Choosing the wrong moving company can turn an already stressful experience into a nightmare — damaged belongings, unexpected charges, or in the worst cases, a company that holds your possessions hostage until you pay inflated fees. With thousands of moving companies operating across the country, knowing how to identify reputable movers and avoid common scams is an essential part of your home purchase planning.
Start Early: When to Begin Your Search
Begin researching moving companies at least 6 to 8 weeks before your move date, and even earlier if you are moving during peak season (May through September) or at the end of the month, when demand is highest. Reputable movers book up quickly, and last-minute searches often leave you with fewer quality options and higher prices.
Verify Licensing and Insurance
For interstate moves, movers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a valid USDOT number. You can verify a mover’s license and complaint history using the FMCSA Protect Your Move database. For local moves, check your state’s licensing requirements, as they vary. All legitimate movers carry cargo liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.
Get At Least Three In-Home Estimates
Never accept a moving quote over the phone or online without an in-home or virtual survey. A reputable mover will send a representative to assess the volume and weight of your belongings before providing a binding or not-to-exceed estimate. Getting at least three estimates allows you to compare pricing and identify outliers — both suspiciously low bids (a red flag for scams) and unusually high ones.
| Estimate Type | What It Means | Risk Level |
|—|—|—|
| Non-Binding Estimate | Final cost can exceed the estimate | Medium |
| Binding Estimate | Final cost is fixed at the quoted price | Low |
| Not-to-Exceed (Binding Not-to-Exceed) | You pay the lower of actual or estimated cost | Lowest |
Check Reviews and References
Research each company on the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, and the FMCSA complaint database. Look for patterns in negative reviews — recurring complaints about damaged items, hidden charges, or poor communication are more telling than isolated incidents. Ask the company for references from recent customers and actually call them.
Understand What Is Included in the Quote
Moving quotes can vary significantly based on what is included. Clarify whether the estimate covers packing materials, disassembly and reassembly of furniture, stair carries, long carries (if the truck cannot park close to your home), and storage if needed. Unexpected add-on charges are one of the most common complaints against moving companies.
Understand Your Liability Coverage Options
Federal law requires interstate movers to offer two levels of liability coverage. Released value protection is free but covers only $0.60 per pound per item — woefully inadequate for electronics or antiques. Full value protection covers the replacement or repair cost of damaged items and is worth the additional cost for most moves. Check whether your homeowners insurance provides any coverage during a move as well.
Red Flags to Watch For
Avoid any company that demands a large cash deposit before the move, provides a quote without an in-home survey, has no physical address, uses a generic rental truck rather than a branded company vehicle, or pressures you to sign a blank or incomplete contract. These are hallmarks of rogue movers who may hold your belongings hostage for additional payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a moving company?
Book 6 to 8 weeks in advance for peak season moves (May through September) and 4 to 6 weeks in advance for off-peak moves. Last-minute bookings are possible but limit your options and often cost more.
Is it cheaper to move on a weekday?
Yes. Moving on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday is typically 10% to 20% cheaper than moving on a weekend. Moving in the middle of the month is also less expensive than moving at the beginning or end.
What should I do if my belongings are damaged during the move?
Document all damage with photographs immediately upon delivery and note it on the delivery receipt before signing. File a claim with the moving company in writing within the timeframe specified in your contract (typically 9 months for interstate moves).
Do I need to tip movers?
Tipping is customary but not required. A common guideline is $20 to $50 per mover for a full-day move, adjusted based on the difficulty of the job and the quality of service.
What is a bill of lading?
The bill of lading is the legal contract between you and the moving company. It lists all items being moved, the agreed price, and the terms of service. Read it carefully before signing and keep a copy.
Conclusion
Choosing a reliable moving company requires the same diligence you applied to buying your home. Verify licensing, get multiple in-home estimates, read reviews carefully, and understand exactly what is included in your contract before signing. A reputable mover will be transparent, professional, and happy to answer your questions — and that peace of mind is worth every bit of the research effort.
