How to Choose the Right Moving Company: 5 Practical Tips
Aug 31, 2026 / Public Storage
Choosing the right moving service starts with verifying the company’s credentials, comparing written estimates, understanding what services are included and reviewing the contract before signing. For interstate moves, confirm that the mover or broker is registered and review its complaint history before booking.
Key Takeaways
- Research movers before your preferred moving date, especially during the busy season.
- For interstate moves, verify federal registration and a valid U.S. DOT number.
- Compare written estimates from at least three movers or brokers.
- Make sure estimates reflect the belongings and services included in your move.
- Understand the difference between Full Value Protection and Released Value for interstate moves.
- Read the estimate, bill of lading and other moving documents before signing.
- Keep copies of every document related to your move.
How Do You Compare Moving Services?
| What to Check | Why It Matters |
| Registration & credentials | Helps verify the company is authorized for the type of move |
| Written estimate | Shows expected charges and included services |
| Valuation coverage | Explains the mover’s liability if belongings are lost or damaged |
| Services included | Helps you compare packing, transportation and other charges |
| Customer history | Can reveal complaint or service patterns |
| Contract terms | Defines dates, charges, responsibilities and other conditions |
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Start Your Moving-Service Search Early
Start researching movers as soon as your moving date is reasonably firm.
May through September is the busy moving season, so availability may be more limited during those months.
Early research gives you more time to:
- Compare companies
- Request estimates
- Review credentials
- Understand services and charges
- Ask questions before signing anything
There is no universal rule that you must book exactly six or eight weeks ahead. Your timeline will depend on location, season, move distance and mover availability.
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Verify the Moving Company’s Credentials
For an interstate move, check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s mover database to confirm that the mover or broker is registered and has a U.S. DOT number.
For an in-state move, requirements may differ, so check your state or local consumer-protection or transportation agency.
Also determine whether you’re working with:
- A mover: The company transporting your household goods.
- A broker: A company arranging transportation with a mover.
That distinction matters because a broker does not necessarily transport your belongings itself. Interstate household-goods brokers must be registered and use registered movers.
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Compare Written Moving Estimates
Get written estimates from at least three movers or brokers before choosing one.
For interstate moves, the mover must provide a written estimate of the charges based on an actual or virtual inspection of your household goods. A simple verbal or online “rate quote” is not the same as an official estimate.
When comparing estimates, look at more than the total price.
Review:
- Transportation charges
- Packing services
- Packing materials
- Additional services
- Stairs, elevators or access considerations
- Pickup and delivery information
- Payment requirements
If one estimate is dramatically different from the others, ask why before assuming it is the better deal.
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Understand Moving Valuation Coverage
For interstate moves, moving companies must offer two types of liability coverage, known as valuation coverage:
Full Value Protection
Under Full Value Protection, the mover assumes responsibility based on the replacement value of lost or damaged goods, subject to the terms and limitations of the coverage.
Released Value
Released Value is offered at no additional charge but provides much more limited coverage—up to 60 cents per pound per article.
This is an important distinction because mover valuation coverage is not the same thing as ordinary insurance.
Depending on your situation, you may also want to review your existing homeowner’s or renter’s policy or ask about separate third-party insurance.
Read the mover’s written information before choosing a coverage option.
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Read the Moving Contract Before Signing
Carefully review every moving document before signing it.
For an interstate move, important documents may include:
- Written estimate
- Order for service
- Bill of lading
- Shipment inventory
- Valuation-coverage information
Never sign blank moving documents and keep copies of everything you sign.
Also confirm:
- Pickup and delivery information
- Services requested
- Payment terms
- Valuation choice
- Additional charges
- Cancellation terms, when applicable
- Contact information for the mover
If something you were promised verbally does not appear in writing, ask for clarification before signing.
What Is the Difference Between a Binding and Non-Binding Estimate?
For interstate moves, a binding estimate generally means you cannot be required to pay more than the estimated amount at delivery for the quantities and services included in that estimate.
A non-binding estimate is not a guarantee of the final cost. Final charges may depend on actual shipment weight, services provided, and the mover’s published tariff. Under federal rules, a mover generally cannot require more than 110% of a non-binding estimate at delivery, with certain additional charges handled separately.
| Estimate Type | What It Means |
| Binding | Agreed price for the listed shipment and services, subject to applicable changes or additional services |
| Non-Binding | Estimated cost; final charges are based on actual shipment and services |
If the scope of your move changes, ask how that affects the estimate before your belongings are loaded.
What Are Red Flags When Choosing a Moving Company?
Be cautious if a mover:
- Won’t provide required written information
- Pressures you to sign quickly
- Asks you to sign blank documents
- Gives an interstate estimate without enough information about what you’re moving
- Cannot be verified through required registration records
- Won’t explain charges or contract terms
An unusually low initial estimate followed by demands for significantly more money after belongings have been loaded can be a sign of moving fraud.
How Can Self-Storage Help With a Professional Move?
If your move-out and move-in dates do not align, self-storage can provide temporary space for eligible furniture, boxes and household belongings.
Public Storage rentals are month-to-month, which can work for between-home storage or moves completed in stages.
Use the Public Storage Size Guide to estimate the space you need, or find storage near you.
FAQs About Choosing a Moving Service
How do I know if an interstate moving company is legitimate?
Use the federal mover database to confirm that the mover or broker is registered and has a U.S. DOT number. You can also review complaint information before booking.
How many moving estimates should I get?
Get estimates from at least three movers or brokers and compare both price and services.
Should a mover give me an estimate in writing?
For interstate moves, yes. A written estimate of charges is required, and a rate quote is not the same as an official estimate.
What is the difference between Full Value Protection and Released Value?
They are the two valuation-coverage options interstate movers must offer. Full Value Protection provides broader mover liability, while Released Value limits liability to 60 cents per pound per article.
Should I sign a moving contract with blank spaces?
No. Never sign blank moving documents, and keep copies of everything you sign.
Can storage help if my moving dates don’t line up?
Yes. Month-to-month self-storage can provide temporary space for eligible household belongings between move-out and move-in dates.
