Hiring the right moving company can make or break your relocation experience. The wrong choice leads to damaged belongings, hidden fees, or worse, a company that holds your stuff hostage. This step-by-step guide walks you through finding reputable movers and getting the best deal.
Before contacting movers, decide what services you need. Full-service movers handle packing, loading, driving, unloading, and unpacking. Labor-only movers just load and unload while you drive the truck. Some companies specialize in long-distance, local, or specialty moves (pianos, hot tubs, antiques). Take a quick inventory of your home to estimate the volume, this helps movers give accurate quotes. Our moving cost calculator can give you a baseline estimate before you start calling.
Never hire the first mover you call. Get at least 3-5 quotes to compare pricing and service quality. For accurate quotes, request an in-home or virtual survey where the estimator sees your actual belongings rather than giving a phone estimate based on your bedroom count. Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than others since this is the most common sign of a scam or lowball estimate that will be revised upward on moving day. Binding estimates lock in the price, while non-binding estimates can change.
For interstate moves, verify the company has a USDOT number by searching the FMCSA database at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. For local moves, check that they are licensed and insured in your state. Read reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau, looking specifically for patterns in complaints rather than individual bad reviews. Ask the company for 3-5 references from recent moves similar to yours. A reputable mover will provide them without hesitation.
Read the entire contract before signing. Key things to look for: the type of estimate (binding vs non-binding), cancellation policy, claims process, delivery window for long-distance moves, and any extra charges for stairs, long carries, or shuttle service. Choose between Released Value Protection (free but covers only $0.60 per pound) and Full Value Protection (costs 1-3% of shipment value but covers replacement cost). Get everything in writing since verbal promises are not enforceable.
Confirm the move details 48 hours in advance: arrival time, crew size, truck size, and estimated duration. Clear pathways in your home and reserve elevator time if applicable. Have cash on hand for tips ($20-$50 per mover for a full-day move is standard). Be present during loading and unloading to answer questions and note any pre-existing damage. Before the truck leaves your old home, do a final walkthrough to check every room, closet, and storage area.
Inspect all items as they are unloaded. Note any damage on the inventory sheet before signing the final delivery receipt. You have 9 months to file a damage claim with an interstate mover (check your state's deadline for local moves). Take photos of any damage immediately. If items are missing, file a claim in writing within 30 days. Leave honest reviews on Google and Yelp to help future customers. If the move went well, referrals are the best compliment you can give a good mover.
Use our free calculator to get a personalized cost estimate for your move.
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Book 4-8 weeks in advance for most moves. During peak season (May through September), book 8-12 weeks ahead. Last-minute bookings are possible but limit your options and may cost more.
Red flags include quotes significantly below competitors, demands for large cash deposits, no physical address or USDOT number, estimates given without seeing your belongings, and a generic name that does not match the company answering the phone.
Binding estimates guarantee the price as long as you do not add items. Non-binding estimates can increase by up to 10% on moving day. For budget certainty, choose a binding or binding not-to-exceed estimate.
The standard tip is $20-$50 per mover for a full-day move and $10-$20 per mover for a half-day move. Tip more for exceptional service, difficult conditions (stairs, heat, rain), or careful handling of fragile items. Cash is preferred.
