Hiring movers isn’t something you do every day, so it’s normal to feel a little unsure about it. Besides, you’re trusting people with your home which adds extra pressure to make the right decision. 

Breaking it down into a simple 1-2-3 can make it easier to wrap your head around and take the next step.

How to Hire Movers 

Step 1: Research

Looking online is probably the first thing you’re going to do, and that’s a great start. Just know there are going to be a lot of options. What will really help you separate one company from another is what other people are saying in their reviews, so read them with a magnifying glass.

Look at the language people use. Are they sharing real details about their move, or is it just a bunch of vague “awesome service” comments? Real reviews usually mention the name of the movers and include pictures.

If you don’t fully trust online reviews, there’s nothing like asking someone you trust. Talk to friends or family who’ve moved before. Their experiences can guide you in the right direction faster than scrolling through strangers’ opinions.

Where Else to Look? 

Another good place to check is the Better Business Bureau. Look at their rating, which should be an A or A+. It also helps to spend a minute on their website to get a good sense of how trustworthy a company is, how clear they are about their services, and how easy they are to contact. 

Keep in mind that your movers should be properly licensed and insured. Always check that.

Step 2: Get Estimates and Compare

When you’re ready to ask for quotes, you should have your move date and the services you actually need in mind (moving, packing, unpacking…) Then, make sure you understand what kind of estimate you’re getting:

These could be your options:

• Binding estimate (flat rate):
  A set price based on the details you share. If nothing changes (same amount of stuff, same access), the price shouldn’t change.
  
• Non-binding estimate (hourly):
  The final cost depends on how long the move actually takes. If it takes longer than expected, the total goes up. If it’s faster, it goes down.

Beyond the basic pricing, ask about the details that can change your total. Ask if they have extra fees for stairs, tricky access or weekend moves if that’s your case. Check whether they charge for travel time and whether they include materials like wrap, padding on their estimate. 

Finally, ask about coverage. What kind of protection is included if something gets damaged? It’s not the most exciting part of the conversation, but it’s necessary. 

Important: Ask for a written estimate so you’re not relying on memory or phone quotes. That can also help you a lot when comparing prices.

Pay Attention to the Questions Your Movers Ask You

A good estimate comes from good questions. Reliable movers will want details about how much you’re moving, the size of your place, access at both locations, and any bulky or special items. 

If they offer a video or in-person walkthrough, that’s usually a good sign that they’re responsible and trying to be accurate. A moving company that barely asks anything and throws out a number is a huge red flag.

Step 3: Decide and Book

By now, you should have a few quotes to look at. Comparing around two or three companies is usually a good place to be. 

If your budget is tight, choosing the lower option can make sense. Just don’t let the price be the only thing you look at. Double check what’s included, if there are any hidden fees, and how solid and reliable the company feels.

Think about how each company communicated with you. Who was easy to reach and made the process feel less stressful? It can be a sneak peek into how things will go on moving day.

Now that you have weighed your options, you’re ready to pick up that phone and book that appointment for your move!

Ready for an Estimate?

We hope this guide helped make the process of hiring movers feel a little clearer. We know there’s a lot to think about, and it can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to make the right call for your move.

If you’re comparing options or ready for a clear, accurate estimate, we’re happy to answer your questions and walk you through what your move might look like. Feel free to give us a call or fill out our form for a free estimate, we will be sure to guide you through the process.