What a moving company does and what it costs

A moving company transports your belongings from one location to another. The company sends a truck, crew, and equipment; you pay by the hour, by weight, or by a flat rate depending on the mover's pricing model. Full-service movers pack, load, transport, unload, and sometimes unpack. Labor-only movers provide crew and truck but you pack everything yourself. Some companies do only local moves (within a state), others do long-distance or interstate moves, and a few do both.

Cost depends on distance, volume of stuff, how much the mover has to pack, and the season. A local move of a one-bedroom apartment might run $1,500 to $3,000. A cross-country move of a three-bedroom house can range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more. Summer is peak season and costs more. Winter and weekday moves are usually cheaper. The mover will give you a binding estimate (a price that does not change) or a non-binding estimate (a price that can go up if your load weighs more than predicted).

Key Takeaways

  • Moving companies charge by the hour, by weight, or by a flat rate, and the method affects how much you pay and what incentive the mover has to work fast or slow.
  • A binding estimate locks in a price; a non-binding estimate can increase if your belongings weigh more than the mover predicted.
  • Interstate moves are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and require movers to hold a US Department of Transportation (USDOT) number and cargo insurance.
  • Local moves are regulated by your state, and requirements vary; check your state's transportation or commerce department for mover licensing rules.
  • Getting written estimates from at least three movers, checking their complaint history, and reading your contract before signing protects you from surprise costs and poor service.

The difference between binding and non-binding estimates

A binding estimate is a price the mover promises not to exceed. You pay that amount or less, even if the truck is fuller than predicted. The mover absorbs the risk if they underestimated. Binding estimates are usually higher than non-binding ones because the mover is taking on that risk. They are most common for local moves and for interstate moves when the mover has done an in-home survey.

A non-binding estimate is an educated guess based on a phone call or video tour. If your belongings weigh more than the estimate, you pay more. The final bill can be 10 to 20 percent higher than the estimate. Non-binding estimates are cheaper upfront but carry the risk of a surprise bill. They are common for long-distance moves when the mover has not seen your home in person.

A binding not-to-exceed estimate is a middle ground: the mover gives you a maximum price, but you may pay less if the actual weight or volume is lower. This protects you from overages while still letting the mover adjust if you have more stuff than expected.

How to get estimates and what to compare

Contact at least three moving companies and ask for a written estimate. For local moves, many movers will come to your home for free and give you an in-person estimate. For long-distance moves, you can usually get an estimate over the phone or by uploading photos and a video walkthrough of your home. Be honest about what you own — the estimate is only as good as the information you give.

When you have estimates in hand, compare not just the price but the type of estimate (binding or non-binding), what is included (packing, unpacking, storage), the mover's insurance coverage, and their complaint history. Check the mover's record with your state's transportation regulator and with the Better Business Bureau. For interstate moves, look up the mover's USDOT number on the FMCSA website to confirm they are registered and to see any complaints filed against them.

Ask each mover the same questions: Do you charge by the hour or by weight? What is included in the price? What is not? How much notice do you need? What happens if I need to reschedule? What insurance do you carry, and what does it cover? A mover who will not answer these questions in writing is a red flag.

Interstate moves and federal regulation

If you are moving across state lines, the move is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The mover must have a USDOT number, which you can verify on the FMCSA website. They must also carry cargo insurance and provide you with a copy of the "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" brochure before you sign a contract.

Interstate movers must give you a binding estimate if you request one in writing. They cannot charge you more than the estimate without your written consent. If the mover tries to hold your belongings hostage until you pay more than the estimate, that is illegal. You can file a complaint with the FMCSA if the mover violates these rules.

The FMCSA also requires movers to provide you with a written contract that lists the pickup and delivery dates (or date ranges), the price, what is included, and the mover's liability for damage. Read this contract carefully before you sign. If something is missing or unclear, ask the mover to add it in writing.

Local moves and state regulation

Local moves are regulated by your state, not by the federal government. Requirements vary widely. Some states require movers to be licensed and bonded; others do not. Some states cap what movers can charge; most do not. Check your state's transportation department, commerce department, or attorney general's office for rules about movers in your area.

Even if your state does not require licensing, you can still check a mover's complaint history. The Better Business Bureau maintains records of complaints and how movers have resolved them. Google reviews and Yelp also show customer experiences, though keep in mind that people are more likely to leave a review if they had a very good or very bad experience.

For local moves, a binding estimate is more common because the mover can see your home in person. If a local mover will not give you a binding estimate, ask why. If they say they cannot predict the weight or volume, that is a sign they may not have done a thorough survey.

What to do before moving day

Once you have chosen a mover and signed a contract, confirm the pickup and delivery dates in writing. Give the mover your phone number and email, and ask them to contact you a day or two before they arrive. Make sure someone will be home on moving day — most movers will not enter a locked home without you present.

Before the movers arrive, take photos or video of your belongings, especially high-value items like electronics, art, or furniture. This creates a record of what you owned and its condition. If something is damaged during the move, photos help you file a claim with the mover's insurance.

On moving day, walk through your home with the mover and point out anything fragile or valuable. Ask the mover to note any pre-existing damage to your furniture or belongings on the inventory sheet. Do not sign the inventory until you have reviewed it. Once you sign, the mover's liability for damage is limited to what is listed.

Insurance and damage claims

Moving companies carry cargo insurance, but the coverage is limited. Federal law allows movers to limit their liability to about 60 cents per pound per item. This means if a 100-pound sofa is damaged, the mover's insurance might cover only $60. This is called released value protection, and it is the default for most moves.

You can purchase additional insurance called full value protection or declared value protection, which covers the full replacement cost of damaged items. This costs extra — usually 1 to 3 percent of the total move cost — but protects you if something expensive is damaged or lost. Ask the mover about this option before you sign the contract.

If something is damaged, report it to the mover in writing within a set time frame (usually 30 days for interstate moves, but check your contract). Include photos, the original receipt or proof of value, and a description of the damage. The mover will investigate and either repair the item, replace it, or pay you the depreciated value. If you disagree with their offer, you can file a claim with their insurance company or take the mover to small claims court.

Red flags and how to avoid scams

Avoid movers who quote a price over the phone without seeing your home, especially for long-distance moves. Avoid movers who ask for full payment upfront or who demand cash only. Avoid movers who do not have a physical office or a phone number you can call. Avoid movers who pressure you to sign a contract on the spot or who refuse to give you a written estimate.

Be wary of movers who offer prices that are much lower than other quotes. A price that is 30 or 40 percent below the average is often a sign that the mover will add hidden charges later or will not show up on moving day. Legitimate movers price similarly because their costs — labor, fuel, insurance — are similar.

If you are moving interstate, verify the mover's USDOT number on the FMCSA website before you book. If the number does not come up, the mover is not registered and is operating illegally. Report illegal movers to the FMCSA or to your state's attorney general.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if a mover damages my furniture?

Report the damage to the mover in writing within 30 days (check your contract for the exact important date). Include photos, proof of the item's value, and a description of the damage. The mover will investigate and offer to repair, replace, or pay you for the item. If you disagree with their offer, you can file a claim with their insurance company or pursue the matter in small claims court.

Can I negotiate the price with a moving company?

Yes, especially if you have multiple estimates. Show the mover a lower quote from a competitor and ask if they can match it. Some movers will lower their price to win your business. However, do not choose a mover based on price alone — a cheap mover who damages your belongings or does not show up costs more in the end.

What happens if the mover does not show up on moving day?

Contact the mover when ready by phone and email. Ask for a written explanation and a new moving date. If the mover cannot reschedule within a reasonable time, you may be able to cancel the contract and get a refund. For interstate moves, you can file a complaint with the FMCSA. For local moves, contact your state's transportation regulator or attorney general.

Do I have to tip the moving crew?

Tipping is not required, but it is customary if the crew works hard and treats your belongings with care. A typical tip is $5 to $10 per crew member, or 15 to 20 percent of the total bill if you are very satisfied. You can also provide food and drinks, which many crews appreciate.

What is the difference between a moving company and a moving broker?

A moving company owns trucks and employs crews. A moving broker takes your order and hires a moving company to do the actual work. Brokers are often cheaper because they have lower overhead, but you have less control over which company moves you and how the move is handled. If you use a broker, ask who the actual moving company will be before you book.