Hiring a moving company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during a relocation. A move doesn’t just involve boxes and furniture. It affects your schedule, your stress level, and the safety of everything you own. While price often gets the most attention, a company’s reputation is what truly determines whether your moving day goes smoothly or turns into a headache. Knowing how to properly evaluate a moving company before hiring can save you time, money, and frustration.
Start With Their Online Presence
A reputable moving company should have a professional, easy-to-navigate website. Look for clear information about the services they offer, the areas they serve, and multiple ways to contact them. A company that is transparent online is usually more reliable offline as well.
Online reviews are just as important. Check Google, Yelp, and other trusted review platforms to see what past customers are saying. Pay attention to patterns rather than one-off complaints. A single bad review isn’t a deal breaker, but repeated issues involving damaged items, late arrivals, or surprise fees are major red flags. Consistent positive feedback about punctuality, communication, and care for belongings is a strong sign you’re dealing with a dependable mover.
Verify Licenses and Insurance
Licensing is non-negotiable. For in-state moves, the company should hold a valid state license. For interstate moves or large metropolitan relocations, such as NYC Moving, the company must have a USDOT number issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This confirms they are legally authorized to operate and meet federal safety standards.
Insurance is equally important. Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. This protects you if your belongings are damaged or if a worker is injured during the move. A reputable company will provide this documentation without hesitation. If a mover avoids these questions or gives vague answers, that’s a sign to walk away.
Evaluate Their Professionalism
How a moving company communicates with you says a lot about how they operate. Pay attention to how quickly they respond to calls or emails and how clearly they answer your questions. Are they patient and informative, or rushed and dismissive?
Experience also matters. Companies that have been in business for several years have likely handled a wide range of moves, from small apartments to large homes and complex buildings. This experience translates into better problem-solving, safer handling of items, and smoother coordination on moving day. An established company like Roadway Moving often earns its reputation by consistently delivering reliable service over time.
Request Detailed Quotes
Never hire the first moving company you speak with. Get quotes from at least three different providers so you can compare pricing and services. Make sure each quote includes the same scope of work, such as packing, loading, transportation, and unloading.
A trustworthy mover will usually ask detailed questions or conduct a virtual or in-person survey before providing a quote. This helps them accurately assess the size of your move and avoid unexpected costs later. Be cautious of companies that offer extremely low estimates without reviewing your inventory. These quotes often lead to surprise charges on moving day.
Look for Transparency in Pricing
Low prices can be tempting, but they often come with hidden fees. Ask for a clear breakdown of costs, including hourly rates, travel time, packing materials, and any additional charges. A reputable moving company will explain their pricing structure upfront and put everything in writing.
Avoid companies that pressure you to pay a large deposit before the move or demand cash payments only. Clear contracts, reasonable payment terms, and upfront pricing are signs of a company that values honesty and customer trust.
Check Their Track Record Beyond Reviews
In addition to reviews, see if the company has any unresolved complaints with consumer protection agencies or the Better Business Bureau. A clean record, or a history of resolving issues professionally, shows accountability. Movers that take responsibility for mistakes and work to fix them are far more reliable than those that ignore customer concerns.
Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust your gut. If something feels off during your interactions, it probably is. A good moving company should make you feel informed, respected, and confident in their ability to handle your move. Reputation isn’t built on marketing alone. It’s built on consistency, transparency, and how a company treats its customers from the first call to the final delivery.
Taking the time to evaluate a moving company’s reputation before hiring may require extra effort, but it’s an investment that pays off with a smoother, less stressful move.
FAQs
Because reputation reflects reliability, honesty, and care for your belongings, while a low price can hide poor service or extra fees.
Look across multiple platforms and focus on overall patterns rather than a single review to get a balanced picture.
They should have a valid state license for local moves and a USDOT number for interstate moves.
Insurance protects you if items are damaged or if a worker is injured during the move.
Often yes, because unrealistically low estimates frequently lead to surprise charges later.
Yes, a virtual or in-person survey helps ensure accurate pricing and avoids unexpected costs.
Small deposits are common, but large upfront payments or cash-only demands are red flags.
Prompt, clear, and patient communication usually signals an organized and trustworthy company.
Yes, experience often means better problem-solving, safer handling, and smoother moves.
Trust your instincts—discomfort during early interactions often points to issues later on.
