Most people wait until moving day to realize they hired a disaster. A little skepticism upfront saves you from paying triple the quote or losing your couch. Here’s what to watch for.
Red Flags in Quotes
A quote that comes in way under everyone else is not a bargain — it’s a setup. Lowballers either add surprise fees at the door or show up with an undersized truck and demand cash. Get three quotes minimum. If one refuses to give a binding estimate, walk. Binding means the price is locked. Non-binding means they can charge whatever they want after loading.
Red Flags in Communication
If they dodge your calls, take days to reply to emails, or give vague answers about timing, that’s how they’ll treat your stuff. Real companies answer clearly and promptly. Listen for hesitation when you ask about insurance, subcontractors, or extra fees. A confident company says “yes, we’re licensed” and gives you the DOT number without you asking.
Red Flags in Contracts
Never sign a contract that has blank spaces or lines you can’t read. Watch for clauses that let them charge per pound instead of per hour — that’s a classic bait-and-switch. Also look for “valuation coverage” language that limits their liability to pennies per pound. That means if they break your TV, you get about $0.60.
How to Protect Yourself
Take photos of everything before they touch it. Write down the driver’s name, license plate, and company DOT number. Pay with a credit card, not cash or wire transfer — cards give you chargeback rights. And never pay the full amount upfront. A reasonable deposit is fine. Anything over 20% before the truck moves is a red flag.
Go compare local moving companies on RatingsNearMe — real reviews from people who actually used them, not paid testimonials.