Moving to a new home is an exciting journey, but it can also be overwhelming. From packing your belongings to coordinating logistics, the process requires careful planning. Whether you're moving across the street or across the city, finding the right mover for you is essential to reduce stress and ensure your possessions arrive safely.
To assist you, we've created a handy spreadsheet to help compare moving company quotes and reputations in a balanced way. Download it, then collect your mover data as we go. Explanations for each part are in the "Shopping Spreadsheet" boxes.
There are 3 types of moving company, each at a different price point. For most moves, a small independant company will be the best value choice. For a more detailed analysis, please see the table below.
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Once you have chosen the best type of moving company for your move, start gathering mover recommendations of that type. Ask friends, family, and coworkers for personal referrals, as their experiences can lead you to reliable options. Consult real estate agents, who often have connections with reputable movers, and explore local forums or social media groups within community groups to find additional suggestions and insights. Additionally, search for moving companies on Google and in trusted directories like the Better Business Bureau.
Company contact info:
Record each moving company's Name, Phone Number, and Website Address
Real images on website:
Check if the company's website features real images (not just stock photos). There are many websites out there that are not from real companies with trucks and movers. They just want to collect your information.
Address on their website:
Many fly by night companies will not have an address anywhere on their website.
Insurance:
Confirm that each moving company has liability and cargo insurance, as well as having their movers coverec by Workers Compensation
BBB membership:
Any trustworthy company will be a Better Business Bureau Member
Read and Compare Reviews in Detail
Carefully read reviews on reputable platforms like Google, Facebook, the BBB, Trustpilot, and Bookamove. These sources offer authentic customer experiences to help evaluate each mover’s reliability and quality. Avoid paid review sites such as Homestars or Yelp, where review visibility may be influenced by memberships. Analyze review patterns by looking for consistent feedback and focusing on recent reviews from the past six months to a year. Prioritize detailed and specific reviews from credible users, and be cautious of extreme positive and negative reviews that lack details.
Overall reviews:
Note the general sentiment and any patterns you observe. Pick a star rating that represents the general consensus of all the reviews you have read.
Recent reviews:
Do the same but only for reviews in the last 6 months to a year. This helps identify any recent changes to a moving company.
Try to make a shortlist of your 3-5 best moving companies.
Before reaching out to movers, it's important to be clear about what type of move you have and if there are any details that will affect your quotes.
You will need to share the details of your move with every company that you want to get a quote from so it will save you time and help you stay organized if you record your move details now. For a rough inventory, just record a list of the large items you have. For example: 23 boxes, dining room table + 6 chairs, queen bed frame/box spring/mattress, 2 dressers, etc.
Move size:
Are you moving a studio apartment, 2 bedroom townhouse, or a 5 bedroom house?
Specialty items:
Do you have fragile, valuable, or bulky items that require special handling?
Moving dates:
Are your dates flexible, or do you have a strict timeline?
Additional services:
Will you need packing, unpacking, or storage services?
Once you've shortlisted moving companies, it’s time to gather and evaluate detailed quotes. Start by reaching out and requesting written estimates, ideally via email, so you have a clear record of the rates and any additional charges. Be thorough when providing information—share a complete inventory list of the items you plan to move, including furniture, appliances, and the number of boxes. If you have items requiring special handling, like antiques or pianos, mention these upfront to ensure the quote reflects any additional care or services needed.
When reviewing quotes, focus on understanding what’s included. Does the price cover packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking? Are packing materials like boxes and tape provided, or will they cost extra? If you need services like furniture disassembly and reassembly, appliance servicing, or temporary storage, verify whether these are part of the quote or come with added fees.
Transparency is key. A good estimate should itemize all charges clearly, from labor to materials. Be sure to ask about any potential extra fees that might not be immediately apparent, such as stair fees, long carry charges, or fuel surcharges. Watch out for estimates that seem unusually low—they could be a red flag for hidden costs or unreliable service. Take the time to confirm every detail to ensure the company understands your move’s full scope and that there won’t be surprises on moving day.
Crew size:
The number of movers included in the quote.
Truck size:
The size of the truck they will use.
Est. work time (Hours):
The estimated time they expect the move to take. This should be similar for most companies if all quotes are for the same Crew Size
Travel time (Hours):
Any additional time charged for travel to and from your locations.
Truck fee ($):
Any flat fee associated with the use of the truck.
Min time (hours):
The minimum number of hours they will charge.
Heavy item charge ($):
Any extra charges for heavy or bulky items.
Packing supplies ($):
Costs for packing materials if provided.
Fuel cost ($):
Any fuel surcharges. If the mover gives a rate of dollars or cents per km, multiply the rate by the distance you will travel and enter the product here. Flat rate charges are just entered directly.
Any extra charges:
Note any additional fees not covered above. If there is an extra charge that the mover charges as extra time, add the time to the travel time field.
Estimated quote totals:
Don't enter anything here, it is automatically calculated for you. This is the best estimate of the total cost of your move for each quote.
First Impressions Matter
Your first interactions with a moving company can provide valuable insight into their reliability and professionalism. Pay attention to their responsiveness—timely replies to your inquiries are often a sign of a dependable and organized company. Additionally, assess their professionalism. Courteous and knowledgeable staff not only make communication smoother but also indicate that the company prioritizes customer service and values your business.
Customer support availability is another critical factor to consider. Having a dedicated contact person or team can streamline communication throughout the moving process, ensuring your questions and concerns are addressed promptly. Make sure the company is accessible via multiple channels, such as phone, email, or chat, and confirm whether they offer support during evenings and weekends. This flexibility can be especially helpful if you’re managing a tight schedule or unexpected changes.
Your interaction rating
Give a star rating of customer service and professionalism based on your experiences during the quote process.
Now that you've gathered all the information in one place, you are ready to make an informed decision.
First off, are there any moving companies with red flags that you can disqualify right now to help make the decision simpler?
No physical address:
Legitimate companies should have a physical office and a professional website.
Frequent name changes:
May indicate attempts to escape negative reviews or legal issues.
Large upfront deposits:
Standard practice is payment upon delivery, not before.
No written estimates:
Always insist on a written estimate to prevent misunderstandings.
Poor communication:
Difficulty reaching the company, unprofessional interactions.
Pressure tactics:
Pushing for immediate decisions, discouraging thorough contract reading.
Making your final choice of moving company involves balancing cost, reputation, and your personal comfort with the service. While it’s tempting to go with the lowest price, remember that value is just as important. A slightly higher cost might come with better service quality, more reliable support, or additional inclusions that save you hassle on moving day. Weigh your personal impression of the moving company and their reputation from customer reviews against their price. Pay attention to how the company handles feedback, particularly negative reviews, as this can be a telling sign of their commitment to customer satisfaction. Trust your instincts; if something feels off during your interactions, it might be worth considering another option.
Experience and specialization should also weigh into your decision. Companies with a proven track record and years of experience often have systems in place to handle moves efficiently and professionally. Confirm that they have expertise in your specific type of move, whether it involves navigating tight city streets, long-distance logistics, or handling delicate items like antiques or appliances. Don’t hesitate to ask about staff training and the quality of their equipment—well-trained movers with the right tools can make a significant difference in the safety and efficiency of your move. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can book a company that aligns with your priorities and ensures a smooth, stress-free moving experience.
