Do not compare movers on hourly rate alone.
Ask about minimum hours, travel time, stairs, elevators, long carries, bulky items, packing materials and other charges that can change the final bill. Get the scope and pricing terms in writing.
First choose the kind of move.
01Local full-service move
You want the company to provide the truck and moving crew and transport your belongings between local addresses.
02Labor only
You already have a rental truck, container or storage unit and mainly need people to load, unload or move heavy items.
03Interstate move
Crossing state lines is not just a longer local move. Ask specifically about interstate authority, estimates, delivery window and how claims are handled.
04Move plus storage
If dates do not line up, compare the total move-and-storage plan—not merely the monthly storage price. Ask who handles each transfer.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Make every quote answer the same questions.
- What is the minimum charge and when does billable time begin and end?
- Are travel, stairs, elevators, long carries, furniture disassembly or bulky items extra?
- What protection/valuation options apply if something is damaged?
- What deposit or cancellation terms apply?
- For interstate moves, verify the mover's regulatory information rather than relying only on reviews.