Moving is one of those decisions where the wrong choice can cost you money, time, and a lot of stress. Your whole household is in someone else’s hands for a day or two, so trust matters. The good news is that vetting a mover is mostly about asking the right questions and knowing which answers should make you walk away. This guide walks you through how to choose a moving company you can rely on, from licensing to deposits to reviews.
Start with licensing and insurance
A legitimate mover is registered and insured. This is the first thing to confirm, and it’s non-negotiable.
- Interstate moves: Any company moving you across state lines must have a USDOT number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You can look up that number on the FMCSA website to confirm it’s active and see the company’s complaint history.
- Local moves: Many states require movers to hold a state license or permit. Check your state’s regulator, often the public utilities commission or department of transportation.
- Insurance: Ask whether the company carries cargo and liability coverage, and what protection is included. Federal rules entitle you to a basic level of liability on interstate moves, but that basic coverage pays out very little per pound. Ask about full-value protection if you want your belongings covered at their actual worth.
If a company can’t or won’t give you its license numbers, that’s your cue to keep looking. You can compare several licensed transportation and logistics businesses in one place to build a shortlist before you start calling.
Insist on an in-home or video estimate
Be skeptical of any quote given over the phone or by email without someone actually seeing your belongings. A real estimate is based on the volume and weight of what you’re moving, not a rough guess.
- A reputable mover will offer an in-home walkthrough or a live video survey where you show them every room, closet, garage, and storage area.
- Mention anything unusual: a piano, a gun safe, a treadmill, lots of stairs, or a long carry from the truck to your door. These affect the price, and you want them in the estimate.
- Get estimates from at least three companies so you have a realistic price range. A bid that’s dramatically lower than the rest is usually too good to be true.
Get everything in writing
A verbal quote is worth nothing on moving day. Before you commit, get a written document and read it carefully.
- Ask whether the estimate is binding, non-binding, or binding not-to-exceed. A binding not-to-exceed estimate protects you best, because the final price can go down but not up.
- Make sure the document lists services included, the pickup and delivery dates or windows, and any extra fees for stairs, long carries, packing materials, or storage.
- Keep a copy of every document, including the bill of lading, which is your contract with the mover.
Watch deposits and rogue-mover red flags
Most trustworthy movers do not demand a large deposit up front. They bill you after the job, or take a small reservation fee at most. So-called “rogue movers” use deposits and vague paperwork to trap customers, sometimes holding belongings hostage until you pay inflated charges.
Walk away if you see any of these signs:
- A demand for a large cash deposit before the move, or a request to pay entirely up front.
- No physical address, no local presence, and a website with no company name or license numbers.
- A refusal to do an in-home or video estimate.
- The crew shows up in an unmarked rental truck when you booked a full-service mover.
- Pressure to sign blank or incomplete documents.
When you research candidates, you can browse vetted listings across the full business directory and check that each company has a real, complete profile before you reach out.
Read reviews the smart way
Reviews tell you how a company behaves on a normal day and how it handles things when they go wrong.
- Look across multiple sources, including the company’s Google Business Profile, so you’re not relying on testimonials the business hand-picked.
- Pay attention to patterns rather than any single review. A few unhappy customers are normal; repeated complaints about damage, surprise fees, or no-shows are a warning.
- Notice how the company responds to negative reviews. A calm, specific reply suggests they take problems seriously.
Local vs. long-distance moves
The type of move changes what you should prioritize.
- Local moves are usually billed by the hour. Ask about the hourly rate, the minimum number of hours, travel time charges, and crew size. Confirm the rate covers the truck and equipment.
- Long-distance moves are typically priced by weight and distance. Ask how the weight is determined, whether your goods will be transferred between trucks, and how delivery windows work. Cross-state moves require that USDOT number, so verify it.
Questions to ask before you book
Bring this short list to every estimate:
- What is your USDOT or state license number?
- Is this estimate binding or non-binding?
- Do you use your own employees or subcontractors and day laborers?
- What deposit, if any, do you require, and when is final payment due?
- How do you handle damage claims, and what’s the process and timeline?
- Do you charge extra for stairs, long carries, bulky items, or packing supplies?
A company that answers these clearly and patiently is showing you how it will treat you on moving day.
If you run a moving business yourself and want more visibility with local customers, you can create a free listing and learn the basics in our guide to a free business directory listing. To explore other service types, start from the category index.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book a mover? Aim to book a few weeks ahead for a local move and a month or more for a long-distance or peak-season move. The busiest stretch runs from late spring through summer and around month-end, when reputable crews fill up fast. Booking early gives you time to compare written estimates instead of grabbing whatever is available.
Is a low quote always a bad sign? Not always, but a quote that is far below every other bid should make you cautious. Lowball numbers often climb on moving day once “extra” fees appear, and they are a common rogue-mover tactic. Ask what the price includes in writing and make sure it’s a binding or not-to-exceed estimate so the number you agree to is the number you pay.
What should I do if my belongings are damaged? Note the damage on the bill of lading or inventory sheet before the crew leaves, take photos, and file a written claim with the company as soon as possible. Reputable movers have a documented claims process, which is one reason to confirm coverage and the claims timeline before you book. For interstate moves, you can also file a complaint with the FMCSA if the company won’t cooperate.