Moving Tips · 10 min read

How to Choose a Moving Company Without Getting Scammed

Learn how to pick a trustworthy moving company. Check reviews, licenses, insurance, get multiple quotes, and avoid red flags with our complete guide.

Choosing a moving company is one of the most important steps in planning your move. A bad experience with movers can lead to lost items, damaged possessions, and unexpected costs. This guide walks you through how to choose a trustworthy mover and protect yourself from scams.

Verify Licensing and Insurance

Before you hire anyone, confirm they are properly licensed and insured.

For long-distance moves (across state lines):

Check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Safety Fitness Certificate
Verify the company has a USDOT number (search FMCSA’s Company Snapshot)
Confirm they have the appropriate Motor Carrier (MC) operating authority

For local moves within a state:

Check with your state’s public utility commission or department of transportation
Many states require movers to be registered and bonded

Insurance is equally important. Ask what liability coverage they provide and whether additional coverage is available for high-value items like art, antiques, or jewelry.

Get Multiple Quotes

Never rely on a single estimate. Gather quotes from at least three different moving companies to compare pricing and service levels.

Things to include in the quote request:

Full inventory of all items you are moving
Origin and destination addresses and zip codes
Move date
Whether you are packing yourself or hiring them to pack

Ask for two types of quotes:

Binding estimate — locks in the price, no surprises
Non-binding estimate — price can vary at the final delivery

Understand the Pricing Model

Moving companies may calculate quotes differently. Common methods include:

Weight-based pricing — charges by the total weight of your shipment
Room-based pricing — charges a flat rate per room
Hourly pricing — charges by the number of movers and hours worked (more common for local moves)

Watch out for quotes that are unrealistically low — they may hide fees or turn into high-cost nightmares later.

Check Reviews and Complaints

Dig past the star ratings and read actual customer reviews.

Where to look:

Google Reviews
Yelp
BBB (Better Business Bureau)
Social media mentions
Moving-specific review sites like MovingAuthority or Move.org

Look for patterns. One or two negative reviews might be due to misunderstandings. Many bad reviews about the same issue (delays, damage, hidden fees) is a major red flag.

Get a Written Contract

Never hire movers based on a verbal estimate. Everything should be documented in writing.

Key terms to verify in the contract:

Company name, address, and phone number
Written estimate or binding quote amount
Description and quantity of items being moved
Pickup and delivery dates
Insurance and liability coverage details
Payment terms (deposit amount, final payment due date)
Any additional charges or surcharges
Cancellation and rescheduling policies

Before signing, read every line. If something is unclear, ask for clarification.

Interview the Moving Company

A reputable mover will be happy to answer your questions.

Things to ask:

How long have you been in business?
How many moves do you complete each year?
Can you provide references from recent customers in my area?
Do you have your own trucks and crew, or do you use subcontractors?
What is your policy on moving fragile or specialty items?
What happens if the move is delayed?

Be wary of movers who rush through the interview, avoid direct answers, or seem unfamiliar with your local area.

Watch Out for Red Flags

Some warning signs suggest a mover may not be trustworthy:

Unusually low quotes — If a quote is dramatically lower than others, it often means hidden costs or low-quality service
Large upfront deposits — Legitimate companies may ask for a small deposit but should not require the full payment before delivery
Inability to verify licensing — If they cannot provide their USDOT number or state license number, do not proceed
No visit or walkthrough — A good mover should survey your home to give an accurate estimate
Fees for providing information — Asking basic questions about services or pricing is normal; charging to provide a quote is not

Pack Strategically to Protect Your Shipment

Proper packing helps avoid damage and gives you more control over costs. Label every box with its contents and destination room. Use sturdy boxes and avoid overpacking.

Many movers offer packing services for an additional fee. If you pack yourself, understand that they may still be liable for damage if the packing was inadequate. Ask your mover about their packing policies and consider paying for their packing service if you want full protection.

Know Your Rights and Filing a Complaint

If you experience issues during your move, you have rights. For long-distance moves, the FMCSA allows you to file complaints and seek arbitration. For local moves, contact your state’s public utility commission or consumer protection agency.

Keep detailed records of all communications, contracts, and receipts. Document any damages or missing items with photos and videos as soon as they are noticed.

Sample Moving Company Checklist

Before you sign, tick off these items:

Licensure verified (FMCSA for interstate, state agency for intrastate)
Insurance coverage reviewed and documented
At least three quotes received and compared
Binding estimate or clear non-binding terms agreed upon
Written contract reviewed and signed
All terms (pricing, dates, insurance, payment) documented
Contact information for customer service and claims department
References from recent customers available

Professional Movers You Can Trust

If you are planning a move in the area, Smooth Move & Delivery is a moving company experienced in helping clients navigate every step of the moving process. From careful packing to timely delivery, their team focuses on getting your belongings to your new home safely and on schedule.

Smooth Move & Delivery contact details:

Name: Smooth Move & Delivery
Address: 26 Pearl Street, Suite 25, Norwalk, CT 06850
Phone: (203) 652-0523
Website: smdmoving.com

The Bottom Line

Choosing a moving company doesn’t have to be stressful. By verifying licensing, getting multiple quotes, reading contracts carefully, and asking the right questions, you can protect yourself and your belongings. A little preparation now prevents big problems later.

For more moving advice, explore our guides on moving costs, DIY moves versus hiring movers, and avoiding moving scams to stay informed every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a moving company is legitimate?

Verify licensing through the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) for long-distance moves, or your state's public utility commission for local moves. Check for complaints at the BBB and online reviews on multiple platforms.

Should I get a binding or non-binding estimate?

A binding estimate locks in the price, while a non-binding estimate can vary at arrival. For total cost certainty, request a binding quote, but be specific about your inventory to avoid last-minute charges.

What red flags should I watch for?

Prices much lower than other quotes, demand for large upfront deposits, lack of a written contract, unable to verify licensing, or refusing to visit your home before estimating.

Can I pack my own boxes?

Yes, many movers allow you to pack boxes yourself, but they may charge extra if they must handle them due to poor packing. Check your contract for packing liability terms.

What happens if my belongings are damaged during the move?

Your mover should provide an inventory list signed by you. For damages, document them with photos and file a claim within the time specified in your contract. Most companies offer basic liability coverage; consider purchasing additional insurance for high-value items.

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