What Are Moving Associations and Why Are They Important?

If you’re planning to move to a new home, you’ll likely benefit from learning about moving associations and might use them as a key resource. Moving associations aim to improve the moving industry as a whole. These agencies have the best interest of the moving industry in mind. In turn, they have your best interests in mind.

Moving associations have a great focus on ethical business. Because there are a number of cases of moving fraud, associations related to this industry do everything they can to ensure that people like you are protected. But even if moving companies are legitimate, there are substandard movers. Moving associations set standards for their members, so you know the companies that belong to a given association meet its minimum requirements. If you choose to go this route, using a specific association’s member list will help you condense the list of potential movers at your disposal.

Beyond establishing their implied and written definitions of a reputable mover, moving associations provide many resources that can help you become more knowledgeable on aspects of the move. On their websites, organizations provide tips for a successful move, lists of items that should not be packed and shipped, information on how to handle moving companies’ estimates, advice on placing a value on your possessions and plenty more applicable guidance.

All of these resources help you become more knowledgeable so that you are better able to interact with the mover you choose and feel confident in knowing that everything will run smoothly. Moving associations also help you choose the right mover for you. Some agencies offer the ability to search for a company, and all of them should give you direction on how to pick your moving company.

In the event of a moving issue, moving associations offer guidance on how to handle these situations. They will direct you on how to file a complaint, request arbitration in the case of a dispute between you and your mover, and provide documents and resources that answer questions you might have.

The American Moving & Storage Association is considered the primary trade association in the industry, with membership of 3,200 professional interstate household movers. AMSA states that its mission is to “effectively represent and improve the moving and storage industry through effective advocacy and by building a respected, quality ProMover brand.” The ProMover brand is a certification program that was created by AMSA to protect consumers. ProMovers must meet program requirements and pass annual reviews to ensure their standing as an AMSA-approved moving company.

Though AMSA is a great organization with resources at your disposal, it’s not the only organization. Most states have at least one moving association. Especially if you are moving within the same state, these municipal agencies will offer more specific information and resources.

So if you’re getting ready to move and will lean on a moving company to help you in this substantial process, keep in mind that you can lean on your state moving association and AMSA as well. Whether you choose to or not, you can be comforted in the fact that their purpose is to make their industry safer and protect families like yours.