How to Choose Reliable Long-Distance Moving Services Today

Planning on moving cross-country?

Millions of Americans do it every year, buying a house and moving to another state. More than 25.87 million moved in 2024 alone.

But here’s the problem:

82% of movers say the moving process is very stressful.

Crying, yelling, frustration and stress are a recipe for a bad moving experience. But the good news is that homeowners can avoid these headaches. There are some simple steps to follow when selecting reliable long distance moving services.

The result?

A cross-country move without the stress. Who wouldn’t want that?

The best part of finding good movers?

It could literally save you thousands of dollars. And weeks of frustration.

You will learn:

• Why You Should Vet Your Moving Company
• The Biggest Red Flags To Watch For
• Must-Ask Questions For Smart Movers
• The Most Common Moving Scams
• What Sets Great Moving Companies Apart

Why You Should Vet Your Moving Company

Think about it…

Strangers will be packing and moving your stuff. Grandmother’s china, children’s toys and that TV that you worked hard to save up for. Expensive, special and irreplaceable things.

Without doing your due diligence, homeowners are playing russian roulette with their possessions.

The moving industry has plenty of legitimate, professional companies. There are also scammers and fly-by-night moving companies out there that will take your money and run.

Moving scams cost Americans millions of dollars every year. Fraudulent moving companies use lowball estimates, hostage situations with your belongings and hidden fees that triple the final bill.

But there’s good news…

With just a little research and few simple checks, consumers can easily separate the good movers from the bad ones.

The Biggest Red Flags To Watch For

Need to spot a moving scam from a mile away?

Look out for the warning signs that identify legitimate moving companies from the crooks:

Door-to-Door Solicitation

Professional moving companies do not come knocking on doors with moving services. If a person comes to your door offering moving services, that’s the first red flag.

Legitimate movers wait for their customers to come to them.

Unusually Low Estimates

Those who moved more than 100 miles spent an average of $3,291 in 2024. So if a moving company quotes you half of that amount, something’s fishy.

Cheap estimates are how scammers hook customers. After your belongings are loaded, they make you pay more money before releasing your stuff.

Cash-Only Payments

Professional moving companies accept multiple forms of payment. Credit cards, checks, and detailed invoices with receipts.

If they only accept cash, run away.

Missing Licensing Information

This is one thing that people overlook when vetting a moving company…

All interstate moving companies are required to have a USDOT number from the Department of Transportation. That number is typically displayed on the moving company’s website as well as marketing materials.

No USDOT number? No business.

Must-Ask Questions For Smart Movers

Before hiring a moving company, there are questions that a smart consumer must ask. Here are the ones that identify the professional movers from the scams.

“What’s your USDOT number?”

Write down the answer. Then verify that number on the FMCSA website.

“Can you provide references?”

Professional movers are proud of their work. Good moving companies will happily provide references from recent customers. If they are hesitant or refuse, keep moving on.

“Will you provide a written estimate?”

Legitimate movers always provide detailed, written estimates. Good estimates will include all services, fees and potential additional charges.

Don’t work with a moving company that only provides verbal quotes.

The Most Common Moving Scams

There are several common moving scams that take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. Here are some of the most common and how to avoid them:

The Hostage Situation

The worst-case scenario when dealing with moving scams. Professional movers take your belongings and then demand more money before they will deliver.

How to avoid this: Get everything in writing. Don’t pay large deposits upfront.

The Bait-and-Switch

A moving company quotes you a low price to win your business. On moving day, the mover claims your belongings weigh more than their estimate and then demand additional money.

How to avoid this: Get a binding estimate when possible. Know the difference between binding and non-binding estimates.

The Phantom Company

This is a common moving scam where a company takes deposits and then vanishes. On moving day, no one shows up.

How to avoid this: Research, research, research. Check the moving company’s physical address, license numbers, Better Business Bureau and online reviews from multiple sources.

What Sets Great Moving Companies Apart

Not all moving companies are created equal. Here’s what makes the best ones stand out:

Transparent Pricing

Great moving companies provide detailed, itemized estimates. They explain each charge and do not surprise their customers with hidden fees. They also offer multiple pricing structures.

Professional Equipment

Top of the line moving companies invest in quality equipment. They have well-maintained moving trucks, good quality moving materials and special handling equipment for more challenging items.

You can often tell a lot about a moving company by their equipment.

Excellent Communication

Professional movers keep their customers informed every step of the way. They provide tracking information, alert them to delays and are always available to answer questions.

Communication issues are often the first sign that bigger problems lie ahead.

Strong Online Reputation

Great movers have a large collection of consistently positive reviews across multiple platforms. They respond professionally to both positive and negative reviews.

Pay attention to more than just the star ratings. Look at the actual reviews and see what people are complaining about. See how the company handles problems.

The Smart Way To Get Moving Quotes

It takes a little strategy to get accurate moving quotes. Here’s how:

Contact Multiple Companies

Always get at least three quotes from different companies. You will quickly be able to spot the outliers and get a general feel for pricing.

Provide Detailed Information

The more information you provide, the better the estimate will be. Have a detailed inventory ready and be honest about your needs.

Schedule In-Home Estimates

For long-distance moves, in-person estimates will be more accurate than online quotes. Professional moving estimators can spot potential challenges and provide pricing.

Get everything that will be included in the final move in written estimates.

Protect Yourself During The Move

Consumers should protect themselves even when working with a great moving company:

Take pictures of valuables before packing. Maintain detailed inventory and note existing damages. Know your rights before signing anything.

Be available during loading and unloading. Inspect all items as they are delivered. Note any damages immediately.

Wrapping It All Together

Choosing a long-distance moving company doesn’t have to be a headache. By vetting moving companies with the right questions and research, homeowners can select a company that truly cares about their belongings.

Remember the main points:

Verify USDOT numbers and license information. Always get written estimates from multiple companies. Avoid cash-only payments and extremely low quotes.

The few extra hours spent vetting companies upfront can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

Moving across the country is stressful enough without wondering if the movers are going to show up. Do the due diligence, ask the right questions, and work with a company that has a solid reputation.