What to know before hiring movers: book early, get at least three written estimates after a survey, verify the company, ask the right questions and read your paperwork before you sign.
The mover you choose affects your budget, your belongings and your stress level on moving day. Use this checklist to hire with confidence, from when to book through the documents you’ll sign.
When to Book Movers
| Type of move | Book at least |
|---|---|
| Local, off-season (fall or winter, mid-month) | 2 to 4 weeks ahead |
| Local, summer or month-end | 4 to 8 weeks ahead |
| Long-distance | 6 to 8 weeks ahead, more in summer |
Plan the rest of your move with our step-by-step moving checklist.
1. Know What You’re Moving
Before you call anyone, decide what’s coming with you. Declutter first: every item you sell, donate or toss lowers your price, especially on long-distance moves priced by weight. Make a room-by-room list and note large, heavy or valuable items like pianos, safes, artwork and antiques. See how to declutter before moving.
2. Get at Least Three Written Estimates
Ask each company for an in-person or virtual survey of your home. For interstate moves, movers generally must do a physical survey if you’re within 50 miles of their location unless you waive it in writing. Be wary of any firm price given without seeing your belongings, and of a quote far lower than the rest.
| Estimate type | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Binding | The price is locked in if your shipment and services don’t change. |
| Binding not-to-exceed | You pay the estimate or less. Usually the best deal. |
| Non-binding | The final price depends on actual weight. For interstate moves, you generally can’t be required to pay more than 110% of the estimate at delivery. |
3. Verify the Company
- Check the USDOT number on the FMCSA website for interstate moves, including whether it’s registered as a mover, a broker or both, and its complaint history.
- Check state licensing for in-state moves, since many states license movers separately.
- Read recent reviews for the specific company or local agent.
- Confirm the physical address and that the name on the paperwork matches the company you researched.
Learn the difference in movers vs. brokers.
4. Ask These Questions
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Are you a mover or a broker? | If it’s a broker, ask which mover will handle your shipment. |
| What’s your USDOT number? | Required for interstate moves. Look it up on the FMCSA website. |
| What type of estimate is this? | Binding, binding not-to-exceed or non-binding. |
| What’s included, and what could cost extra? | Stairs, long carries, elevators, shuttles, packing materials, bulky items. |
| What coverage is included? | Full value protection or released value, and the cost of each. |
| What are the pickup and delivery windows? | Long-distance deliveries often have a multi-day window. |
| Who will do the work? | Your own crew, a local agent or a subcontractor? |
| What’s the cancellation and deposit policy? | Get it in writing. |
5. Understand Your Coverage
For interstate moves, full value protection is the default, and it makes the mover responsible for repair, replacement or current value. Released value coverage costs nothing extra but pays only 60 cents per pound per item, and you must sign a waiver to choose it. List any items worth more than $100 per pound. Read how moving insurance works.
6. Read the Paperwork
- The estimate, with the estimate type and all services listed.
- The order for service, which confirms dates and charges.
- The bill of lading, your contract and receipt. Never sign it blank or incomplete.
- The inventory, which lists your items and their condition. Check it at pickup and delivery.
- “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move,” which interstate movers must give you.
7. Prepare for Moving Day
- Reserve elevators and parking, and get any building insurance certificates the movers need.
- Keep valuables and essentials with you, including documents, medications, jewelry and chargers.
- Walk through the home with the crew lead before loading and again before they leave.
- Note any damage on the inventory at delivery before you sign. If something’s wrong later, see how to file a moving claim.
- Plan for tips. See how much to tip movers.
Start comparing movers
Get local or long-distance quotes, then use this checklist to vet each one.
Local Quotes Long-Distance QuotesFAQs
How far in advance should I book movers?
Aim for 4 to 8 weeks ahead for most moves, and 8 weeks or more for summer, month-end or long-distance moves. Off-season local moves can sometimes be booked with a couple of weeks’ notice.
How many moving quotes should I get?
At least three written estimates, ideally after an in-person or virtual survey, so you can spot lowball quotes and compare services fairly.
What questions should I ask a moving company?
Ask whether it’s a mover or a broker, its USDOT number, what type of estimate it provides, what coverage is included, what fees could be added, its pickup and delivery windows, its cancellation policy, and who will actually do the work.
Do movers have to see my home before giving a price?
For interstate moves, movers generally must do a physical survey if your home is within 50 miles of their location, unless you waive it in writing. Virtual surveys are common and are better than a quote given without seeing your belongings.
Should I pay a deposit to movers?
Reputable movers rarely require a large deposit. Be cautious of companies demanding a big up-front payment or cash only, and pay by credit card when possible.
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