Bureau of Household Goods and Services Provides Consumer-Protection Tips During National Moving Month
SACRAMENTO — May is National Moving Month, kicking off the start of the busy summer moving season. Every year, millions of people will move into, out of, or within California, with half of all moves occurring between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
That makes May the perfect time for the California Department of Consumer Affairs’ Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) to remind consumers to hire only BHGS-licensed household moving companies, which will help them avoid becoming victims of predatory service providers. BHGS licenses and regulates moving companies that work within or across state lines into or out of California.
“The single most important thing consumers can do to protect themselves during a move is to make sure the moving company is licensed by BHGS,” said BHGS Chief Justin Paddock. “Unlicensed movers use different tactics to extort money from consumers, including threatening to withhold goods unless more money is handed over. Consumers are urged to reference BHGS’ tips and resources to avoid becoming a victim of illegal companies and predatory practices.”
Consumers can verify the license of a moving company at the BHGS website, https://bhgs.dca.ca.gov. In addition to confirming if a moving company is licensed to do business in California, BHGS recommends that consumers request an in-person inspection of their goods rather than an inspection via video or photos to ensure accuracy of the estimated cost, get multiple quotes, and research each company carefully, and request that a contract include a “not to exceed price,” the maximum amount that can be charged unless additional services are requested and agreed upon.
When preparing for a move, consumers can visit the BHGS website to download the flyers, Helpful Tips When Moving Within California (available in Spanish) and Helpful Tips When Moving Into or Out of California (available in Spanish), which provide consumer-protection information regarding in-state moves and moves into or out of California.
For more consumer tips during National Moving Month and all year long, follow BHGS on Facebook and Twitter.
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