Consumer Moving Information

If you are moving within New York State, here are some helpful tips when choosing a mover…

DO:

  • Select your mover with care. Make sure the carrier is licensed by the Commissioner of
    Transportation. For verification call (518) 457-6512, or e-mail NYS DOT
    at nymoving@dot.ny.gov. When checking on a mover please provide their exact name, and if
    available, NYDOT number.
  • Get at least three estimates, preferably from the movers doing a physical inspection of your home.
  • Insist the mover provide you with a “Summary of Information” booklet, which describes your
    rights as a shipper.
  • Before anything is moved, make sure the mover has given you an “Order for Service” with a
    dollar amount of how much you will have to pay at delivery in order for the mover to deliver all
    of you goods.
  • Read everything that you sign, and make sure to keep a copy of each document.
  • Make an inventory of all your household goods and include the number of boxes and condition of
    your furniture.
  • Make sure you understand the liability of the mover. Have the mover explain his or her liability
    and how you can purchase additional coverage.
  • Schedule your departure and arrival with enough flexibility to allow for possible delays.
  • Advise the mover of telephone numbers and/or addresses where you can be reached en route, or
    at destination.
  • File a written claim with the mover for any loss and/or damage
  • You can search for a licensed mover at NYSMWA (newyorkstatemovers.com)

DON’T:

  • Use an unlicensed mover.
  • Believe that any phone or written estimate given by a mover will be the actual cost of your move.
  • Expect the mover to provide free packing supplies such as boxes, cartons and barrels. (Note:
  • Should you hire the mover to provide packing services, then bubble wrap, tape, and similar
    packing materials are considered “tools of the trade” and are included in the packing fee.)
  • Expect the mover to provide services free of charge, such as clean-up services, disconnection and
    reinstallation of appliances, fixtures, etc…
  • Fail to make arrangements to have at the time of delivery, in cash or certified check, the amount
    shown on the “Order for Service.”
  • Sign your name to anything that you haven’t read first and then given your copy of the document.