Using Professional Movers: Your Rights

Beware of Rip-Offs Moving can be a stressful time. And signing a contract to have your household belongings moved by a commercial firm can leave you open to problems. Some consumers report that movers refuse to release their furniture and belongings until additional fees are paid, or that belongings are damaged. The following resources should help you understand your rights when dealing with a private moving company.

Officemoves.com is a for-profit site run by Office Moving Systems, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of office moving products, and the International Office Moving Institute (IOMI), which offers instruction in office moving methods and processes. The site contains a list of “certified movers” which have gone through a requisite amount of moving instruction, and links to other helpful sites.

Federal law and Maryland law prohibit a carrier from taking your household goods hostage.  The Maryland Household Goods Movers Act prohibits movers from refusing to deliver a consumer's household goods when providing household goods moving services on an in-state move.  Violation of this law by a mover is an unfair deceptive trade practice and is subject to a fine of up to $1000, a year imprisonment, or both.  (Maryland Code, Commercial Law, Title 13, Consumer Protection Act)  Contact your local Better Business Bureau for more information.

What Happens When You Move The U.S. Department of Transportation’s site contains sections on your rights and responsibilities when you move, as well a link for making online complaints.