Moving can be an exhausting process for homeowners and hiring the wrong movers can make it much worse.

A move from the west coast turned into a nightmare for one couple who thought they hired a reputable moving company but their trip didn't go as planned.

Walter and Joani Allen moved to Grand Junction from San Diego. Joani went online and found Prestige Moving and Storage to make it happen.

"All the reviews we got from the internet and seemed to indicate that they were a trustworthy company so we went ahead and made our decision and used them" explained Walter Allen.

But things went downhill when they made it to Grand Junction and were left waiting for days.

"They had promised us a date that they would have everything here in Grand Junction. They didn't even show up. They couldn't even tell us where the trucks were. Where our items were" said Allen.

And even when the trucks finally arrived, all of Walter’s tools were missing and other items were damaged. He says their losses total about $6,000 - $7,000 and some things money can't replace.

"There were things that were heirlooms that my wife had that her great grandmother had given her and they were broken and destroyed" explained Allen.

After arguing with the company for almost a year, all Walter got was a reimbursement of $128.

Those in the industry, like Mesa Moving & Storage say using the internet can be risky, and to stay local to be safe. 

"You have our office or a local company's office to come to and talk it over. If you have questions, its just so much easier because you can talk to real people that are here” explained Michele Bisbee, General Manager of Mesa Moving & Storage.

Now Walter wants to warn others and hopes his story can help.

"Don't make the mistakes that we made" said Allen.

We attempted to contact Prestige Moving but their offices were closed.

United Van Lines has started a program to help victims of fraudulent moving companies and provides assistance and legal advice on how to get their money and property back. You can visit them online by clicking here or calling 1-800-832-1773.