Toms River, NJ – March 23, 2015 – Before you hire a mover do some research to avoid problems. All Moving companies are required to be licensed, but regulations vary; for moving within NJ (intrastate), movers must be licensed with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. For moving out of NJ, they must have a 'DOT' and ‘MC’ number, issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.  Check the 'Consumer Resources/ Links section at www.njmovers.com for the correct government website to verify license information, regulations, and important brochures.

Get three estimates:  Don't rely on prices quoted on the Internet or phone because they are subject to change on moving day! Check references for movers with family & friends, check the BBB* (www.bbb.org) for the number of complaints (not just the letter grade). If the mover is  licensed, then call for an appointment. Don’t accept a mover that doesn’t come to your home; low prices quoted over the phone or on the Internet can be changed on moving day. Have a written list of items to be moved and show each estimator all items to be moved and not to be moved. Show them all items that you expect the mover to pack and what you will pack; request a separate price to pack items that you may be unable to pack like large pictures, mirrors lamps, TV's or electronic items. Remember, if the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Be aware of what can change the price on moving day:  A mover is allowed to change the price if ANY circumstances change that was not included in the written document, but he must give you the new price BEFORE they start: Realize you may be accepting increased cost when you sign documents. Additional charges can be expected for services such as: (a) You did not request packing of boxes or did not get all your packing completed as shown to the estimator. (b) Your destination has flights of stairs or elevator, and not written on the estimate (c) Access to your new residence is more that 75 feet from the mover's truck to your front door or, if a large truck can’t get within a reasonable distance, a smaller shuttle truck may be required. (d) You have added or changed the items to be moved, changed dates or destination. (e) Delays beyond the mover’s control; such as weather, waiting time, rearranging furniture or restacking in a storage space, basement, attic or garage. (f) Storage, handling and redelivery costs.

What coverage is included for damages? Movers are legally responsible for damages up to $.60 per pound per article; for example, if a large screen TV weighs 100 pounds, it is covered for $60.00. You should consider purchasing insurance or increased valuation through the mover or your homeowner’s policy or other insurer before the move begins. Movers do not assume any responsibility for: (a) Money, jewelry or collections. (b) Mechanical or electronic items or loss of data. (c) Items previously broken or repaired. (d) Loss or damage to items packed in cartons by you and loss or damaged items not documented on delivery. Items that are packed and unpacked by the mover are only covered up to $.60 per lb unless you purchase additional coverage.

Other important items: Do not pack or move items that may cause damage to your shipment, such as matches, flammables, propane, aerosols or liquids like bleach; this could void all insurance. Don’t sign a blank ‘change order’. Understand how payment is accepted by mover. Be sure to keep a copy of everything you sign until the move is finished. You are about to give everything you own to people that you do not know; its wise to do research first!          

The New Jersey Warehousemen and Movers Association (NJWMA) is a non-profit trade association that provides education and training for movers and assists consumers about regulations for moving or verifying licensed movers. All members of the NJWMA are licensed and agree to a Code of Ethics. Find more information, and verify licenses at www.njmovers.com         

* BBB Serving New Jersey is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help consumers find and recommend businesses and brands they can trust. BBB sets and upholds standards for ethical business behavior. Contact BBB at 609-588-0509