Hire movers: Your step-by-step guide for 2024

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Relocating is stressful — whether you’re moving to a nearby city or cross-country. You want the process to go without a hitch so you can focus on settling into your new home. Hiring movers can take the hassle out of packing and hauling all your belongings.

Let’s explore how to hire a moving company to make your move as smooth as possible. We’ll cover everything from assessing your moving needs and getting estimates to reviewing and signing contracts.

1. Assess your moving needs

Before asking movers for quotes, think about what your move will entail:

Moving date

If you have the flexibility, aim to move between September and April when mover schedules are less busy. The fall and early spring have the added benefits of cool temperatures and lighter demand.

If you must move in the summer, stay flexible on dates. Midweek or off-peak times are easier for movers to swing than weekends. Summer weekends book up fast — so plan four to eight weeks ahead for the best options.

Moving inventory

Most professional movers will require an in-person or virtual walkthrough of your home to guarantee a binding estimate. Ahead of this, walk through room-by-room and take stock of everything you have to move. Make a list of:

• Appliances

• Boxes

• Decor

• Equipment

• Furniture

Note any unusually sized or delicate items that’ll need special handling, like:

• Fine dinnerware sets

• Musical instruments

• Safes

• Treadmills

Photos of valuables are handy, too. By letting your moving company know ahead of time what they’re working with, they’ll come prepared with the correct number of movers, dollies, blankets and any other additional equipment to get the job done.

Special circumstances

Are you moving into an apartment complex? Condo with a homeowner’s association? See if they have specific rules about moving truck sizes, parking or elevator reservations. Then, give movers a heads-up to prevent complications on moving day.

2. Research mover qualifications

Taking time to thoroughly vet movers on key qualification criteria reduces the chances of a negative move experience.

Key areas to research include:

Licensing

When researching moving companies, ensure they have the proper state licenses and insurance to operate as a mover legally. Interstate movers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), with a DOT number. Proper credentials help protect you if issues arise.

Reviews

Online reviews offer transparency. Get a feel for what to expect from the movers you’re considering by reading about previous customers’ experiences. Look through Google and Yelp reviews, checking for any red flags. The Better Business Bureau is another excellent place to find ratings.

Training

You want movers that know how to handle your belongings with care. Look for companies that put employees through extensive background checks, moving training and safety protocols. Don’t be afraid to ask about their training background.

3. Get multiple estimates

Having movers conduct in-home assessments sets you up for reliable quotes reflecting your unique moving needs. Aim to get quotes from at least three to five movers. Give them your itemized inventory list upfront and ask what their on-site estimating process includes. When comparing companies, ensure you compare what they offer and not just cost.

Matt Graber, co-owner of New York-based moving company Cool Hand Movers, advises to be wary of “extremely low quotes compared to other companies.” This could signal underqualified movers planning to hike your costs later.

4. Choose your insurance

Having adequate insurance coverage gives peace of mind if items get lost or damaged during a move. Here’s an overview of common insurance options:

Released value protection

Movers are required by law to provide basic coverage, and this is it. With released value protection, movers are liable for damages up to 60 cents per pound per item. With this bare minimum option, you’ll only be compensated according to the weight — not the actual value — of the item.

Full-value protection

Federal law requires movers to offer this optional supplemental coverage. But it’s up to you to purchase it separately. With full-value protection, your mover is liable for reimbursing you the total replacement value of any lost or damaged items — up to the declared value amounts you specify.

Third-party insurance

If you have items of extraordinary value (more than $100 per pound), third-party insurance may be worth it. Claims options include repairs and replacement. You can also get a cash settlement equivalent to the item’s market value. This option covers your entire inventory — even in a natural disaster.

5. Compare costs and services

With estimates in hand, compare total costs, scope of services and overall value among your top choices.

If you have a tight budget, focus on finding the best value for money. Full-service movers handle the entire process seamlessly but at a premium. Self-service options like PODS offer significant savings for flexible DIYers.

Also consider other factors that help determine the true value, such as:

• Customer service reputation

• Experience with local versus long-distance moves

• Overall professionalism

• Specialty item expertise

6. Read your contract and ask questions

Before signing a contract, read it thoroughly and clarify unclear points. Nancy Zafrani, general manager of New York-based Oz Moving & Storage, suggests asking potential movers:

• How long have you been helping people move?

• Are you licensed and how experienced are your movers?

• Do you offer any incentives for flexible dates or times?

Additional questions worth asking include:

• What are your dispute resolution procedures if items get damaged?

• How exactly will you weigh my items to validate charges?

• What are your cancellation and refund policies?

• Who’s my direct contact person if issues arise during the move?

Do I need a mover?

Deciding whether to hire movers depends on several factors:

• Moving distance: You may be able to do short, local moves solo. But long distances (more than 50 miles or across state lines) often warrant hiring professionals to reduce road fatigue and lifting injuries.

• Number of belongings: The more boxes and furniture you have, the more daunting loading and unloading becomes. A professional mover can eliminate that stress.

• Physical ability: You’ll risk sustaining back injuries and strains if you load heavy items without proper form. Movers use proven techniques to lift safely. Movers provide immense peace of mind for seniors and those moving long distances or downsizing. After factoring in rental trucks, insurance and related costs, expenses often even out.

• Specialty items: Items like safes, pianos and treadmills require special handling. Moving companies have the proper equipment to ensure these items arrive at your new place in the same condition.

Pros and cons of hiring movers

Pros

• No rental truck hassle

• No injury risk from improper heavy lifting

• Time savings allow you to focus on other move tasks

Cons

• Higher cost, especially for long distances

• Itemized pricing makes exact budgeting difficult

• You must supervise pickup and delivery

What type of mover should I hire?

So you’ve decided to hire a mover — but are stumped on which is right for you. Here are some worth thinking about:

Full-service movers

This traditional option is for you if you’re looking for end-to-end service:

• Packing supplies

• Packing up belongings

• Disassembling furniture

• Truck loading and unloading

• Transporting belongings

• Unpacking

• Disposing of packing materials

It can get expensive, but you get maximum convenience. Full-service movers are “ideal for those who are short on time and have a lot of belongings,” according to Matt Woodley, author of international moving resource Mover Focus. This option is also great for seniors or anyone unable to handle the labor involved.

Self-service movers

These are known as “you pack, you unload” movers. You pack and load your belongings into a container or truck; then, the mover transports it to your new home. Once your belongings arrive, you’ll be responsible for unloading everything. This is “best for those on a budget, have fewer items to move or prefer to handle their belongings personally,” Woodley advised.

Moving labor

With moving labor services, you pay a crew hourly to load and unload a truck you rent separately. You’re responsible for arranging transportation logistics. Moving labor provides loading and unloading help only.

Moving brokers

Moving brokers act as middlemen to arrange and contract your move out to local moving companies in your area. The quality and professionalism of services arranged through brokers may vary.

Tips to avoid moving scams

While most movers are reputable, Zafrani shared a real-life scenario highlighting the importance of vetting movers for a positive experience.

“My friend was moving within the U.S. from an area where we couldn’t service the pickup. I was stunned at some of the outrageous conditions being offered by moving companies — one even had a delivery window of over 30 days.” she said.

Avoid finding yourself in a similar dilemma by:

• Confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) numbers, licensing and insurance are up-to-date and legitimate

• Getting binding estimates in writing before the move date (don’t rely on verbal quotes)

• Avoiding large up-front cash deposits

• Using a credit card in case you need to file a dispute later

• Ensuring your contract clearly outlines all services, costs and timelines

• Asking questions (never feel rushed into signing an agreement you’re not sure about)

Bottom line

The moving process has many moving parts, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes hiring movers far less intimidating. By thoroughly assessing your needs, vetting mover credentials and reviews, understanding costs/insurance coverage and avoiding scams, you can confidently hire a moving company.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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