How to Choose a Moving Company

 

To choose the right moving company, you must gather written, on-site estimates from multiple licensed professionals well before your moving day.

• Check official licensing: Verify federal DOT numbers for interstate moves via the FMCSA database.
• Look up BBB ratings: Check the Better Business Bureau for active complaints and resolution histories.
• Read trusted reviews: Scan Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot, paying close attention to negative patterns.
• Ask for recommendations: Seek firsthand experiences from friends, family, or your real estate agent. 

• Demand on-site inspections: Avoid companies that refuse an in-person or virtual home walkthrough.
• Get three written quotes: Compare binding or binding-not-to-exceed estimates from three different movers.
• Avoid phone estimates: Reject generic quotes based only on the number of bedrooms you have.
• Book six weeks early: Secure your dates early, especially during peak moving season (May through August). 

• Watch for lowball offers: Avoid bids that are significantly cheaper than competitors.
• Say no to large deposits: Never pay a massive upfront cash deposit before the move.
• Check the company name: Avoid movers who answer the phone generically as "The Moving Company."
• Inspect the equipment: Ensure they use marked, professional moving trucks, not rented local vans. 

• Select inventory protection: Choose full-value protection or basic released-value coverage (60 cents per pound).
• Clarify extra fees: Ask about charges for stairs, heavy items, long carries, or fuel surcharges.
• Read every document: Never sign a blank or incomplete contract; keep copies of everything.