The High Cost of Craigslist Movers
The High Cost of Craigslist Movers
Moving can be both exciting and dreadful. Moving to a new home is the fun part. But getting you and all your stuff there can be the dreaded part. No one likes moving. It can be expensive and exhausting. So many people try to save a few bucks by perusing Craigslist to find cheap labor. But can you really trust a Craigslist mover with all your personal belongings?
“As a professional moving company, we recommend hiring a company that is licensed, insured, and has strong ties to the community,” explains Todd Koepke, co-owner of T-N-T Moving Systems, “Get everything in writing. And do a gut check, if you don’t have a good feeling about them, find someone you can trust instead.”
Craigslist Horror Stories
A quick search on google, and you can find several craigslist mover horror stories. One lady on ApartmentTherapy.com, relays a story about craigslist movers showing up with a pickup truck and an old horse trailer. She didn’t have a backup plan and allowed the guys to load her precious antiques into the trailer. After they didn’t show up to the new residence, the county sheriff tracked them down heading east on the interstate which was the opposite direction of the client’s house. Another woman in Brooklyn found movers on Craigslist to help her move to her new apartment. Her stuff never made it to the new apartment.
Besides the fear of a craigslist mover just driving off with your stuff, you might consider that they could damage your belongings, too. This a risk with any move, but with an insured moving company, they costs of repair or replacement are usually covered. Another thing to consider is injury. If a craigslist mover gets injured while moving your things, who pays for the medical bills? A professional moving company will carry the appropriate coverage for their employees, and therefore protect the homeowner from liability.
Not Worth It
“Craigslist can be a great tool for finding furniture or a gardener, but letting strangers pack up everything you own is something different,” says Tom Tulowiecki. “Saving a few bucks isn’t worth it.”
Reputable moving companies are licensed and insured. Check their reputation online through the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and other sites. They should be licensed through the Department of Transportation as well for long distance moves. A good moving company will also put everything in writing. This contract can help protect you if a mishap occurs. For more information on T-N-T Moving Systems, visit their website at www.tntmovingsystems.com or call them for a free estimate 704-523-1455.
