How to Choose a Moving Company (and Avoid Scams)
Your complete guide to hiring legitimate movers, spotting scam warning signs, and protecting your belongings during your move.
Choosing a moving company doesn't have to be stressful. Here's how to find a trustworthy mover and steer clear of moving scams that could cost you thousands—plus, we'll show you how LocalMovers.com takes the hassle out of the whole process.
1 Verify Their Moving Company License
First things first: make sure your mover is licensed. Unlicensed moving companies can be scammers or inexperienced operators.
Every legitimate interstate mover needs a USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This moving company license shows they're authorized to transport your belongings across state lines.
How to verify a moving company:
- Visit safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
- Enter the moving company name or USDOT number
- Confirm their status is "Authorized for Hire"
- Check that their moving insurance is active
This process takes just 90 seconds. If a moving company can't provide their USDOT number, it's best to look elsewhere—that's a red flag for potential moving scams.
2 Get Written Moving Estimates
Reputable moving companies will inspect your home before giving you a moving quote. Watch out for movers that quote prices over the phone without asking about your belongings.
Tips for getting moving estimates:
- Ask for binding moving estimates to lock in your price
- Ensure they detail services, dates, and total moving costs
- Confirm they calculate long-distance moving costs by weight, not volume
- Get everything signed by both parties
Example: Watch Out for Lowball Estimates
If three moving companies quote you for a move from Texas to Florida:
| Company | Quote | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Company A | $4,200 | ✓ Reasonable |
| Company B | $4,500 | ✓ Reasonable |
| Company C | $2,100 | ⚠ Warning Sign! |
That low moving quote from Company C could be a trap. Moving scams often start with lowball estimates to secure your business, then demand much more on moving day.
3 Spot Moving Scams
Moving fraud can happen to anyone, but being aware of red flags can help protect you.
Warning signs of moving company scams:
- Cash-only movers: Legitimate moving companies accept credit cards. Scam movers prefer cash to avoid disputes.
- No real address: Check the moving company address online. If it's a P.O. box or someone's home, it's likely a fake moving company.
- Generic phone answers: If they answer just "movers," hang up. A real moving company will answer with their name.
- Rental trucks: Professional movers use branded trucks. If a U-Haul shows up, reconsider.
- Blank paperwork: Never sign moving contracts with empty spaces; scammers will fill them in later.
4 Understand Your Moving Insurance Coverage
Standard moving insurance is minimal—only 60 cents per pound. So if your 40-pound laptop gets damaged, you'd only get $24 back.
For better moving protection:
- Buy full-value protection from the moving company
- Get third-party moving insurance for pricey items
- Take photos of everything before movers load
- Create a numbered inventory list and keep it safe
- Ask for written insurance details and verify with the provider
5 Research Moving Company Reviews Thoroughly
Every moving company will have some negative feedback. Focus on patterns rather than isolated incidents.
Where to check moving company reviews:
- Google Reviews (look for detailed moving experiences)
- Better Business Bureau (check complaint resolutions)
- FMCSA National Consumer Complaint Database
- LocalMovers.com and Trust Pilot (for diverse perspectives)
| Red Flags in Reviews | Good Signs |
|---|---|
|
|
6 Pay Smart and Document Everything
Your payment method matters when hiring movers. Using credit cards protects your rights—cash does not.
Protect yourself:
- Don't pay the full moving cost before delivery
- Use credit cards instead of cash or wire transfers
- Keep your moving estimate, contract, and bill of lading
- Save all communications with the mover
- Photograph any damaged items immediately
These documents are crucial if something goes wrong with your move.
What to Do If You Get Scammed by Movers
If you suspect you've been hit by moving fraud:
- Report it to local police
- Contact FMCSA at 1-888-368-7238
- File a report online at the National Consumer Complaint Database
- Reach out to your state consumer protection office
- Submit a complaint to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Dispute charges with your credit card company
Document everything while it's fresh in your mind. Evidence is key when dealing with moving scams.
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