Got an upcoming move on the horizon, but not quite sure how to hire movers? We hear you—it’s a daunting task to find a reliable moving company you can trust to perform the services you need at a reasonable price.
But rest assured, this guide covers everything you need to know about how to hire a moving company, from obtaining quotes and choosing services to scheduling and planning for the move itself.
How to Hire Movers: A Step-By-Step Guide
Whether you’re transitioning somewhere local or moving out of state, these seven crucial steps will walk you through how to hire movers.
1. Get multiple price quotes
The first step of hiring movers is to obtain itemized price quotes in writing. This quote should outline the company’s base rates, how prices are calculated (shipment weight, travel distance, etc.), and the estimated total cost.
Ask about extra fees, too — for example, for stairs or elevators, “long carry” distance, street permits, or last-minute schedule changes — so there won’t be any surprise charges when you receive your final bill.
Gather multiple quotes from different moving companies. Aim for around 3–5 quotes, then compare the companies side-by-side to choose the best value without sacrificing quality.
2. Choose the right company
While cost is a crucial factor to keep in mind, it’s not the only consideration when hiring movers. You also want to make sure the company will perform their services safely and efficiently, without damaging or losing your items in the process.
Here’s how to hire reliable movers you can trust on the job:
Confirm the movers are licensed and insured. A reliable interstate moving company will have commercial auto and liability insurance, along with a license from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Account for their track-record of experience. Look for moving companies that can demonstrate a proven history of well-executed, on-time moves and team members with training and expertise to handle all your items with care.
Check online customer ratings and reviews. Read the reviews on websites like Yelp, Angi, Consumer Affairs, or Google. Consistently positive feedback, testimonials, and ratings will point to a solid reputation.
Pay attention to how the movers communicate. Before hiring movers, notice how they interact with you in writing and over the phone. Are these movers easy to reach, transparent, responsive, and willing to answer questions? You want to choose a moving company with strong communication and customer service skills.
3. Pick your services
With a full-service move, the crew usually loads the truck, transports all the items, and then unloads them at your new home. But most moving companies also offer additional service offerings if required for your move, including:
Packing and/or unpacking
Furniture disassembly
Supplies and materials
Storage options
Vehicle shipments
Specialty items and valuables
International relocation
4. Select insurance coverage
Because loss or damage to items is a potential risk for any relocation, all moving companies in the U.S. must offer basic valuation coverage at no extra fee to the customer. This liability protection requires movers to assume responsibility for the shipment while it’s in their care. But there’s a catch: if losses or damages occur, you’ll be reimbursed for the item at just $0.60 per pound. So, if your $1,000, 20-pound TV breaks, the compensation is $12.
If you have additional coverage from your homeowners insurance policy or third-party insurance provider — or you won’t be transporting valuable items — that basic liability protection might be sufficient.
But if you want total reimbursement for an item’s actual worth, consider purchasing full-value insurance. With this option, the movers will either repair or replace a damaged or lost item, or reimburse you for its current market value (not necessarily how much you paid for it). Full-value insurance is a smart choice if you’re moving with interstate or long-distance movers.
5. Schedule the moving company
What’s the timeline on how far in advance to hire movers? In general, you should hire a moving company at least 4–8 weeks ahead of time for a local move or 12 weeks ahead of time for an interstate move. The sooner you schedule it, the better chance you’ll have of locking in your preferable moving date. But also keep in mind: availability can fluctuate based on the season. Summer is the busiest time of year for moving companies, so if you can be flexible with dates, it might be easier to hire movers in the fall or winter off-season.
6. Pack and prepare for the movers
Once you choose a moving company, it’s time to get ready for their arrival.
Pack and seal your boxes, then label each box with the corresponding room, the box’s contents, and any special instructions (e.g., “Glassware, Kitchen, Fragile, This Side Up”). This ensures a smooth and efficient moving day — not to mention, unpacking process.
7. Don’t forget to tip
While not mandatory, it’s common practice to tip each member of the moving crew with cash. . Here are three options for calculating a tip.
Percentage: Tip 15%–20% of the entire moving cost, then split this number evenly among all the crew members.
Flat Rate: Tip $20–$40 per crew member for shorter local moves or $50–$100 for more complex long-distance moves.
Hourly: Tip $5–$10 per crew member for each hour they spend on the job.
Pro Tip: Use our printable moving checklist to stay organized at each step of the whole relocation process. |
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers?
How much does it cost to hire a moving company? As we’ve touched on, several factors influence the cost of movers — namely, the services included, distance, and shipment weight (i.e., how much stuff you have).
Full-service movers usually charge between $4,800 to upwards of $8,000 to transport the contents of a two-bedroom home across the country. If you tack on additional insurance or other services, expect the cost to increase.
Local moves generally won’t be as expensive as interstate or long-distance moves, but if you choose the full-service route, labor and transport can still be over $1,200 for a two-bedroom home.
Use these estimates as a starting point, but secure a price quote breakdown from the moving company.
How to Hire Movers You Can Trust—And What to Avoid
One final word on how to hire movers: be absolutely certain the moving companies you look into are professional and reliable. Otherwise, you might be forced to deal with hidden fees, subpar communication, poor service, or even damage or loss.
Here’s how to hire reliable movers — plus, some red flags to watch out for.
What to look for when hiring movers
Transparent and thorough price quotes
Clear and responsive communication
Proof of FMCSA license and insurance
Strong reputation for quality and experience
Robust service and coverage options
What to avoid when hiring movers
Refusal to give a quote in writing
Not including extra fees in the quote
Vague answers or lack of communication
No record in the FMCSA database
Negative customer feedback and reviews