Bob and Cari Krouse moved to Wildwood near The Villages in Sumter County on Oct. 7 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. While they have settled into their new home, their furniture and other personal items are still sitting in a storage unit in Defiance, Ohio, about 1,000 miles away.
“I’m madder than a hornet,” Bob told WESH 2 Investigates. Cari added, “I feel cheated! I feel like we have been abandoned!” The couple is currently living on temporary furniture bought on Facebook Marketplace and a thrift store, sharing an air mattress with their dogs.
Moving company and contract details
The Krouses hired Choice Vanlines Inc., a New Jersey‑based mover that also brands itself as Choice Van Line, to transport their household goods to Florida. The binding estimate provided by the company listed a cost of $9,940.87. To date, the Krouses have paid $17,927 after the mover added numerous extra charges.
Cari recalled, “It was just a continual escalation of charges without any transparency whatsoever.” The couple says they feel the mover is holding their belongings hostage and they simply want the items returned as originally promised.
Legal action and court response
They filed a lawsuit in Ohio. A judge issued a temporary restraining order, stating there is a “substantial likelihood” the Krouses will succeed and barring any further movement or destruction of the items while the case proceeds.
Bob emphasized, “I don’t care so much about the money that we have paid. I just want our goods and the contract fulfilled as it was promised.” The couple also received a response from Choice Vanlines claiming the Krouses added items not covered in the original estimate, which allegedly required additional space and increased the price.
Consumer warnings and complaint history
WESH 2 Investigates noted that the Krouses had checked online reviews for Choice Vanlines, which appeared positive. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – the agency that regulates movers – shows the company has logged 144 complaints this year, many alleging overcharges and holding customers’ belongings until higher payments are made.
Cari expressed regret, saying, “I wish I had done my due diligence.” The investigation encourages consumers planning a move to consult the FMCSA website and the Better Business Bureau for guidance.
What’s next
The court hearing is set for Monday morning. The Krouses hope the judge’s order will compel Choice Vanlines to release their possessions without further cost.
For anyone facing a similar situation, the FMCSA provides resources on how to verify a mover’s licensing and complaint record, and the Better Business Bureau offers a platform to file and review consumer complaints.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
