How To Choose a Moving Company: 5 Things To Check Before Committing
Choosing the right movers takes some consideration. Before you book, take a few minutes to check the company’s registration, their price estimates, and the crew handling your move. A little upfront research helps you avoid scams and hidden costs before everything’s on the truck.
In this guide, learn how to choose a moving company confidently. Run through our simple checklist to spot red flags and land reputable movers. You’ll see where College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving measures up on key factors: Our crews are licensed, insured, and have thousands of successful moves under their belts.
1. Verify the License and Insurance Before Anything Else
Licensing and insurance are two areas you don’t want to skip over when choosing a moving company. The right license ensures your movers comply with federal law, and moving insurance keeps your belongings protected. Here’s how to choose a reputable mover without the guesswork.
How To Check a USDOT Number
An USDOT number is an identification number for organizations that operate commercial vehicles. This number tracks certain company details, like registration and safety records. Further, if you’re hiring a state-to-state mover for a long distance relocation, federal law requires the business to carry a USDOT number. If you’re moving locally, or at least within your state, the rules vary.
Most moving companies keep their USDOT number on their official website. It’s often in small print at the bottom of the home page or on a “contact” or “about us” page. If you can’t find it there, ask your estimator during the walkthrough.
You can also look up the USDOT number via the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website, SAFER. Here, you can search for records via company name or USDOT number (if you have it). This only takes a minute or so, and it’s completely free.
What Insurance Coverage Should Include
Interstate movers must follow federal regulation and offer Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. Local movers are subject to state law, but they typically provide similar packages.
With Full Value Protection, the mover is generally responsible for the replacement of lost or damaged items, subject to various terms and conditions of the plan. Released Value Protection costs nothing, but it provides less coverage—it’s limited to 60 cents per pound per item. So, for example, an antique sofa weighing 100 pounds would be worth $60 in coverage.
2. Read Reviews the Right Way
Here’s how to know if a moving company is reputable the fast way: Scan the ratings, and check the ratio of stars to reviews. While a moving company with 12 five-star reviews shows a brief positive history, a business with 300 reviews averaging 4.8 shows you more people have tried the service and loved it.
But that’s just the first step. Knowing how to find good moving company reviews means digging past the star ratings to the detailed, honest critiques. Read a mix of positive and negative reviews, paying attention to specific details about communication and damaged items. This gives you an idea of what’s a one-off issue and what’s a true red flag. A scuffed table is never ideal, but if the worst happens, you want to see that a company tackles problems with care and consideration.
3. Get Written Estimates and Compare Them Carefully
A moving quote tells you what price to expect, which items require special care, and whether the property has any access challenges (like narrow stairs or long parking lots). Most solid advice on how to select a moving company revolves around getting a written estimate from at least three reputable companies to see how these points stack up.
What are Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates?
A non-binding estimate provides an expected cost, but the final amount can change based on the actual weight of your shipment. A binding estimate sets a guaranteed price based on the services listed in the estimate. If you add items or services, a full service mover may need to prepare a new one.
What a Legitimate Estimate Should Include
Your estimate should clearly list the services you’re paying for, accessibility concerns, and add-ons like packing and unpacking and furniture assembly. If you spot anything vague or unclear, ask your movers for more information.
How to Compare Estimates Correctly
After you get a few estimates, it’s tempting to pick the cheapest one. But that’s not automatically a better deal. Compare what each quote actually covers: Look at the estimated weight, included services, and provided insurance. Cheap quotes could omit charges like item protection and fuel surcharges.
4. Confirm Who Will Show Up on Moving Day
Which company actually handles the work after you sign on the dotted line? Some movers subcontract to a third-party team, and these people may have different standards and insurance in place.
Ask whether you’re working with a moving company or moving broker. A moving company is responsible for transporting your items. A broker arranges transportation with a separate moving company. Brokers are legal, and many are legitimate, but you should know who’s handling your move before you book.
Next, ask whether the crew and truck belong to the moving company. A reputable company will give you a clear answer about who will provide the truck and crew. For instance, College HUNKS only provides uniformed crews and company trucks for a comfortable, unified experience.
If you already booked a mover, and you’re unsure about the carrier handling your belongings, pause. Check the carrier’s FMCSA registration, and ask for their information in writing so you know who’s responsible for transporting your belongings. It’s okay to find another company if you feel something’s off.
5. Look for Red Flags
A moving company can exhibit red flags without being a scam, but recognizing what to look for is part of knowing how to find a good moving company. If you spot any warning signs, don’t be afraid to walk away. Here are a few common ones:
- A large, upfront deposit is required: Be cautious if a mover demands cash or a large deposit beforehand. A small amount isn’t unheard of, but the FMCSA says deposits shouldn’t go too high. As a general rule, anything over 45% of your cost is a red flag.
- No physical address: Confirm your mover’s contact details. Without a physical location or official phone number, you have no concrete way to communicate and no tangible area to point to.
- No written estimate: Request an official written estimate. A company that refuses and only offers a verbal quote may end up dodging your requests and could tack on surcharges.
- An extremely low quote: Examine the estimate carefully. A price designed to undercut the competition by a wide margin isn’t always a bargain and could hide additional fees.
- No USDOT number: Verify the company’s USDOT number. For an interstate move, movers require this number; it’s not optional.
- Unmarked or rental trucks: An established moving company generally uses branded equipment. A plain rental truck could mean there’s no experienced crew backing the work.
6. Choose Your Moving Company With Confidence
Picking the right moving company doesn’t have to be complicated. Verify a few details like registration and carrier type, check reviews, and compare a handful of estimates. Going through this checklist doesn't take long, and it helps you get to know the team hauling your life to a new home.
If you’re looking for a company that ticks every box, reach out to College HUNKS. Our licensed, insured crews are ready to safely haul your belongings, whether it’s a full-service, cross-country move or a quick local job. Expect courteous service, detailed estimates, and uniformed teams.
Get a free, no-obligation quote today, and take the first step to a stress-free move.