How To Choose A Moving Company?

Choosing a moving company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when relocating. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, your choice can make or break your experience. A great mover will ease your stress and protect your belongings, while a bad one can cause costly delays, damage, and frustration. So, how to choose a moving company and spot red flags? Start by understanding your needs, asking the right questions, and doing your research. Learn tips for choosing a moving company, how to avoid scams, and what really matters when evaluating your options.

1. Know Your Moving Needs First

Before reaching out to any company, be clear on what kind of move you’re planning. Is it a local move within the city, a long-distance relocation across states, or a commercial transfer for your business? Maybe it’s a residential move with some unique demands. Do you need help packing? Do you require storage services or special handling for items like antiques or pianos?

Understanding your specific needs narrows down your options and helps you avoid wasting time with companies that don’t offer the right services. If you’re unsure, make a list of everything that needs to be moved, things you should not forget, and any special instructions. That way, choosing a moving company becomes a much more targeted process.

2. Ask the Right Questions Upfront

The best way to protect yourself and your belongings is to ask critical questions early. You want full transparency from any mover you’re considering. How do I choose a good moving company if I don’t know what to ask? Here are essential questions our team at Columbine Moving & Storage CO suggests asking:

• Are you licensed and insured?
• How do you calculate your estimates?
• Do you offer binding or non-binding quotes?
• What’s included in the price?
• How do you handle damaged or lost items?
• Can you provide references or recent customer reviews?

These questions are designed to highlight any red flags before you sign a contract. The more thorough the answers, the more confident you can feel in your decision.

3. Check Licensing, Insurance & Credentials

Never skip this step. For interstate moves, the company must have a USDOT number, which you can verify on the FMCSA database. This ensures they’re registered and meet federal requirements. Also, ask to see their general liability and cargo insurance. A reputable mover will provide these documents without hesitation.

Look for membership in organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or state-level moving associations. Being part of these groups often means a mover follows industry standards and ethical guidelines. Choosing a moving company without checking credentials is risky and unnecessary.

4. Compare Estimates – But Don’t Go With the Lowest

When learning how to choose a good moving company, many people jump at the lowest quote. That’s a mistake. Get at least three written estimates—and make sure they’re based on an in-person or virtual walkthrough of your belongings. Phone quotes are often inaccurate.

Be skeptical of companies that demand large upfront deposits or give you a price that seems too good to be true. Reliable movers will offer itemized pricing and be clear about what’s included. Transparency is key. Remember: “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten.”

5. Read Reviews and Get Referrals

Online reviews provide real insight into how a company operates. Don’t just read the star ratings—read the comments. Look on Google, Yelp, Facebook, and even the company’s blog. Check their BBB rating as well. Look for patterns in feedback. One bad review is okay, but multiple complaints about broken items or missed deadlines are a red flag. Also, ask people you trust. Friends, coworkers, and real estate agents can offer referrals based on personal experience. Be cautious of overly generic reviews or a sudden flood of glowing testimonials—they could be fake.

6. Watch for Red Flags

Some signs of a shady moving company are obvious—others, less so. When wondering how to choose a good moving company, look out for these warning signals:

1. No physical address
2. Cash-only or large upfront deposits
3. Unmarked trucks or last-minute changes
4. High-pressure sales tactics or vague answers
5. Incomplete or missing contracts

Why Does It All Matter So Much?

Because moving isn’t just a transaction—it’s a trust exercise. You’re handing over your most personal belongings. How do I choose a good moving company that I can trust with that responsibility? By doing your homework.

“If you think hiring a professional mover is expensive, try hiring an amateur.”

This quote holds especially true when movers cut corners or outsource labor to inexperienced crews. Cheap upfront often means expensive problems later.

What Should You See When Visiting or Researching a Moving Company?

If a visit is possible, it can reveal a lot. You want to see how and where your goods will be stored and whether the movers look professional. But even if you can’t visit in person, you can still get a sense of legitimacy. A company should have an actual warehouse facility, not just a box. Ask about their fleet—do they own branded moving trucks? If not, that’s a concern.

A Quick Summary On How to Choose a Moving Company

This is your ultimate list on how to select the right moving company:

1. Search online.  This will bring up several moving companies, and this is where it gets tricky.  Many moving companies have paid to have their name come up at the top of the search engine list, but they don’t have an actual office in the area.  You want your moving company to have an actual warehouse facility with moving trucks.
2. Check Better Business Bureau rating.
3. Do they have a moving license?  Have them show you that license.
4. Request a certificate of insurance.
5. Ask the company how their movers are hired and trained.  How long have they worked for the company?
6. Do they do a background check on their employees?
7. Do they have their movers drug tested?
8. Are they temporary or full-time movers?
9. Does the moving company offer additional valuation on a move?
10. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules require an on-site, written estimate if your residence is within fifty miles of the mover’s warehouse.  This will give you a more accurate estimate of your moving costs.  In addition, you get to meet the estimator from the moving company face-to-face.

Conclusion – A Little Research Goes a Long Way

Now that you know how to choose a moving company, don’t rush the decision or choose the cheapest quote just to save a few bucks upfront. The goal is to find local movers who value your time, your belongings, and your peace of mind. With careful planning and the right questions, choosing a moving company can be a smooth and empowering experience. So take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to walk away from a company that doesn’t feel right.