Coleman Worldwide Moving, the largest agent for Allied Van Lines, wants to remind everyone that May is National Moving Month, and the beginning of peak season in the moving and storage industry. During this busy period, it is more important than ever to be informed as customers embark on a stressful relocation process. “Moving is especially expensive during the summer moving season,” said Coleman Worldwide Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing Keith Turner. “We want to make sure that we deliver quality service and assist our customers with making cost-effective decisions that will satisfy their relocation needs.” The peak moving season runs between May 1 and September 1, and customers should plan accordingly to have their movers in place at least four to six weeks prior to their move.  

The Better Business Bureau and American Moving & Storage Association offer the following tips for working with a trustworthy moving company:

  • Do your research. Get at least three written, in-home estimates so you can make an informed decision. Show the mover everything that needs to be moved, from the attic to the basement, including any sheds, garages and storage areas. These are free estimates, so you have nothing to lose, even if you are considering handling the move yourself. Avoid any unusually high or low estimates, and if someone says they can give you an estimate over the phone or by email, it's possible they're trying to scam you.
  • Know your rights. Reputable interstate movers must, by law, provide you with federal publications that explain the moving process as well as your rights and responsibilities during and after the moving process. Interstate movers also must provide the cost of full-value protection insurance for your possessions in their estimates. If a mover asks for a large down payment or full payment in advance, that may be a warning sign. And if a company says it won't return your items to you without more money than you agreed to pay, contact the Better Business Bureau or local law enforcement for help. 
  • Get all agreements in writing. Read everything carefully and make sure you have it all in writing, along with copies of everything you sign, especially the most important document-the bill of lading, which is the receipt for your goods and the contract for their transportation. Never sign any blank forms. 
  • Take your valuables with you. Cash, coins, jewelry, photographs and important papers should be taken with you or shipped separately. Use a shipping service with tracking numbers, such as FedEx or UPS. 
  • Ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask questions about anything you don't understand. If the moving company can't or won't answer your questions, you might want to look for another mover.

You can find these and other tips, along with a new video and infographics for consumers, at the new Moving.org.

Coleman Worldwide Moving is a global moving, storage and relocation company that is committed to serving the needs of corporations, governments and individuals. Coleman is a family company and it is one of the largest privately held transportation companies headquartered in the Southeast. It operates sixty service centers throughout the United States and is the largest agent for Allied Van Lines. For more information about Coleman Worldwide Moving visit www.colemanallied.com or call 1-800-239-7700.

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Allied Van Lines