- 21622 Plummer St., Chatsworth, CA 91311, USA
- Move Now, Pay Later!
- MC Number: 971895
- DOT Number: 2892909
8 Mins Read
You think the hard part ends once you’ve packed— until one bad mover leaves your stuff damaged and your day packed with headaches.
Before you even get to the heavy lifting, there’s a decision that can make or break your moving day, and that is choosing the right moving company.
It’s not a small decision. It can impact your budget, your timeline, your sanity, and whether your favorite lamp arrives in one piece.
And the fact is, some show up on time, handle your belongings with care, and make the process smooth.
Others… well, let’s just say your LED might mysteriously crack, your budget might disappear, or worse, your movers might vanish faster than your missing sock collection.
A recent survey reveals that over 100,000 people inquire about moving companies annually, with many reporting losses averaging $754 after falling victim to scams or shady movers.
So, how do you avoid the scams, surprise fees, and find a mover that fits your needs, budget, and timeline, without losing your sanity in the process?
Let’s discuss how to choose movers you can actually trust – no scams, no surprises, and no stress.
Before you can confidently hire a mover, you need to understand the specifics of your move. The type of relocation you’re planning directly affects which moving company is the right fit for you.
The distance of your move determines the type of movers you’ll need. Local moves (within the same city or nearby) are typically charged by the hour and are more straightforward.
On the other hand, Long-distance moves involve crossing state lines or traveling hundreds of miles; these require movers with specific expertise and proper planning.
A residential move covers your household belongings, while a commercial move involves relocating offices, equipment, or specialized setups. Choosing movers with experience in your type of move avoids unnecessary headaches.
Full-service movers handle packing, loading, transportation, and even unpacking, making them ideal for a stress-free move. With partial services, you handle some tasks yourself, such as packing, while movers assist with the heavy lifting.
Once you know the type of move you’re planning, it’s time to dive into research. The right moving company isn’t always the first result on Google; finding reliable movers takes a little digging.
Ask for Recommendations: Start with people you trust. Friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors can give honest feedback based on real experiences. Personal referrals can help you avoid movers who overpromise and underdeliver
Search Online and Read Reviews: Online platforms make it easy to vet potential companies. Look for moving company reviews on trusted websites, such as Google, Yelp, or local directories.
Check Ratings on Trusted Platforms: Websites like Trustpilot, Better Business Bureau, or My Good Movers provide detailed ratings and customer insights. Look for companies with consistently positive reviews, proper business profiles, and transparent service details.
After narrowing down your list of potential movers, the next step is to verify their legitimacy. A flashy website or friendly phone call isn’t enough; proper checks help avoid scams and costly issues.
Checking Licensing and Certifications: A trustworthy moving company should hold the proper licenses. For long-distance moves, look for a valid USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number. Local movers should comply with state or regional licensing rules.
Confirming Insurance Coverage: Accidents can happen, but professional movers have insurancecoverage to protect your belongings. Always ask for proof of coverage, especially for high-value items or long-distance relocations.
Identifying Red Flags for Scams: Scam movers often exhibit the same warning signs, including demands for large deposits, refusal to provide written estimates, or a lack of a physical business address.
Once you’ve confirmed that the movers on your list are licensed and insured, it’s time to look at what they offer. Not all movers offer the same services, so ensure their options fit your needs.
Packing and Unpacking Services: Some moving companies offer full packing and unpacking services, which can be a huge time-saver if you’re short on time or simply don’t want to deal with it. Others might leave packing to you.
Storage Options: If your new place isn’t quite ready or you need a little extra time, you might need short-term or long-term storage. Many movers offer secure storage solutions as part of their packages, which can save you the hassle of finding a separate storage facility.
Specialty Item Handling: Not all movers are equipped to handle large, fragile, or high-value items, such as pianos, antiques, or oversized furniture. If you have specialty items, confirm the company’s experience with them.
Now that you know what services you need, it’s time to discuss the details. Getting clear, detailed estimates is crucial to avoid unexpected costs and stay within your budget.
Understanding Pricing Structure: Moving companies price their services in various ways — some charge by the hour, while others charge by weight or distance. Ensure you understand how each company calculates its costs.
Factors That Affect Moving Costs: Several factors can impact the final price, including the size of your move, distance traveled, the services you select (such as packing, storage, or specialty handling), and the time of year.
Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates: A binding estimate locks in your price, so you won’t pay more if nothing changes. A non-binding estimate is a rough guess that can increase if your move ends up heavier or more complex.
Before signing anything, be sure to ask the movers the important questions that reveal their reliability and professionalism.
Experience and Track Record: Inquire about the company’s longevity and its experience with similar moves. Movers who specialize in both local and long-distance moves, as well as residential and commercial jobs, are typically better prepared.
Availability and Scheduling: Verify if they can accommodate your preferred moving date and assess their flexibility with scheduling. Moving companies can get booked up, especially during peak seasons.
Policies on Delays, Damages, and Cancellations: Understand their policies for handling unexpected delays, damages, or cancellations during the move. Also, ask about their cancellation terms.
Understanding insurance and liability is crucial before you hand over your belongings. This protects you in case something goes wrong during the move.
Types of Insurance Options: There are different levels, such as released value protection (which covers only a few cents per pound per item) and full value protection, which provides more comprehensive coverage.
Understanding Your Protection: Ensure you understand exactly what the insurance covers, whether it’s for damage, loss, or both. Some policies only cover damage during transit, while others might not cover items packed by you.
Unfortunately, moving scams are a real concern, and knowing what to watch out for can help you avoid a nightmare.
Demands for Large Deposits: Be cautious if a company requests a substantial upfront cash deposit before any work commences. Legit movers typically require a small deposit or none at all.
Lack of Physical Address or Company Information: If you can’t find a physical address, a proper phone number, or verifiable company details, that’s a red flag.
Other Warning Signs: Watch out for movers who won’t provide written estimates, give vague answers, or pressure you to sign contracts quickly.
Before you put pen to paper, take time to review your moving contract thoroughly. This document outlines exactly what you’re agreeing to, so it’s essential to understand every detail.
Review the Contract Thoroughly: Make sure all services, dates, and prices discussed are clearly stated. Watch for any vague language or hidden fees that might surprise you later.
Confirm All Services and Charges in Writing: Obtain a written agreement that outlines everything included, from packing supplies to additional fees for stairs or heavy items.
Final Checklist Before You Decide
Before you make your final choice, run through this quick checklist to make sure you’ve covered all the bases:
Don’t Make These Mistakes When Hiring a Moving Service
Even with all this guidance, some common pitfalls can trip up even the savvy movers. Avoid these mistakes to keep your move smooth and stress-free:
Common Mistakes | How to Avoid Them |
Choosing Based on Price Alone | Compare services and reviews, not just the lowest price. |
Skipping the Research | Check licenses, read reviews, and ask for recommendations. |
Not Reading the Contract | Read all the terms carefully and ask questions before signing. |
Ignoring Red Flags | Trust your instincts and watch for deposit demands or vague answers. |
Waiting Too Long to Book | Book movers well in advance, especially during busy seasons. |
If you want to save time, reduce stress, and avoid heavy lifting, hiring full-service movers is often a worthwhile investment, especially for long-distance or complex moves. They handle packing, loading, transport, and unpacking, giving you peace of mind.
It’s best to book at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance, especially if you’re moving during peak seasons, such as summer or weekends. Waiting too long can limit your options and increase costs.
Look for consistent feedback about reliability, care for belongings, transparency with pricing, and professionalism. Be cautious of recurring complaints about hidden fees or no-shows.
Some movers offer virtual surveys, but for the most accurate estimate, an in-home visit is ideal. This lets them assess your belongings and any challenges directly.
Ask about their licensing and insurance, what’s included in their services, cancellation policies, and how they handle damages or delays. Also, clarify pricing details and any potential extra fees.
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