Protect Your Move and Your Belongings by Knowing What to Look For
Hiring a moving company can make all the difference between a smooth, stress-free experience and one filled with confusion and costly surprises. Unfortunately, not every mover operates with honesty or professionalism. Scam operations and unlicensed movers continue to pop up each year, leaving some customers without their belongings or with unexpected fees that seem to appear out of nowhere.
Before you sign a contract or request a moving company quote or estimate, it’s worth taking the time to verify whether the mover you’re considering is truly legitimate. With a few key checks, you can protect your investment, your belongings, and your peace of mind.
Do Your Homework Before You Book
The most trustworthy movers make it easy to find information about their business. They’re transparent about their services, clearly list contact information, and provide verifiable credentials. If a company makes it difficult to find those details, that’s an early red flag.
Start by gathering basic facts about any potential full-service moving company:
- Legal business name and any other names they operate under.
- Physical address and local phone number (not just a P.O. box or web form).
- Licensing or registration numbers you can verify with federal or state databases.
For interstate moves, legitimate movers must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and should have an active DOT number. You can confirm this on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. If the company isn’t listed, it’s best to look elsewhere.
For local moves, most states also require movers to have a specific state license or permit. Check with your state’s transportation or consumer protection department to confirm whether your mover complies.
Understand How Professional Moving Companies Provide Estimates
A reliable moving company quote or estimate should be transparent, detailed, and based on clear information about your move. Shady movers often use vague estimates or refuse to provide written documentation, which can lead to major problems later.
Professional movers typically offer one of three types of estimates:
- Non-binding estimate: The final cost may vary depending on the actual weight of your belongings or services provided.
- Binding estimate: The price is locked in as long as you don’t add items or request extra services.
- Binding not-to-exceed estimate: The mover cannot charge more than the quoted amount, even if the shipment weighs more than expected.
Before agreeing to any estimate, make sure you receive it in writing and understand what’s included. If a company offers an unusually low price compared to others, that’s a red flag — it may indicate hidden charges, unreliable service, or even fraud.
Legitimate movers may also perform a virtual or in-home walkthrough before providing an estimate. This allows them to accurately assess the number of items and labor required for your move. Avoid companies that offer instant pricing without asking about inventory or access details.
Check for Proper Insurance and Liability Coverage
A professional moving company will always carry insurance to protect your belongings. Moving insurance typically comes in two forms:
- Released value protection: Basic coverage that reimburses you based on weight (typically $0.60 per pound per item).
- Full value protection: Comprehensive coverage that requires the mover to repair, replace, or compensate you for any lost or damaged items at their full value.
Reputable movers will clearly explain these options and provide documentation outlining their coverage. If a mover avoids the topic, cannot show proof of insurance, or pressures you to waive coverage, that’s a strong warning sign to move on.
Look for Reviews and Professional Affiliations
Customer reviews and industry memberships can reveal a lot about how a moving company operates. Reputable movers will often be members of organizations such as the American Trucking Associations (ATA) Moving & Storage Conference or other regional industry groups that promote ethical business practices.
Online reviews can also offer valuable insight. Look for consistency across platforms like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). A few negative reviews aren’t unusual, but repeated complaints about lost items, surprise charges, or late deliveries are red flags.
You can also check whether the company has any complaints filed with the FMCSA or your state’s consumer protection agency.
Ask the Right Questions
Before you hire a moving company, take time to ask questions that reveal how they handle operations and customer service. Examples include:
- How long has your company been in business?
- Do you use your own trucks and staff, or do you subcontract?
- What type of insurance coverage do you offer?
- Can you provide a written, itemized estimate?
- How do you handle claims for lost or damaged items?
- Will my belongings be transferred between trucks or drivers?
A legitimate mover should answer every question openly and without hesitation. If you receive vague responses or the representative avoids written communication, continue your search.
Be Wary of Red Flags
Fraudulent movers often share a few telltale signs:
- Requesting a large cash deposit up front.
- Refusing to provide a written contract.
- Lack of a physical address or local phone number.
- Unmarked trucks or no branded uniforms.
- Requesting payment before delivery.
These warning signs can indicate an unlicensed operation that could disappear once your belongings are loaded. A legitimate company will never ask for full payment before completing the job.
Protect Yourself and Your Move
Hiring a legitimate moving company comes down to careful research and due diligence. Take time to compare estimates, verify credentials, and read customer feedback before making a decision.
Reputable full-service moving companies make it clear what you’re paying for, how your items will be handled, and what protections are in place. They operate transparently, communicate clearly, and take pride in their professionalism.
By knowing what to look for — and what to avoid — you can ensure your move goes smoothly from start to finish, with no surprises along the way.
