Moving Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You should book your movers 2 to 3 months in advance, especially if you’re moving long distance. This will give you plenty of time to pack (if you’re packing DIY) and tie up loose ends. You can also score better rates by booking early.

Moving can cost you anywhere between $650 to over $18,500, but if you’re dealing with a cross country relocation, expect a $3,500 minimum. Your exact price depends on how far you have to travel, and the size and weight of all your belongings.

Movers need to be registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT), and if they operate across state lines, they also have to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Look for DOT and FMCSA numbers to make sure they’re legit.

You can definitely pack your own boxes, but there are a few downsides: First, it’s a time-consuming and frustrating process. Second, you may not qualify for your mover’s full-value insurance plan if you’ve done your own packing.

It’s rare, but it happens. If any of your damages are lost or damaged, you’ll have to go through the claims process to get compensation. Movers are required by law to offer a basic level of insurance coverage, but it’s only good for $0.60 per pound. If you want to be reimbursed the full price of your goods, you’ll have to pay for full value coverage.

Local movers will charge per hour, per mover (and it usually takes two movers per room). Long distance movers charge per mile and per pound (although some use cubic feet, instead).

Most full-service movers can disassemble and reassemble basic furniture. But if a mover doesn’t list it on their website, you should call to double-check.

If you’re in a rush, you’ll have to book movers who offer last-minute moving. And if you want to avoid paying a premium, ask your movers if they had any recent cancellations.

GPS tracking is a helpful tool, but it’s not totally widespread yet. The silver lining? Movers will talk up their live tracking as a selling point. This makes it easy to figure out who has it, and who doesn’t.

Every moving company has their own prohibited list. Generally, they won’t transport anything that can damage their trucks. If you’ve got flammable, pressurized, perishable, or living (e.g. plants and pets) belongings, you’ll have to move them yourself.

If you’re packing DIY, don’t skimp on the packing supplies. You can score free boxes from local offices, bookstores, and liquor stores if you’re on a tight budget. You can also use clothes as extra padding for your fragile stuff.

On the other hand, you may want to shell out a few bucks for professional packing services. It may be a little more expensive, but having experienced movers taking care of the whole process really cuts down on stress.

If you’re worried your stuff will arrive before you get there, now’s the perfect time to invest in a storage unit. Lots of movers are either partnered with storage providers, or have their own storage facilities. Not only will the extra square footage help with your extra belongings, but it’ll also buy you some extra time.

Be on the lookout for specialty moving services if you’ve got pianos, pool tables, antiques, and pretty much anything else that’s big, heavy, awkward, and/or expensive. Premium moving is an add-on you’ll have to pay for, but when you see those movers show up with custom crates, winches, and even cranes, you’ll know why.