How to Choose a Legit Moving Company

If you are about to move, you are probably handling a hundred things at once. Boxes, deadlines, paperwork, family, work. In that mental noise, it is easy to pick the first moving company that looks “good enough” and hope for the best. That hope is exactly what scammers count on.

The moving industry attracts bad actors because stress makes people rush. The Better Business Bureau has reported an average of around 13,000 complaints and negative reviews about movers each year.

In the previous year alone, BBB says people made 100,000+ inquiries about movers, and scam reports to BBB Scam Tracker showed a median loss of $754. That is not just money. That is a ruined moving week, and a lingering feeling that you got played.

If you are worried about moving company scams, you are not being paranoid. You are being practical. Let’s discuss how to choose a legit moving company without guessing, and how to spot the signs of scammers.

Understand Your Move Requirements Before You Contact Movers

Before you start calling movers or filling out quote forms, pause for a moment. Most moving problems do not start with the company. They start when the customer is unsure about their own move. That confusion is what leads people straight into moving company scams, even when that was never their intention.

So, first you need to understand your move requirements before you contact movers:

Know what kind of move you are actually making

This sounds obvious, but many people overlook it. A local move and a long-distance move are priced, regulated, and handled very differently.

Before contacting anyone, be clear about:

• Whether your move is local, interstate, or cross-country
• The distance between pickup and delivery
• If storage is needed at any point

If you are unsure, a mover can easily “fill in the gaps” for you, and not always in your favor. If you know this part, it will help you verify a moving company later.

Take inventory of what you are moving

Movers' price is based on volume, weight, and complexity. Saying "a two-bedroom apartment" is not enough. You should have a realistic idea of:

• Large furniture pieces
• Fragile or high-value items
• Appliances, gym equipment, or specialty items

A common trick used in moving scams is giving a low estimate based on limited information, then increasing the price once everything is loaded.

As one mover once told a frustrated customer, “We can only quote what you tell us.” That statement cuts both ways.

Decide what services you actually need

Not everyone needs full-service moving. Some people just need transportation. Others want packing, disassembly, and unpacking. Before reaching out, decide:

• Will you pack yourself, or need packing help?
• Do you need furniture taken apart and reassembled?
• Are there stairs, elevators, or long carries involved?

Finalize your moving timeline

Flexibility can save money, but uncertainty can create problems. You should know:

• Your ideal moving date
• Whether you can be flexible if needed
• Any hard deadlines for delivery

When someone is desperate for a last-minute move, they are more likely to skip verification steps while searching for trustworthy movers near me.

What a Legit Moving Company Should Provide

Once you understand your own move, the next step is knowing what to expect from the other side of the conversation. A legit moving company does not make you chase information. They offer it upfront without hesitation.

Here are the things you should expect, and yes, you are fully within your rights to ask for every one of them.

Clear and verifiable business details

A legitimate mover is not hiding behind vague names or temporary phone numbers. They should openly provide:

• A registered business name that matches their paperwork
• A physical address, not just a website
• A working phone number that is answered professionally

If a company avoids sharing this or gives inconsistent details, you are likely not dealing with one of the licensed moving companies.

A written estimate, not just a verbal promise

Reliable moving companies provide written estimates that explain how pricing works. This can include binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed estimates, but the key point is transparency.

If a mover says, “Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out on moving day,” that is your cue to slow down.

Clear explanation of services and fees

Legitimate movers are specific. They tell you what is included and what costs extra. This should cover:

• Packing and unpacking services
• Stair, elevator, and long-carry fees
• Fuel charges and travel time

Proper paperwork and contracts

Before anything is loaded onto a truck, you should be given proper documents. This includes a contract or bill of lading that outlines services, pricing, and responsibilities. A mover who rushes you to sign without explaining the paperwork is not respecting your role in the process.

Straight answers when you ask questions

Finally, pay attention to how a company responds when you ask direct questions. A legit moving company does not get defensive or dismissive. They answer calmly and explain their process.

How to Choose a Legit Moving Company (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps below to choose a legit moving company for your move:

Step 1: Start with a short list

When people get scammed, it is usually because they pick one company, get a quote, and commit. Instead, start by building a list of 3 to 5 options.

A quick rule: If the company name looks like it could be anyone (“Best Moving,” “Fast Movers,” “Top Relocation”), you do not reject them for that, but you do double-check everything more carefully. Scammers love generic names because they can disappear and reappear easily.

Step 2: Confirm whether your move is interstate or in-state

This step decides what “legit” even means for your situation.

• Interstate move (across state lines): The mover must be registered with the federal government and have a USDOT number through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
• In-state move (within one state): rules are usually handled by your state’s transportation or consumer protection agency. Requirements vary, so you check at the state level.

If a company tries to act “federal-licensed” for a local-only move, or refuses to talk clearly about licensing, it is a warning sign.

Step 3: Verify the mover in the official FMCSA database

This is one of the highest-signal steps you can do.

For interstate movers, use FMCSA’s Search for a Registered Mover tool (Protect Your Move). It lets you confirm registration status, business type (carrier vs broker), and complaint information.

You can also cross-check in the FMCSA HHG search and the SAFER Company Snapshot tools.

What you are looking for:

• The company is actually listed (not “we are in the system, but it is down today”)
• Registration looks active and matches the company's name, address, and phone number.
• The business type is what they claim it is (carrier vs broker)

Step 4: Learn the difference between a mover and a broker before you book

Some companies advertising online are brokers. Brokers book the move, then hand it to a carrier you have never researched.

That does not mean every broker is a scam, but it does change your risk. If you are speaking to a broker, you want to know:

• Who the actual carrier will be
• Whether you can verify the carrier’s credentials before moving day
• Who is responsible if items are damaged or missing

Step 5: Require a real written estimate, not a “rate quote”

A professional mover prepares a written estimate for your shipment, and you are entitled to a copy. FMCSA is explicit that a “rate quote” is not the same thing as an estimate.

Before you commit, get a written estimate that includes:

• Transportation charges
• Accessorial charges (stairs, long carry, packing, storage handling)
• Any advance charges

If the company pushes hard for a quick deposit but will not provide a clear written estimate, that is one of the biggest signs of a moving scam.

Step 6: Understand estimate types so you cannot be cornered later

You do not need to memorize legal terms. You just need to know what you are agreeing to.

• Binding estimate: the price is essentially locked for the listed services.
• Non-binding estimate: the final cost can change, but there are consumer protections.

One major protection is the “110% rule.” Under a non-binding estimate, the mover cannot require you to pay more than 110% of the estimate at delivery.

That rule matters because some scam scenarios rely on pressure at the end: “Pay this extra amount right now or we do not unload.”

Step 7: Check reviews with the right mindset

Reviews are useful, but only if you read them like a detective.

Do this:

• Look for repeated patterns in complaints (price jumps, missed delivery windows, rude crews, broken items)
• Compare reviews across multiple platforms, not just one
• Check if the company’s name and location are consistent everywhere

Be especially cautious if you see a huge number of reviews posted in a short time, or if the language sounds copied. That is often manufactured trust.

Step 8: Ask direct questions and listen for direct answers

This is where you learn whether you are dealing with professionals or performers.

Ask:

• “Are you the carrier, or are you brokering this move out?”
• “Can you send me your USDOT number and the exact legal business name you operate under?”
• “What would cause the price to change from this estimate?”
• “What paperwork will I receive before loading?”

A good mover answers calmly. A bad one tries to rush you with “limited slots” and “today-only pricing.”

Step 9: Confirm the paperwork you will receive before anything gets loaded

You want a mover who treats documentation like standard procedure, not like an inconvenience.

At minimum, you should expect paperwork that clearly states:

• Services being provided
• The estimate type and signed agreement
• Shipment identification details
• Payment terms

FMCSA’s consumer materials (“Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”) lay out what movers must provide and the protections you have.

Step 10: Use payment behavior as a final test

This part is simple. Honest businesses behave like honest businesses.

Be cautious if they:

• Demand a large deposit upfront
• Insist on cash-only or unusual payment methods
• Refuse to provide a receipt or written confirmation

A mover can still be legitimate and request a deposit, but the combination of a big deposit, vague paperwork, and pressure is where problems start.

Step 11: Make your decision using a simple scoring mindset

At this point, do not decide based on the cheapest quote. Decide based on who gave you the clearest proof.

Pick the company that:

• Verified cleanly in FMCSA tools (if interstate)
• Provided a real written estimate
• Explained the estimate type and pricing clearly
• Answered questions without rushing or deflecting

This is how you choose a legit moving company without regret.

Questions to Ask Before You Book

By the time you reach this stage, you probably have one or two companies that seem promising. This is where many people relax and stop digging. Do not do that yet. The questions you ask before booking reveal more than any ad or review ever will.

Each phase has a purpose, and each set of questions helps you confirm whether you are dealing with a professional or just someone who knows how to sell.

Phase 1: Identify who you are really dealing with

Before talking about price or dates, you need clarity on the company itself.

Ask:

• “Are you the actual moving company or a broker arranging the move?”
• “What is your legal business name and USDOT number?”
• “Is the crew that shows up employed by you or subcontracted?”

Phase 2: Understand how pricing actually works

You are not just asking for a number. You are asking how that number is calculated.

Ask:

• “What type of estimate is this, binding or non-binding?”
• “What specific situations could cause the price to change?”
• “Are all potential fees listed in the written estimate?”

Phase 3: Clarify services and responsibilities

Many disputes happen because the customer and mover assumed different things.

Ask:

• “What exactly is included in this price?”
• “Who handles packing, disassembly, and reassembly?”
• “How do you document items before loading?”

Phase 4: Set expectations for timing and delivery

Delays happen, but honest movers explain how they handle them.

Ask:

• “What is the pickup and delivery window?”
• “What happens if delivery is delayed?”
• “How do you communicate updates during transit?”

Phase 5: Know how problems and claims are handled

No one wants to think about issues, but this is where you check their professionalism.

Ask:

• “What coverage options are included and what do they actually cover?”
• “How do I file a claim if something is damaged or missing?”
• “Is there a time limit for reporting issues?”

Phase 6: Confirm payment and paperwork details

Before you agree to anything, make sure the end of the process is just as clear as the beginning.

Ask:

• “How much deposit do you require, and when is the balance due?”
• “What payment methods do you accept?”
• “What paperwork will I receive before loading?”

Quick Checklist for Choosing a Legit Moving Company

Use this checklist as your final filter before you book. If you can confidently check every box, you are doing exactly what smart, prepared customers do.

If even one box feels uncertain, you need to pause and re-verify. That could help you avoid moving scams.

Company Verification

I confirmed whether my move is interstate or in-state.

I verified the company in the official government database (FMCSA for interstate moves).

The business name, address, and phone number match across all platforms.

I confirmed whether the company is a carrier or a broker.

Credentials and Legitimacy

The mover is listed as one of the licensed moving companies for my type of move.

Their registration status shows active authority, not pending or inactive.

The company provided verifiable business details without hesitation.

Estimates and Pricing

I received a written estimate, not just a verbal quote.

The estimate clearly states whether it is binding or non-binding.

All potential fees and services are itemized in writing.

I understand what could cause the final price to change.

Reviews and Reputation

I checked reviews on multiple platforms, not just one.

I looked for repeated complaint patterns, not isolated bad reviews.

I verified that reviews appear natural and not mass-posted.

The company’s history supports them being one of the most reliable moving companies.

Questions and Communication

The mover answered direct questions clearly and consistently.

They explained pricing, timing, and services properly.

I never felt rushed or pressured to “book today.”

Paperwork and Contracts

I know what documents I will receive before loading.

The contract clearly outlines services, pricing, and responsibilities.

I had time to review the paperwork before agreeing.

Payments and Deposits

The deposit amount feels reasonable and clearly explained.

The company accepts standard payment methods.

I will receive a receipt and written confirmation for all payments.

Final Confidence Check

I feel confident hiring this mover.

I checked the signs of a moving scam and did not see them here.