Picking a moving company is one of those decisions where cutting corners can cost you a lot more than you saved. Here's how to actually vet one, what credentials to check, and the red flags that mean it's time to walk away.
Do Your Research First
Treat this like any major purchase. Check the company's website, Google and Yelp reviews, and its Better Business Bureau profile for a real read on its track record — not just the testimonials the company chose to feature. Personal recommendations carry weight too: ask people who've moved recently how the company handled scheduling, communication, and whether anything showed up broken.
Check Licensing and Insurance
For interstate moves, every legitimate mover needs a USDOT number and active registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). In 2026, the FMCSA rolled out a new verification system called Motus, so check a company's registration and safety record at motus.dot.gov rather than the old SAFER site, which has been replaced (FMCSA). For in-state moves, check your state's moving company licensing requirements, since interstate rules don't automatically apply.
On insurance, movers are legally required to offer two options: full-value protection, which covers the current market value of your belongings, and released-value protection, the free federal minimum that only covers $0.60 per pound per item — meaning a 10-pound box of electronics is covered for $6, regardless of what's actually inside (SafeBound Moving). If you own anything valuable, full-value protection is worth the extra cost.
Get an Accurate Estimate
Ask for an in-home (or video) assessment rather than a phone quote — movers can't estimate weight and time accurately without actually seeing what you own. There are three estimate types worth knowing: a binding estimate locks in a fixed price regardless of actual weight; a non-binding estimate is just a prediction, and movers can legally charge up to 110% of it at delivery if the shipment weighs more than expected; and a binding not-to-exceed estimate guarantees you won't pay more than quoted, but you could pay less if the actual weight comes in lower (FMCSA). That last option is generally the safest for your budget.
Evaluate Services and Watch for Red Flags
Figure out what you actually need beyond loading and driving — packing, unpacking, temporary storage — and get pricing for each up front rather than assuming it's included.
Watch for a few warning signs: a deposit request above roughly 45% of the total cost, a quote that's 30-40% below every other bid you got, no local address or FMCSA registration listed anywhere, and pressure to sign incomplete paperwork or pay cash before anything's in writing (Protect Your Move). If something feels off, you can check a company's complaint history or file one yourself through the FMCSA's hotline at 1-888-368-7238 or at protectyourmove.gov.
Get Ready for Moving Day
Make an inventory of what you own before the movers arrive — it makes it obvious if something goes missing and gives you a reference if you need to file a claim. Label boxes by room and contents as you pack; it saves real time and arguments on the other end when everyone's tired and just wants the truck unloaded.
Hiring a moving company can be daunting without the right information. This guide on what to look for in a moving company offers essential tips for ensuring your move is smooth and hassle-free. We’ll cover everything from checking licenses to reading reviews, so you’re prepared to make the best choice.
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