Hiring a moving service can make something that people dread — moving — a bit less of a chore. Many moving services will pack your stuff for you too. From around town moves to long-haul across the country, hiring movers is for many a rite of passage to adulthood. Let’s take a look at some of the best strategies and ways to hire a moving service this year.
Hiring the right moving help starts with understanding your options and the rules that protect you. For interstate moves, companies must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation; you can (and should) verify a mover’s USDOT and MC numbers and review complaint history before you sign anything. That same database distinguishes movers from brokers and lists insurance and safety data, giving you a quick legitimacy check before you hand over a deposit.
Most reputable movers begin with a survey—either in-home or via live video—to build a detailed inventory and estimate the shipment’s weight. Interstate estimates should be in writing and clearly labeled as binding, non-binding, or binding-not-to-exceed. The estimate must list every service you’ll be charged for, from packing and crating to long-carry, stair, and shuttle fees. Be wary of quotes based on cubic feet rather than weight; the federal playbook is designed around weight for transparency and dispute resolution. (Two Men & A Truck)
Know whether you’re dealing with a carrier or a broker. A carrier owns the trucks and crews that will move your goods; a broker arranges the move and hands it off to a carrier. Both can be legitimate, but disclosure is required, and your paperwork should identify the carrier responsible for pickup and delivery. If a company refuses to provide a USDOT/MC number, asks for large cash-only deposits, or won’t put the estimate in writing, consider that a red flag and move on. (DOT)
Every interstate mover must offer two levels of valuation protection. The default—“Released Value”—is minimal liability at no more than 60 cents per pound per item. That means a 50-lb TV is valued at $30 if damaged. The higher tier—often called “Full Value Protection”—requires the mover to repair, replace with like kind and quality, or pay the current market value up to the amount you declare, subject to deductibles and exclusions. Read this section carefully, list high-value items in writing, and photograph serial numbers before loading day.
On moving day, you’ll sign a bill of lading, which is your transportation contract. It should match the estimate and spell out dates, services, and charges. You’re also entitled to a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move,” a federally mandated guide that explains estimates, pickup/delivery spreads, dispute settlement programs, and how to file claims if something goes wrong. Keep copies of the signed inventory sheets and note exceptions before the truck leaves; those documents matter if you need to file a claim.
Packing is where surprise costs often creep in. Decide upfront whether the mover will pack everything, only fragile items, or nothing at all. Boxes packed by the mover are typically covered under their valuation; owner-packed boxes aren’t always. Specialty items—pianos, pool tables, safes, artwork—may need third-party crating or an extra crew, and those charges should appear on your estimate rather than as day-of add-ons. If access is tight, ask whether a shuttle truck will be required and how that is priced.
Finding a deal is less about haggling and more about planning. Flexible dates can shave costs because movers price around capacity; mid-month, mid-week pickups outside peak summer tend to be friendlier than end-of-month Saturdays in June. Decluttering before the survey lowers weight, which lowers price. Comparing at least three written estimates—same services, same valuation, same pickup window—keeps everyone honest, and asking for a revised “binding-not-to-exceed” quote after your final purge removes the guesswork.
A good move is the product of good homework. Verify credentials, insist on a written survey and estimate, choose the valuation that fits your risk tolerance, and keep copies of every document. With a reputable, properly licensed company and a clear scope of work, moving day becomes a logistics exercise rather than a leap of faith.