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Choosing the right moving company requires comparing multiple options across several factors. Price is important but shouldn’t be the only consideration. Reliability, professionalism, and protection matter equally. Systematic comparison helps identify the best mover for your situation.

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What to Compare

Verify legal operation:Interstate moves:
  • Valid USDOT number
  • Active MC authority
  • Insurance on file with FMCSA
Local moves:
  • State licensing (where required)
  • Business registration
  • Local permits
Don’t hire unlicensed movers regardless of price.
Consider company history:
  • Years in business
  • Number of moves completed
  • Complaint history
  • Better Business Bureau rating
  • Online reviews
Newer companies aren’t necessarily bad, but track record provides confidence.
Match services to your needs:
  • Full packing available?
  • Specialty item handling?
  • Storage options?
  • Appliance servicing?
  • Vehicle transport?
  • International moves?
Some moves require specific capabilities.
Understand how costs are calculated:
  • Hourly vs weight-based
  • Binding vs non-binding estimate
  • What’s included vs extra
  • Payment terms
  • Cancellation policy
Compare total cost, not just base rate.
Compare protection levels:
  • Basic coverage included
  • Full value protection cost
  • Deductible options
  • Exclusions
  • Claims process
Better coverage may justify higher price.
Can they accommodate your schedule:
  • Preferred date available?
  • Flexible on timing?
  • Delivery window acceptable?
  • Backup dates if needed?

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Questions to Ask

  • What is your USDOT number? (interstate)
  • How long have you been in business?
  • Are you a carrier or broker?
  • Will your employees do the move or subcontractors?
  • Can you provide references?
  • Is this estimate binding or non-binding?
  • What’s included in this price?
  • What additional charges might apply?
  • How do you calculate weight for long-distance?
  • Can I see the weighing?
  • What packing options do you offer?
  • Do you handle pianos/special items?
  • What happens if my items don’t arrive on schedule?
  • Do you offer storage?
  • What’s your cancellation policy?
  • What valuation options do you offer?
  • What does full value protection cost?
  • What’s the deductible?
  • What’s excluded from coverage?
  • How does your claims process work?
  • What time will crew arrive?
  • How many movers will be on my job?
  • What equipment do they bring?
  • Who do I contact if there’s a problem?
  • What forms of payment do you accept?

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Red Flags Revisited

  • No USDOT number for interstate move
  • Won’t provide written estimate
  • Demands large cash deposit
  • Estimate dramatically lower than others
  • No physical business address
  • Recent name change
  • Poor or no reviews
  • Pressure to sign immediately
  • Won’t answer questions directly
  • Very new company (under 2 years)
  • Mixed reviews
  • Uses subcontractors
  • Non-binding estimate only
  • Limited availability
  • Can’t provide references

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Comparison Worksheet

Use this framework to compare options:
FactorCompany ACompany BCompany C
USDOT/License #
Years in business
BBB rating
Review score
Estimate type
Total estimate
Services included
Valuation cost
Deposit required
Delivery window
References checked
Overall impression

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Evaluating Estimates

Ensure estimates cover same services:
  • Same origin and destination details
  • Same inventory of items
  • Same packing services (or lack of)
  • Same valuation coverage
  • Same delivery timeline
Different scope makes comparison meaningless.
If estimates vary significantly, ask why:
  • Different weight/time estimates?
  • Different services included?
  • Different valuation coverage?
  • Different delivery timeline?
  • Different company overhead/quality?
Lowest price isn’t always best value.
Look at complete picture:
  • Base transportation
  • Packing services
  • Special handling
  • Valuation coverage
  • Fees and surcharges
  • Payment terms
Low base with high add-ons may exceed higher base with inclusions.
The best mover isn’t always the cheapest. Consider the total package: licensing, reputation, services, protection, and price together.

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Reading Reviews

Check multiple sources:
  • Google reviews
  • Yelp
  • Better Business Bureau
  • FMCSA complaint database
  • Angi/HomeAdvisor
  • Facebook
Single source may be incomplete or manipulated.
Positive signs:
  • Consistent praise across sources
  • Specific details in reviews
  • Responses to negative reviews
  • Recent reviews (within 6-12 months)
  • Variety of reviewers
Warning signs:
  • Only extreme reviews (all 5-star or all 1-star)
  • Generic, similar language
  • All reviews from same time period
  • No responses to complaints
  • Reviewer profiles look fake
Every company has some complaints. Consider:
  • Volume relative to positive reviews
  • How company responds
  • Whether issues were resolved
  • Patterns in complaints
  • Severity of issues
One bad review isn’t disqualifying. Patterns are concerning.

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Making the Decision

Prioritize based on your situation:High priority:
  • Licensing and legitimacy
  • Adequate valuation coverage
  • Ability to meet your timeline
Medium priority:
  • Price (within reasonable range)
  • Services needed
  • Reviews and reputation
Lower priority:
  • Minor price differences
  • Extra services you don’t need
  • Company size
Beyond objective factors, consider:
  • How did they treat you during estimate?
  • Were they professional and responsive?
  • Did they answer questions thoroughly?
  • Do you feel comfortable with them?
Poor treatment before hiring usually gets worse after.
Before booking:
  • Get final estimate in writing
  • Confirm all details
  • Understand cancellation policy
  • Know deposit requirements
  • Get contact information
  • Confirm dates and times

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After Booking

Get in writing:
  • Move date and time
  • Origin and destination addresses
  • Services included
  • Total price (or estimate type)
  • Valuation coverage
  • Payment terms
  • Contact information
  • Reconfirm 1 week before
  • Reconfirm day before
  • Have payment ready
  • Know who to call with questions
  • Prepare for crew arrival
Throughout the process:
  • Respond promptly to questions
  • Provide information requested
  • Communicate any changes
  • Address concerns early
  • Keep contact information handy
Mover selection checklist:
  • Verify USDOT and MC numbers (interstate)
  • Check state licensing (local)
  • Confirm insurance coverage
  • Get in-home or virtual estimate
  • Request binding estimate
  • Review written contract completely
  • Check reviews on multiple platforms
  • Verify company is carrier, not broker
  • Understand valuation options
  • Know cancellation policy
  • Get references if needed
  • Confirm crew and equipment details

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