Choosing the wrong moving company can turn your relocation into a nightmare. Damaged belongings, missing items, sky-high charges—these are the horror stories I hear when people don't vet their movers properly. But here's the good news: finding a reliable, trustworthy moving company is absolutely doable if you know what to look for. This guide will teach you exactly what questions to ask, what credentials matter, what red flags to watch for, and how to verify that a moving company is legit before you hand over your belongings.
Red Flags: What to Avoid When Choosing Movers
Let me start with what NOT to do. These are the biggest red flags that indicate a moving company isn't trustworthy:
- They won't give you a written estimate - Legitimate movers will assess your belongings and provide a detailed written estimate. If they quote you a price over the phone without seeing anything, that's a bad sign.
- Prices that seem too good to be true - If their quote is dramatically lower than everyone else, it probably is. They might add mysterious charges later.
- No insurance or liability coverage - Every legitimate moving company carries insurance. Ask to see proof. Don't move with anyone who doesn't have it.
- No physical office address - Scam movers sometimes operate out of temporary locations or don't have offices at all. Visit their office. See where they work.
- Unwilling to provide references - Reputable movers have happy customers willing to vouch for them. If they won't give you names, that's suspicious.
- Negative reviews or complaints consistently mention damage - One bad review happens. But if multiple reviews say items arrived broken or damaged, that's a pattern.
- They ask for full payment upfront - Legitimate movers typically ask for a deposit and take final payment upon completion. Full upfront payment is unusual.
- They pressure you to decide immediately - Good movers don't pressure. They're confident in their service. If someone's pushing you to hire them "right now," walk away.
Questions You MUST Ask Before Hiring
Here are the critical questions that separate good movers from mediocre ones:
- "How long have you been in business?" - Established companies with years of experience are generally safer bets than brand new operations.
- "Are you licensed and insured?" - Ask to see certificates of insurance and licensing. Don't just take their word for it.
- "What's included in your quote, and what costs extra?" - Get clarification on everything. Packing materials, loading, unloading, travel time—make sure you understand what you're paying for.
- "Do you offer storage if my items aren't ready to be delivered?" - Sometimes you need items held for a few days. Know if they offer this.
- "What's your policy if items get damaged?" - How do they handle liability? What's the claims process? Get this in writing.
- "Can I have references from recent customers?" - Ask for 3-5 recent customers you can actually call. If they won't provide this, that's suspicious.
- "Do you have experience with [my specific situation]?" - Whether it's moving electronics, antiques, office equipment, or long-distance moves, make sure they've done it before.
- "Can you tell me about your crew? Are they the same team throughout the move?" - Consistency in the moving team matters. You want experienced movers you can trust.
How to Verify Credentials and Insurance
Don't just ask about credentials—verify them:
- Check with the Department of Transportation - Licensed movers are registered. You can verify their license number.
- Ask for insurance certificates - Legitimate insurance companies and policy numbers are verifiable. Don't accept just a promise of insurance.
- Check online reviews thoroughly - Read Google reviews, BBB ratings, and other platforms. Look for patterns, not just individual complaints.
- Look them up with the Better Business Bureau - The BBB keeps records of complaints and how companies respond to them.
- Ask for a copy of their terms and conditions - Before you sign anything, read it carefully. Understand what you're agreeing to.
Compare Quotes, But Not Just on Price
Never choose a moving company based solely on price. Get at least 3 quotes and compare them, but look at the total value:
- What services are included?
- What's the timeline?
- What kind of insurance do they offer?
- How experienced are they with your type of move?
- What do customer reviews say?
The cheapest option isn't always the best option. Sometimes paying a bit more for an established, reliable company is the smartest investment.
Trust Your Gut
After you've done all this research, pay attention to your intuition. How do they communicate? Are they professional? Do you feel comfortable talking to them? Moving companies you'll work with closely. If something feels off, it probably is.
A good moving company makes you feel confident. They answer questions patiently. They explain things clearly. They don't pressure you. They're professional and reliable. That's what you're looking for.