Top 7 Tips for Choosing the Right Movers for Your Next Move

Moving marks an exciting new chapter in life. We understand the anticipation that comes with settling into a fresh environment, but we also recognize the intricacies involved in safely transporting your belongings. 

Below, we share seven comprehensive tips for choosing the right movers, along with insights into how to pick a moving company and what life can be like in a new place. 

We also highlight why you should hire a moving company when relocating. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions and ease the burden of your upcoming move.

Research Reputable Companies Early

One of the most essential tips for choosing the right movers is to begin your search early. This helps you avoid last-minute scrambles that limit your options. Researching ahead of time allows you to compare services, read reviews, and gather price estimates.

We recommend making a shortlist of trusted movers by reading testimonials on reputable review platforms. Look for signs of consistent customer satisfaction, transparent pricing, and prompt communication. 

If you are curious how to find a moving company that meets specific criteria, prioritize those with a history of secure handling of items and a proven track record of reliability.

• Read Multiple Reviews: Glowing reviews on a single website are good, but cross-check on various platforms to confirm authenticity.
• Ask for Recommendations: Neighbors, friends, or community groups can share tips for hiring a moving company they have used in the past.

When you conduct thorough research, you set the foundation for a smooth moving process and maintain peace of mind.

Verify Licenses and Insurance

Before you commit to a mover, verify proper licenses and insurance coverage. 

Making this step a priority ensures you are protected in the rare event that something goes wrong during the move. In our experience, many homeowners overlook this detail and later face complications when trying to file claims for damaged items.

• Check Licensing: Interstate movers in the United States must hold a valid USDOT number, which is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. If you are unsure how to choose a mover, look for signs that the company follows legal guidelines.
• Insurance Coverage: Reputable movers offer various options, from basic liability to full-value protection plans. Evaluate your budget and the value of your belongings to pick the best coverage.
• Local Regulations: Some states or municipalities have unique guidelines for moving companies. Confirm compliance if you are relocating within the same state or to a new region.

These verifications are integral tips for choosing right movers because they protect you from liability and ensure you are partnering with professionals who prioritize your belongings’ safety.

Request Multiple In-Home or Virtual Estimates

Comparing estimates is crucial when you are figuring out how to pick a moving company. It is best practice to request several quotes, ideally from three to five movers. In-home or virtual inspections allow movers to gauge the volume and weight of your items, enabling them to provide a precise cost.

• Detailed Inventory: High-quality moving companies will typically conduct a thorough walkthrough—either physically or virtually. They will ask about attics, basements, and storage units.
• Ask for Binding or Not-to-Exceed Quotes: Written, binding estimates protect you from unexpected cost fluctuations. Some movers also offer “not-to-exceed” or “price cap” guarantees, which keep your final bill from escalating above the estimate.

Obtaining multiple quotes gives you stronger bargaining power and deeper insight into market rates. This allows you to make cost-effective decisions without sacrificing quality.

Clarify Services Offered

Professional movers provide different tiers of service. Some handle the entire packing process, including disassembly and assembly of furniture, while others only handle the loading, transportation, and unloading.

• Packing Services: If you are crunched for time or want specialized care for delicate items, consider a package that includes packing.
• Special Handling: Large, unwieldy pieces like pianos, pool tables, or valuable art may require special equipment or additional fees.
• Storage Solutions: In certain cases, you might need to store your belongings before moving them to your new place. Inquire about temporary or long-term storage options.

Having a clear overview of what is included in a company’s basic plan and any potential add-ons are valuable tips for choosing the right movers. This knowledge helps you select a package that meets your needs and reduces confusion on moving day.

Evaluate Experience and Equipment

A moving company’s expertise and the equipment they use can have a significant impact on your move’s safety and efficiency. Focus on companies that have seasoned teams capable of handling diverse items.

• Trucks and Packing Materials: Companies with well-maintained vehicles and sufficient packing supplies typically reflect higher organizational standards.
• Trained Staff: Employees who understand how to find a moving company that’s fully trained can better protect fragile items and expedite the loading/unloading process.
• Years in Business: Although not the only measure, a long-standing mover with a solid reputation often indicates consistent service quality.

Gathering information about experience and resources ties into the broader picture of tips for choosing right movers, ensuring your move is handled by professionals who can adapt to challenges along the way.

Assess Customer Service and Communication

Clear and responsive communication is a hallmark of trustworthy moving services. Delays, unexpected fees, or logistical hiccups can be minimized if your mover is easily reachable.

• Responsiveness: Timely replies to your calls, emails, or messages signal strong customer support.
• Clear Explanations: When finalizing details, the mover should provide straightforward answers about scheduling, costs, and policies.
• Professionalism: Courteous interaction, punctual arrival for inspections, and respectful handling of items are key indicators of good service.

This dimension of tips for choosing the right movers might seem more subjective, but a company’s customer service track record often indicates the quality of your upcoming moving experience.

Understand Contract Terms and Finalize Your Decision

Contracts for moving services can be dense and full of legal terms. We recommend reading each clause meticulously, verifying everything from pickup/delivery dates to responsibilities in case of damages.

• Review the Fine Print: Make sure any verbal promises are noted in the contract.
• Outline Liability: Know what happens if an item is lost or damaged, and confirm the dispute resolution process.
• Document Inventory: If you choose a full-value protection plan, verify the agreed value of your items.

The contract is your legal safeguard. Keep a copy readily accessible until the move is fully completed. When you move forward with signing, you can feel confident you have followed proven tips for choosing the right movers and secured the best partner for your relocation.

Read more: Coordinate a move and home renovation

Why You Should Hire a Moving Company to Relocate

Relocating can transform your life for the better, especially when you can immerse yourself in a community that matches your lifestyle aspirations. 

Executing a seamless move is less daunting when you have prepared thoroughly and followed these top 7 tips for choosing the right movers. 

Research reputable companies, request multiple quotes, and verify licenses to ensure you get service from trustworthy professionals. Remember the importance of clarifying services, understanding contract terms, and paying attention to good communication.

These tips for choosing the right movers give you confidence and direction as you navigate everything from scheduling to final payments. 

Whether you are looking at how to find a moving company in a bustling metropolis or a quiet coastal town, diligent preparation safeguards your belongings and saves you stress.

Read more: Employee relocation packages add value to property investments

Written by Billy Guteng. February 7, 2025

Billy is a content writer for Kukun. He was born in France, and has lived in multiple cities around the world ever since. He loves art, design and architecture as well as construction and real estate.