Relocating can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, it’s essential to prioritize your safety—physically, financially, and emotionally. Unfortunately, the moving industry isn’t immune to scams, delays, or accidents. Knowing how to protect yourself when moving can be the difference between a smooth transition and a stressful nightmare. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to stay protected throughout your move—from choosing a reputable mover to securing your valuables and preparing for contingencies.
At Safeway Moving, we understand the risks and uncertainties involved in relocation. That’s why we’ve built our business around trust, transparency, and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re moving a studio apartment or a five-bedroom house, our team is committed to providing you with peace of mind every step of the way.
Choose a Licensed and Insured Moving Company
The first and most important step in protecting yourself when moving is to hire a licensed, insured, and reputable moving company. This may sound simple, but the moving industry is rife with fly-by-night operations and fraudulent carriers. Before committing to a mover, ask for their USDOT number (for interstate moves), verify their registration with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), and check for proper insurance coverage.
A reputable mover should provide a detailed written estimate, transparent terms and conditions, and a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet published by the FMCSA. Take the time to read reviews on third-party platforms like Google, Yelp, and Better Business Bureau to ensure they have a solid track record of customer satisfaction. At Safeway Moving, we’re fully licensed and insured, and our customer-first approach has earned us a loyal base of happy clients nationwide.
Get Everything in Writing
Never rely on verbal agreements when planning a move. Whether it’s the estimated cost, delivery dates, or specific services promised, ensure everything is documented in a signed contract. This protects you in case of disputes and ensures that your expectations are met.
Your moving contract should clearly outline the scope of services, estimated costs, pickup and delivery windows, payment terms, and liability coverage. If the company hesitates to put anything in writing, consider it a red flag. Safeway Moving prioritizes full transparency, providing written quotes and contracts that outline every aspect of the move—from packing services to delivery timelines—so you’re never left in the dark.
Inventory and Insure Your Belongings
One of the best ways to protect yourself when moving is to create a detailed inventory of your belongings. Go room by room and document each item being moved. Take photos or videos for added documentation, especially for valuable or fragile items. This step is crucial in the event that something gets damaged or lost during the move.
You should also understand the types of insurance available for your move. Most movers offer basic valuation coverage, which may not fully reimburse the value of high-ticket items. Consider purchasing full-value protection or third-party moving insurance for added peace of mind. Safeway Moving offers customizable insurance options so you can choose the coverage that best matches the value of your belongings and your risk tolerance.
Protect Yourself from Moving Scams
Unfortunately, moving scams are on the rise. Dishonest companies may offer extremely low quotes, then hike up the price after loading your belongings. Others might hold your items hostage until you pay inflated fees. To avoid falling victim to such practices, be cautious of quotes that seem too good to be true. Request in-home or virtual surveys for the most accurate estimate, and always get at least three quotes from different companies for comparison.
Reputable companies won’t ask for a large cash deposit upfront or demand full payment before delivery. At Safeway Moving, we never require an unreasonable deposit and provide written, binding estimates with no hidden fees. Our commitment to honesty and integrity means you can move with confidence.
Learn more about how to avoid moving scams.
Stay Organized and Plan Ahead
Chaos and disorganization are the enemy of a safe and smooth move. Create a moving checklist that includes important dates, documents, contact numbers, and reminders for transferring utilities, updating your address, and arranging for childcare or pet care on moving day. Keep your personal and valuable items—like jewelry, passports, medications, and financial documents—with you, not on the truck.
Planning ahead also means preparing for the unexpected. What if your new home isn’t ready on time? What if there’s a delay in delivery? Make contingency plans, such as temporary housing options or storage facilities. Safeway Moving offers short- and long-term storage solutions in climate-controlled facilities, giving you flexibility and peace of mind no matter what curveballs life throws your way.
Communicate Clearly with Your Movers
Effective communication is essential to a successful move. Make sure your movers understand any special instructions you may have—such as fragile items, no-stair access, or specific delivery times. Be available to answer questions on moving day, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your move coordinator if you need clarification or assistance.
At Safeway Moving, each customer is assigned a dedicated move coordinator who acts as your single point of contact from start to finish. This ensures nothing falls through the cracks and allows for personalized service tailored to your needs. Clear communication eliminates confusion, reduces stress, and ensures a seamless moving experience.
Why Choose Safeway Moving?
When you’re making a significant life change, you deserve a moving partner that values your time, belongings, and peace of mind. At Safeway Moving, our mission is to deliver stress-free, efficient, and secure relocation services. From transparent pricing and fully licensed operations to customizable packages and attentive customer service, we’re built on trust.
Our Moving Cost Calculator makes it easy to get an accurate estimate based on your specific requirements, helping you budget smarter and avoid financial surprises. Whether you’re moving locally, interstate, or cross-country, Safeway Moving is equipped to handle every detail with professionalism and care.
