Choosing a moving company is one of the highest-stakes vendor decisions you'll make during a move. You're handing strangers access to your home and every possession in it. Getting it right means doing 30–45 minutes of research upfront. Getting it wrong can mean damaged furniture, held-hostage shipments, or losing thousands of dollars to a scammer.
This guide walks through every step of the vetting process, from defining your needs to signing the contract.
Step 1: Define Your Move Type First
Different move types require different qualifications. Before searching for companies, be clear on what you need.
| Move Type | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Local (under 50 miles) | State-level license, local DMV experience, hourly rate transparency |
| Long-distance (interstate) | USDOT number, FMCSA registration, flat-rate pricing, binding estimates |
| Commercial / office | Commercial moving experience, after-hours capability, IT equipment handling |
| Specialty items | Piano moving, art/antique handling, white-glove service capability |
Key questions to answer before searching:
- How many rooms are you moving?
- Do you have specialty items (piano, artwork, appliances, safe)?
- Do you need packing services or just transport?
- Does your timeline require storage between move-out and move-in?
- Are you crossing state lines?
Your answers eliminate most companies from contention before you even start comparing quotes.
Step 2: Verify Licensing and Insurance
This step is non-negotiable. Unlicensed movers have no legal obligation to protect your belongings, and they're the primary vehicle for moving scams.
For local moves within one state, verify the company holds a state-issued mover's license. In Maryland, check the Maryland PSC (Public Service Commission). In Virginia, use the Virginia DMV carrier database. In DC, check DC Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
For interstate moves, every carrier is required by federal law to have a USDOT number. Verify it at FMCSA.dot.gov by looking up the company name or MC number. Check their safety rating and complaint history on the same database, and confirm they have active cargo and liability insurance on file.
A legitimate mover will proactively give you their USDOT number. If they hesitate, decline, or claim they don't need one for interstate moves, walk away.
Insurance basics to understand:
- Released value protection: Free, required by law, covers only $0.60 per pound (a 20 lb TV gets $12 in compensation if destroyed)
- Full value protection: Covers repair or replacement at current market value — request this
- Third-party insurance: For high-value items, consider purchasing a separate fine art or electronics rider
For more detail on coverage options, see our moving insurance guide.
Step 3: Read Reviews — But Read Them Correctly
Reviews matter, but they require interpretation. Here's how to read them effectively:
What to look for:
- Volume and recency — a company with 200 reviews averaging 4.7 stars over 3 years is more reliable than 50 reviews over 6 months
- How the company responds to negative reviews — professional responses to complaints signal accountability
- Specific operational details in positive reviews ("crew was on time," "no damage," "final bill matched estimate") vs. generic praise ("great service!")
- Patterns in negative reviews — repeated complaints about the same issue (late arrivals, billing surprises, damaged items) signal a systemic problem
Where to check:
- Google Business Profile (most reliable for volume and authenticity)
- Yelp
- Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) — also shows formal complaints and resolution history
- FMCSA consumer complaint database for interstate movers
Red flag review patterns:
- A flood of 5-star reviews posted within a 2-week window (bought reviews)
- Negative reviews where the company denies events the reviewer describes in specific detail
- No reviews older than 12 months (possibly a rebranded company after prior complaints)
Step 4: Get At Least Three Written Estimates
Never book a moving company based on a phone quote alone. Get at least three written estimates. For moves over $1,500, request in-home assessments rather than phone or video estimates. In-person assessments are significantly more accurate.
Understand the types of estimates:
| Estimate Type | What It Means | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Binding estimate | Price is guaranteed regardless of actual weight or time | Low — you know the final cost |
| Non-binding estimate | Final price based on actual weight/time — can exceed estimate | Moderate — ask for the cap |
| Not-to-exceed (binding not-to-exceed) | You pay the estimate or actual cost, whichever is lower | Lowest |
For local hourly moves, ask for the hourly rate, minimum hours, crew size, and what happens if the job runs over. Request confirmation that the quoted rate is the total rate, since some companies add a truck fee separately.
For long-distance flat-rate moves, get the inventory list that was used to calculate the estimate. If the actual inventory doesn't match on moving day, the estimate may change.
Pricing overview for DMV-area moves:
| Home Size | Local Move (Hourly) | Long-Distance (500 mi) | Long-Distance (1,000+ mi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $350–$650 | $1,200–$2,000 | $1,800–$3,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | $500–$900 | $1,500–$2,500 | $2,500–$4,000 |
| 2 Bedroom | $800–$1,400 | $2,000–$3,500 | $3,500–$6,000 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,100–$1,800 | $2,800–$4,500 | $4,500–$8,000 |
For a detailed local cost breakdown including crew size hourly rates, see our local moving cost guide.
Step 5: Review Services Against Your Specific Needs
Not all movers offer the same services. Confirm before booking:
- Does the company pack everything, or just transport? Is full-service packing included or a separate add-on?
- Bed frames, shelving units, and large furniture: confirm what disassembly and reassembly they cover.
- If you have a piano, antiques, a pool table, or a safe, ask specifically whether they have the right equipment and experience for those items.
- If your move-in date doesn't align with move-out, can the company hold your items in storage? What's the cost per month?
- Are boxes and packing supplies provided, or do you need to source them yourself?
Step 6: Ask These Questions Before Signing
A legitimate company will answer all of these without hesitation:
- What is your USDOT number? (Interstate moves only)
- Are you licensed in Maryland/Virginia/DC for local moves?
- What type of liability coverage do you provide — released value or full value?
- Is your estimate binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed?
- What additional fees might apply? (Stairs, long carry, elevator, shuttle truck)
- What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?
- Do you use subcontractors for any part of the move?
- How do I file a claim if something is damaged?
Red Flags That Signal a Scam or Unreliable Company
- No physical address — operates entirely online or via phone only
- Requires a cash deposit of more than 20–25% before the move
- Refuses to provide a written estimate or binding contract
- Gives a quote over the phone without asking about inventory
- Has a USDOT number that doesn't match their company name in the FMCSA database
- Requires you to sign a blank bill of lading
- Shows up with an unmarked rental truck instead of a company vehicle
- Demands full payment before unloading your belongings
For the full moving scam playbook including what to do if you're being held hostage, see moving company scams exposed.
What Good Looks Like: What to Expect From a Legitimate Mover
A professional, licensed moving company will:
- Provide a written estimate before booking
- Issue a Bill of Lading (the official moving contract) — read it before signing
- Show up on time with uniformed, identified crew members
- Use company-branded vehicles with visible DOT/license numbers
- Communicate clearly about timing and any access issues
- Charge the agreed amount at the completion of the move
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a moving company is legitimate? Check their USDOT number on FMCSA.dot.gov for interstate movers. For local movers, verify their state license with Maryland PSC, Virginia DMV, or DC DCRA. Confirm they have an active physical address and check their BBB rating.
How many moving company quotes should I get? At least three. Compare not just price but what each estimate includes — crew size, hours, truck, materials, and any add-on fees. The cheapest quote is often missing line items the others include.
What is a binding estimate? A binding estimate is a guaranteed final price regardless of actual weight or time. Non-binding estimates can increase on moving day. Always ask which type you're receiving — get it in writing.
Can a moving company hold my belongings hostage? Yes — this is a real and documented scam. A company loads your items then demands payment far above the original estimate before unloading. You can report this to FMCSA (1-888-368-7238) and local law enforcement. See our guide to avoiding moving company scams for prevention steps.
What should I do if something is damaged during my move? Document the damage immediately with photos. File a written claim with the moving company within the timeframe specified in your Bill of Lading (typically 9 months for interstate moves). If the company is unresponsive, file a complaint with FMCSA or your state's consumer protection office.
Is it worth hiring movers for a small apartment? For a studio or 1-bedroom with minimal heavy furniture, DIY moving can be cost-effective. For anything larger, or if you have specialty items, professional movers typically provide better value. See our DIY vs. hiring movers comparison for a full cost breakdown.
