Ready to discover the difference between moving companies that work for you and the ones that don’t?
Millions of Americans ask themselves this question every year. With over 16,851 moving services enterprises operating nationwide, finding a reliable one is easier said than done.
Every person looking for a moving company wants it to meet certain requirements.
For starters, the whole moving process needs to be as stress-free as possible. That’s exactly why most people prefer full service movers who do everything from packing to delivery, careful handling of all your belongings and simple upfront pricing with no hidden fees.
The problem is, not every full-service moving company measures up.
It’s up to you to learn the difference between professional movers and scammers, companies with insurance that backs their promises and those with liability coverage that falls short.
The following article will help you understand the key features you need to compare when choosing a moving company. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll learn:
What you’ll discover:
- What Makes Full-Service Moving Different?
- Professional Packing Services
- Loading & Transportation
- Insurance & Liability Coverage
- Customer Service & Communication
What Makes Full-Service Moving Different?
Full-service moving companies take care of everything during your relocation process.
That means instead of spending weeks packing boxes, renting moving trucks, and loading furniture by yourself, you get a team of professionals who handle everything from start to finish.
They pack up all your items, load them onto the truck, transport everything safely to your new place and even unpack and set up everything in your new home.
But here’s the kicker…
Not all “full-service” moving companies are created equal. Some will provide exceptional service and treat your belongings like their own. Others will make careless mistakes that leave you with broken furniture, costly damage claims and a massive headache.
The truth is, the best full-service moving companies have one main thing in common.
Quality full-service movers provide clear, upfront pricing with no surprises or hidden fees and a smooth, worry-free moving experience from start to finish.
Professional Packing Services
Want to know the biggest difference between amateur and professional moving companies?
It’s all in the packing.
Professional packers are trained to take care of your belongings during transport. They have the materials and know-how to keep your stuff safe that most people don’t even know exist.
Quality full-service moving companies provide top of the line packing materials and packing services.
Experienced packing crews who know how to handle fragile items, custom crating for expensive artwork and glass, fully packed inventory lists so nothing gets lost or stolen.
The reality is that poor packing causes most moving damage. By paying for professionals, you’re paying for their expertise at taking care of your belongings.
Look for moving companies that guarantee their packing work. If they break something due to poor packing materials or techniques, they should cover the full replacement cost without question.
Loading & Transportation
This is where things start to get interesting…
Loading a moving truck is not just about getting everything inside.
Professional movers have specific loading techniques that keep your items safe during transport.
The best full-service moving companies have experienced loading crews, modern equipment like dollies and straps, well-maintained trucks with air-ride suspension, and GPS tracking so you can see where your belongings are at all times.
But here’s something most people don’t consider — the average cost of hiring full-service movers ranges from $882 to $2,566 for local moves, and transportation makes up a huge chunk of that cost.
Loading and transportation is a big part of moving costs for a reason. You’re not just paying for a truck and fuel.
You’re paying for professional drivers, proper insurance coverage and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your stuff is in good hands.
Insurance & Liability Coverage
Here’s something that’ll surprise you…
Most moving companies only provide minimal liability coverage.
Right now, the standard liability insurance most moving companies offer is about $0.60 per pound for damaged items. That means if they break your $2,000 television, you’ll only get $60 in compensation.
Smart full-service moving companies offer full replacement value coverage with comprehensive insurance policies that cover both loss and theft, simple claims processes that don’t take months to process, and options for third-party insurance for high-value items.
The truth is that good insurance is an extra expense, but it’s worth every penny when something goes wrong. Look for moving companies that can explain their coverage options clearly and don’t pressure you into expensive add-ons.
Customer Service & Communication
Want to know how to instantly spot a quality moving company?
Look at how they communicate with you during the planning process. The best full-service movers keep you updated every step of the way.
Quality full-service moving companies provide dedicated moving coordinators, regular updates via phone or email, clear timelines for pickup and delivery, and 24/7 customer support for questions.
The moving industry saw a 250% increase in customer complaints between 2019 and 2021. Most of those complaints were from people who had poor communication and unrealistic expectations from their moving company.
The moving companies that survived and thrived during that difficult period were the ones that prioritized customer service over everything else.
Pricing Transparency
This is where things start to get tricky…
Moving company pricing can be complicated. Some charge by weight, others by hours, and many have fees for services that should be included in the base rate.
Only 40.8% of Americans report their final moving bill matched the original estimate. That means close to 60% of customers experience unexpected costs.
Look for moving companies that offer binding estimates. This means the final price can’t be more than 10% higher than the original quote, even if the move takes twice as long.
Quality full-service movers include all labor costs, basic packing materials, standard furniture protection, and one month of free storage for long-distance moves.
Avoid companies that offer you a low initial quote and then pile on extra fees for “unexpected” services.
Licensing & Credentials
Here’s one thing most people forget – checking if their moving company is properly licensed.
Every legitimate full-service moving company should have DOT registration for interstate moves, state licensing for local moves, BBB accreditation with good ratings, and professional association memberships like AMSA or IAM.
The moving industry is not immune to attracting shady operators looking to make a quick buck.
With 9,535 moving services businesses operating in the US by 2025, it’s easy for bad actors to hide in plain sight.
Always verify credentials before signing any contracts. A few minutes of research can save you thousands of dollars and major headaches.
Technology & Modern Features
The best full-service moving companies are using technology to make your experience better.
Modern features include online inventory systems, mobile apps for real-time updates, digital contracts, and virtual surveys that provide more accurate estimates.
Companies that invest in technology usually provide better service overall. They’re more organized, more efficient, and easier to work with.
Putting It All Together
Finding the right full-service moving company doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Focus on the core factors:
Service quality trumps everything else. A company that handles your belongings with care and communicates clearly is worth paying extra for.
Transparent pricing protects you from surprise costs and budget overruns.
Proper licensing and insurance ensures you’re working with professionals that can actually help you if something goes wrong.
The moving companies worth hiring earn their profits by providing exceptional service, not by cutting corners.
Final Thoughts
Don’t pick the first moving company you find.
Get quotes from at least three different full-service movers, compare their services, pricing, and communication style. Ask specific questions about insurance, licensing and what happens if something goes wrong.
The right moving company will make your relocation smooth and stress-free.
The wrong one will create problems that last long after the moving day is over.
Take the time to choose wisely – your belongings and your sanity depend on it.
