What is your first step after you decided on moving to another location? You start looking for a moving company! You probably check the websites of the companies you heard of, try some referrals or go to the Craigslist Movers. Why is Craigslist so popular you may ask? Craigslist is a very convenient place with easy navigation, where one can find almost everything: goods, services, jobs, housing and what not.

To Hire or Not to Hire Craigslist Movers

So is it safe if I hire a mover from this popular platform? Let us think out loud.

Advantages Of Hiring Movers On Craigslist

• It is very easy to open Craigslist in your browser, narrow your search by the parameters you require – city, service, type of move (small move, interstate move, last minute move, labor services, etc.) give the chosen service provider a call and get your belongings relocated!
• It is affordable. When you contact the advertiser you can always negotiate the price and make a good deal for you both: you get an affordable service, and someone gets their income or some extra money;
• You have more chances to get a last minute move if you are pressed for time and your need in move is urgent;
• When using Craigslist to find a moving helper you are showing goodwill assisting unemployed, students or those in need for additional money.

However hiring someone just from the ad you found on Craigslist could also be dangerous. Why?

Disadvantages Of Hiring Craigslist Movers

• Anyone can place an advertisement for moving services: licensed companies with crews of professional workers, individuals having only one van and two hands to move, or even someone who decided to make quick money but has no moving competence at all. Stay away from incompetent, unexperienced Craigslist movers.
• On Craigslist there is a chance to run into scammers possessing no moving tools at all! Be aware of fake companies or individuals who might take your money and never show up, or drive away with your stuff in an unknown direction;
• Since ads on Craigslist could be posted by anyone, there is no consumer protection policy. And if you deal with any type of fraud the responsibility is totally on you;
• It is easy to stay anonymous on this website, and in case you have issues with the moving helper, you will probably know neither the name of the company no the real name of the mover;
• In most cases your mover might have no license, no insurance which is not good for you;
• The mover could have little or no experience at all. So take care of your belongings, check if they safely pack all your fragile stuff;

What Should I Do to Be on the Safe Side?

• Check the Craigslist’s scam reports, if you find the chosen mover in it, avoid them!
• Research the mover you have picked: make important phone calls, look for the online presence of the company, search for moving reviews, try to contact people who used the mover’s services, check the company’s track record. If no records on the mover are found, you’d better look for another one;
• A lot of stock photos, lack of precise information, a low offer should warn you. Search the web for real reviews with customers’ photos;
• Never pay upfront until the Craigslist movers appear in person. If the mover asks for big deposits or 100% prepayment, avoid them;
• After you received a written estimate, sign an agreement with the mover specifying all the necessary terms like refund in case of overestimate, stuff insurance, and all the other conditions of your relocation. Be aware not to sign a blank document!;
• Schedule your move ahead, try to find a mover at least 2 weeks in advance. And always have an extra option just in case.
• And the most wise thing is to find a mover from the list of trusted movers on our platform! Check the company’s website, scroll through the customers’ reviews, request a quote for your move.

To sum it up, it is not the matter of bad movers on Craigslist, it is just you never know who you run into. So don’t be hasty, stay alert, ask to confirm information in writing, don’t neglect people’s advice, plan your move ahead. Keep our advice at hand, stay safe and best of luck on your next move!