Summer is one of the busiest seasons for moving companies, which is good reason to book early and to check carefully. Plenty of movers are honest professionals, but moving fraud does happen, and the stakes are high when a company has everything you own on its truck. A few hours of research before you sign can save a great deal of trouble.
Check registration and credentials
For a move that crosses state lines, the mover should be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and have a USDOT number. You can look up a company’s registration and complaint history through the agency’s website at fmcsa.dot.gov. Interstate movers are also required to give customers federal information explaining their rights and responsibilities. Some companies are brokers that arrange moves rather than performing them; that is legal, but you should know who will actually arrive with the truck.
For moves within a single state, rules are set by the state, and many states license or register movers. Check your state’s transportation or consumer protection agency for details.
Get several written estimates
Ask a few companies for estimates based on an in-home or live video survey of your belongings. A mover who quotes over the phone without seeing what you own is guessing, and a low guess can turn into a high bill on moving day. For interstate moves, ask whether the estimate is binding, non-binding or “not to exceed,” and make sure you understand what each means for your final cost. Compare estimates line by line, including packing, materials, stairs, long carries and storage.
Red flags to watch for
- A demand for a large deposit before the move
- An estimate far below every other quote
- No physical address, or a website with little information about the company
- A company name that keeps changing, or rental trucks with no company markings
- Pressure to sign a blank or incomplete contract
- Vague answers about insurance, liability or how claims are handled
The most serious scam is a “hostage load,” in which a mover loads your belongings and then refuses to deliver them unless you pay far more than agreed. Careful vetting is the best protection.
Understand liability and valuation
A mover’s liability for damaged or lost items is often limited unless you choose a higher level of protection. Ask what options the company offers, what each covers and how to file a claim. Check whether your homeowners or renters insurance covers belongings in transit. Photograph valuable items before the move, and consider carrying irreplaceable things, like important documents, jewelry and family photos, yourself.
On moving day
Read the bill of lading before you sign it, and keep a copy. Walk through the inventory with the crew, noting the condition of furniture. At delivery, check items as they come off the truck and note any damage on the paperwork before the crew leaves. If problems arise, follow the company’s claims process in writing and keep a record of every conversation.
Booking early in peak season gives you time to do all of this calmly, instead of settling for whichever company still has an opening.
Questions to Ask Every Mover Before You Book
A short interview tells you a great deal about a moving company. Ask each one the same questions so the answers are easy to compare, and write down what you hear.
- Are you the company that will perform the move, or a broker arranging it with another carrier?
- What is your USDOT number, and, for a local move, what state license or registration do you hold?
- Is your estimate binding, non-binding or not-to-exceed, and what could cause the final price to change?
- What deposit, if any, do you require, and how is it refunded if plans change?
- What valuation coverage is included, and what are the options for additional protection?
- Are the crew members your employees or subcontractors?
- How do you handle items that do not fit on the truck?
- What is the process and deadline for filing a damage claim?
- If my belongings need storage between homes, where will they be kept and for how long?
Reliable companies answer clearly and put key terms in writing. If a company avoids a question or seems annoyed by it, that is useful information.
Preparing for the Estimate Visit
An accurate estimate depends on an accurate survey of what you are moving. A few steps make it more reliable:
- Decide what is going before the visit. Items you plan to sell, donate or leave behind should be identified so they are not counted.
- Show everything. Open closets, the attic, the garage, sheds and storage areas. Forgotten items are a common cause of moving-day price changes.
- Mention access challenges. Stairs, long walks from the truck to the door, narrow streets or steep driveways can affect the cost.
- Ask about specialty items. Pianos, safes, large aquariums, gym equipment and outdoor furniture may need special handling.
Planning the Timeline in Peak Season
Summer weekends and the beginning and end of each month tend to be in high demand, since many leases and closings fall around those dates. If you have flexibility, a midweek or mid-month move can be easier to schedule. Booking several weeks ahead, and earlier in the busiest stretch, gives you more choice of company and dates.
Coordinate the moving date with your closing. If closing could shift, ask the mover about its policy for changing dates, and whether storage-in-transit is available if you need a few days between leaving one home and entering the next.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing on price alone. The lowest estimate is only a bargain if the company delivers on it.
- Relying only on online reviews. Reviews are helpful, but combine them with registration checks and complaint history.
- Not reading the paperwork. The estimate, order for service and bill of lading set the terms of the move. Read them before signing.
- Paying in full in advance. Be cautious of any company that wants the entire price before moving your belongings.
Questions Readers Ask
Is it safer to rent a truck and move myself?
A self-move avoids some risks but brings others, including physical strain, driving a large vehicle and handling heavy furniture. Some people combine approaches, hiring labor-only help to load and unload a rental truck.
Where can I report a problem with an interstate mover?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration accepts complaints about interstate movers through its website. For moves within one state, your state’s consumer protection office is a good starting point.
Do I need to tip the moving crew?
Tipping is customary in many places but not required. It is a personal choice based on the service you receive.
