Moving is stressful enough. When you add in shady movers and surprise fees, well, you’ve got yourself a full-blown consumer nightmare.
That’s exactly what happened to Rosemary and Richard Sweeting. After years of military-provided relocations, their first attempt at hiring a moving company on their own quickly unraveled into a mess of misinformation, missing paperwork, and an unexpected ransom for their household belongings.
So what went wrong? And more importantly, how can you make sure it doesn’t happen to you?
A Quote Too Good to Be True
When the Sweetings needed to relocate to Atlanta, they did what many people do: filled out a form online for moving quotes. Within hours, their phone was blowing up with calls from multiple moving companies.
Eventually, they chose one that offered a competitive price of about $3,000. A representative even came to their home to give an in-person quote. That’s usually a good sign, right?
Not always.
From the start, the details were fuzzy. The couple asked about packing and unpacking, but the rep gave vague, noncommittal answers like “If that’s what you choose, that’s what we’ll do.”
Worse, they never received the paperwork they signed. No written estimate. No invoice. No receipt.
Just email promises that documents were “on the way.” They never arrived.
The Moment It Turned Into a Hostage Situation
When the Sweetings arrived in Atlanta, they were ready to receive their furniture.
But their movers were nowhere to be found.
Instead, they got a call from the moving dispatcher. Their belongings wouldn’t be delivered unless they paid an additional $1,000 – on top of the original $3,000 quote.
There was no breakdown of costs or any explanation for the sudden increase. Just a threat: Pay, or we keep your stuff.
With no real options, the Sweetings paid up. Their final cost ballooned to more than twice the original estimate, and their trust in the moving industry was shattered.
How to Stay Out of the “Ripoff Range”
Unfortunately, stories like this are far too common. Rogue movers, often operating as brokers who subcontract the actual work, use bait-and-switch tactics, vanish with signed contracts, and tack on surprise charges at the worst possible time.
But you can protect yourself.
Here’s how:
1. Hire Local
Choose a mover with a physical office you can verify. Avoid companies that operate across multiple states without a local presence. You may find yourself dealing with a broker rather than a mover.
2. Get Everything in Writing
Before anyone touches your belongings, insist on a written estimate that includes:
- Full service details (packing, loading, delivery)
- Itemized pricing
- Payment schedule and total cost
A reputable mover will provide all of this before a single box is packed.
3. Never Pay Everything Upfront
Most ethical moving companies ask for a reasonable deposit, often around 50%, with the balance due at delivery. If someone demands full payment before the job starts, walk away.
4. Do Your Homework
Check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database for any interstate mover. You can see license status, complaint history, and safety ratings.
Also, check your state’s consumer protection agency or department of transportation for licensing requirements and red flags.
Don’t Let Your Stuff Become Leverage
If the Sweetings’ experience teaches us anything, it’s this: when it comes to moving, your belongings can become powerful bargaining chips in the wrong hands.
But you don’t have to be vulnerable. With a little research, the right paperwork, and the confidence to walk away from shady operators, you can keep your move smooth and your sanity intact.
Planning a big move? Visit TrustDALE.com to find vetted, trustworthy movers in your area. And always report bad actors to the FMCSA and your local consumer protection agency to help others avoid the same trap.
