How to Choose the Best Moving Company in 2024

At a certain point in everyone’s lives (usually after the first couple of moves for school) there’s always an important realization: “I hate packing. I hate loading stuff up. And I’m probably going to throw my back out getting this dresser in the rental van.”

You’ve done it before, and to be honest, once is enough. No more DIYing, no more Home Depot runs for more tape and cardboard, no more crying on the floor because you still have so. much. stuff. left over. This time around, you’re working with the pros.

Full service moving companies can deal with the packing and heavy lifting so you don’t have to. But there’s a million companies to choose from, and almost as many shady operators who’ll break your stuff - or worse, scam you out of your cash and never call back.

Before you book, it pays to do some research. Here’s what to look for when you’re shopping around for movers:

• Read the Reviews: It’s 2024. At this point in time, if you don’t know how to check Google reviews or Yelp, you probably deserve whoever you end up with. Look for online reviews, but don’t get your hopes up. Even the best movers struggle to break 3.9/5.

• Check Industry Credentials: To an outsider, it seems about as exciting as watching paint dry. But in the industry, these awards and associations mean major clout. Check the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) to see if your mover received any accolades.

• Verify Licensing: All movers need to have a Department of Transportation (DOT) number. Movers that operate across state lines also need a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) number, too. Check your mover’s website for the info, and call in if you can’t find it. You may catch them red-handed.

• Insurance Options: Movers are federally required to offer a basic level of insurance coverage. The downside? It’s good for a whopping $0.60 per pound of damaged or lost items. Break a 4-pound laptop? Enjoy your $2.40. If you want full value coverage, check and see if your mover offers it - or if they’re partnered with third party providers!

• Years in Business: Movers don’t last long if they’re doing a bad job. As in any industry, more years in the biz means more experience. But it’s also important to think about what kind of experience your movers bring to the table. Your needs may require a special skillset…

• Specialization: Speaking of special skillsets, look through their menu of services to see if your mover really knows their way around complicated moves and relocations. Will you need special packing or hauling? You don’t want it to be their first time moving a piano.

• Range of Services: Every move is different. Before you book, make sure you can get all the extras and add-ons you’ll need to make your move a success. Some people need storage, some people need car shipping, and some people just need extra hands to help out with the packing. It may be nice to see a huge menu of services, but are they the right services for the job?

• Customization: All those great services are useless if your mover makes you stick with a one-size-fits-all plan. Worse, it can be pretty expensive to pay for a bunch of services and extras you don’t even need. Make sure your movers offer à la carte moving options so you can actually pick and choose what services you receive.

• Get Binding Quotes: A binding estimate means your mover can’t change the price before, during, or after your move. It’s set in stone, and you’ll know how much you’ll owe right from the start. Don’t try to pull a fast one and add a surprise couch or something after you get the quote though - your mover will just change the contract.

• Learn the Fee Structure: You won’t just be paying for loading and hauling. There are other fees movers may tack on, including packing fees, storage fees, and even access fees for those moves that involve multiple elevators or flights of stairs.

• Responsiveness: You don’t want to be stuck on hold when you’re dealing with customer service, especially on moving day. Don’t be afraid to call them up before booking! This will give you a better idea of how quickly a mover handles incoming calls.

• Support Quality: It’s one thing to get in touch fast, but getting the help you need is a completely different ballgame. If you call in and the rep is pushing you into booking, that’s a red flag. But if they share a lot of industry insights, and ask you plenty of questions about what you’ll be moving and the services you’ll need, that’s a good sign.

You’ve DIY’d enough. Now, it’s time to let the pros handle it. If you’re wondering if it’s out of your price range (spoiler: it isn’t), or if it’ll take too long (spoiler: it won’t): Be sure to check out our other guides about professional movers - and take a look at some of our top picks while you’re at it!

Keep an eye out for movers you can trust, and you’ll have a stress-free relocation in no time. Best of luck with your big move, and don’t forget to check out our other guides for more tips and tricks!