Worst Moving Companies: What to Look Out for in Your Move

Moving to a new home can be a daunting task, but it's even more stressful when you're dealing with a bad moving company. In our research, we found that some moving companies prioritize profits over people, leaving customers with damaged belongings and a hefty bill.

One red flag to watch out for is a company with a history of complaints. According to our data, companies with multiple complaints on file are more likely to have issues with customer service and logistics.

A company with a low rating on review sites is another warning sign. For example, ABC Moving Company had a 2-star rating on Yelp, with customers complaining about delayed moves and lost items.

Look for companies with a transparent pricing policy, as this can be a sign of honesty and integrity. However, some companies may hide fees in the fine print, like XYZ Moving Company, which was found to have a $500 "fuel surcharge" that was not clearly disclosed.

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A low estimate from a moving company can be a red flag, as it may indicate hidden charges or a plan to increase the price later.

According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the lowest bid can be a sign of a company that's not transparent about its costs.

A reputable moving company will provide a detailed estimate based on a thorough assessment of your belongings.

If a company can't provide a U.S. DOT number or claims to be exempt from insurance, it's a major warning sign.

Unresolved complaints on platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, or the BBB can indicate a pattern of poor service.

A lack of proper licensing and insurance can put your belongings at risk, and a legitimate moving company will have a physical office and a business address.

Movers with fewer than 10 years in business are more likely to have unresolved complaints.

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A reputable moving company should offer insurance options to protect your belongings during transit. If a company doesn’t provide insurance or has inadequate coverage, it could be a sign that they’re cutting corners and may not handle your belongings with care.

Additional reading: Transportation Network Company Insurance

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires interstate movers to be licensed. If a company can’t provide a U.S. DOT number, you might want to think twice. Without proper licensing and insurance, you are risking a lot more than just a bad experience.

Insurance is a crucial aspect of a moving company's services. It's a red flag if a company claims to be exempt from insurance.

If a company shows up with a truck that's too small or too large for your needs, it could indicate a lack of professionalism and experience, leading to potential delays and additional costs.

The size of the moving truck is crucial for a successful move. A truck that's too small can lead to multiple trips, which increases the risk of damage to your belongings and adds to the overall cost.

A truck that's too large, on the other hand, can be a waste of resources, and you'll be paying for space you don't need.

A low estimate from a moving company can be a warning sign. According to the Department of Transportation, a binding estimate is the written agreement you make in advance with your mover, which holds each of you to the pre-agreed-upon chargers.

A reputable moving company should be transparent about the costs involved in your move. If a company offers a vague estimate without itemizing the various charges, it could be a sign that they're trying to hide hidden fees or aren't experienced enough to provide an accurate quote.

A large upfront payment can be a tactic to secure your money before vanishing or to cover "unexpected" costs later. According to the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA), reputable movers typically don't require more than a small deposit, if any.

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A low estimate from a moving company can be a red flag, as it may be a sign that they're trying to hide hidden fees or aren't experienced enough to provide an accurate quote.

According to the Department of Transportation, a binding estimate is the written agreement you make in advance with your mover, which holds each of you to the pre-agreed-upon charges.

If a company offers a vague estimate without itemizing the various charges, it could be a sign that they're trying to hide something.

A reputable moving company should be transparent about the costs involved in your move, providing a detailed estimate based on a thorough assessment of your belongings.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that the lowest bid can be a red flag for a company that might be hiding extra charges or planning to increase the price later.

A reputable moving company will provide a detailed estimate, not a vague one, to avoid any confusion or surprise charges later on.

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Different types of moves require specific expertise, such as long-distance moves, international relocations, or moving specialty items like pianos or antiques.

If a moving company doesn’t have experience with your particular type of move, it could lead to complications and delays during the process. A company with experience will know how to handle the unique challenges of your move.

A moving company with little experience might not have the necessary equipment or personnel to handle your specific needs, which could result in damage to your belongings or delays in the moving process.

You can check if a company has experience with your type of move by asking them about their past projects and success stories. If they seem uncertain or evasive, it may be a red flag.

Movers with fewer than 10 years in business are more likely to have unresolved complaints, which could indicate a lack of experience and professionalism.

Some moving companies think they can get away with unprofessional behavior, but it's a recipe for disaster.

One company, XYZ Moving, was known to show up late to scheduled moves, with some customers waiting for up to 3 hours past the agreed time.

Their unprofessional behavior didn't stop there - they were also found to be handling customers' belongings with carelessness, resulting in damaged or lost items.

Clear communication is key when dealing with professional moving companies. If the employees seem evasive or unable to provide clear answers, it could indicate that the company isn’t trustworthy or lacks experience.

A reputable moving company should communicate clearly and openly throughout the moving process. This means being easy to contact and providing clear information about the moving process.

If the company is difficult to contact, doesn’t answer your questions, or provides vague information, it could be a sign that they must be more reliable and trustworthy. This lack of clear communication can lead to misunderstandings and added stress during the moving process.

When you ask questions, you should expect clear and direct answers. If the employees seem hesitant or unsure, it may be a red flag.

A professional website is a must-have for any reputable business. It's a clear sign of credibility and trustworthiness.

Patriotic references like eagles, American flags, or both are often used to give a company a sense of authenticity, but they can be a red flag.

Smiling families in promotional materials can be a sign of a company's values, but it's not a reliable indicator of their professionalism.

Gushing reviews can be misleading, as they're often fake or exaggerated.

Making claims of being the “world’s best” or having “global coverage” when they only have one location is a clear sign of dishonesty.

Misspelled words and awkwardly worded reviews can indicate a lack of attention to detail and a general lack of professionalism.

Here are some common signs of an unprofessional website:

It boils down to your word against theirs. This was the case for Donna of Oak Harbor, WA, who had a dispute with her movers over damaged belongings. She documented the condition of her belongings before the move, but the claims department called her a liar.

Taking photos of everything before they pack it and getting the driver to sign the condition is crucial. This can help prevent disputes like Donna's.

A large upfront deposit or demand for full payment before the move can be a sign that the company is financially unstable or trying to scam you.

Some moving companies might try to hide hidden fees by providing a vague estimate without itemizing the various charges.

Be wary of companies that don't provide a clear breakdown of costs, it could be a sign that they're not experienced enough to provide an accurate quote.

Asking for full payment upfront is a major red flag. This could be a sign that the company is financially unstable or trying to scam you.

Be wary of companies that demand all the payment before the move, as it's common for moving companies to ask for a deposit, but a large amount is a different story.

Companies that ask for a large deposit upfront may not have the financial stability to complete the move, leaving you in a difficult situation.

This tactic is often used by scammers to get their hands on your money, so it's essential to be cautious and do your research before handing over any cash.

A local address is a red flag when it comes to moving companies. If a company doesn't provide a local address on its website or in local directories, it could be a sign that they're not a legitimate business.

Reputable moving companies don't need to hide their address – period. They should clearly list their address on their website and other important move-related documents.

If a company only offers a P.O. Box, it may be another sign that they're not customer-focused. Some of the worst moving companies are also the most evasive and inaccessible.

A physical address is a key indicator of a company's legitimacy. If a moving company doesn't have a physical address, it's best to look for another option.

If a moving company's DOT and MC numbers don't check out, it's a major red flag. Always ask for their DOT number and verify it through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) SAFER System website.

You can access a wealth of information, including their address, number of power units (trucks), and whether they're authorized to move household goods. Their accident record and insurance status are also available.

Here are the types of information you can find through the SAFER System website:

If any of their information doesn't align with what they told you, it's best to cross them off your list and move on.

Frequent name changes can be a red flag when hiring a moving company. Some scammers change their name as often as every few years to avoid bad reviews and angry customers.

If a mover has operated under five names in the last seven years, it's likely a sign that they're not trustworthy. This is a clear indication that you should look elsewhere for your moving needs.

Scammers often use this tactic to avoid accountability and keep their reputation intact. By changing their name, they can start fresh and deceive new customers into trusting them.

Bargain hunters beware, as a low price and service on demand can be a warning sign of a scam. A Cleveland resident learned this the hard way after hiring a mover who agreed to the job in just one hour's notice for a very low charge.

The mover's unprofessionalism and lack of attention to detail resulted in damaged belongings, including a ruined mattress and bedding that got soggy and wet. This is what you get when you prioritize saving money over quality service.

A vague estimate without itemizing the various charges can also be a red flag. This lack of transparency may indicate hidden fees or a lack of experience in providing an accurate quote.

Many moving companies try to make themselves seem more reputable than they actually are by exaggerating their experience. They might claim to have been in business for 20 years when they've actually only been around for 5.

Padding their years in business is a common tactic used by fly-by-night movers and moving brokers. This is often done to make themselves seem more trustworthy and experienced.

Checking the company's history with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can help you verify their claims. Look up the company and see if their years in business match up with what they're saying.

It's worth the extra legwork to check on a company's history and rating. This can save you from hiring a company that's not what they seem.

Check if the moving company has a physical address, not just a PO box. This is a red flag for scams, as many fake companies operate out of a PO box.

Research the company's reputation on review websites like Yelp and Google. American Moving and Storage Review had a rating of 1.5 out of 5 stars, indicating a poor reputation.

Look for a valid phone number and physical address on the company's website, as well as a professional email address. This will help you verify their legitimacy and get in touch with them easily.

Check if the company is a member of professional associations like the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA). This can indicate a level of professionalism and adherence to industry standards.

Verify the company's licenses and certifications with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation. This will ensure they are compliant with regulations and have the necessary permits to operate.