How to Choose the Best Moving Company: A Step-by-Step Guide

4 min read
Essential Moving TipsRelocation AdviceMoving Guide
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Choosing the right moving company can make or break your moving experience. Whether you’re relocating to a new home across the city or starting fresh in a new state, hiring a trustworthy, professional mover can help you avoid unnecessary stress, hidden fees, and even damage to your belongings. But with so many companies out there claiming to be the best, how do you choose the best moving company for your needs? In this step-by-step guide, we’ll break down the essential steps to help you make the right decision and move with confidence.

Do Your Research and Read the Reviews

The first step in figuring out how to choose the best moving company is taking the time to research. Start with an online search for reputable movers in your area, but don’t stop there. Dive into reviews on Google, Yelp, and Better Business Bureau to get an idea of the company’s track record. Look for companies with consistently high ratings, but also read the actual reviews to understand what previous customers are saying. Pay attention to how the company responds to negative reviews—this can tell you a lot about their professionalism and customer service.

Key things to look for:

  • Consistent positive feedback from verified customers
  • Reviews that mention on-time service, care for belongings, and clear communication
  • Responses from the company to customer complaints (or lack thereof)
  • A professional website with clear contact details and service information

Verify Their Licensing and Insurance

This step is often overlooked, but it’s critical. You should never hire a moving company that isn’t licensed and insured. Not only does this protect your belongings in case of damage or loss, but it also proves that the company is legally operating and accountable.

Make sure the company provides:

  • A valid USDOT number if they handle interstate moves (you can check this on the FMCSA website)
  • State licenses if you’re moving locally
  • Proof of insurance coverage for both liability and cargo

If a company hesitates or refuses to provide this information, it’s a major red flag—and a sign to keep looking.

Compare Detailed Estimates

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, reach out to at least three moving companies for estimates. A trustworthy mover will either visit your home for an in-person survey or offer a virtual walkthrough to assess your belongings. Avoid any company that gives you a quote over the phone without seeing what you’re moving—they’re likely giving you a lowball number that will change later.

Look for:

  • A clear breakdown of costs, including labor, fuel, and any extra services
  • Whether the estimate is binding (fixed price) or non-binding (subject to change)
  • Transparency about additional charges like stairs, long carries, or bulky items

At Eastland Movers, we provide accurate, no-obligation quotes that reflect your actual moving needs—no hidden fees or surprise charges.

Review the Services Offered

Every move is unique, and you want a company that can accommodate your specific requirements. Do you need help with packing? Do you need storage in between moves? Are you transporting antiques or fragile electronics? The right company should offer a wide range of services to make your move as smooth as possible.

Ask if they offer:

  • Full or partial packing services
  • Packing materials (boxes, bubble wrap, tape, etc.)
  • Short-term or long-term storage
  • Specialty handling for items like pianos, art, or large furniture
  • Disassembly and reassembly of furniture

Eastland Movers offers customizable moving packages so you can get exactly what you need without paying for services you don’t.

Evaluate Customer Support and Communication

One of the best indicators of a reliable moving company is how well they communicate. Are they easy to get in touch with? Do they respond promptly to emails or calls? Are their representatives professional and knowledgeable? From the moment you request a quote to the final box being delivered, you should feel like you’re in good hands.

Signs of great customer service include:

  • Fast response times to emails, texts, or phone calls
  • A dedicated moving coordinator to help guide your move
  • Willingness to answer all your questions in detail
  • Clear documentation and contracts

At Eastland Movers, our team is committed to walking you through every step of your move. We believe that honest, open communication is the key to a stress-free experience.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to choose the best moving company isn’t just about finding the lowest price—it’s about finding a company you can trust. A professional mover should be licensed, experienced, and committed to handling your belongings with care. They should be transparent with their pricing, clear with their communication, and offer the services you actually need.

Why choose Eastland Movers? Because we’re more than just a moving company—we’re your relocation partner. We’ve helped hundreds of families and businesses move smoothly, safely, and efficiently. From local moves to long-distance relocations, our experienced team is here to make your next move the easiest one yet.

Ready to move with confidence?
Contact Eastland Movers today for a free, no-obligation estimate and let us show you what a truly professional moving experience looks like.

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We hired Eastland for our relocation from SC to FL. From the initial consult through the last box coming in, we were completely pleased. Our movers were extremely professional, on time and went out of their way to make it a seamless move. Cannot say enough about them. Also pricing was very good and not one thing was damaged. The communication from start to finish was exceptional.Highly recommend Eastland!!

Price assessment
Reasonable price
Price
$2,000+
Services
Interstate moving
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Phoenix 56
1 month ago

I want to thank alexandero and his crew for doing such a great move for us. All our personal items were packed with care. They were courteous and respectful. They moved us in 8 hours including the packing and placement of all items to the new home. They worked great together as one team putting us at ease. I recommend this crew to all future movers. Thank you, Steve and Yolanda

Services
Local moving
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yolanda daniels
2 months ago

This is the 3rd time in the last year& a half that I used Eastland Movers. Very Professional, Fast, Friendly. I had Nickla & Josue for my movers. OMG They were great!! This moving Company is Great. From the office staff to the movers. Definitely will use them a 4th time.🤗

Price assessment
Great price
Price
$1,600-1,800
Services
Interstate moving, Local moving, Moving-related packing
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Serita Beard
2 months ago

Nicolay and Josue did a great job with my move. They were professional, careful with my things, and worked efficiently. I really appreciated how smoothly everything went and how easy they made the whole process. Would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for solid, dependable movers.

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Parin Patel
5 months ago

I have hired Eastland Movers to help me move belongings from the East coast to Colorado. Sara has been incredibly helpful in getting this move organized for me, and ensuring all my questions are answered. The team is professional and thorough. I am looking forward to completing this move with the team.

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Kristi James
9 months ago

I recently had the pleasure of working with Eastland Movers in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and I can honestly say they exceeded my expectations in every way! From start to finish, their team demonstrated high integrity and a strong work ethic (special thanks to Luka and Victor). They were incredibly hard-working, ensuring that my move was smooth and efficient.

The communication throughout the process was excellent, keeping me informed and at ease. I truly appreciated their reliability, as they arrived on time and handled my belongings with care.

I highly recommend Eastland Movers to anyone in need of moving services. They are a fantastic choice, and very reasonably priced. I've already put a good word out among friends. I will definitely be using them again in the future!

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Noreen Wise
9 months ago

Sarah helped me and my experience amazing best price hands down . I recommend ten outta ten

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Brian Lott
9 months ago

I’ve moved 5 times in the last 6 years, and Eastland has been the best by far- great service at a very reasonable price. I’ve used other moving companies before and ended up with damaged or missing items. Eastland’s team was on time, handled everything with care, and worked efficiently from start to finish.

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Anna Safren
9 months ago

Movers did a great job with our local move from Washington DC to Rockville MD. Our 3 bedroom apartment was moved in 5 hours with professionalism. Great service, will recommend.

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Spas Neikov
9 months ago

Mover was great, awesome, and on time. The team was professional and friendly. They moved my belongings from Maryland to Georgia in 3 days while keeping me informed about my shipment. Thank you guys.

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Nikolai Dimitrov
9 months ago

Great experience working with Sara Bell to get a quote. She was very professional and responsive. The quote was the best quote I received for moving.

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Tracie Penman
8 months ago

Huge thanks to Sara and the Eastland Moving team for an outstanding experience! Sara’s communication was top-notch, pricing was fair, and the team was punctual, professional, and careful with our belongings.

Everything arrived safely and was assembled perfectly. We’ll definitely be using Eastland Movers again—5 stars all the way! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Jamie Boyd
9 months ago

Lucus and Jose were very helpful. They transferred our item safely with no damages. Will definitely book them again

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zainab bangura
9 months ago

The movers were friendly, hardworking, and went above and beyond to ensure everything was placed exactly where I wanted. No damages, no delays—just an overall smooth and seamless experience. I highly recommend Eastland Movers to anyone in need of reliable and high-quality moving services.

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Mahamudur Rahman
9 months ago

Another impressive performance by Eastland moving company. All my household good arrived in Atlanta scratch free and Eric and Francisco did and excellent job of unloading and assembling furniture. These Gentlemen are two of the hardest workers I’ve seen during a big move. Thank you for a great job.

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Bill Cunningham
9 months ago

From the representative, to the movers, I received prompt, polite, professional service. The movers were punctual and my belongings were handled with care. They were wrapped, when needed, and lifted, not dragged. The movers were very efficient and pleasant. I would definitely recommend them and use them again.

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DEBORAH MUSA
9 months ago

I am a senior citizen and I have experienced many different journeys. You might say I become apprehensive with new things, and I am presently moving back home and needed to obtain a mover A terribly daunting task. Eastland Movers has provided me with a sense of trust, but that was only accomplished because of Sara Bell’s beyond incredible customer service. She literally guided me every single step of the way (and there were many steps). To describe what she did as part of Customer Service is understated, she far surpassed what “Customer Service “ is. I can’t thank her enough. My hope is that management realizes how well Sara represents your Company Brand. Thank you Sara so very much.

Anyone contemplating a move needs to secure it through Eastland Movers and make sure you ask for Sara.

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Roberta DeSilva
10 months ago

Eastland Movers did my move for me yesterday. The team of guys kept me updated on their ETA to start. They were easy to talk with. Plus made the move go by at a good pace and took pride in their work. I appreciate them and if I move again will go with Eastland Movers again! Thank you everyone whom had a hand in my positive moving experience.

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Sara Bell
10 months ago

We hired EASTLAND Movers for a MD to PA move in early February 2025. The crew showed up promptly with 5 movers and 2 trucks. They got started right away and did an excellent job! Yes, a few small gouges and scratches on some of the furniture though nothing was broken or severely damaged. They wrapped and packed very well. Also, the guys were very polite! Highly recommend!

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Mimi Niff
10 months ago

The company is very responsible and polite. They arrived on time, packed everything carefully and delivered on time as well. You can trust, i recommend them 100%.

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Omar Sanchez
1 year ago

These guys did amazing from the time they arrived to the time they left after delivering my furniture. They all went above and beyond taking care of every detail. The entire process from booking to delivery was seamless. I would recommend every single employee at this phenomenal company. Their customer service was outstanding!! Thank you for treating my home and furnishings like it was your own.

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darci jobe
1 year ago

I have used today Eastland movers for my move from Maryland to Virginia, and I couldn’t be more impressed. Eddie Zamora was my contact point and he had been very cooperative with me .The team of two Eric and the other guys were polite and incredibly fast and efficient, making the whole process smooth and stress-free. They were also very cost-effective, with no hidden fees or extra charges, which was a huge relief. I was particularly impressed with their punctuality and professionalism throughout the move. If you’re looking for reliable movers who get the job done right, I highly recommend them.

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eva fariah
1 year ago