Urgent Warning to Illinois Consumers Who Are Moving This Spring

Now that the calendar has turned over to May, temperatures are starting to warm up and with better weather arriving, many are using this time to move across town or the state.

Peak of Moving Season is Beginning in Illinois

According to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), this is the busy season for residents packing up and moving somewhere new and some consumers could be taken advantage of if they aren't aware of "moving scams."

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All intrastate moving companies are required to be licensed with the ICC which can check if the "mover is properly licensed to operate in Illinois and view the number of complaints filed against each company."

If moving out-of-state the moving company must be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Check This List Before You Hire a Moving Company in Illinois

During this busy season of moving, the ICC says there's an "uptick in predatory or rogue movers," and provided this list of "smart tips" all Illinois consumers should consider when hiring a moving company.

• Check to see if the moving company is licensed by the ICC to operate in Illinois.
• Do not rely on mobile apps alone to select and schedule your movers.
• Ask the mover to visit your home. If you can, show them the contents of every room, closet, garage, etc. you want moved, and talk about what they can expect at the new home.
• Request a written estimate. A written quote is not binding, but it will give you a reasonable expectation of what you’ll be required to pay on moving day.
• Discuss your options for loss and damage protection. Get it in writing.
• Be prepared to pay 110 percent of the written estimate on moving day. If the estimate was too low, the mover cannot hold your goods if you pay the written estimate, plus an additional 10 percent.
• If a mover offers ‘freebies’ (cartons, tape, etc.) ask questions up front to avoid surprises later.
• Start your search at least six weeks ahead of your move.

Having personally moved more than a dozen times, there's nothing more stressful, and it can only be worse if your moving company has already loaded your belongings onto their truck before they revealed a "final total" which can be sticker shock if you're not doing research before hiring a mover.

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Police officers from the ICC will be out on increased patrols throughout the state "to ensure movers are in compliance with state law."

CLICK HERE to get more tips and information about hiring a trusted moving company.