How To Choose A Moving Company: The Ultimate Guide
Finding a reputable moving company can feel daunting at the start of your search. After all, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported 5,900 complaints in 2018 alone.
While there are thousands of moving companies in the US to choose from, knowing how to catch the red flags and check all right boxes can help you avoid scams and headaches. In this guide, we’ll help you find the best moving company so you can focus on settling into your new home with ease.
1. Know What You’re Looking For
You’ll likely come across a few major types of moving companies in your search. Do you just need to rent a truck or do you need a hand loading it as well? How many miles away are you moving? What about extra services like packing and unpacking?
Each of these factors speaks to the type of moving company you’ll need. Let’s break them down.
Brokers vs. Carriers
In some cases, you’ll request a moving quote from a big-name business but sign a contract with another local company. This is because some large movers act as both carriers and brokers—meaning it uses its own fleet of trucks for some moves and reaches out to trusted partners for others.
Both brokers and carriers are legitimate companies, but it’s important to know about this common practice going in. If you’re concerned about your move getting brokered out to another business, stick with moving carriers in the early stages.
Local Movers
Local moving companies will traditionally move your home within 100-400 miles or within state lines. Any further than this, and you’ll likely need a long-distance mover. Local companies often charge by the hour and size of your home.
Long-Distance Movers
If you’re trekking across the country or even across the world, the right moving company should have extensive long-distance experience.
These brands often charge by the weight of your items and additional moving services. Interstate moving companies can also help you manage the logistics of a complex relocation.
Moving Container Companies
Looking for a more DIY approach to your move? Common brands like PODS and UPack can leave a shipping container at your home for several days so you can pack it on your own time. A truck will then carry your items for local or cross-country moves.
Truck Rental
The most cost-friendly option for smaller moves is often truck rental companies like UHaul. These businesses provide the truck for a set number of hours. You are responsible for loading and unloading the truck as well as driving it to your location.
Full-Service Movers
On the other side of the spectrum, you’ll find full-service movers. These companies offer add-ons to take all the work into the customer’s hands. Moving services may include packing services, packing supplies, storage options, or this like auto, piano, and motorcycle shipping.
2. Start with Company Credentials
Once you’ve narrowed down several options in your area that offer the service you need, always begin by checking each company’s legitimacy. Use this checklist to get started.
Must-Have
- Department of Transportation number
- Mover license numbers through the FMCSA
- Physical address and contact information
- Basic liability insurance
Nice-to-Have
- Accreditation or reviews with the Better Business Bureau
- Membership with the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA)
- ProMover accreditation
- Top customer reviews
- Industry awards
- Customer testimonials
- Additional liability insurance options
- Proof of staff background checks
Extra Perks
- Experience in your area
- Experience with complex or long-distance moves
- Extra services and access to supplies
- Designated moving coordinator
3. Consider Your Budget
Moving company pricing varies widely. If you have sticker shock from a recent estimate, try not to panic, there are many options on the market.
Many companies will even offer a price match with other estimates if you’re considering similar services.
Average Cost of a Move
Moving costs range anywhere from $35-$12,000 in 2021. The far low end of this estimate is for truck rental companies and very small, local moves. The high-end fits an international trek for a several-bedroom home and multiple sea and air freight fees.
On average, local moves cost an average of $550-$2,200 without any bells and whistles. Long-distance moves range more broadly from $2,000-$7,500. Additional services like packing, extra insurance, and packing supplies can add anywhere from several hundred to several thousand on top of the basic amount.
Assess Your Costs
When you request a free quote from a company, they’ll likely ask you for a few details to determine your estimate. Create this basic moving checklist to figure out a ballpark estimate for your move:
- Home inventory
- Distance of your move
- Moving date
- Size of your home
- Staircases, elevators, or other transport obstacles
- Special items or services
- Tipping and travel fees
Gather these details ahead of time to get a sense of how much your move may cost and what type of company is right for you. For example, if you have tricky furniture or several flights of steps, hiring a team is your safest bet.
Consider Cost Efficiency
While renting a truck and managing the move on your own may be the cheapest option, you could run into hidden costs or problems along the way.
For example, gas, tolls, and extra packing supplies can add to the base price of rental trucks. If you miss your return window, the company may also charge an extra fee.
When debating hiring professionals or moving on your own, remember that the right experienced team should help you save money and hassle in the long run.
4. Turn to the Community
Online reviews are the next best place to learn about the most common experience of working with a company. Organizations like BBB also allow you to check if the business has resolved any past issues and whether they did so courteously.
As you peruse what customers had to say, look for these signs of a reliable mover:
- Timeliness
- Customer communication
- Clear estimate and contact process
- Upfront costs
- Local or long-distance moving experience
Also, note these common red flags:
- Overcharges
- Damaged or lost property
- Large deposits
- Missed delivery window
- Rude staff
Social media presence is also a great way to confirm the energy of a company. Check how often the company posts and whether it highlights customer testimonials or recent accomplishments. We also recommend checking the comments on posts for any additional reviews or complaints.
5. Request a Moving Estimate
Once you’ve narrowed your list down to 4-5 moving companies, it’s time to get in touch with the business. Some moving companies offer non-binding estimates on their website, meaning that you’ll get a ballpark estimate before signing a contract.
Others require speaking on the phone or meeting for an in-person estimate. While this process feels more lengthy, it does ensure a more dependable breakdown of costs and helps you avoid moving scams.
Look for the following details when going over your estimate.
What’s Included
Even basic moving companies—unlike truck rent or container companies—often include:
loading, unloading, and basic packing supplies to protect your furniture.
Your estimate should also specify the number of workers, your moving day and delivery schedule, as well as any local fees, tolls, fees for interstate moves, and insurance data.
If your estimate does not break down these services, as that they be explained and communicated in your contract.
Payment Details
Never give your credit card information to a moving company until you plan to sign the contract. In many cases, a moving company will ask for a refundable deposit to hold your date. Your representative should also clarify:
- When your final payment or payments are due
- Terms of payment after deposit
- How you will receive your receipt after each payment
Liability Insurance
Accidents happen, even with the best moving team. You will often receive basic liability insurance for your move should anything get damaged or broken during the move.
Known as released value protection, this policy typically provides:
- Up to $0.60 per pound per item
- May have stipulations regarding carrier negligence
- Does not cover true cost of the item
Upgrading to full-value protection increases coverage to provide:
- Replacement or repair of broken items
- Compensation for a larger portion of the item’s value
- Full coverage on all items
You may still need to speak with a third-party insurance company if you are concerned about specific items, especially those of high value.
Cancellation and Other Policies
Pay extra close attention to the fine print of your contact. If you cannot find the following details, ask your company to clarify them further.
- When can I cancel my move and is there a cancellation fee?
- Will I be reimbursed if you miss your delivery window?
- Which factors will increase my final bill?
6. Trust Your Gut
Most importantly, trust how you felt about your early experience working with a moving company during the estimate process. If the team went above and beyond to offer moving tips, match your price, or suggest services to make your day easier, take note.
If you had trouble reaching a representative or felt ignored during your walk-through, choose a company that makes you feel confident about your choice. Above all, you should feel excited about moving day and should never have to worry about the dependability of your moving company.
FAQs About How to Choose a Moving Company
How Do I Know if a Moving Company is Legitimate?
Organizations like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration allow you to search for a moving company’s credentials for free. Search their mover database to find information like a company’s license and USDOT numbers.
The company should also have a website, phone number, and physical mailing address. Finalize your search by checking with the Better Business Bureau and ProtectYourMove for past complaints.
What Questions Should I Ask a Moving Company?
Get to know your potential moving company with a few basic questions as start the vetting process:
- What is included in your basic moving contract?
- Do you offer add-on moving services?
- Can you provide customer testimonials?
- What are your payment and cancellation policies?
- What can I expect on moving day?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Movers?
There are many factors that go into the final cost of your move, but the average cost ranges between $550 and $7,500. Your move will depend on the following details:
- Whether it’s a local or long-distance move
- The number of rooms in your home
- The weight of your items
- Your moving date (summer prices tend to be higher than winter ones, for example)
- Extra services like packing, unpacking, and storages
- Tariffs, tolls, and parking fees
- The structure of your home (flights of stairs or elevators)
- Front door access and ease of parking
While most local movers base their estimates on an hourly rate, long-haul moves out greater consideration on distance and the number of things you need to be transported.
With the right team of professionals by your side, moving day should be a breeze. Take the time during your research process to find a moving company that has earned top customer reviews and a highly respected industry reputation.