Top 5 Red Flags to Watch for When Choosing a Moving Company

Hiring a moving company should make your life easier—not turn it into a nightmare. Yet every year, thousands of consumers fall victim to unprofessional, dishonest, or downright fraudulent movers. From surprise charges to lost belongings, the risks are real if you don’t do your homework. Understanding how to spot a red flag before you sign a contract can save you time, money, and stress. In this article, we’ll cover the top five warning signs to watch for when choosing a moving company, along with strategic tips to help you find a mover you can trust. We'll also touch on how marketing for moving companies should be used to build credibility—not mislead.

No On-Site or Virtual Estimate Offered

A professional moving company should always offer a detailed in-home or virtual estimate before giving you a final quote. If a mover refuses to assess your belongings and instead insists on a flat fee or gives you a vague estimate over the phone, take it as a serious red flag. Why it’s dangerous: Without seeing your items, the company could easily lowball the initial quote only to raise the price later once your stuff is on their truck—leaving you with little recourse.

What to Do:

• Ask for a written quote after a walkthrough or video call.

• Ensure the quote is binding or not-to-exceed, not just a “guesstimate.”

• Beware of companies that rush the process or avoid specifics.

Large Deposit Demands or Cash-Only Payments

Reputable moving companies typically do not require large upfront deposits. A small booking fee may be normal, but if you're asked to pay more than 25% of the total cost in advance, or worse—asked to pay in full—you should walk away. Similarly, if the company only accepts cash payments, that’s another sign of shady operations. Legitimate businesses usually offer various payment methods, including credit cards, which offer an added layer of consumer protection.

Why It Matters:

Scam movers often disappear after collecting a large deposit, or they may hold your belongings hostage until you pay unexpected charges.

What to Do:

• Pay by credit card when possible.

• Refuse to pay large upfront fees.

• Insist on a contract with a clear payment structure.

No License, Insurance, or Physical Address

Any moving company you consider should be properly licensed and insured. In the U.S., interstate movers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a USDOT number. Locally, movers should also comply with state regulations and provide proof of liability and cargo insurance. Another red flag is a lack of a physical office or business address. If a mover operates entirely online or won’t provide a location, that’s a problem.

Why It Matters:

Unlicensed movers are harder to hold accountable, and if your belongings are damaged or stolen, you’ll have little protection.

What to Do:

• Ask for license and insurance proof.

• Verify USDOT registration for interstate moves.

• Look up the company’s physical address on Google Maps to confirm legitimacy.

Poor or Fake Online Reviews

Online reviews are one of the best tools for gauging a mover’s reputation—but they can be misleading. If you notice a company has:

• Only five-star reviews, with no detail

• Reviews that look copied or generic

• No reviews at all

• Or complaints about lost items, overcharges, or unresponsiveness

Professional moving companies that have been in business for a while should have a trail of verifiable customer feedback. While every company gets a few negative reviews, a pattern of serious complaints can’t be ignored.

What to Do:

• Check reviews on multiple platforms: Google, Yelp, BBB, and Trustpilot.

• Look at how the company responds to negative feedback.

• Be wary of businesses that have suddenly changed names—this could be an attempt to escape a poor reputation.

Also, take a look at their online presence. A lack of a professional website or active social media accounts could signal weak or deceptive marketing for moving companies, rather than a genuine business strategy.

Vague or Incomplete Contracts

If a mover gives you a contract that is confusing, missing key information, or filled with jargon—run. The moving contract (also called a Bill of Lading) should include:

• Pickup and delivery dates

• Itemized list of services and charges

• Valuation coverage details

• Contact information and addresses

Some rogue movers include clauses that allow them to charge “adjustment fees” or delay delivery with little notice. Always read the fine print, and never sign a blank or incomplete contract.

Why It Matters:

Once you sign a contract, you may have limited options to dispute any unfair charges or delays.

What to Do:

• Read every clause.

• Ask questions about anything unclear.

• Get all verbal promises written into the agreement.

Bonus Tip: Too-Good-To-Be-True Pricing

While not one of the official “top 5,” this bonus red flag deserves mention: If a quote is significantly lower than other companies, be cautious. Low pricing may be a bait-and-switch tactic. Unethical movers lure you in with cheap quotes, then hit you with unexpected fees once your items are loaded.

Good marketing for moving companies should highlight value, not just price. If all you’re seeing is “cheapest rates in town,” ask what corners might be cut to achieve that.

Conclusion:

Your moving company is entrusted with your most valuable possessions. Choosing the right one requires more than just checking their rates—it requires careful evaluation of their practices, credentials, and reputation. By watching out for red flags like no estimates, large deposits, lack of licensing, poor reviews, and incomplete contracts, you can confidently avoid scams and focus on a smooth, stress-free move.

If you're in the business of marketing for moving companies, remember that building trust and transparency in your messaging isn’t optional—it’s essential. Customers today are savvy and cautious, and they’re looking for movers that demonstrate reliability, not just affordability. Make sure the mover you choose reflects professionalism from first contact to final delivery. Your peace of mind depends on it.