How to pick a moving company you won't regret hiring

Moving is stressful enough without getting burned by the wrong movers. Here's everything you need to know before you hand over your stuff.

Start earlier than you think

Most people underestimate how far in advance good moving companies book up. In peak season — May through September — the best local movers can fill their calendars 6 to 8 weeks out. If you're moving on a weekend, add another two weeks to that estimate.

The rule of thumb: start getting quotes at least 4 to 6 weeks before your move date. If you're moving during peak season or to a popular destination, 8 weeks is safer.

Get at least three quotes — and make them come to you

Never accept a quote over the phone or email alone without an in-home or video survey. A reputable mover will want to see your stuff before committing to a price. Any company that gives you a firm number without looking at what you own is either guessing or setting you up for a surprise charge on moving day.

Get a minimum of three quotes. Not to find the cheapest option — but to understand the range and spot outliers. If one quote comes in significantly lower than the others, ask yourself why. Low bids are often how bad movers get in the door.

When comparing quotes make sure each one covers the same scope. Ask each company to itemize:

Labor (number of movers, estimated hours)
Truck size and fuel
Packing materials if applicable
Any stair, elevator, or long-carry fees
Insurance and liability coverage

Understand the two types of estimates

Non-binding estimate: The final price can change based on the actual weight of your shipment or time spent. This is the most common type for local moves. It gives the mover flexibility — which can work against you if they're not reputable.

Binding estimate: The price is locked in regardless of weight or time. Better for long-distance moves. Some movers charge a premium for binding estimates but the certainty is often worth it.

Binding not-to-exceed: The best of both worlds — if the move comes in under the estimate you pay less, but you can never be charged more than the quoted price. Ask specifically if this is an option.

Check these things before you sign anything

License and registration

For interstate moves, your mover must be registered with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and have a USDOT number. You can verify this at protectyourmove.gov — it takes 30 seconds and tells you instantly if a company is legit.

For local moves within one state, licensing requirements vary. Google your state's public utilities commission or transportation department to check local requirements.

Insurance — know what you're actually getting

Every licensed mover is required to offer two levels of liability:

Released value protection (free): Covers 60 cents per pound per item. That means if a mover breaks your 20-pound TV worth $800, you get $12. This is the default and it's almost worthless for anything valuable.

Full value protection (costs extra): The mover is responsible for the full replacement value of any lost or damaged items. This is what you actually want. Get the cost in writing before you sign.

Important: neither of these is the same as moving insurance. Consider purchasing a separate policy through a third-party insurer for items of significant value — jewelry, art, electronics, antiques.

Reviews — where to actually look

Google reviews are a start but they're easy to game. Cross-reference with:

Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) — look for complaint patterns, not just star ratings
FMCSA complaint database (protectyourmove.gov)
Yelp — filtered reviews often surface things Google hides
Reddit — search "[company name] moving review" and read the threads

Pay more attention to how a company responds to negative reviews than to the negative reviews themselves. A company that takes complaints seriously and responds professionally is a better sign than a company with all five-star reviews and no responses.

Red flags to walk away from immediately

Asks for a large cash deposit upfront (legitimate movers don't require this)
Can't provide a physical business address
Shows up in an unmarked rental truck
Gives you a quote without seeing your belongings
Pressures you to sign quickly or claims availability is limited
Name changes frequently or operates under multiple names
Has no USDOT number or can't produce it when asked

Understand what moving day actually looks like

Before the truck pulls up, make sure you're clear on:

The inventory process: Movers should create a detailed inventory list (called a bill of lading) of everything being loaded. Review this carefully. You'll sign it before loading and after delivery — it's your legal record if anything goes missing.

Payment timing: Legitimate movers don't collect full payment until after delivery and you've confirmed everything arrived. Be suspicious of any company that wants full payment upfront.

What they won't move: Most movers won't transport hazardous materials, plants, perishable food, pets, or items of extreme value without special arrangements. Ask about their prohibited items list before moving day.

Tipping: Not required but customary. The general range is $20 to $50 per mover for a standard local move, more for a long or difficult job. Cash on the day is standard.

Questions to ask every mover before you hire

Are you licensed and insured? Can you provide your USDOT number?
Do you subcontract any part of the move or do your own employees handle everything?
What is your claims process if something is damaged?
What additional fees might appear on the final bill?
Who specifically will be on my moving crew?
What happens if the move takes longer than estimated?
Do you offer binding or binding not-to-exceed estimates?
What is your cancellation policy?

A company that gets defensive or vague on any of these questions is telling you something important.

The subcontracting problem

This is the one most people don't know about. Some moving brokers present themselves as moving companies but actually just sell your job to the lowest-bidding mover in their network. You book with one company and strangers from a different company show up on moving day.

This isn't automatically bad — but it means you need to know who is actually doing the work. Ask directly: "Are you a broker or a carrier? Will your own employees be moving my belongings?"

If they're a broker, get the name of the actual carrier being assigned to your move and vet that company separately.

What to do if something goes wrong

If items are damaged or missing:

Note it on the bill of lading before the movers leave — this is critical. Once you sign off without noting damage your claim becomes much harder.
Take photographs immediately.
File a claim in writing with the moving company within the timeframe in your contract (usually 9 months for interstate moves).
If the company doesn't respond, file a complaint with the FMCSA at protectyourmove.gov and your state attorney general's office.

Ready to get quotes?

The fastest way to compare vetted, licensed movers in your area is to get multiple quotes at once. Moving.com connects you with pre-screened movers — you fill out one form and get competing quotes from companies that have been checked for licensing and insurance.

Get free moving quotes →

No commitment. Takes about 2 minutes. Affiliate link — WYLT may earn a commission at no cost to you.

The short version

Get at least 3 quotes, insist on an in-home or video survey
Verify USDOT number at protectyourmove.gov before you sign
Upgrade from released value to full value protection
Ask if they're a broker or a carrier
Never pay in full before delivery
Document everything on the bill of lading on moving day

Moving is one of the most stressful life events there is. The right moving company makes it manageable. The wrong one makes it a nightmare. Spend an extra hour vetting before you commit — it's worth it every time.