Should you pay a moving company a deposit?

While some moving companies may request a small deposit, most will not. Moving companies that request large deposits or full payment in advance should be avoided. Instead, you should be required to make payment upon final delivery and completion of the services. Reputable moving companies will never require cash or any huge deposit before you move. However, there may be a situation where the moving company asks you to pay a small amount as a deposit to book the company.

No legitimate moving company will ask for a moving deposit to guarantee the date of the move. Moving warehouses are like insurance for moving companies. They guarantee that you don't lose so much money if the customer suddenly goes to bail and cancels the move. However, mobile deposits should only be for a small amount and refundable with sufficient notice of cancellation.

A common question that is asked is whether it is normal to pay the entire moving fee in advance, days before the actual move. For example, at Gallo, you can cancel or change your move the day before without financial penalty. If something isn't right when it comes to a moving company, it's best to look for another moving company. A fraudulent moving company may demand full payment in advance and then fail to provide the service, disappear with your belongings, or add unexpected charges once you've paid. The moving company cannot demand payment for the move until the shipment has arrived at its destination.

While moving companies say it's a normal protocol, you've never hired a moving company before and you're not sure if that's the norm. It's always best to have face-to-face meetings with the moving company to get an accurate quote and avoid misunderstandings during moving. We have been in the business for many years and have heard many horror stories of customers who paid a deposit for a move and, in the end, were deceived by the moving company. While prepayment is normal in some cases, especially for small or fixed-rate moves, it's always a good idea to do a thorough investigation to make sure you're dealing with a reputable company.

Paying for the entire move in advance may seem unconventional, but it's a legitimate practice for many moving companies. To get your belongings back, you'll have to pay these moving companies more, usually much more than they initially estimated. Moving companies that request deposits from their customers in advance are perfectly legal, and there's nothing wrong or suspicious about it. When it comes to moving companies, especially when it comes to warehouses, it's important to be aware of potential warning signs that may indicate that they are a fraudulent company.

Irene Mccravy
Irene Mccravy

Certified pop cultureaholic. Hardcore coffee maven. Certified beer enthusiast. Infuriatingly humble travel guru. Amateur food maven. Devoted social media practitioner.