Hiring a moving company involves more than comparing prices and choosing an available date. The company will be responsible for transporting furniture, electronics, personal belongings, and other valuable household items, so it is important to verify who you are hiring and what the agreement includes.
The Federal Trade Commission recommends getting written estimates from several movers, making sure each estimate accounts for your property, and reviewing what the company will pay if belongings are damaged. The FTC also warns consumers against movers that demand large upfront deposits or ask customers to sign incomplete paperwork. FTC guidance on avoiding moving company scams
Use this moving company checklist to know what to verify before signing an agreement or paying a deposit.
Confirm Who You Are Hiring
When considering a safe ship moving company, start by understanding the company’s role in your move, the services being arranged, and who will be responsible for transporting your belongings.
This is especially important for interstate moves because moving companies and moving brokers serve different roles. A carrier physically transports household goods, while a broker arranges transportation with a carrier.
Ask for the company’s full business name, physical address, phone number, and relevant registration information. Make sure those details match the information on your estimate and other moving documents.
Check Registration for Interstate Moves
If your belongings will cross state lines, verify the company’s federal registration.
Interstate household-goods movers and brokers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. A registered interstate mover should have a U.S. DOT number.
Do not assume that seeing a DOT number on a website means everything has been verified. Check the company’s information against official records and make sure its operating status matches the service you are purchasing.
For an in-state move, rules vary by state. Check requirements with the appropriate state or local agency.
Get a Detailed Written Estimate
Avoid relying solely on a price mentioned over the phone.
Provide the mover with an accurate inventory of what will be transported, including furniture, appliances, boxes, outdoor belongings, garage items, and specialty pieces.
The company should also know about factors that may affect the work, including:
- Stairs
- Elevators
- Long carries
- Limited truck access
- Parking restrictions
- Large furniture
- Pianos or safes
- Packing requirements
- Storage needs
For interstate moves, FMCSA states that a written estimate should include transportation, accessorial, and advance charges and should be based on an actual or virtual inspection of the household goods.
Understand Whether the Estimate Is Binding
Ask whether you are receiving a binding or non-binding estimate.
A binding estimate generally establishes the amount due for the listed shipment and services. However, adding belongings or requesting additional services can result in changes.
A non-binding estimate is not a guaranteed final price. Final charges may depend on shipment weight, services provided, and the mover’s applicable rates.
Knowing which estimate you received helps you understand what may change between booking and delivery.
Compare More Than the Final Price
A low quote may appear attractive, but it should not be the only reason for choosing a company.
Compare estimates line by line. Make sure each company is pricing the same inventory and services.
One quote might include packing, materials, furniture preparation, or other work that another estimate excludes. If one company’s price is significantly lower, ask what accounts for the difference.
The FMCSA recommends obtaining estimates from multiple movers or brokers and checking registration, responsibility for damaged belongings, and available dispute-settlement procedures before selecting a company. FMCSA Moving Checklist
Review Liability Protection
Ask what happens if your belongings are lost or damaged.
For interstate moves, federal rules require movers to offer liability options. Understand the difference between the available options and how compensation would be calculated if something goes wrong.
If you own expensive furniture, electronics, artwork, antiques, or other high-value items, tell the mover about them before the move.
Ask whether high-value belongings need to be listed separately and whether additional documentation is required.
Taking photographs before packing or loading can also create a useful record of an item’s pre-move condition.
Read Reviews With Context
Online reviews can provide useful information, but avoid judging a moving company based only on its average star rating.
Look for patterns across multiple reviews. Pay attention to comments about communication, punctuality, handling of belongings, billing, delivery timing, and how problems were addressed.
A single negative review does not necessarily establish a pattern. Repeated complaints describing similar problems deserve closer attention.
For interstate movers, you can also review complaint information available through FMCSA.
Check the Payment Terms
Before booking, ask how much is due upfront and when the remaining balance must be paid.
Be cautious if a company pressures you to pay a large deposit immediately or insists on payment methods that leave little documentation.
Confirm:
- Deposit amount
- Accepted payment methods
- Final payment schedule
- Cancellation terms
- Refund conditions
- Charges for changing dates
- Potential additional fees
Keep receipts for every payment related to the move.
Read Every Document Before Signing
Moving documents contain important information about the services being purchased and the responsibilities of each party.
Never sign blank documents or forms containing missing prices, dates, or service details.
Review your estimate, service agreement, inventory, and other paperwork carefully. Confirm that your name, addresses, pickup date, destination, services, and charges are correct.
Ask for clarification before signing anything you do not understand.
Keep copies of all documents where you can access them during the move rather than packing them with household belongings.
Ask How Changes Are Handled
Moves sometimes change after booking. You may add furniture, need additional packing, change access arrangements, or adjust the moving date.
Ask what happens when the scope changes.
Notify the company as soon as possible if you add items or services. Request updated pricing in writing rather than waiting until moving day to determine how the change affects the cost.
Watch for Moving Company Warning Signs
Certain behaviors deserve additional scrutiny when you are comparing movers.
Be cautious when a company:
- Refuses to provide a detailed written estimate
- Cannot clearly explain its role in the move
- Requests that you sign incomplete paperwork
- Demands a large upfront payment
- Provides inconsistent company information
- Avoids questions about registration
- Cannot explain liability options
- Pressures you to make an immediate decision
Take the time to verify information independently before paying or signing a contract.
Final Moving Company Checklist
Before hiring a mover, confirm that you have:
- Identified whether you are working with a mover or broker
- Checked applicable registration requirements
- Received a written estimate
- Provided an accurate household inventory
- Reviewed included and excluded services
- Understood binding or non-binding pricing
- Checked liability protection
- Reviewed payment and cancellation terms
- Read customer feedback for recurring issues
- Reviewed all documents before signing
These checks give you a clearer picture of what you are purchasing and what to expect on moving day.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a moving company should involve verification, not simply finding the lowest quote. Check company information, understand who will transport your belongings, compare detailed estimates, review liability terms, and read every document carefully.
A little extra work before booking can reduce uncertainty later and help you enter moving day with clear expectations about pricing, services, responsibilities, and delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check before hiring a moving company?
Verify the company’s business information, applicable registration, written estimate, services, payment terms, liability options, and customer feedback. For interstate moves, confirm the mover or broker is registered with FMCSA.
How many moving estimates should I get?
FMCSA recommends obtaining estimates from at least three movers or brokers. Give each company the same inventory and service requirements so you can compare the quotes fairly.
Should a moving company provide a written estimate?
For interstate moves, movers must provide a written estimate of charges. Review the inventory, services, access conditions, and possible additional charges before accepting it.
What are common warning signs when hiring movers?
Warning signs can include demands for large upfront payments, incomplete paperwork, unclear company information, refusal to provide a written estimate, or an interstate mover that cannot be verified through federal registration records.
Is a moving broker the same as a moving company?
No. A moving company or carrier physically transports household goods, while a broker arranges transportation with a carrier. For interstate moves, both movers and brokers must meet applicable FMCSA registration requirements.
