CHOOSING A MOVER
How to Choose a Moving Company You Can Trust
The questions to ask, the numbers to check, and the red flags that should send you to the next quote.
You are handing a stranger everything you own. It is worth an hour of homework to make sure they are the right people for the job. The good news is that most of what you need to know is easy to check if you know where to look.
This guide covers how to verify a mover’s license, who will actually show up at your door, how pricing really works, and the warning signs that a deal is too good to be true. We run a moving company ourselves, so we will be upfront: use these same checks on A & M Friendly Movers. A good mover will welcome the questions and answer them plainly. One that dodges them is telling you something too.
If you are still early in your planning, start with our complete moving tips checklist, then come back here when you are ready to start collecting quotes.
What to Look for in a Moving Company
1. Verify USDOT and MC Numbers
Any mover that crosses state lines must have a USDOT number, and interstate movers for hire also need an MC number. Ask for both, then look them up yourself on the FMCSA website. Check that the company name, address and status match what you were told. Some states have their own registration too. A & M Friendly Movers holds state mover registrations, including NC C-2969 and FL IM3566, and we are glad to share them.
2. Ask Who Will Do the Work
Some companies book your move and then hand it to a subcontractor or day laborers you have never heard of. Ask directly: are the movers your own W-2 employees? Are they background-checked and drug-tested? Will the same crew handle my move from start to finish? At A & M, the answer to all three is yes. We never use subcontractors or day laborers.
3. Understand How Hourly Billing Works
Most local moves are billed by the hour, so ask exactly when the clock starts and stops. Some companies start at their office and add drive time to your bill. Ask about minimums, how time is rounded, and whether wrapping, disassembly and reassembly cost extra. At A & M, the clock starts when the crew arrives at your home and stops when the job is done, billed in 15-minute increments with a 3-hour minimum.
4. Get a Binding Estimate for Long Distance
For a long-distance move, ask whether the estimate is binding, meaning the price you are quoted is the price you pay. Non-binding estimates can grow once your things are on the truck. Also ask if your belongings stay on one truck or get transferred, and if the delivery date is guaranteed. Our long-distance moves come with a binding estimate, a dedicated truck and a guaranteed delivery date.
5. Read Reviews the Smart Way
Look at recent reviews on more than one site and read the middle and low ratings, not just the five stars. Watch for patterns in damage, surprise charges or no-shows. Pay attention to how the company responds to complaints. A calm, specific reply that fixes the problem tells you a lot. You can read what our customers say on our reviews page.
6. Confirm Insurance and Claims
Ask how the company handles damage and who you would talk to if something goes wrong. Get the claims process in writing before moving day. If you live in an apartment or are moving an office, your building may need a certificate of insurance (COI) before the crew can load in, so ask early. A & M is fully insured, and an owner calls you the same day if anything is damaged.
Red Flags to Watch For
Large Cash Deposits
A reputable mover does not need a big chunk of your money upfront, and it should not be cash only. Be cautious of anyone who demands a large deposit or refuses cards and checks. A small deposit to hold your date is normal.
A Quote That Seems Too Low
If one estimate is far below the others, ask why. Lowball quotes often grow on moving day through extra fees, added hours or a new price once your items are loaded. Get every quote in writing.
No Physical Address
Be careful with companies that only have a phone number and a website. Look for a real business address, a local phone number, and a USDOT number that matches the company name on your paperwork.
Pressure to Sign Fast
A good mover will give you time to compare. Be wary of a company that pushes you to sign today, will not answer questions clearly, or leaves blank spaces in paperwork for you to sign.
Choosing a Mover FAQs
Two or three is usually enough to see a fair price range. Give every company the same information, including large items and any stairs or long walks, so you are comparing the same job. Ask each one how the price is figured and what is included.
A binding estimate locks in your price, so the amount you are quoted is the amount you pay. A non-binding estimate is a best guess that can change based on the actual weight or time. For long-distance moves, a binding estimate protects you from surprises once your things are on the truck.
Ask the company for its USDOT and MC numbers, then search them on the FMCSA website. The listing should show the same company name and a current status. If the name does not match or the company can’t give you a number, keep looking.
A small deposit to reserve your date is common. A large upfront payment, especially in cash, is a warning sign. A & M Friendly Movers takes a $100 deposit that is applied to your move, and we accept cards and checks, never cash.
It varies by company, so ask before you book. With A & M, local moves are paid after the move is done. Long-distance moves are paid once the truck is loaded. You can find more payment details on our FAQs page.
Plans change, and closings slip. Ask every mover about their rescheduling and cancellation policy before you book. A & M Friendly Movers never charges a rescheduling fee, for any reason. Just call us as soon as you know your new date and we will work it out.
Put Us to the Test
Check our numbers, read our reviews and ask us anything. At A & M Friendly Movers you talk to an owner, not a call center, and your crew is made up of background-checked W-2 employees. If anything is damaged, an owner calls you the same day. Call 717-434-6711 or request your free quote.
Ready to start your stress-free move? Contact us today to Get a free moving quote and let the A & M family make your moving experience a delightful one!