For those in search of moving companies, California has some of the safest options. This is because moving companies in California are subject to special regulations designed to help protect customers. Recognizing the widespread fraud in the moving industry, policy-makers have taken steps toward increased company accountability. It is critical that people moving within or to California familiarize themselves with these policies and take advantage of them.

The difficulty in the field stems from the lax federal regulations that are imposed. Companies are free to price-gauge and consumers have very little legal recourse. Most household movers know this and take full advantage. However, California lawmakers have had enough and are finally doing something about it.

For Regulation of Moving Companies, California Leads the Pack
The new policies allow for greater penalties to be imposed on fraudulent companies. It used to be the case that the most someone would get as a penalty was a $1000.00 fine and a few months in jail. This has now gone up to a $10,000.00 fine and up to five years of jail time. Clearly, fraud is looking much less worthwhile with these types of consequences.

In addition, moving companies are now required to give their customers a quote that includes a "not to exceed" price. This prevents movers from being able to hold belongings hostage if a customer has already paid that price. These new regulations for moving companies are long overdue; one can only hope that they will soon be extended to other states. However, for right now, when it comes to moving companies California is by far your best bet.