No, moving companies can't keep your stuff without a valid reason. However, scam movers have become more prevalent, and they may withhold your belongings in an attempt to extort more money from you. It's typically a more common issue for interstate moves, but it could happen locally as well.
Unless you skip the agreed-upon bill or miss the delivery window, moving companies have to give you back your belongings. If either of those apply, contact the company first to resolve the issue — you may need to pay a legitimate balance or arrange a new delivery. Local regulations and your bill of lading (BOL) outline the return process.
With that said, it's good to know what to do if bad movers steal your stuff. We've broken down everything you need to know, including legitimate and illegitimate reasons movers withhold items and how to proceed in either case.
Melanie Morris is an editor, writer, and one of the sharpest moving experts at HireAHelper. Seven years spent answering readers' toughest questions and demystifying a process most people dread has made her an authority on what movers actually need to know — and how to explain it without the jargon. Her own relocations around the Southwest and up and down the West Coast give her the firsthand experience to back it up. Whether you're crossing the country or just moving down the block, Melanie makes sure the advice you get is accurate, trustworthy, and easy to act on.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates reasonable timelines for interstate deliveries. According to the FMCSA, movers are required to transport goods in a timely manner. They must notify you of any delays beyond the agreed-upon delivery date detailed in your BOL. So if your movers don’t arrive on time, there should be a clear explanation, and if there isn’t, that’s a red flag.
If you haven't paid in full yet, movers can hold your stuff temporarily. They’ll put it in storage and charge you for the extra costs until you pay. Typically, details about retaining possession of your items are outlined in the Bill of Lading (BOL). The BOL defines all terms and agreements between you and your carrier, and it also outlines whether you have a binding or non-binding estimate.
Binding estimates mean your agreed-upon quote is exactly what you pay. Prices only change if you add extra items or services. A non-binding estimate gives you a ballpark price, but the final bill will likely vary. If the final bill is over 110% of the non-binding estimate, your mover must accept payment of 110% of the estimate upfront. The remaining charges can be deferred for 30 days.
Sometimes, delays happen. Severe weather, natural disasters, and equipment breakdowns can stretch out the delivery timeline. This is more likely during a long-distance or cross-country move. However, companies still must make efforts to deliver in a timely manner, and should try their best to communicate any delays.
If you want to learn more about delivery windows and how long moving companies have to get your belongings to you, read our blog How Long Does a Moving Company Have to Deliver?
If you're not present to accept your delivery during the agreed-upon time, your moving company may place your shipment in storage. In this case, you'll incur extra storage fees that you must pay before they release your items to you.
"According to the FMCSA, movers are required to transport goods in a timely manner. They must notify you of any delays beyond the agreed-upon delivery date detailed in your BOL."
This is why it’s important to know your delivery window so you can make plans to be there to accept your belongings on time. However, emergencies and other life issues crop up, so if you miss the arrival of your things, communicate with your moving company about getting your stuff back as soon as possible.
Also, to avoid surprises, it’s smart to double-check your inventory list (if you created one) so you know exactly what’s being stored and can confirm everything arrives when it’s finally delivered.
Some scammers might disguise themselves as moving companies. They may move your belongings from Point A to Point B, but then they refuse to surrender your items until you pay more than the price you initially agreed to. In other words, they’re holding your stuff hostage.
Look out for scam movers by carefully vetting any companies you consider booking. Red flags include:
If a moving company isn't releasing your belongings, first determine if they can't or won't. A weather-related or otherwise reasonable delay may require some patience, and should be something the movers bring up proactively. However, if movers are holding your stuff hostage, take these steps:
If your move crosses state lines, disputes become more complicated. However, you can then involve federal agencies. File a report with the FMCSA against the moving company. This escalates the severity of the situation, and the moving company may face penalties.
"Typically, details about retaining possession of your items are outlined in the Bill of Lading (BOL). The BOL defines all terms and agreements between you and your carrier, and it also outlines whether you have a binding or non-binding estimate."
You can also file a claim for lost or damaged goods, especially if you have moving insurance. Contact the insurance provider and involve them in the situation. You might not get your items back, but you should receive reimbursement for them.
It takes a lot of trust to hand over most or all of your possessions to a moving company. With a few precautions, you can minimize your risk of a hostage load situation.
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