RELO Roundtable…a gathering place

Don't be fooled by Mother Nature.

May is still National Moving Month, the official start of the household goods industry's peak moving season. Professional relocation product and service suppliers throughout the moving industry recognize the period between Cinco De Mayo and Labor Day as the traditional “busy period” in the U.S.

Despite this year's mild temperatures and early warm-up, the 'Corn Moon' month is typically when trees blossom, buds open, and flowers and ‘For Sale’ signs spring up in front of homes in neighborhoods and communities all across the country.

Historically, it's also the time that approximately 35 million Americans begin making plans to pack up their stuff and move it somewhere…somehow!

May usually signifies the approach of summer – the period when most families choose to complete their relocation arrangements because the kids are out of school.

Federal and state authorities and consumer groups like the council of Better Business Bureaus have long recognized that the seasonal uptick in relocation activity that typically begins in the spring also draws out the industry's bad guys – the lowlifes, brokers, scammers and con artists who use the anonymity of the internet to lurk on unsuspecting buyers.

Most people relocate so infrequently they don’t know what criteria to use when beginning to look for local, intrastate or long distance moving services. As a result, it's not unusual to find them starting their search online by simply shopping for the cheapest options available.

Unfortunately, many of these inexperienced, uninformed or gullible consumers have no idea how to differentiate between legitimate service providers and unscrupulous shysters when deciding whom to trust to allow inside their homes to move their family and take possession of everything of value they own.

This time each year the media usually becomes filled with horror stories of unwitting consumers whose household goods and valuable have been stolen, extensively damaged or destroyed, and even held hostage for extended periods by unscrupulous renegade movers, unlicensed, illegal transportation companies, or unlicensed, uninsured fly-by-night business operators.

Most of these tragic incidents were arranged through the internet at virtual marketplaces like popular find-a-mover websites, unregulated reverse auction transportation portals, or free online community bulletin boards.

Recently several states like California and Washington have been quite aggressive in stepping up enforcement activity and pursing illegal motor carriers. And Congress is currently reviewing the questionable business practices used by some move brokers and “chameleon carriers”.

Fortunately, with a little foresight and some practical planning, anyone planning a local or long distance relocation can reduce the stress and anxiety of movin’. That’s the reason that relocation professionals suggest that you get organized now, develop a plan and establish a timeline to prepare for your next move.

Instead of simply shopping for the most attractive moving quote, thoroughly research each product and service supplier you’re considering. Once you've done all your homework, select the option that will provide you the best overall value for your budget – not just the best price.

First download a copy of the free moving cost comparison tool . Then arrange at least three in-home estimates from trained moving professionals.  Be sure to keep your personal information private by using the widget in the right sidebar to check out the local moving and storage resources at MoversReviewed.

It's important to plan early! The effects of the recession created a significant drop in capacity throughout the entire transportation industry during the last few years. Not only do full-service movers not have as many drivers and moving vans available, but neither do truck rental and portable container transport companies.

This year's peak moving season expects to be especially challenging. Not only is normal business volume expected to spike as the economy recovers, but the U.S. military has projected a dramatic increase in household goods moves as many military and government service members and their families plan their relocation to a new duty station.

Moving should be an adventure – not a chore!

By following the series of professional recommendations outlined in the resources below, you can research the best options to find your own value when making your moving or storage plans…and avoid being ripped off by unscrupulous rogue operators.

Recommended Reading:

How to Find a Reputable Mover: A Professional Guide - RELO Roundtable

How to Choose an International Mover – RELO Roundtable

Three things a virtual mover might not tell you – RELO Roundtable

How to spot a rogue mover – RELO Roundtable

Is shopping for a mover in a virtual marketplace safe? – RELO Roundtable

Protect Your Move – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Find A ProMover – American Moving & Storage Association

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