud, wouldn’t you want to warn the world about it? On the other hand, wouldn’t you put in a good word if satisfied with the relocation assistance options your movers provided? Of course, you would, and other people are no different. So, if your goal is to avoid fraudulent interstate moving companies, all you need to do is an online check. Look up different forums where people leave their reviews. You can even look at the company’s website and find the moving reviews section. But, be careful. Moving reviews that are too positive are indicators that the testimonial was written by a professional. Even the best movers can sometimes make a mistake – no one is perfect!

Guide to Avoid Fraudulent Interstate Moving Companies

The Internet will be your best ally in finding fraudulent interstate movers.

Analyze the moving quote you got

The first thing you should know is that almost every company in our database offers instant moving quote calculators. All you have to do is put down some basic details about your relocation, and you get a quick estimate. Once the clients want to get something more accurate, they request an in-home price estimate. If interstate movers refuse to come to your home and take a look at your things and, instead, want to give you a quote over the phone, know that something is awfully wrong. Reputable movers will need to take a look at your stuff and evaluate whether you need any special moving services, such as cross country piano moving. Or, more importantly, you should be able to tell them that face to face.

Keep Your Eyes Wide Open!

Moving fraud is everywhere. The only way to avoid fraudulent interstate moving companies is by being alert all the time. We can all agree that moving such a long distance is hard enough without any moving scams. With moving scams, it becomes one of the worst experiences in a lifetime. So, be careful and double, even triple-check who you are about to hire. It will all be worth it once you settle comfortably into your new home.

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Moving To Guides: Anaheim, CA

Located between Los Angeles and San Diego, sunny Anaheim is a premier business and leisure destination that’s best known as the home of Disneyland.

With more than 336,000 residents, it’s the most populous city in Orange County and the tenth most populous in California.

If you are relocating to Anaheim, Ca, here are some things you will likely want to know:

History

Anaheim was founded by German settlers in 1857, and its name is German for “home by the river.” They first came to the United States during the German Revolution of 1848, and they originally settled in San Francisco. A few years later when fifty of the settlers learned about cheap land that had been part of a Spanish land grant, they decided to move and create their own community that is still thriving more than one hundred years later.

Demographics

The median age of residents is 33.8 years, which is slightly lower than the state’s average of 35.7 years. The median household income is $57,550, and residents are fairly well-educated with 74.6 percent holding a high school diploma or higher.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Anaheim is three percent higher than the California average and thirty-nine percent higher than the nation’s average.

Top Employers

The city’s top employers are:

Disneyland
Orange County
University of California at Irvine
CKE Restaurant, Inc.
Federal Government
Boeing Aerospace
State of California
Albertson’s
St. Joseph Healthcare System
Tenet Healthcare
Housing Market

The cost of housing in Anaheim is 109 percent higher than the national average, and the median sales price is $553,900. Home values have risen 7.5 percent over the last year, and it’s believed they will rise another 2.9 percent in 2017. The city is currently a strong buyers market as the level of inventory exceeds the demand.

Neighborhoods

Anaheim has several great neighborhoods to call home, including:

Southwest Anaheim – Southwest Anaheim is a great place to live as it is the city’s most walkable neighborhood and it’s home to the Disneyland Resort. The area boasts several shops, restaurants, and transportation options.

Platinum Triangle – As the city’s up and coming neighborhood, Platinum Triangle is currently undergoing redevelopment that includes a commercial and industrial zone, as well as high density housing. The neighborhood is best suited to young professionals with no children.

The Colony – Located in downtown Anaheim, The Colony is a historic part of the city that is also called the Colonial District. Residents enjoy an easy walk to school, restaurants, shops, and recreational opportunities.

Education

Orange Unified School District – School aged children living in Anaheim attend the Orange Unified School District. It consists of twenty-seven elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools, several of which have been recognized for their exemplary and quality educational programs by the California State Board of Education.

Higher Education – There are several higher learning institutions within Anaheim including:

West Coast University – Orange County
Westwood College
Southern California Institute of Technology
Bethesda University of California
Brownson Technical School
Everest College
Restaurants

There are a variety of great restaurants, such as:

The Pizza Press – The Pizza Press features a modern twist on its Roaring Twenties decor and delicious pizzas that are prepared in front of guests. Signature options include “The Press Cheese,” “The Chronicle,” and “The Tribune.”

Steakhouse 55 – Awarded four stars by the Orange County Register, Steakhouse 55 is where you can indulge in premium chops, seafood, and prime steaks. It offers an Old Hollywood atmosphere and friendly service, and meals include Cold Water Lobster Tail, Porterhouse Steak, and Prime Rib.

Tortilla Jo’s – Located in Downtown Disney, Tortilla Jo’s is a vibrant restaurant that celebrates the cultural heritage of Mexico. Its main menu includes Shredded Beef Burritos, Seafood Enchiladas, and Gorditas.

When you’re ready to relocate to Anaheim, please contact us. We’ll help you find the right professional movers who will work both quickly and efficiently.

Southeat Montgomery TX
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What you Should Know Before Moving to Southeast Montgomery, TX

Southeast Montgomery, TX, is home to just over 345,000 residents. It is a great place to call home and has much to offer. For example, residents are treated to a low unemployment rate and decent home values. Education levels in the city are also fairly good.

Southeast Montgomery, TX has quite a bit to offer its residents. Learning more about those items will help make the move to this beautiful city that much easier. Take a look at the following if you are planning to move here and need to know more about the area.

Economy

The economy in Southeast Montgomery is rather pleasant at this point in time. The unemployment rate is just over 6%, which is lower than the 7% rate of the rest of the state. The most popular industry in the city is the sales and office industries. However, the city also has large numbers in the management and financial industries as well as the service industry.

Housing Market

The housing market in Southeast Montgomery, TX, offers residents a fairly nice range of prices. You will easily be able to find a home in your price range with your specifications in this city. There are also several rentals available at reasonable prices if you prefer to rent instead of buy. Since the great real estate crash, the housing market in Southeast Montgomery has rebounded nicely, which is a huge benefit to those looking to move into the city.

School Districts

Southeast Montgomery is a great city to move because of its school district. All in all, you can expect a great education for your kids and a kid-friendly environment. The teachers and staff are dedicated to making sure kids get the education they deserve and the help they need if they are struggling.

This district has set out some pretty aggressive performance goals and are exceeding them. Their students are working hard to exceed the expectations of the school as well as that of their parents and teachers. High school students are also being prepared for the next steps in their education careers.

Outdoor Living and Sports

Southeast Montgomery, TX has a lot to offer to residents in the way of sports and outdoor living. For starters, the area is the perfect place to enjoy camping, fishing, hunting and a number of other outdoor activities. There are also historical parks and animal sanctuaries that you can enjoy around the area.

However, the most exciting thing about living in the state of Texas is the many sports teams you can watch and support. On a national level, you can support the nearby Dallas Cowboys or the Houston Texans. Both of these teams are popular pro football teams that receive a lot of support throughout the state. Other teams, like the Dallas Mavericks and the Texas Rangers, are also great options for those who love to enjoy local sports.

Suburbs and Neighborhoods

There are quite a few cities within miles of Southeast Montgomery. For example, if you want to live just outside the city, you can choose areas like Woodloch, Shenandoah, Oak Ridge or Porter Heights to purchase or rent a home in.

However, living in the city itself is also a popular choice, especially if you are working in the city. With the many amenities that the city has to offer and the great prices on homes, you will definitely be pleased with choosing to live within the city limits of Southeast Montgomery.

Before you make the move, make sure you contact us. We are able to find the best movers to get you to your new home as quickly and as efficiently as possible. With our help, you will be able to move to Southeast Montgomery without the stress that is normally associated with making a big move.

moving to washington D.C., moving guide, how to move to DC
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What you Should Know About Moving to Washington D.C.

 

Washington D.C. is a city that is filled with history and beautiful architecture. It is also a great city to call your home. As of 2015, the population of Washington D.C. was just over 672,000. The city is what is called a planned city. Its broad streets flow out from rectangles, which provides room for landscaping and lots of open space.

Along with many historical elements, the city of Washington D.C. has many things to offer its residents. Learning more about those benefits can help you decide if the Washington D.C. is the right home for you.

Economy

The economy in Washington D.C. is expected to continue to grow and improve. Population growth in 2016 is expected to be around 1.32 percent, which is quite a bit more than what it was in 2010. Employment rates also continue to climb, with the majority of jobs lying in the production industry. Income also continues to climb at just over 3% a year.

Housing Market

Throughout 2015, home sales and inventory increased while the prices stayed stable. However, for 2016, the market appears a little less active, mainly because it’s an election year. Experts say that the housing market in Washington D.C. slows down dramatically this time of year until after the new president has been elected. It is also expected that mortgage rates will begin slowly increasing, which will actually lead to more home sales.

School Districts

The District of Columbia Public Schools contains over half of the public schools where students attend school in Washington DC. Currently, the school district has 47,550 students enrolled and employees over 4,000 teachers. Each school is located in the city limits of Washington D.C., except for Maya Angelou Academy, which is in Laurel, Maryland.

The school district offers many programs to help students be successful. For example, Advanced and Enriched Instruction is available for students who are high-performing. This allows the students to develop at their own speed without the need to worry about other students’ own progression.

Outdoor Living and Sports

When you are looking to enjoy some great outdoor activities or some sports in Washington D.C., there are many options to choose from. For example, the city is home to the Washington Redskins, an NFL football team. This team has treated the city to some amazing games and even a few awards along the way.

In addition to this team, the Washington Nationals, a MLB baseball team, and the Washington Capitals, an NHL hockey team, are located in the city. Soccer fans can enjoy watching the professional D.C. United and NBA fans love the Washington Wizards.

For those looking to enjoy their own activities, the wonderful climate in the city makes it easy. During the winter, residents enjoy spending time in the snow and ice. Typically, this means playing hockey, snowboarding or sledding. During the summer, biking, walking, or even sports leagues are a popular option.

Suburbs and Neighborhoods

For many people, living in a particular neighborhood or suburb of Washington D.C. is preferable to living in the city itself. One of the great things about this city is that it has many to choose from. Some of the highest rated areas to live in are Adams-Morgan, Anacostia, Dupont Circle and Leesburg. Each are beautiful areas of the city and have a number of amenities to offer.

Washington D.C. is a great place to move if you love learning more about the history of this country. However, the other amenities the city has to offer makes it a fun and vibrant place to live. If you are moving to Washington D.C. contact us today. We will help get you settled in your new home as quickly and efficiently as possible.

 

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Everything You Need to Know About Moving to Tulsa, OK

Tulsa is a beautiful city located in northeastern Oklahoma. Currently, it is the second largest city in Oklahoma and the 47th most populous city in the US. As of 2014, the population came in at just under 400,000 within the city limits and an additional 500,000 living in the Tulsa Metropolitan Area. One of the best things about the city of Tulsa is that it has quite a bit to offer its residents. If you are considering moving to Tulsa, here are some things you will definitely want to know.

Economy
The economy in Tulsa continues to be a strong one. The unemployment rate is now at 4%, but there is an expected job growth of 35.50% expected for the next 10 years. Another great thing about the economy of Tulsa is that it is extremely versatile. While one of the main focuses in Tulsa and around the state of Oklahoma is the oil industry, manufacturing plants, customer service facilities and healthcare companies are all huge employers as well.

Housing Market
The housing market in Tulsa is also strong. The city is currently going through many expansions, which is helping to add to the number of homes being bought and sold. The median price of homes is around $150,000 and there are many options out there for homebuyers. Also, homes continue to appreciate and the market appears strong for the future.

School Districts
The Tulsa School District covers most of the students who attend schools in Tulsa city limits. It is responsible for approximately 42,000 students in 86 schools. The most important thing that this school district tries to accomplish is providing quality learning experiences for each student. They also focus on the safety and security of the students as well as teacher effectiveness.

Overall, the schools are fairly successful at providing excellent learning experiences for the students. Over the years, several programs have been developed to better prepare students for the next school year as well as for their college or career years.

Outdoor Living and Sports
Tulsa, as well as the rest of the state of Oklahoma, is definitely a great place to live if you love sports or being outdoors. For sports fans, Tulsa has a number of teams you can support. For example, the Oklahoma City Thunder are located in nearby Oklahoma City and are supported strongly by the people in Tulsa. Teams like the Tulsa Drillers and the Tulsa Oilers also produce exciting games and have a huge following in the city.

When you are looking to get outdoors, the city of Tulsa offers access to hundreds of parks and outdoor activities. There is a water park to enjoy during the summer as well as a huge state fair that is held in September. In addition to this, the state has many beautiful lakes and campsites all within a short trek from Tulsa city limits.

Suburbs
If you are looking to enjoy great city living but don’t want to live in the city, Tulsa has a number of great options. For example, Broken Arrow is located to the south of the city and is one of the most popular suburbs in the Tulsa area. However, you can also choose Owasso, which is located to the north and is rated one of the best places to live in Oklahoma. Along with these options, Jenks, Sapulpa, Sand Springs and Catoosa are all great options.

Tulsa is a vibrant city with a lot to offer. Regardless of the activities you enjoy, you will definitely be able to find them in this beautiful city. If you are looking for the best ways to plan your move to Tulsa, OK, contact us today. We will help make the move as enjoyable and simple as possible.