When someone is preparing for a move, they typically experience a mix of excitement and stress. And when he explains this to someone sitting across from him, he always says the same thing: choosing the right moving company can make the difference between a smooth experience and a nightmare.

Because at the end of the day, you’re trusting a team of strangers with everything that matters to you, your furniture, your memories, your valuables, and your comfort.

To help someone make the best choice, he breaks down the decision into simple steps. The goal is not just to select a mover, but to choose the right one that protects your belongings, respects your time, and communicates clearly throughout the process.

Check Licensing and Insurance

The very first thing he tells people to look for is proper licensing. For long-distance movers, a legitimate company must have a USDOT number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This is not optional. FMCSA receives more than 5,000 moving-related complaints each year, many of them tied to unlicensed companies, which is why this step is so important.

Insurance is the second part of this foundation. A reputable mover offers liability coverage, and many also provide full-value protection for high-value items.

This gives the customer peace of mind because, even with professional movers, unexpected situations can happen.

Transparent and Honest Pricing

He always reminds people that a trustworthy moving company will never surprise you with hidden fees. The estimate they give should be based on the size of your home, the weight of your belongings, and the distance of the move. It should also be clear whether the estimate is binding or non-binding.

Consumer Affairs reports that nearly 60% of customer complaints involve unexpected charges, which shows how common this issue is. If a mover avoids giving written estimates or keeps things vague, that’s a sign to walk away.

A good mover explains exactly what you’re paying for: packing, loading, transportation, unloading, or any specialty services.

Read Reviews and Check Reputation

Online reviews have become one of the strongest indicators of trust. BrightLocal’s research shows that 87% of consumers read reviews for local service providers.

When someone is choosing a moving company, they tell them to look for consistency, not perfection. A long history of satisfied customers is worth more than a handful of overly polished comments.

Platforms like Google, Yelp, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) give a clear picture of a company’s performance.

Companies with an A or higher rating on BBB and a strong review history usually deliver reliable service.

Some well-rated movers, such as Safeway Moving Inc or companies recognized as the best movers in Florida, often stand out because they combine strong customer service with transparent pricing and dependable teams.

Evaluate Communication and Professionalism

He emphasizes that a good moving company should be easy to communicate with. When someone asks a question, the company should provide helpful, detailed answers, not short, unclear responses. Movers must be able to explain:

• What their services include
• Their packing methods
• Their expected delivery timeline
• How they handle claims
• What happens if the move is delayed

A company’s communication style reflects how they will treat customers throughout the entire move. Poor communication before the move usually leads to big problems during the move.

Understand the Services You Actually Need

Everyone’s move is different. Some people need complete packing and unpacking services. Others only need help loading a truck. And some need storage because their new home isn’t ready yet.

He always advises people to choose a company that offers services that match their specific needs. This can include:

• Packing and unpacking
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Special handling for antiques, glass items, pianos, or heavy equipment
• Storage solutions
• Moving insurance options
• Vehicle transportation

If a company says “we don’t handle that” too often, it might not be the right fit.

Look for Experience and Trained Crews

Experience matters in the moving industry. According to industry surveys, experienced moving crews can reduce the risk of damage by up to 50% compared to inexperienced or untrained workers.

This is because trained crews know how to wrap furniture properly, load the truck safely, and prevent scratches, dents, or broken items.

He recommends asking how long the company has been in business and whether they use trained, in-house staff or subcontracted workers. A company that invests in training its team usually offers a smoother and safer move.

Review the Contract Carefully

He always tells people: Never sign a blank contract. A proper contract should clearly outline:

• The estimated cost
• Delivery and pickup dates
• Services provided
• Insurance details
• Inventory list
• Cancellation and refund policies

If a mover avoids giving a written contract or skips important details, it’s safer to look for another company. The contract protects both the customer and the mover, and it prevents miscommunication.

Be Cautious About Large Deposits

One of the biggest red flags is when a moving company demands a large deposit up front. Most reliable movers do not require big upfront payments.

FMCSA warns that scam movers often ask for large deposits and then disappear or delay delivery until customers pay more. A safe rule: the smaller the deposit, the more trustworthy the mover usually is.

Compare Multiple Options Before Choosing

He advises people not to go with the first company they talk to. Getting at least three quotes gives a clearer idea of average pricing. It also makes it easier to compare services, professionalism, and communication style.

A quote that is too cheap is usually a warning sign. Reliable moving companies charge fair and realistic rates based on fuel costs, labor, insurance, and distance.

Final Thoughts

When he talks to someone about choosing a moving company, he always ends with this advice: look beyond the price and pay attention to trust, experience, and transparency. Moving is one of the most stressful events in a person’s life, and the right mover can reduce that stress dramatically.