How to Choose a Moving Company in 9 Easy Steps
Here’s the bottom line: To choose a moving company, get at least three written estimates based on an in-home or virtual survey, confirm each mover’s USDOT number with the FMCSA, and check its complaint history before you sign. Interstate movers must register with the FMCSA and can’t demand more than 110% of a non-binding estimate at delivery. Below, we walk through nine steps to vet movers, compare estimates, and spot red flags, plus our picks for the best interstate moving companies.
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Why moveBuddha?
- On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
- When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
What type of moving company do you need?
The right moving company depends on how much help you want and how far you’re going. Most moves fit one of these four options:
| Option | Who does the work | Best for | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service movers | Movers pack, load, drive & unload | Busy households & long-distance moves | $$$ |
| Moving containers | You pack & load, company ships | Budget long-distance moves | $$ |
| Labor-only movers | Crew loads & unloads, you drive | Local moves on a budget | $$ |
| Truck rentals | You do everything | Small moves & tight budgets | $ |
Full-service movers are the easiest option but cost the most. On average, moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service movers.
Also know the difference between a carrier and a broker. A carrier moves your belongings with its own crews and trucks, while a moving broker sells your move to a separate carrier.
1. Set a budget
Your moving costs depend on a handful of factors, so set a realistic budget before you start calling movers:
- Distance: Where you’re moving from and to has the biggest effect on long-distance pricing.
- Weight or volume: Long-distance movers usually price by the weight or volume of your household goods.
- Time: Local movers usually charge by the hour, so crew size and hours matter most.
- Timing: The time of year and day of the week affect price, since 41% of moves happen between May and August.
- Extra services: Packing, unpacking, crating, and appliance disconnects all add to your total.
Also consider how much you can afford, whether your employer offers relocation assistance, and whether you’ll pay by cash or credit card. Our moving checklist can help you plan.
moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator weighs distance, home size, move date, and service level together, so your budget starts from a range that reflects your actual move.
2. Ask for referrals
Friends, family, and coworkers are your best source of moving company referrals. A mover that a past customer recommends is more likely to deliver a positive experience.
If you’re moving for a new job, ask HR whether the company has preferred movers, even if you aren’t getting relocation assistance. Preferred vendors may offer discounts that aren’t available to the general public.
If you’ve had a good experience with a commercial office mover at work, ask whether it moves homes and apartments too. A mover that wants to keep a corporate client happy is more likely to give you white-glove service.
3. Compile a list of professional movers
Aim for at least five movers on your list, even if you only get three estimates. If one doesn’t show up for an appointment or a rep gives you a bad feeling, you’ll have backups.
Our roundup of the best interstate moving companies is a good place to start. moveBuddha ranks movers across 72 data points from 25+ independent sources.
4. Vet each mover carefully
Spending an hour or two checking each mover’s background is one of the best ways to avoid a bad move. Interstate movers must have a USDOT number from the FMCSA, while rules for moves within a state vary.
- FMCSA registration: Use the FMCSA’s mover search tool to confirm a mover is registered and check its complaint history. Our guide to a USDOT lookup walks you through it.
- Better Business Bureau: Check the mover’s BBB rating, complaint volume, and how the company responds.
- Industry memberships: Members of the ATA Moving & Storage Conference pledge to follow its code of ethics.
- Online reviews: Read reviews on Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot, plus firsthand stories from our Better Moves Project.
- moveBuddha Certified: Certified movers pass our review of licensing, insurance, and service history.
Ask your social media contacts for recommendations too, and check each company’s website and Facebook page for a physical address, a phone number, and its USDOT number.
5. Consider the services you’ll need
It’s common not to know yet which tasks you’ll handle yourself. Tell every mover the same thing so their estimates are easy to compare.
A good full-service mover should do as much or as little as you need. Consider these questions:
- Packing: Decide how much packing you’ll handle and whether you want the mover to pack breakables like dishes, electronics, and mirrors.
- Appliances: Ask whether the mover or a third party will disconnect and move your refrigerator and other appliances.
- Furniture: Decide whether you’ll take apart beds and tables yourself, which can save money on local moves.
6. Schedule in-home estimates
The FMCSA recommends getting written estimates from several movers based on an in-person inspection of your belongings. Online quotes may work for a lightly furnished studio, but an in-home or virtual walkthrough is more accurate for larger homes.
Think of the estimator as a free resource. A good rep will answer your questions, explain how the move works, and share ways to save.
Before the estimator arrives, make a list of questions to ask movers, and don’t let them leave until you have clear answers.
7. Compare your estimates
With several estimates in hand, you’ll have a clear picture of the timing, logistics, and cost of your move. Set aside an hour or two to review each one side by side.
Know whether each estimate is binding, not-to-exceed, or non-binding, since the type decides how much your price can change. Here’s how the three compare on an interstate move:
| Estimate type | What you pay | Price risk |
|---|---|---|
| Binding | The quoted price, unless you add items or services | Low |
| Binding not-to-exceed | The quote or the actual cost, whichever is lower | Lowest |
| Non-binding | The actual cost, with up to 110% due at delivery & the rest billed after 30 days | Highest |
Our guide to binding vs. non-binding estimates explains each type in more detail. Once you know the type, check that each estimate lines up on these points:
- Weights: On a long-distance move, the estimated weights should be similar across movers.
- Crew and hours: On a local move, the crew size and estimated hours should be close.
- Boxes: Each estimate should include a similar number of boxes by size.
- Valuation: Each estimate should include the same valuation coverage, so you’re comparing like for like.
Understand your valuation coverage
Interstate movers must offer two levels of liability coverage. Compare them before you sign:
| Coverage | Cost | What it pays |
|---|---|---|
| Released value protection | Free | $0.60 per pound per item |
| Full-value protection | Extra charge | Repair or replacement, or the cost of either |
Released value protection pays just $60 for a 100-pound item, no matter what it’s worth. Our moving insurance guide explains your options.
Interstate movers must also give you the FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet, which explains what to do if your belongings are lost or damaged.
8. Get references
In my six years as a salesperson for two national van lines, not one customer asked me for a reference. Most of those same people would have asked for references before hiring someone to remodel a kitchen or build a deck.
Most moving companies are reputable businesses, but dishonest movers exist too. Ask each prospect for references from customers who moved in the past six months, and follow up with a call or email.
9. Watch out for large deposits
A large upfront deposit is one of the FMCSA’s red flags for moving fraud, and it’s one of the most common moving scams. Many legitimate movers ask for a modest deposit to hold your date, but you shouldn’t pay a large sum or cash before your move.
Even with an honest mover, a deposit can be hard to get back if you cancel or postpone. Read the cancellation terms before you pay, and use a credit card so you can dispute the charge if needed.
If only one company on your list asks for a big deposit, ask them why.
What are the red flags of a bad moving company?
The FMCSA lists several warning signs of a rogue mover. Walk away if you see any of these:
- No in-person inspection: The mover quotes a price over the phone or online without seeing your belongings.
- No written estimate: The company won’t put the price in writing or says it will set the cost after loading.
- Cash or a large deposit: The mover demands cash or a big deposit before the move.
- Blank documents: The mover asks you to sign paperwork that isn’t filled out.
- Missing booklet: The company doesn’t give you the FMCSA’s rights and responsibilities booklet on an interstate move.
- No address or registration: The website lists no local address, USDOT number, or insurance information.
- Generic phone greeting: Someone answers with “Movers” instead of the company’s name.
- Rental trucks on moving day: A rental truck shows up instead of a company-owned, marked truck.
Pro tip: If a mover’s name, address, or USDOT number doesn’t match its paperwork, stop and verify before you sign. Our guide to moving company complaints explains where to report problems.
What’s the best way to choose a moving company?
The right moving company is rarely the cheapest one. Compare at least three written estimates from registered movers, and check each quote against moveBuddha’s calculator, which runs on 1,000+ live price points collected every month.
FAQs about choosing a moving company
Should you choose a mover near your current home or your new one?
You should usually choose a mover near your current home, since a local company can do an in-person estimate and answer questions easily. For a long-distance move, make sure that mover is licensed for interstate moves. Our list of the best interstate moving companies includes movers with branches nationwide.
What is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)?
The FMCSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation that regulates interstate movers. It issues USDOT numbers, tracks complaints, and publishes consumer protection rules for household goods moves.
Can a local moving company do a long-distance move?
Yes, some local moving companies also handle long-distance moves, including independent movers not tied to a national van line. Confirm the mover has a USDOT number and interstate authority before you book.
Do movers use a tariff to calculate pricing?
Yes, most interstate movers publish tariffs that set their rates and fees. Ask for a copy if a charge on your estimate isn’t clear.
What’s the best way to schedule a free moving quote?
The best way to schedule a free moving quote is to call a reputable mover and book an in-home or virtual estimate. Many companies also let you book a survey online.
How far in advance should you book a moving company?
You should book a moving company about two months before your move, or three months ahead for a summer move. With 41% of moves happening between May and August, peak-season dates fill up fast. See our guide on how early to book a mover for more.
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