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How to Hire a Moving Company You Can Trust

Moving is stressful enough without worrying whether the people carrying your couch, your grandmother’s china, and your life’s belongings are going to treat them well. Unfortunately, moving is also a service where things can go wrong: surprise charges, late arrivals, damage, or in worst cases, scams.

The good news is that a little research goes a long way. Here is how to hire a moving company you can feel comfortable with.

Decide what kind of move you have

The type of move affects who you can hire and how you’re charged.

  • Local move: typically within the same city or region; often priced by the hour
  • Long-distance or interstate move: often priced by weight or volume and distance
  • Labor-only: helpers to load or unload a truck you rent
  • Full service: packing, loading, transport, unloading, and possibly assembly
  • Specialty items: pianos, safes, artwork, or antiques may need special handling

Make a rough inventory of your belongings and note stairs, elevators, long walks from the truck, and any tricky access.

Step 1: Ask for recommendations

Moving is a service people remember vividly, for good and bad reasons. Ask:

  • Friends, family, and coworkers who have moved recently
  • Your real estate agent, who works with movers regularly
  • Neighbors in your building or community
  • Friends of friends who moved in or out of your area

Helpful questions: Did the movers arrive on time? Was the final price what they quoted? Were items handled carefully? Did anything get damaged, and how did the company respond?

Step 2: Verify licensing and insurance

Requirements depend on the type of move.

  • Interstate moves: In the U.S., household goods movers that cross state lines are generally regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and should have a USDOT number. You can look them up on the FMCSA website.
  • Local and in-state moves: State rules differ. (In California, household goods carriers are regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission.) Check with your state’s regulator.
  • Insurance and valuation coverage: Ask what’s included and what’s optional. Basic coverage may be limited, so ask how claims work and whether extra coverage makes sense for your belongings.
  • Local address and history: A legitimate company should have a real business address and a track record.

Step 3: Get in-home or video estimates

Be careful with quotes based on a quick phone call. For a thorough estimate, ask for:

  • An in-home or video walkthrough, where the mover sees your belongings
  • A written estimate that lists services, fees, and conditions
  • Clarity on whether the estimate is binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed for long-distance moves

For local hourly moves, ask:

  • What’s the hourly rate, and how many movers will come?
  • Is there a minimum number of hours?
  • Is travel time charged, and how?
  • Are there fees for stairs, long carries, heavy items, or fuel?

Get at least three estimates for a larger move and compare what’s included, not just the bottom line.

Step 4: Ask the right questions

  • Are you licensed and insured, and can I see proof?
  • Are movers your employees or temporary workers?
  • What are your packing options and materials?
  • How do you protect floors, doorways, and furniture?
  • What happens if something is damaged?
  • What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
  • What’s your payment policy, and what forms of payment do you accept?
  • Can you provide references?

Pay attention to how they handle your questions. A mover who is patient now is likely to be patient on moving day.

Step 5: Read the paperwork

Before you sign, read the contract and any inventory forms carefully. Make sure you understand:

  • Services and prices
  • Pickup and delivery windows
  • Liability and valuation coverage
  • Terms for delays or damage claims
  • Payment schedule

Never sign blank or incomplete documents. Keep copies of everything.

Moving-day tips

  • Confirm the details a few days ahead: time, address, crew size
  • Verify the company when the truck arrives. The name and USDOT number, if applicable, should match what you were given
  • Protect valuables: carry jewelry, documents, medications, and sentimental items yourself
  • Do a walkthrough with the crew lead at pickup and again at delivery
  • Note damage right away, take photos, and follow the claim process
  • Tip or thank the crew if you feel they’ve earned it; customs and preferences vary

Moving scams and red flags

  • A quote that’s much lower than everyone else’s, especially by phone with no walkthrough
  • Large cash deposits up front, or a demand to pay in full before the move
  • No company name on the truck or paperwork
  • Unclear or missing licensing details
  • Holding belongings “hostage” and demanding extra payment to deliver
  • Vague contracts or pressure to sign immediately
  • Complaints you hear from people you know, or regulator records, that mention the same issues repeatedly

If you have concerns, you can check complaint information with the relevant regulator.

Ways to save money without cutting corners

  • Declutter before you move; fewer items can mean lower costs
  • Move on a weekday or off-peak date if you can
  • Pack some things yourself, but ask the mover whether items you pack are covered
  • Book early, especially in busy seasons
  • Ask about flexible scheduling

How MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® can help

When you’re handing over your belongings, knowing who friends and neighbors trusted makes a difference. MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® is a social & professional networking app where you connect with service pros through the people in your own network, with visibility up to second-degree connections. You can browse a feed, like and comment, and message pros. Pros build visibility through real client relationships.

FAQ

How far in advance should I book movers?

As early as you can, especially for busy times like summer and the end of the month. Many people start looking several weeks ahead.

What is the difference between binding and non-binding estimates?

A binding estimate sets the price based on the stated services. A non-binding estimate is an approximation that can change. Ask which applies and what the rules are.

Does moving insurance cover everything?

Not necessarily. Basic coverage is often limited. Ask how valuation works and whether additional coverage is available.

Is it okay to tip movers?

Tipping is optional and customs vary. Many people tip for good service, especially on difficult moves.

How do I check a moving company’s license?

For interstate moves, search the FMCSA website with the company’s USDOT number. For local moves, check your state’s regulator.

Find movers your network already trusts

Download MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® on the App Store and Google Play, and see the pros your network already trusts. Learn more at my-pro.io or email hello@my-pro.io.