A Southern California couple leaving the state for North Carolina claims their moving company doubled the price of transporting their belongings mid-move — and holding their entire life hostage.

John Nelson and his wife hired a moving broker to handle their relocation from Oceanside in San Diego County, signing a contract worth just over $16,000 that included full packing services. Nelson said he paid a $7,000 deposit upfront.

But when movers arrived at the couple’s home at the end of May, Nelson said the company suddenly claimed they had far more belongings than originally estimated and increased the total price to $32,000.

“When you move, it’s an exciting thing…you never expect for somebody to take your stuff and not deliver it,” Nelson told CBS 8.

Nelson said he felt he had no choice but to agree, because canceling the move would have meant forfeiting his $7,000 deposit.

The couple also told the movers they would not arrive at their new North Carolina home until June 10, but said said the company nonetheless attempted delivery on June 3.

With no one was there to receive the shipment, the moving company billed them an additional redelivery fee, Nelson said.

“They’ve got $30,000 and they’ve got our stuff… and they’re basically holding it for ransom,” he said.

Nelson also questioned whether the failed June 3 delivery attempt was legitimate after reviewing video of the truck arriving outside the home.

“I think they just pulled up an empty truck to stage a charade,” he said.

With their belongings still missing and no resolution in sight, the couple has filed police reports in both Oceanside and their new city, as well as complaints with several agencies, including the Better Business Bureau.

The BBB has warned consumers planning a move to thoroughly research moving companies before signing contracts and to keep detailed, itemized inventories of everything they are shipping.

According to the BBB, the moving broker involved has received 280 complaints over the past three years.

“As far as I’m concerned, they’ve got stolen property that’s crossed state lines,” Nelson said.