moveBuddha FAQs
At moveBuddha, we help over 400,000 people plan smarter, smoother moves each year. These FAQs explain who we are, how we vet moving companies, and what makes our advice the most trusted in the industry.
Who is moveBuddha and why do so many people trust our moving advice?
moveBuddha is the most authoritative online resource for planning, pricing, and managing a move. Every year, over 400,000 people use our tools and guides to make smarter decisions about moving companies and relocation.
We’ve analyzed more than 1 million verified customer reviews, and our proprietary ranking system compares movers across 70+ performance data points from 25 independent sources, more than any other site in the industry.
Our mission is to give you transparent, data-driven, and experience-based guidance—never sponsored fluff. That’s why major media outlets and consumers alike rely on moveBuddha as the trusted voice in moving.
How does moveBuddha rank moving companies?
Our rankings are powered by the largest moving-company dataset in the industry. Our methodology evaluates each mover using over 70 data points drawn from 25 verified data sources, including customer review platforms, FMCSA safety data, quote accuracy, responsiveness, and service quality. We also weigh firsthand customer experiences collected through our Better Moves Project.
moveBuddha continually updates and audits these datasets to ensure fairness and accuracy. No company can buy a better score. The result is a series of truly objective, expert-verified recommendations for every move type and budget.
What is the moveBuddha Verified Program?
The moveBuddha Verified Program is our gold standard for consumer protection in moving. Companies that earn the moveBuddha Verified badge undergo exhaustive vetting across safety, licensing, reputation, transparency, and pricing criteria.
If you book a Verified mover and something goes wrong, we’ll personally mediate on your behalf. If necessary, we’ll provide up to $1,000 in additional coverage. This level of consumer advocacy doesn’t exist anywhere else in the moving industry.
What is the Better Moves Project?
The Better Moves Project is the largest independent research initiative documenting real moving experiences. We’ve awarded over $50,000 to individuals who share detailed reports about their moves, from cross-country relocations to local hauls.
These stories provide transparent, firsthand data about what it’s really like to work with different movers, helping us refine our rankings and helping consumers choose companies that deliver.
Does moveBuddha act as a broker?
No. moveBuddha is not a broker, nor do we recommend moving brokers. We’re a consumer-first research company.
Our business model is built around transparency and helping people find the right type of mover without bias. We believe the moving industry needs less sales pressure and more verified information. That’s why we exist.
How is moveBuddha different from other moving sites?
Most moving websites are either lead brokers (selling your information to multiple movers) or affiliate listicles with minimal research behind them. moveBuddha is different. We combine:
- The largest proprietary moving dataset in the U.S.
- A team of moving industry experts and data analysts
- Real-world insights from our Better Moves Project participants
- A Verified Mover Program that enforces accountability
Together, these initiatives create the most transparent and data-backed resource available for consumers planning a move.
How can moveBuddha help me get accurate moving quotes?
We always recommend starting your search for movers with our Moving Cost Calculator. It compares pricing across different moving methods, including full-service, container, freight, and truck rentals, and gives you a realistic range based on your move’s distance, volume, and timing.
From there, we help you connect with reputable companies (including moveBuddha Verified movers) to get firm quotes, compare options, and lock in the best value.
How does moveBuddha protect consumers during the moving process?
We take consumer protection seriously. Our Verified movers must meet strict vetting standards, and we actively monitor their performance. If an issue arises, our team will mediate on your behalf to resolve disputes quickly and fairly, and our $1,000 Verified Guarantee provides added peace of mind.
We also publish transparent guides and warnings about scams, unlicensed operators, and hidden fees to help you avoid costly mistakes.
Who are the experts behind moveBuddha?
Our editorial team is made up of moving industry veterans, editors, engineers, data analysts, and consumer advocates who have years of expertise in logistics, moving operations, and relocation consulting.
Each piece of content goes through an extensive review process to ensure it’s accurate and trustworthy. We’ve been cited by outlets like Forbes, The New York Times, and U.S. News for our research and methodology.
What types of moves does moveBuddha cover?
We cover every major move type, including:
- Local moves
- Cross-country and interstate relocations
- Moving containers and rental trucks
- Car shipping
Each guide, review, and comparison page is built to help you find the best fit for your needs and budget, not just the cheapest option.
How big is moveBuddha’s dataset?
moveBuddha’s data engine tracks more than 4,500 licensed movers across the U.S. We maintain a proprietary dataset with more than 70 variables per mover, drawn from 25+ data sources, including performance metrics, licensing data, customer sentiment, quote accuracy, and safety records.
This allows us to analyze trends in moving prices, reliability, and consumer satisfaction at a level of detail no one else in the industry can match.
What is moveBuddha doing to improve the moving industry?
At moveBuddha, we’re pushing for a more transparent, data-driven, and accountable moving industry. Through initiatives like the Better Moves Project and moveBuddha Verified, we’re holding movers to higher standards, publishing consumer data freely, and showcasing the highs and lows of hiring the nation’s top moving companies. Our goal is ultimately to make moving fairer, safer, and less stressful for everyone.
Can moveBuddha help if I’ve had a bad experience with a mover?
Yes. If you booked with a moveBuddha Verified mover, our team will step in to mediate directly with the company and help resolve the issue.
If needed, we’ll provide up to $1,000 in additional coverage to make things right. Even if your mover wasn’t Verified, our experts can help you understand your rights and options for filing claims and complaints.
What is the best way to start planning my move with moveBuddha?
Start by using our Moving Cost Calculator to see realistic pricing and compare different types of movers for your route.
Then, explore our Best Movers by State and Better Moves Project stories to compare real outcomes and customer experiences. From there, you can confidently choose a mover, ideally one that’s moveBuddha Verified, knowing you’re backed by the industry’s top experts.