Local Mover Reviews by State

Here’s the quick answer: Pick your state below to read moveBuddha reviews of local movers near you. moveBuddha has researched 4,500+ moving companies and analyzed 1 million+ reviews to rate movers on reputation, licensing, pricing, and customer service. Compare at least three local movers before you book.

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.

Local mover reviews by state

Choose your state to see local movers, their ratings, and verified customer reviews.

How does moveBuddha rate local movers?

moveBuddha scores every mover on a 72-point rating system covering reputation, licensing, pricing transparency, and customer service. Our ratings draw on 25+ data sources, including government databases, the BBB, and our own Better Moves Project.

Want to see the standouts? Check out the #1 mover in every state, based on 396,246 reviews.

What should you look for in local mover reviews?

A high star rating is a good start, but the details in reviews tell you more. Look for these patterns:

  • Recent reviews: Focus on reviews from the past year, since crews & management change.
  • Pricing accuracy: Look for comments on whether the final bill matched the quote.
  • Care with belongings: Watch for repeated damage complaints & how the mover handled claims.
  • Company responses: A mover that responds to complaints professionally is easier to work with if something goes wrong.

How do you check if a local mover is licensed?

Local, in-state movers are regulated by your state, and the rules vary. Some states require a household goods license, while others have few requirements. Ask the mover for its state license or registration number and confirm it with your state agency.

If your move crosses state lines, the mover needs a USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Learn more in our guide to interstate vs. intrastate moving.

How do you compare local movers?

Most local movers charge by the hour, so get written quotes that list the crew size, hourly rate, and any extra fees. Stair, elevator, and long-carry fees can add $75 - $500+ to a move.

Use our moving cost calculator to see what your move should cost. It’s built on 1,000+ live price points collected every month. The moveBuddha Mover Marketplace can also get you up to five no-obligation quotes from one request.

FAQ

Where can I find local mover reviews?

Choose your state above to read moveBuddha’s local mover reviews. Each state page lists movers with their ratings and customer reviews. You can also read real moving stories in our Better Moves Project.

How do I know if a local mover is reputable?

Check recent reviews, confirm the mover’s state license or USDOT number, and look at how it responds to complaints. Get written quotes from at least three movers. Be wary of quotes far below the others.

Do local movers need a license?

It depends on your state, since each state sets its own rules for in-state movers. Movers that cross state lines need a USDOT number. Ask for the mover’s license number before you book.

How do local movers charge?

Most local movers charge an hourly rate based on crew size. Extra fees can apply for stairs, long carries, or packing. Ask for a written quote that lists every fee.

How many quotes should I get from local movers?

Get at least three written quotes for the same services. Comparing quotes helps you spot prices that are too high or suspiciously low. Our Mover Marketplace can collect up to five quotes for you.


How we chose the best moving companies

The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:

Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.

Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.

Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.

State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.

Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).

Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.

Ryan Carrigan
Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.

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