That’s the advice of the researchers at Consumer Reports, the independent, non-profit consumer research organization. In 2005, the group reported on an American Moving and Storage Association experiment. AMSA conducted a Web search for a hypothetical move from Florida to Washington, D.C. Eight Internet brokers recommended 51 movers—37 of them unlicensed. Not only are unlicensed movers the source of most consumer complaints, certain brokers operate in league with rogue movers. They quote a low-cost bid, load up the goods then jack up the price at the destination—holding the customer’s possessions hostage until they pay up. Plus, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration records more than 3,500 annual consumer complaints about brokers and movers, the majority of them involving non-licensed operators.

Bottom line: Use a reputable mover and make sure the estimate is based on a visual survey of your home or business.

 – Source: Consumer Reports, June 2005.