You’ve collected three quotes for your move, and they range from reasonable to suspiciously cheap. It’s hard to tell which company will actually show up on time, with the crew size they promised, and charge what they quoted. Price alone won’t tell you. A few specific checks will.
Here’s how to vet a mover before you hand over a deposit.
Start With the License Numbers
Moving companies that handle household moves within New York State must be licensed by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). Companies that move across state lines also need a USDOT number registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and usually an MC number.
A licensed moving company in New York City will display its NYSDOT and USDOT numbers on its website and paperwork, and you can confirm both in a couple of minutes. Check the numbers against the state and federal lookup tools, and make sure the company name on file matches the name on your estimate.
If a company can’t give you a license number, or gives you one that belongs to a different business, keep looking.
Know Whether You’re Talking to a Mover or a Broker
Some companies that advertise moving services don’t own trucks or employ crews. They’re brokers who sell your job to another company. Brokers are legal for interstate moves when properly registered, but they add a layer between you and the people who actually handle your belongings.
Ask directly:
- Will your own employees perform the move?
- Do you own the trucks?
- Whose name will be on the bill of lading?
If the answers are vague, you may be dealing with a broker. That matters because the crew, the schedule, and sometimes the final price can come from a company you’ve never vetted.
Understand How NYC Quotes Are Built
Most local NYC moves are priced by the hour, but two hourly quotes can produce very different final bills. When comparing estimates, ask about:
- Minimum hours. Many movers have a minimum charge regardless of how short the job is.
- Travel time. Some companies bill for time traveling to your pickup and back from delivery.
- Crew size and truck size. A lower hourly rate with fewer movers may take longer and cost more overall.
- Stairs and long carries. Walk-ups and long distances from the truck to the door can add charges.
- Materials. Ask whether pads, wrap, and wardrobe boxes are included or billed separately.
- Disassembly and reassembly. Find out whether beds, tables, and shelving are covered in the rate.
Ask each company to put these terms in writing. Then compare total estimated cost, not hourly rates.
Insist on a Real Survey
A phone estimate based on “one-bedroom, not much stuff” is a guess. Reliable estimates come from an in-home or video walkthrough where the mover sees your furniture, your closets, and the building layout.
During the survey, point out anything unusual: a piano, heavy artwork, a sectional that barely fit through the door, or items staying behind. The more the estimator sees, the fewer surprises you’ll have on moving day.
Read Reviews for Patterns, Not Stars
A 4.8 rating tells you less than the content of the reviews. Look through several months of recent reviews on more than one platform and look for repeated themes:
- Final bills much higher than the estimate
- Crews arriving late or with fewer people than promised
- Damage claims that went unanswered
- How the company responds to negative reviews
A few complaints are normal for any busy mover. The same complaint showing up again and again is a warning sign. Pay attention to how the business replies. A specific, calm response suggests accountability.
Red Flags to Watch For
- A large deposit demanded upfront, especially in cash
- An estimate far below every other quote
- No physical address, or an address that turns out to be a mailbox service
- A company name that changes between the website, the estimate, and the contract
- Pressure to book immediately “before the price goes up”
- No written estimate, or a contract with blank fields
- Unwillingness to provide a certificate of insurance for your building
Any one of these is worth a follow-up question. Two or more usually means you should move on.
Questions to Ask on the Estimate Call
- What are your NYSDOT and USDOT numbers?
- Are the crew members your own employees?
- How many movers and what size truck will you send?
- Is there a minimum number of hours, and do you charge travel time?
- What’s included in the hourly rate, and what costs extra?
- How is liability coverage handled if something is damaged?
- Can you issue a certificate of insurance for my building, and how quickly?
- What’s your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
Write down each company’s answers so you can compare them side by side. The mover who answers clearly and puts it all in writing is usually the safer bet, even if they’re not the cheapest.