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Hiring Movers: A Checklist to Avoid Surprises on Moving Day
Moving is stressful enough without wondering whether your furniture will arrive, or what the final bill will be. Most moving companies are honest, but the industry has well-known scams, and even good movers can leave you with surprises if the details were never written down.
This checklist walks you through vetting movers, comparing estimates, and preparing for moving day, whether you are moving across town or across the country.
Local move or interstate move?
The rules differ depending on where you are going:
- Interstate moves (crossing state lines) are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Interstate movers must be registered with FMCSA and have a USDOT number. You can look up a mover's registration and complaint history on FMCSA's website. Interstate movers are also required to give you a federal booklet explaining your rights and responsibilities.
- Local and in-state moves are regulated by the state, if at all, and the rules vary. Check with your state's transportation department, public utilities commission or consumer protection office to see what applies.
Some companies are brokers rather than movers: they book your move and pass it to a carrier you have not vetted. Ask directly: "Are you the company that will actually move my things?"
How to vet a moving company
- Confirm the company's USDOT number (for interstate moves) or state license, and that it matches the name on the estimate.
- Check that it has a physical address, not just a phone number and website.
- Read recent reviews, looking for patterns around damage, delays and final bills.
- Ask how long it has operated under its current name.
- Ask whether it uses its own crews and trucks or subcontracts.
- Confirm it has insurance and ask what it covers.
Getting estimates
Get estimates from at least three companies. For anything more than a small local move, ask for an in-home or video survey. A reliable estimate depends on the mover actually seeing what you own. An estimate given over the phone without seeing your home is a guess.
Understand which kind of estimate you are getting. For interstate moves the common types are:
| Estimate type | What it means |
|---|---|
| Binding | You pay the quoted price for the listed items and services, even if they weigh more than expected. |
| Non-binding | A best guess; the final price depends on the actual weight and services. Federal rules limit how much more you must pay at delivery, with any balance billed later. |
| Binding not-to-exceed | You pay the lower of the estimate or the actual cost. |
Local movers often charge by the hour. In that case, ask what counts as billable time: travel to your home, travel back, breaks, and the minimum number of hours.
What affects the cost of a move
- Distance, and for local moves, the time the job takes.
- Volume and weight of your belongings.
- Stairs, elevators, long carries and parking access at both ends.
- Packing services and materials.
- Specialty items such as pianos, safes, art or gym equipment.
- Storage, and the time of year and week you move.
Understand coverage before you sign
Movers are responsible for your belongings while they have them, but how much they pay if something is lost or damaged depends on the coverage you choose. For interstate moves there are generally two levels:
- Released value protection: included at no extra charge, but it pays only a minimal amount based on weight, not on what your item is actually worth.
- Full value protection: costs more, and the mover is liable to repair, replace or pay the current value of damaged or lost items, subject to the terms.
Read the terms carefully, especially for high-value items. Ask whether your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers belongings in transit. Local movers may offer different options; ask them to explain in writing.
Questions to ask every mover
- Are you a mover or a broker?
- What is your USDOT number or state license number?
- What type of estimate is this, and what could change the price?
- What deposit do you require, and how do I pay it?
- What coverage options do you offer, and what do they cost?
- Are there extra charges for stairs, long carries, or shuttle trucks?
- What is your delivery window for long-distance moves?
- How do you handle damage claims, and how long do I have to file one?
Red flags and moving scams
- A quote far lower than everyone else's, especially given over the phone or online without a survey.
- A large deposit up front, or a demand for cash.
- No physical address, or a company name that does not match the truck or paperwork.
- Pressure to sign blank or incomplete documents.
- Movers who show up in an unmarked rental truck when you were promised a company truck.
- A demand for more money before they will unload, beyond what your estimate allows. For interstate moves, federal rules limit this, and the FMCSA accepts complaints.
Moving timeline
Six to eight weeks before
- Research movers and schedule surveys.
- Start decluttering; less stuff costs less to move.
Four weeks before
- Choose a mover and get the agreement in writing.
- Reserve elevators or parking at both ends if needed.
- Arrange utility shutoff and setup, and update your address.
One week before
- Confirm the date, arrival window and crew size.
- Pack a bag of essentials: medications, documents, chargers, a change of clothes, basic tools.
- Take photos of valuable items and furniture.
Moving day
- Be there when the crew arrives and walk them through the home.
- Review the inventory and bill of lading before signing.
- Keep valuables, cash and important papers with you.
- At delivery, check items and note any damage on the paperwork before the crew leaves.
Find movers near you
Compare logistics companies and courier and delivery services in the directory, read recent reviews, and browse by city to find movers who serve both ends of your move.