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HIRE LICENSED MOVERS!
The Risks Of Using Unlicensed Movers In Seattle
When you invite someone into your home, whether for service or for celebration, you want to know you can trust that person. And when you hire movers, you want your belongings transported safely and skillfully. One of the biggest risks of using unlicensed moving companies is the lack of proper training and experience.
Unlicensed movers often lack the necessary skills and knowledge to properly pack and transport your belongings. They may not know how to handle fragile items or how to properly secure your belongings in the truck. As a result, your items may arrive damaged or broken, or even worse, lost or stolen.
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Another risk of using unlicensed moving companies is hidden fees. Unlicensed movers may provide you with a low quote upfront, but once they have your belongings, they may add on additional charges for things like stairs, long carries, and packing materials. These fees can quickly add up, leaving you with a much higher bill than you anticipated.
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Finally, using an unlicensed moving company can put you at risk of legal issues. Unlicensed movers may not have the necessary permits to operate, which can result in fines and legal trouble for both you and the moving company.
How to Identify Unlicensed Movers
Identifying unlicensed movers can be tricky, but there are a few things you can look out for. First, unlicensed movers may not have a physical address or a local phone number. They may use a cell phone or an email address as their primary contact method. This can make it difficult to track them down if there are any issues with your move.
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Another red flag is if the moving company asks for a large deposit upfront. Legitimate moving companies typically only require a small deposit or none at all. If a moving company is asking for a large deposit over $500, it may be a sign that they are not legitimate.
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Finally, you can check the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) website to see if a moving company is licensed and insured. Licensed moving companies are listed by their registered name, as well as their alternate names(DBA).
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The consequences of hiring unlicensed movers can be severe. As mentioned earlier, using an unlicensed mover can result in damaged or lost items, hidden fees, and legal issues. In addition, unlicensed movers may not have the proper insurance to protect your belongings. If something does happen during the move, you may not be able to recover the full value of your items.
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Using an unlicensed mover can also put you at risk of identity theft. Unlicensed movers may ask for personal information such as your social security number or credit card information. If this information falls into the wrong hands, it can be used for fraudulent activities.
Tips for Hiring a Licensed Moving Company
Now that you know the risks of using unlicensed moving companies, it's important to know how to choose a reputable and licensed moving company. Here are a few tips to help you find the right mover for your needs:
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1. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, and coworkers. Word of mouth is often the best way to find a reputable moving company.
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2. Check the UTC website to ensure the moving company is licensed and insured.
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3. Get multiple quotes from different moving companies to compare prices and services.
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4. Read reviews and ratings from previous customers. Sites like Yelp and Google can be helpful for this.
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5. Ask the moving company for references from previous customers.
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6. Make sure the moving company has a physical address and a local phone number.
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7. Ask about their experience and training. A reputable moving company should have trained professionals who know how to properly pack and transport your belongings.
Benefits of Using Licensed Movers
Using a licensed moving company has many benefits. Licensed movers have the necessary training and experience to properly pack and transport your belongings. They also have the proper insurance to protect your items in case of damage or loss. In addition, licensed movers are required to follow certain regulations and guidelines, which can help ensure a smooth and stress-free move.
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If you have been the victim of an unlicensed mover, you can file a complaint with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). The UTC can investigate complaints and take action against unlicensed movers. You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or your local consumer protection agency.
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Verifying that a moving company is licensed and insured is crucial for a stress-free move. Licensed movers have the necessary training and experience to properly pack and transport your belongings, while insured movers can protect your items in case of damage or loss. Verifying licenses and insurance can also help protect you from hidden fees and legal issues.
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Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but using an unlicensed moving company can make it even worse. Unlicensed movers often lack the necessary skills, experience, and insurance to protect your belongings. If you're planning a move in Seattle, it's important to choose a reputable and licensed moving company to ensure a smooth and stress-free move. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can avoid the pitfalls of unlicensed moving companies and enjoy a successful move.
Washington State UTC Moving Company Lookup
The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission(UTC) is the governing body of Washington state that oversees moving companies. Use this website to check to see if the movers you are interested in hiring are licensed and insured for moving in Seattle, Washington.
Yelp
Yelp is a good resource for looking up well reviewed moving companies, however they do not require a moving company license to be listed on Yelp, so be sure to make sure the company you're hiring is legit. Use the Washington State UTC Moving Company Lookup search engine to verify a moving company's credentials. You can find Easy Company on Yelp at this link: https://www.yelp.com/biz/easy-company-moving-seattle-3
Google is a great resource for finding a moving company. However, be aware that Google also does not require a moving company license to be listed in their results, so do your homework and make sure you're working with licensed and insured movers like Easy Company Moving. You can find our Google Maps listing here: https://goo.gl/maps/cUoTMGpWxY6yJKjo6
Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau has been a trusted source to find licensed, insured, legitimate businesses for decades. As always, make sure you cross check your selected movers credentials with the Washington State UTC website. You can find our listing on the BBB here: https://www.bbb.org/us/wa/seattle/profile/moving-services/easy-company-moving-1296-1000147631
For more moving tips, click on any of the links below!
Areas We Serve
Our movers serve Seattle and all of Washington State
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