Moving is stressful enough without worrying about whether your furniture will actually show up. The good news is that finding a reliable moving company comes down to a few simple checks you can do in an afternoon.
This guide walks you through each step: how to verify a mover, what estimates mean, what a move usually costs, which questions to ask and which red flags mean you should walk away.
What makes a moving company reliable?
A reliable moving company is properly licensed, carries insurance, gives you a written estimate after seeing your belongings, explains your protection options and has a steady record of good reviews. It has a real business address, its own trucks and crew, and never pressures you into paying a large deposit upfront.
Price matters, but it shouldn’t be the first thing you look at. A quote that seems too good to be true often turns into a much bigger bill on moving day.
Step 1: Start your search early
Begin looking for movers 6 to 8 weeks before your move. If you’re moving between May and September, start even earlier. Summer is the busiest moving season in the US, and good companies book up fast, especially at the end of the month.
Starting early gives you time to compare quotes, check credentials and avoid settling for whoever happens to be available.
Step 2: Build a shortlist of local movers
Look for at least three to five companies that serve your area. Good places to start:
- Recommendations from friends, neighbors, coworkers or your real estate agent
- Local business directories like Search Acharya, where you can compare movers, hours and reviews in one place
- Google reviews and your local Better Business Bureau listing
Focus on companies with a physical office near you. A mover with a local address and its own trucks is much easier to hold accountable than a company that only exists online.
Step 3: How do I check if a moving company is licensed?
For a move across state lines, the mover must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a USDOT number. You can look up that number for free on the FMCSA website to confirm the company is active and see its complaint history.
Here’s what to check:
- Interstate moves (between states): Ask for the USDOT number and look it up in FMCSA’s mover search tool. Make sure the registration is active and the name matches the company you’re talking to.
- Local moves (within one state): Moving rules are set by each state. Many states require movers to hold a state license or permit, while others have few requirements. Check with your state’s transportation or consumer protection agency. [VERIFY your state’s licensing agency before publishing state versions]
- Insurance: Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.
If a company won’t share its USDOT number or license details, cross it off your list.
Step 4: Know the difference between a mover and a broker
A moving company (also called a carrier) owns trucks and does the move itself. A moving broker sells your move and passes it to a separate company that does the actual work.
Brokers aren’t automatically bad, and they must also register with FMCSA. But when you book through a broker, you may not know who will show up at your door. Always ask directly: “Will your own trucks and crew handle my move?” If the answer is no, ask for the name and USDOT number of the actual carrier.
Step 5: Get at least three written estimates
A reliable mover will want to see what you’re moving before giving you a price, either in person or through a live video walkthrough. Be wary of anyone who quotes a firm price over the phone without asking about your belongings.
Get estimates from at least three companies, and make sure each one is in writing and lists:
- The type of estimate
- Hourly rate or total price
- Number of movers and trucks
- Packing materials and packing labor, if included
- Extra fees for stairs, long carries, elevators or heavy items like pianos
- Fuel, travel time or mileage charges
- The pickup and delivery dates or delivery window
What are the types of moving estimates?
There are three common types of moving estimates. A binding estimate locks in your price. A non binding estimate can change based on the actual weight or time. A binding not to exceed estimate sets a maximum price, so you pay the estimate or less. Most people find the third option offers the best protection.
Binding estimate: You pay the quoted price, even if your shipment weighs more than expected. The price can change only if you add items or services.
Non binding estimate: Your final cost depends on the actual weight or time. For interstate moves, federal rules say the mover can’t require you to pay more than 110 percent of the estimate at delivery. Any remaining balance is usually due within 30 days.
Binding not to exceed estimate: You pay the lower of the estimate or the actual cost. This is often called a “guaranteed not to exceed” price.
How much does a moving company cost?
Most local moves cost $340 to $2,850, depending on the size of your home. Long distance moves usually run $1,165 to $11,600 or more, based on distance and how much you’re moving. A local crew of two movers typically charges $100 to $150 per hour.
Typical local move costs (under 100 miles):
Studio: around $340
1 bedroom: around $460
2 bedroom: around $725
3 bedroom: around $1,625
4 bedroom: around $1,860
5 bedroom or more: around $2,850
Typical long distance move costs (500 to 1,000 miles):
Studio or 1 bedroom: $1,845 to $4,020
2 to 3 bedrooms: $3,060 to $5,280
4 bedrooms: $3,580 to $7,220
5 bedrooms or more: $4,115 to $8,305
These are general averages. Prices vary by city, season, distance, access at both homes and the services you choose.
Many local movers have a minimum charge of 2 to 4 hours. Moving on a weekday in the middle of the month, outside of summer, is often cheaper.
Step 6: Understand moving insurance and valuation
Moving companies don’t sell insurance in the usual sense. Instead, they offer “valuation,” which sets how much they’ll pay if your things are lost or damaged.
For interstate moves, you’ll usually choose between two options:
- Released value protection: This is included at no extra cost, but it only covers 60 cents per pound per item. If a 10 pound TV worth $800 is broken, you’d get just $6.
- Full value protection: This costs more, but the mover must repair the item, replace it or pay you its current market value.
For expensive furniture, electronics or artwork, full value protection or a separate moving insurance policy is worth considering. Local move coverage rules vary by state, so ask your mover exactly what’s included.
Step 7: Ask the right questions
Before you book, ask every company the same questions so you can compare fairly:
- What’s your USDOT number or state license number?
- Are you a moving company or a broker?
- Will your own employees handle my move, or do you use subcontractors?
- What type of estimate is this, and what could make the price go up?
- What valuation coverage is included, and what does full value protection cost?
- How much is the deposit, and when is the rest due?
- What payment methods do you accept?
- What’s your delivery window for a long distance move?
- How do you handle damage claims, and how long does it take?
- What’s your cancellation policy?
What are the red flags of a moving scam?
Watch out for movers who quote a price without seeing your belongings, demand a large cash deposit, show up in an unmarked rental truck, have no physical address or USDOT number, or ask you to sign blank or incomplete paperwork. Some scammers raise the price after loading and refuse to unload until you pay.
More warning signs to look for:
- The company answers the phone with a generic name like “movers” instead of its business name
- The quote is far lower than every other estimate
- No written estimate or contract
- Cash only payment
- A website with no local address or license information
- The company has changed its name often, which you can sometimes spot through old reviews
- For interstate moves, they don’t give you the FMCSA booklet “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” and the “Ready to Move” brochure, which movers are required to provide
Pay your deposit with a credit card when possible. It gives you more protection if something goes wrong.
Step 8: Read the contract before you sign
On moving day, you’ll be asked to sign a bill of lading. This is your contract with the mover and your receipt for your belongings. Read it carefully before signing.
Make sure it matches your estimate, lists the valuation option you chose and includes the pickup and delivery details. Never sign a blank or partly filled document. Keep a copy somewhere safe, not packed in the truck.
Step 9: Protect yourself on moving day
A few simple habits can save you a lot of trouble:
- Take photos or videos of valuable items before they’re packed.
- Keep jewelry, important papers, medications and electronics with you.
- Check the inventory list the movers make and note any existing damage.
- Stay until the truck is loaded and the paperwork is complete.
- At delivery, check items before signing that everything arrived in good condition.
- Note any missing or damaged items on the paperwork right away.
If something is lost or damaged, file a written claim with the mover as soon as possible. For interstate moves, you generally have up to 9 months to file a claim. [VERIFY current federal claim deadline]
Should you hire movers or do it yourself?
A do it yourself move with a rental truck can save money for a studio or small apartment, especially if friends can help. Hiring professional movers makes more sense for larger homes, long distance moves, heavy furniture, stairs or a tight schedule.
When you add up truck rental, fuel, equipment, your time and the risk of injury, professional movers often cost less than people expect.
Related: How to Choose a Pest Control Company
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a moving company?
Book your mover 6 to 8 weeks ahead if you can. For summer moves or the end of the month, book even earlier. Last minute moves are possible, but you’ll have fewer choices and may pay more.
How can I tell if a moving company is legitimate?
Check the USDOT number on the FMCSA website for interstate moves, and confirm any state license for local moves. Look for a physical address, branded trucks, consistent reviews and a written estimate based on an in home or video survey.
How much should I tip movers?
Tipping isn’t required, but it’s common. Many people tip $20 to $60 per mover for a typical move, and more for long days, heavy items or lots of stairs. Some prefer to tip 5 to 10 percent of the total cost, split among the crew.
Is a deposit normal for movers?
A small deposit is normal for many movers, especially during busy months. A large deposit, especially in cash, is a warning sign. Ask how much it is, when it’s refundable and pay by credit card when possible.
What should I do if a mover holds my belongings hostage?
Stay calm, keep all documents and don’t sign anything new. For interstate moves, contact FMCSA at 1 (800) 832 5660 and your state attorney general’s office. Local police may also be able to help in some states.
Do movers pack everything for you?
Many moving companies offer full packing, partial packing or packing materials only. Full packing adds to the cost but saves time and can reduce damage. Ask for packing services to be listed separately in your estimate.
Final Thoughts
Finding a reliable moving company isn’t about luck. Start early, check every company’s USDOT number or state license, get at least three written estimates and read the contract before you sign. Choose the mover that explains everything clearly, not just the one with the lowest price.
Ready to start? Browse local movers near you on Search Acharya, compare their services, hours and reviews, then request quotes from two or three companies.