Finding the Right Moving Company: What to Look For

19 February 2026

Moving to a new home can be exciting, but let’s be honest—it can also be a huge headache. Between packing, organizing, and figuring out logistics, the last thing you want is a terrible moving company making things even more stressful.

A reliable moving company can make the process smooth and hassle-free, while the wrong one can turn it into a nightmare. So, how do you find the right movers? Let’s go over some key things to look for when choosing a moving company.

1. Reputation Matters: Check Reviews and Ratings

Would you trust a restaurant without checking its reviews? Probably not. The same rule applies to movers! Before hiring a moving company, check online reviews on platforms like:

- Google Reviews
- Yelp
- Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Look for companies with consistently high ratings. If you see a pattern of complaints—especially about damaged items, hidden fees, or poor customer service—take it as a red flag.

Also, ask friends, family, or neighbors if they have any personal recommendations. A trustworthy moving company will have happy customers who are willing to vouch for them.

2. Licensing and Insurance: Don’t Cut Corners

Would you hire a driver with no license to take you on a road trip? No way! The same logic applies to moving companies.

Professional movers must have the proper licensing and insurance. If you're moving within the same state, check if they comply with local regulations. For interstate moves, make sure they have a U.S. DOT number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Insurance is equally important. If your belongings get damaged, lost, or stolen during the move, you want to make sure you're covered! A legitimate moving company should offer:

- Basic liability coverage (usually included in the cost)
- Full-value protection (for extra security)

If a company hesitates when you ask about licensing or insurance, take that as a warning sign.

3. Get Multiple Quotes—But Beware of Extremely Low Prices

Everyone loves a good deal, but when it comes to moving companies, cheaper isn’t always better.

Reach out to at least three different movers to compare quotes. If one company offers a price way lower than the others, it might be too good to be true. Some shady movers lure customers in with bargain prices, only to hit them with hidden fees later—or worse, hold their belongings hostage until they pay up.

When requesting quotes, ask for a binding estimate or a not-to-exceed estimate to avoid surprises. A legitimate company will send someone to assess your belongings before giving you an accurate price. If they refuse a home inspection and give a quote over the phone without details, that’s a red flag.

4. Experience and Expertise: Are They the Right Fit?

Not all moves are the same. Some require extra care, like moving fragile antiques, a piano, or expensive electronics. If you have delicate or bulky items, make sure the moving company has experience handling them.

Ask the company:

- Have you handled moves like mine before?
- Do you have special equipment for heavy or fragile items?
- How do you protect furniture and valuable goods?

A well-established moving company will have trained professionals who know how to properly pack, load, and unload your stuff without damaging it.

5. Beware of Moving Scams

Unfortunately, moving scams are real, and they can turn your relocation into a nightmare. Some common red flags include:

- No physical address: A legitimate company should have an office you can visit.
- Huge upfront deposits: If a mover asks for a large deposit before the move, be cautious. Reputable movers usually don’t require full payment upfront.
- Vague contracts: Read the contract carefully. Hidden fees or unclear terms can lead to unexpected charges.
- Unmarked trucks: If a company shows up with an unmarked rental truck, it could be a fly-by-night operation.

Do your research and trust your gut! If something feels off, walk away.

6. Customer Service: Are They Friendly and Helpful?

Ever called a company and felt like you were bothering them just by asking questions? Yeah, that’s not a good sign.

A good moving company should have helpful, friendly, and responsive customer service. Whether you’re asking about pricing, insurance, or scheduling, they should take the time to explain things in a way that makes you feel comfortable.

If they’re rude, dismissive, or unwilling to answer your questions? That’s a giant red flag.

7. Extra Services: What Else Do They Offer?

Some moving companies go beyond just transporting your belongings. Depending on your needs, you might want a company that offers:

- Packing and unpacking services
- Furniture assembly/disassembly
- Storage solutions (if there's a gap between move-out and move-in dates)
- Specialty moving services (for valuables like artwork or wine collections)

If you want to save time and reduce stress, it might be worth hiring full-service movers who handle everything. Just be sure to factor the added cost into your budget.

8. Timing and Availability: Can They Work With Your Schedule?

Timing is everything when it comes to moving. Some companies book up fast, especially during peak seasons (summer months and weekends). If you have a specific move-out and move-in date, make sure the company can accommodate your timeline.

Also, ask about their cancellation or rescheduling policy. Life happens, and you might need to adjust your plans. A good moving company should be flexible—within reason.

9. Payment Terms: Know What You’re Paying For

Before you sign anything, make sure you understand the payment structure. Some important things to ask include:

- Do you require a deposit? (If so, how much?)
- What forms of payment do you accept?
- Are there any hidden or additional fees? (Such as fuel charges, long carry fees, or stair fees)
- When is the final payment due?

Never pay the full amount upfront. A reliable moving company will only require full payment after the job is complete.

10. Trust Your Instincts

At the end of the day, trust your gut. If a moving company ticks all the right boxes but something feels off, don’t ignore that feeling.

A reputable moving company will make you feel confident and secure in your decision. They’ll be transparent, professional, and easy to communicate with. If you feel uneasy, keep looking.

Final Thoughts

Moving is already a major life event—you shouldn't have to deal with added stress from an unreliable moving company. By following these guidelines and doing your homework, you can find movers who will handle your belongings with care and make the whole process smooth and hassle-free.

Remember: Reputation, experience, transparency, and professionalism matter! Take your time to research, compare quotes, and ask plenty of questions. When you find the right moving company, you’ll thank yourself later!

### Have you had a moving experience—good or bad? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!