Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring Professional Movers

It’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed by the process of moving to a new home, but finding great movers near you can turn a stressful relocation into a smoother, more manageable experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of finding the right movers, from researching and getting quotes to checking reviews and verifying credentials. Here are 12 tips for hiring professional movers.

Research Moving Companies Thoroughly

The first step in hiring movers is research. First, consider what your moving needs are—some companies only do local moves, while others specialize in long-distance or out-of-state relocations. Make sure the movers you’re considering offer the services you need and operate in your origin and destination areas. You should also consider if you'll need packing services in addition to moving services. Determining what your needs are when moving will help you narrow down the list of movers.

Check Reviews & References

Once you've gathered a list of moving companies to consider, ask friends, family, and coworkers which moving companies they had good experiences with. You can also check online—read customer reviews on Yelp, the company's Google Business Profile, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website to see if their reputation is overall positive​. A long track record of reliable service and positive reviews is a great sign that you’re dealing with professionals who care about customers and their belongings. You can also ask the moving companies for references directly—a quality mover who takes pride in their work will be able to connect you with recent customers who can share their experiences. Doing adequate research into the company's services and reviews will give you a well-rounded view of their reliability.

Get Multiple Quotes and Compare

Once you have a shortlist of movers, reach out to at least three different moving companies for moving quotes, to help you understand the average cost and spot any outliers. A supportive moving company will happily explain how they calculate costs, whether it’s a binding flat rate or an hourly estimate, and offer to do an in-home or virtual survey of your belongings to ensure their estimate is accurate. Be cautious of any mover who tries to give a firm quote over the phone without seeing your home or furniture. When reviewing quotes, make sure each one includes the same services you’re comparing apples to apples. For example, do they include packing materials or just the labor? Are there potential extra fees for things like stairs, long carries, or large items? Ensure everything is documented. If a quote seems too good to be true, double-check the details—an unusually low bid might be missing essential services or could be a red flag for less reliable movers​. Review each estimate, ask questions about anything unclear, and see which company offers the best balance of cost and services for your move. Use our free moving cost calculator to help determine which movers you can afford and what your budget is.

Verify Credentials

One of the most important steps in hiring movers is verifying their credentials. A genuine professional moving company should be fully licensed and insured. For interstate moving companies in the U.S., check that they are registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This verification confirms the mover is authorized to transport goods across state lines and adheres to federal regulations. If you’re moving a shorter distance within the same state, the licensing requirements might vary, so look up your state’s rules, or ask the moving company for proof of any required state license.

Insure Your Move

Insuring your move is crucial. Don’t hesitate to ask for proof of the mover’s insurance coverage. At the very least, they should have basic liability coverage for your belongings and cargo insurance for the transport. Legitimate movers will also offer valuation coverage options that you can choose from to protect your goods (for example, basic coverage by the pound or full value protection). Verify whether the company’s insurance is up-to-date and sufficient. A trustworthy mover will gladly provide you with documentation of their insurance and explain what it covers. In fact, many building managers or homeowner's associations require proof of a moving company’s insurance before move-in day, especially to cover any potential property damage in common areas.

Choose the Right Moving Date

If your timing is flexible and you want to move on a budget, consider choosing a moving company that will help you move during winter or on a less busy day. Many people move on Fridays or weekends, which can drive up demand and prices. By contrast, weekdays often have lower rates. Being open to a move during an off-peak time might also mean your crew can give you more personalized attention, as they won’t be rushing to the next job.

Book Your Move Early

Once you know your moving date and have vetted potential moving companies, schedule your movers as soon as possible. Good moving companies can get filled up quickly, especially during weekends, at the end of the month, and in the summertime. Booking in advance secures your ideal date and gives you plenty of time to coordinate logistics with the company. Early planning translates to fewer last-minute surprises.

Get Everything in Writing

When hiring movers, make sure you have a written contract that outlines all the details of your move—including the services to be provided, dates, costs, the mover’s responsibility for loss or damage, and more. Having a clear agreement protects you and sets clear expectations. Re-read the contract a few days before the move, and don’t hesitate to ask your mover any questions. Knowing exactly what to expect will keep you feeling in control.

Be Cautious with Large Deposits

It’s common for moving companies to request a small deposit to hold your moving date, but be wary if a mover demands a large sum of money upfront. Most reputable movers charge the bulk of the payment upon delivery of your goods, not before​. Paying by credit card can also help offer you protection against fraud. A company requiring a huge upfront payment or only accepting cash could be a red flag. A trustworthy company instills confidence with fair payment terms—they’ll do the job right and then collect payment, rather than the other way around.

Keep Valuables With You

For any particularly precious keepsakes or irreplaceable items—like important documents, jewelry, and family heirlooms—plan to keep those with you during the move instead of on the moving truck. While professional movers are usually very careful, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Take high-value items with you, or send them through a secure delivery service​. This way, you won’t have to worry about those items breaking or getting lost in transit.

Prepare for Moving Day

After booking your movers, the next step is preparing for moving day to ensure a smooth, efficient process. Start by decluttering and packing well in advance, labeling each box with its contents and destination to help movers place them correctly. Clear walkways of obstacles, reserve elevators or loading docks if needed, and protect floors if you're concerned about damage. If you have kids or pets, arrange for a safe space to keep them out of the way.

A day or two before, confirm details with the moving company, including the schedule and special instructions. On moving day, be available to direct movers, noting fragile items or priority boxes. Before the truck leaves, do a final walkthrough to ensure nothing is left behind.

Stay Flexible & Positive

Despite the best planning, unexpected things can happen. Trust that you’ve hired capable movers who can adapt to challenges. Maintain open communication with your moving team if any hiccups arise. A positive attitude combined with a moving company's experience will help you solve problems together. A supportive atmosphere makes the whole day more pleasant and productive for all involved.

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Planning a move? Extra Space Storage offers resources for moving, including tips, moving calculators, and more on our Moving Resources Hub. And for storage needs, we have locations across the U.S. to help with your transition. Find affordable storage near you!