Most people hire a moving company only a handful of times in their lives, so it’s no surprise they arrive with questions. What should a move cost? How do you know a mover is legitimate? Will they take the plants? Should you tip, and how much?
Here are straight answers to the questions people ask most when hiring movers, from a company that answers them every day.
What are the red flags when hiring movers?
The biggest red flags are a low price quoted without anyone seeing your belongings, no written estimate, a demand for cash or a large deposit up front, and a company that can’t give you a USDOT number for an interstate move.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Protect Your Move brochure describes how rogue movers typically work: they quote a low price by phone or online, then raise it once your belongings are on the truck. Other warning signs include:
- Being asked to sign blank or incomplete paperwork
- A website with no physical address or proof of licensing and insurance
- A crew that shows up in a rental truck instead of a company vehicle
- A company that pressures you to book on the spot
For moves across state lines, look up the company’s USDOT number in FMCSA’s database before you sign anything. The agency stepped up enforcement in 2023 after a rise in complaints about movers holding belongings hostage for extra money.
Tip: A legitimate mover will want to see what you’re moving, either in person or by video, before giving you a price. If a company is happy to quote a whole house from a two-minute phone call, keep looking.
How much do movers cost?
It depends mostly on distance. Local moves are usually priced by the hour, based on the size of the crew and how long the job takes. Long-distance moves are usually priced by the weight of your shipment, how far it’s going, and any extra services, like packing or storage.
That’s why two quotes for “a three-bedroom house” can look very different. A home with a basement full of tools weighs far more than one with mostly clothes and books. Stairs, long walks from the truck to the door, and time of year can all affect the price, too. Summer is the busiest season for movers, so dates fill up faster.
Ask whether your estimate is binding or non-binding. A binding estimate locks in the price for the items and services listed, while a non-binding estimate can change based on the final weight and services. The FMCSA’s moving glossary explains both.
What’s the cheapest way to move?
Renting a truck and moving yourself usually costs the least up front. But you supply the labor, the packing materials, the fuel, and the time off work, and you carry the risk if something breaks or someone gets hurt.
If full service isn’t in the budget, there’s middle ground. Some families pack themselves, hiring movers only for loading, driving, and unloading. Others hire packers for the kitchen and fragile items and handle the rest. Comparing your options on the same inventory gives you the clearest picture of what you’re really paying for. For a longer move, our long-distance moving checklist can help you plan.
Tip: Schedule your move for midweek or midmonth if you can. Weekends and the first and last days of the month are the most requested dates.
What will movers not move?
Movers generally won’t move anything flammable, explosive, or corrosive, along with perishable food, live plants on long-distance moves, and pets. They’ll also recommend you carry your most important valuables yourself.
Hazardous items are the main restriction, because they can start fires or leak inside a closed truck. Common examples include gasoline and propane tanks, paint and paint thinner, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, fireworks, and ammunition. Plan to use these up, give them away, or dispose of them safely before move day.
Some things are allowed but better kept with you, including:
- Jewelry, cash, and other small valuables
- Passports, birth certificates, and financial records
- Prescription medications
- Laptops and hard drives with important files
Every company has its own list, and rules for items like plants and firearms can also vary by state. Ask your mover for their full list early, so nothing gets left behind at the last minute.
Tip: Pack a separate “first-night” box or bag with medications, chargers, documents, and a change of clothes. Keep it in your car so it’s never on the truck.
Should you tip movers?
Tipping is optional, but it’s a common way to thank a crew for good work. Most people base it on how long the move took, how hard it was, and how carefully the crew handled their home.
A long day with heavy furniture and several flights of stairs usually earns more than a short local move. It’s best to tip each crew member individually, in cash, at the end of the day. Cold water, snacks, or lunch on a long move are appreciated too, whether or not you tip.
How do you find a reputable moving company?
Look for a mover that’s properly licensed and insured, offers an in-home or video survey, puts everything in writing, and has a solid track record of recent reviews.
Get estimates from a few companies, and give each one the same list of what’s moving and what services you want, so the quotes are easy to compare. Ask how they protect your belongings, both physically and financially, including what valuation coverage is included and what upgraded protection would cost. And pay attention to how they communicate. A company that answers your questions clearly before the move is more likely to keep you informed during it.
Tip: Read the most recent reviews, not just the star rating. How a company handled a problem tells you more than a dozen five-star reviews.
Summary
Hiring a moving company goes best when you know what to look for. Watch for low phone quotes, cash-only deposits, and missing paperwork. Expect local moves to be priced by the hour and long-distance moves by weight and distance. Keep hazardous items and valuables off the truck, and tip based on the work the crew did. Most of all, choose a mover that puts everything in writing and answers your questions before you sign.