Hiring a household mover is a transaction built on trust. You’re handing over every valuable thing you own to people you’ve never met, expecting everything to arrive intact at a new address. Most moves go fine. But the ones that don’t—damaged furniture, surprise charges on moving day, or belongings that arrive far too late—usually trace back to the same place: someone chose based on a low price and a quick phone call. A bit more diligence upfront changes the outcome.
Get At Least Three Written Estimates
For any significant move, collect written estimates from at least three companies. For a local move, a proper estimate means an in-home walkthrough. A moving company should see your home before quoting a price. Phone quotes given sight-unseen are frequently inaccurate and can change substantially once the crew actually arrives. In-home estimates give both parties a realistic picture of what the job involves.
When comparing estimates, understand what type you’re looking at. A binding estimate guarantees the price regardless of your shipment’s actual weight. A non-binding estimate can increase after the move. For long-distance moves especially, ask about a binding not-to-exceed estimate, which caps your payment at the quoted amount even if the shipment ends up heavier than expected.
Verify Their Credentials Before You Commit
For any move that crosses state lines, common for families relocating from Pennsylvania to New Jersey and beyond, the moving company must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and hold a valid USDOT number. You can check any mover’s registration status, insurance, and complaint history through the FMCSA’s free mover search tool. A few minutes there can prevent a serious problem later.
For local moves within Pennsylvania or New Jersey, ask for state registration information. A legitimate company will provide these numbers quickly and without hesitation.
Pro Tip: If a company won’t give you a USDOT number, can’t provide a physical business address, or hesitates to answer basic questions about their licensing, stop the conversation. These are the most consistent warning signs of companies involved in moving fraud.
Read Reviews — But Look Past the Star Rating
Online reviews on Google and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) are useful, but the star average only tells part of the story. Read the written reviews carefully. How does the company respond to negative feedback? With accountability or with defensiveness? Do the positive reviews include specific details about the crew and the experience, or do they read like generic filler? Patterns matter more than individual ratings.
Also, check whether any complaints have been filed with the BBB or your state’s attorney general’s consumer protection office. A pattern of complaints about billing surprises or damaged items tells you something important that a four-star average won’t.
Ask the Questions That Matter
Before signing anything, get clear answers to a few key questions: Is the moving crew employed directly by the company or subcontracted through a third party? What does their liability coverage actually include, and what happens if something is damaged? Are there additional fees for stairs, long carries, or oversized items? Will the same crew that picks up your belongings deliver them?
A company that answers clearly and completely is demonstrating the same transparency you’ll want if something goes wrong during the move. Vague or evasive answers to straightforward questions are worth paying attention to.
Pro Tip: Ask specifically whether the crew will be company employees or hired through a labor platform. Some companies book their crew through third-party apps on moving day — meaning the people handling your belongings have no direct accountability to the mover you vetted.
Trust What the Process Tells You
The way a company handles the first phone call says a lot about how they’ll handle your move. Do they ask thoughtful questions about your home and your timeline? Are they easy to reach and quick to follow up in writing? Do they pressure you to book before you’ve had a chance to compare options? The cheapest estimate isn’t always the best value, and the best companies don’t usually need to pressure anyone to close a deal.
A Moving Company You Can Count On
AAA Moving has served northeast Pennsylvania and New Jersey for decades. We’re licensed and insured, and our experienced crews are our employees—not sourced from a third-party app. Learn more about our residential moving services or contact us today for a free, on-site estimate.