How to Choose a Moving Company: 10 Steps to Avoid Scams
Learning how to choose a moving company starts with knowing what separates reputable movers from companies that may leave you with damaged belongings, unexpected fees, or a stressful moving day. Moving is something most people experience several times throughout their lives, but that doesn’t mean it gets much easier or less stressful with practice. The key is hiring a moving company you can trust to take the pressure off your shoulders and make sure your belongings get there safely.
As Wellington Realtors, we regularly help buyers and sellers navigate the moving process. Finding the right home is usually the biggest part of a move, but choosing the wrong moving company can quickly turn an exciting transition into a stressful one.
Figuring out how to choose a moving company can take a lot of research, and even after all that work, it’s hard to feel certain you found the right one. Below, we walk through everything from finding a company in the first place to spotting red flags before you sign anything.
Moving Company Hiring Checklist
Before hiring a moving company, make sure you:
- Verify Licensing and Insurance
- Check Recent Customer Reviews
- Get at Least Three Written Estimates
- Confirm Whether You’re Working With a Mover or a Broker
- Get All Services and Fees in Writing
- Avoid Large Upfront Deposits
1. Hire Local
We may live in a digital age, but an online presence doesn’t make a business reputable, and online scams are more common than ever. Protect yourself and your belongings by hiring a local moving company(opens in new tab) for your move. Companies with established local addresses are often easier to verify, tied to the community, and may be able to provide references from current or future neighbors. When you hire a local team, you also tend to get better customer service, movers who care about their reputation, and people who actually know the area.
If you’re moving to or from Wellington, hiring a mover familiar with the area can be especially helpful. Local movers understand community access rules, gated neighborhood requirements, HOA restrictions, and what to expect during South Florida’s busiest moving season.
2. Find Movers Who Are Experts in Your Needs
Not every move looks the same. Some people are moving from one studio apartment to the next in the same city. Others are shipping a grand piano across state lines or overseas. So think about what your specific move actually requires.
Many moving companies list their specialties directly. If you need something specific, make sure the company actually offers it, if it’s not advertised, it’s probably not their focus, though it never hurts to ask. Interstate moves may require different licensing and credentials under federal regulations, so see our long-distance moving guide for more on that.
For international moves, make sure you’re working with a company that specializes in overseas relocations specifically, our guide to finding an international moving company covers what to look for there. Also think about the level of service you want, a truck and an extra pair of hands is a very different job than full-service packing, so find a company whose services actually match what you need.
3. Ask for Licenses and Insurance
Hiring a disreputable moving company can turn your move into a financial and emotional mess, and moving company complaints are common enough that the Better Business Bureau tracks them every year. A great way to avoid scams is to ask for proof of licensing and credentials before you hire. Requirements vary depending on where you live and whether you’re moving locally, interstate, or internationally. Your local transportation office can tell you exactly which licenses to ask for. Asking upfront is one of the simplest ways to weed out bad actors before they ever touch your belongings.
Licensing is only part of the equation, also ask what type of insurance coverage the company carries and what’s actually protected. Standard mover liability coverage often doesn’t fully replace valuable items, so it’s worth understanding your options and any additional coverage available before moving day.
It’s also worth knowing whether you’re hiring a mover or a broker. A moving company performs the move itself, while a broker sells the job and hands it off to a separate crew, sometimes one you never get to vet directly. Ask directly which one you’re dealing with before you sign anything.
4. Ask for a Quote
Getting a quote is one of the best ways to get a feel for a moving company before you commit. If a quote seems far too low, something’s off, either the service will be inadequate or the company plans to raise the price later. A quote that’s far too high is also worth questioning. Quotes should always be free. If a company charges for one, that tells you something important before you’ve even hired them.
5. Look at Reviews
If you want to know how a moving company will treat you, look at how they’ve treated other customers.
Hundreds of positive reviews with a few outliers is usually a good sign. A visible pattern of bad experiences is not. If you can’t find any reviews at all, that’s worth noticing too, though for very local companies, asking for references directly from past customers can work even better than online reviews.
6. Look for Experienced Companies
It’s become easy to search a company’s name alongside “scam” and see what turns up, so some illegitimate businesses simply change their name to appear reputable and dodge that search history. Don’t fall for it, look at how long a company has actually been in business. A company that looks brand new may just be an old one with a fresh name. This is another place hiring locally and asking for real references pays off.
7. Insist on a Thorough Walk-Through
An accurate quote depends on an accurate walk-through. Most reputable moving companies will do an in-person or virtual walk-through before quoting you, and if they skip asking about large appliances or don’t bother looking in the laundry room, that’s a bad sign. Pricing often shifts based on exactly what’s being moved, so if a company doesn’t know what you have, the price you’re quoted may not match the price you’re charged on moving day. A guaranteed estimate written into the contract protects you from that gap.
8. Avoid Large Deposits
While legally permitted, it’s genuinely rare for reputable moving companies to require large deposits, and demanding one upfront is a common moving scam. Some companies may request a modest deposit, but be cautious of any mover asking for a substantial payment before providing services, especially if it’s paired with other warning signs.
9. Get Everything in Writing
Once you agree on a price, a legitimate moving company shouldn’t overcharge you after the fact. But without a written record of the agreed price and services, you have little to point to if something goes wrong.
Get everything in writing before you pay anything or sign with a company, every service you expect, and the agreed-upon price, should be spelled out. This protects you and the company both. Any company that skips a written contract, or asks you to sign a blank one, is a red flag on its own.
10. Don’t Ignore Red Flags
These nine steps cover most of what you need to watch for, but they don’t account for gut instinct. You’re trusting strangers with everything you own, and that trust matters. If something feels off after talking with a company, even if you can’t quite explain why, it’s fine to walk away. With hundreds of moving companies out there, you can find one you actually trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a moving company’s license?
For interstate moves, check the company’s USDOT number through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website. For local moves, your state’s transportation or consumer protection office can confirm licensing requirements and status.
What’s a reasonable deposit for a moving company to ask for?
A modest deposit isn’t necessarily a red flag, but be cautious of movers requesting a substantial upfront payment, especially in cash. Deposit norms can vary by state and by whether you’re moving locally or interstate.
How can I spot a moving scam before I hire?
Watch for quotes given without an in-person or virtual walk-through, requests for large upfront deposits, no written contract, a company name that’s hard to find any history on, and reviews that seem too good, or too bad, to be consistent.
Should I get multiple quotes before hiring a mover?
Yes, at least three. Comparing quotes helps you spot outliers on either end, unusually low or unusually high, and gives you leverage to ask questions about what’s included in each one.
What’s the difference between a moving company and a moving broker?
A moving company performs the move itself. A broker sells the job and hands it off to a separate moving crew, sometimes one you never get to vet directly. Ask directly whether you’re hiring a broker or the company that will actually show up on moving day.
How far in advance should I book a moving company?
Ideally 4 to 8 weeks before your move, earlier if you’re moving during a busy season like summer. Popular dates and companies book up quickly.
How do I know if a moving company is legitimate?
A legitimate moving company should have verifiable licensing, clear insurance information, a physical address, consistent customer reviews, and a written estimate and contract before your move begins.
Final Thoughts
It can be overwhelming trying to find the right fit. When you should be excited about a big life event, don’t settle for the first option and let a bad company ruin your move. With these tips, you’ll know how to choose a moving company that fits your needs, take the time to compare quotes, services, and reviews until you feel confident in who you’re hiring.
Once your mover is booked, our complete moving checklist can help you stay on track for everything else. If you need supplies before moving day, our guide on where to find free moving boxes can help you save money. If your move is tied to selling your current home, our guide to preparing your home for sale is worth a look, and if you’re relocating to the area, our Wellington relocation guide covers what to expect. Best of luck with your move.
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About the Author
Wellington Realtor Michelle Gibson wrote this guide to help her clients avoid the moving scams and headaches that come from hiring the wrong company.
Michelle has been specializing in residential real estate since 2001 throughout Wellington Florida and the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent she will guide you through the entire real estate transaction. If you’re ready to put Michelle’s knowledge and expertise to work for you, call or e-mail her today.
Areas of service include Wellington, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Greenacres, and more.
