When planning a move, hiring the right moving company can make a big difference. It affects your schedule, stress levels, and the safety of your belongings. Knowing how to compare moving companies helps you avoid surprises and disappointment on moving day.
This guide outlines clear, actionable steps to ensure you choose a mover who delivers solid service and real value.
1. Start With Reliable Information
Before you compare movers, gather essential information. Look for companies with a physical business address, an active license, and a track record in the moving industry. If you’re moving across state lines, ask for their USDOT number. You can verify this through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.
For in-state moves, check with your state’s transportation or regulatory authority. A licensed moving company is held to legal and financial standards that protect you as a customer.
If the company is vague about registration, that’s a red flag.
2. Get Written Moving Quotes From Multiple Companies
When comparing moving companies, collect written quotes from at least three providers. Each quote should reflect the same services, moving date, and scope. Estimates done over the phone without a clear inventory are rarely accurate.
Common types of moving estimates include:
- Non-binding estimate: May go up if actual costs are higher than expected
- Binding estimate: Locked-in total cost based on inventory
- Binding not-to-exceed estimate: You won’t pay more, but you might pay less
Always ask for clarification on which estimate type you’re receiving. A reliable moving estimate includes charges for labor, transportation, fuel, any packing services, and stated fees for additional services such as furniture disassembly or storage.
If one quote is dramatically lower, ask why. It may not include all your needs—or it could be a warning sign of hidden costs.
Related Article: How Much Does It Cost to Move in Philadelphia?
3. Compare Services in Detail
When you compare moving companies, don’t focus only on price. Review their service lists carefully. Not all companies offer the same range of assistance. Some include packing, crating, or temporary storage. Others charge extra—or don’t offer them at all.
Look at whether the company provides:
- Packing services (full or partial)
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Crating for large or fragile items
- Short- or long-term storage
- Specialty item handling (pianos, artwork, electronics)
Choosing a company offering the right mix of moving services upfront can save money and reduce confusion later.
4. Review Insurance and Liability Coverage
In the moving industry, liability coverage varies depending on the provider and the type of estimate. By law, interstate movers must offer two coverage levels:
- Released value protection – Basic coverage, which only provides about 60 cents per pound per item. Included at no cost.
- Full value protection – Covers the replacement or repair of any items lost or damaged. Usually comes at an extra fee.
Ask whether the mover allows claims to be filed directly or via a third-party insurer. Understanding your coverage is key to having peace of mind.
5. Evaluate Customer Service
The quoting process reveals more than just numbers—it shows how a moving company communicates. This matters.
Start with how they respond to your outreach. Are they timely? Do they give direct answers? If it takes days to return a message, that trend likely continues through your move.
Then look at the consistency between their words and their documentation. If the written estimate doesn’t match what was discussed, ask why. A reliable mover doesn’t change the story once it’s on paper.
The best companies walk you through their process clearly. They don’t dodge questions. They don’t pressure you into quick decisions. If getting clear answers is an uphill battle early on, expect more issues later.
6. Look Into Customer Reviews
What past customers say matters. It reveals how a company actually performs when the truck shows up—not just how they sound on the phone.
Scan reviews on independent sites like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. If you’re seeing repeated complaints about delayed deliveries, price increases, or damaged items, take that seriously.
But don’t look for perfection. Every mover has an off day. The important part is how they handle it. Do they follow up? Offer solutions? Take responsibility?
Positive reviews should reflect clear communication, careful handling of goods, and final costs that match the original moving estimate. When the same strengths show up again and again, that’s a good sign.
7. Understand the Moving Process
Before you sign any contract, make sure the mover can walk you through exactly what to expect.
Start with the basics: What will moving day look like? Will the same team load and unload your belongings, or are you dealing with different crews at each stop? Will your items go straight to the new address, or pass through a storage facility?
Ask how they inventory and track your boxes. If a delay occurs, what’s their protocol? You should know how their logistics work and who to call if something goes wrong.
Also, find out if they use subcontractors—and whether those workers are insured. You want to know who’s in your home and who’s handling your property.
Clear answers here show that a company has real systems in place. That structure helps you avoid surprises when it matters most.
8. Be Alert to Red Flags
Low prices can be appealing. But if the rest of the operation doesn’t add up, small warning signs should not be ignored.
Big upfront deposits, especially in cash, are one of the most common trouble points. Reputable movers don’t ask for hundreds of dollars before they’ve done anything to earn your business.
If there’s no business address on file, or all communication happens through a personal email account and a cellphone, proceed carefully.
Unmarked trucks, missing company names, or vague contracts are signs of a company that avoids accountability. You should know who’s moving your belongings, and what they’ve agreed to do.
If something feels rushed or unclear during early conversations, pay attention to that feeling. It often foreshadows problems later—just when you need reliability most.
Take Your Time Comparing Moving Companies
Don’t rush. The cost of choosing the wrong mover is high—damaged furniture, missed timelines, or even lost items.
When you compare moving companies side by side, make a checklist with these categories:
Category |
Company A | Company B | Company C |
| Licensed and insured | |||
| In-home estimate | |||
| Type of estimate | |||
| Services included | |||
| Customer reviews | |||
| Cost estimate | |||
| Payment terms | |||
| Response time |
This comparison tool keeps all your research in one place so you can make an informed decision with peace of mind.
Make the Right Move With a Smart Comparison
Knowing how to compare moving companies gives you control over your moving experience. Focus on clear quotes, reliable service, and transparent communication. Take time to compare movers, examine moving estimates, read customer reviews, and watch for red flags. A little effort in the beginning saves money, stress, and time later on.
When you follow these steps, comparing moving companies becomes simple. You’ll choose the right moving company in Philadelphia for your needs—and take a big step toward a smooth and stress-free move.
