Moving is more than just transporting boxes—it’s entrusting someone with your belongings, memories and peace of mind. Whether you’re relocating across town or to a new state, the difference between a smooth move and a stressful one often comes down to the moving company you select. With so many options and so many stories of things going wrong, how can you confidently choose one that you can actually trust? In this post, we’ll walk you through the key criteria you should evaluate, how to scan for red flags, and what questions to ask so you avoid surprises.
When you pick the wrong move,r you risk:
Damage, loss, or theft of items.
Hidden fees, last-minute rate hikes, or surprise charges.
Poor communication, broken schedules, and stress in an already busy time.
Difficulty getting recourse if things go wrong, especially if the company isn’t properly licensed or insured.
On the flip side, hiring a reputable, professional mover gives you peace of mind: clear estimates, safe handling, reliable timelines, and a partner you can trust. The difference is real. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), one of your best protections is simply doing your homework.
Here are the detailed factors to evaluate when selecting your moving company:
For interstate moves, ensure the company has a USDOT number and is registered with the FMCSA.
For local/in-state moves, check your state’s regulations. Some states require their own licenses.
Confirm they carry proper insurance: coverage for your belongings, liability coverage for their staff, and any required bonding.
Ask for documentation—just claiming “we’re insured” isn’t sufficient without proof.
Why it matters: Without proper licensing and insurance, you may have little or no recourse if something goes wrong.
Read online reviews across multiple platforms: Google, Facebook, and TrustPilot.
Look for patterns: repeated complaints about damage, delays, and hidden charges. A single negative review is not always a deal breaker, but consistent issues should raise alarms.
Pay attention to how the company responds to complaints—do they explain mistakes and offer resolutions? This often differentiates professionals from amateurs.
Ask for recent references or cases—especially those with a similar move type to yours (local vs. long-distance, home size, etc.).
Does the company provide a written estimate? The FMCSA emphasizes this as an early indicator of legitimacy.
Does the estimate clearly list services, fees, potential extras, and what’s included/excluded?
Are they easy to reach, responsive, and willing to answer your questions? Trust is built in the first conversations.
Avoid movers who pressure you to sign quickly or make large upfront deposits without a clear written agreement.
A mover with a physical address, trucks in the field, and local presence is generally more accountable than one that only operates online or via broker-middlemen.
Visit their office if possible—or at least verify their business address, company name registration, and local phone number.
Does the mover have experience with your type of move (size of home, number of floors/stairs, long distance vs. local)?
Are they equipped with the right trucks, equipment, and workforce?
Are the terms suited to your timeline, inventory, and expectations?
Even if pricing isn’t the focus right now, undervaluing experience or suitability can lead to bigger costs later (damage, delays, stress).
Consider a homeowner who hired a mover purely based on the lowest quote. The mover arrived understaffed, used cheap packing materials, and didn’t bring the promised equipment. Boxes were lost, furniture scratched, and the homeowner spent weeks trying to contact the company. When they discovered the mover was a broker (not the actual loading company) and had no local office, their recourse was limited. This scenario aligns with the “hostage” and “bait and switch” scams described in industry warnings.
Contrast that with a mover who provided a detailed written quote, inspected the home in advance, walked the homeowner through the process, had visible local trucks and staff, and consistently responded to feedback. The difference in outcome is clear: fewer surprises, better handling, and a smoother move.
At Your Moving Butlers, we’ve designed our service around the standards above because we believe your move deserves nothing less than excellence.
Licensed & Insured: We meet all regulatory standards, so your belongings are in safe hands.
Transparent Estimates: You’ll receive a written estimate with a clear scope, no hidden fees, and open communication.
Local Team: Our Dallas-area base means we’re part of the community—accountable, responsive, and trusted.
Proven Reputation: We encourage you to review our testimonials and see how we’ve earned trust one move at a time.
Tailored Service: Whether it’s stairs, specialty items, pets or tight schedules, we adapt our team and equipment to meet your exact needs.
Choosing a moving company you can actually trust isn’t about just finding the lowest price. It’s about finding a partner who respects your time, your belongings, and your expectations. By doing your homework—verifying credentials, reading reviews, asking the right questions, and choosing a mover with local presence—you’ll dramatically increase the odds of a successful move with minimal stress.
When you’re ready for a move where trust matters, let Your Moving Butlers show you how it’s done.
Contact us today for a personalized moving consultation.