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Consumer Affairs

Moving

It's hard to think of anything less pleasant than moving.  Moving companies large and small tend to be pretty rough around the edges -- and the situation has gotten much worse since Congress brilliantly eliminated the Interstate Commerce Commission, which formerly regulated interstate movers. (See Movers Hold Consumers Hostage).

A General Accounting Office report recently found the problem is growing more severe but stopped short of recommending that the states be given more authority to protect consumers, and elements in Congress are working overtime to make matters worse.

Think storage is any better? Not necessarily. Check out our storage section to see for yourself.

The federal Transportation Department has mounted a consumer protection campaign. DOT's www.protectyourmove.gov provides a guide to moving rights and information on how to research movers and brokers registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Complaints related to household goods movers or other commercial motor carriers may be reported to the agencys hotline at 1-888-368-7238, filed online at www.1-888-dot-saft.com, or sent using a form on the Web site via mail to FMCSA 400 Seventh St., SW, MC-PA, Washington, DC 20590 or fax 202-366-7298.

Whatever else you may or may not do, check out our advice from a professional mover. Thinking of storing your stuff yourself? See our Storage Lockers section. Thinking of moving yourself? Check out Stephanie Moore's On the Road Again before doing anything rash.

In general, when moving, it's best to plan for the worst.  Expect the movers to show up late, with the wrong equipment and with too few or too many helpers.  Then expect them to leave some items behind and to break others.

Replay the scenario backwards on the other end of the move and you'll be ready for a typical moving experience.


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