5 Qualities You Want in a Moving Company to Reduce Moving Stress

Moving homes is stressful. Now imagine doing it with a bad moving company: Maybe they’re rude over the phone, maybe you’re not sure if they’ll show up at your house on time, or maybe they throw your beloved possessions around recklessly.

Smart homeowners know that selecting movers requires more than comparing price quotes. I’ll show you five qualities you want in a moving company so you can keep the moving stress low and enjoy your belongings damage-free at your new home.

1. Years of Experience

Moving companies should have at least five years of experience. A lot of companies get into the moving industry because they think the work is easy. You want to avoid movers who got into the game to make some quick money. They usually don’t last for more than a year or two since they cut corners and develop a bad reputation.

Movers with years of experience have weathered the industry’s challenges. They’ve developed systems that work across different scenarios and locations. Seasoned movers understand the neighborhoods, building restrictions, parking regulations, and traffic patterns that impact your moving day.

How experience translates to better service:

• Efficient problem-solving when unexpected challenges arise
• Realistic time estimates based on previous similar moves
• Proper equipment selection for specific items and situations
• Knowledge of building-specific requirements and restrictions
• Refined packing techniques that prevent damage

Most veteran companies display their years of service on their website. This is often a good place to start when looking for quality movers.

2. Positive Customer Reviews

Reviews tell you what really happens when a company moves people’s stuff. Check several websites before picking your movers.

You want movers with plenty of reviews, not just good ones. Companies with hundreds of ratings across Google, Yelp, and industry websites have handled many moves and built a track record. A quality moving company naturally collects feedback over time as they complete jobs and build their moving experience.

Watch out for these red flags when reading reviews:

• Multiple stories about broken items with no solutions offered
• People complained that the final bills were much higher than the quotes
• Moves ran late without updates
• Things went missing during the move
• Customers were unable to reach anyone when problems occurred

Pay attention to reviews that positively mention specific employees. This often means the company keeps good workers around. When many customers mention excellent work from different crew members, that’s a sign the company maintains quality across their whole team.

3. Professional Communication

Your interaction with a moving company will probably start with a visit to their website. Their website should be well-organized and provide clear information about services, locations, and pricing. Professional sites include photos of actual crews and trucks rather than stock images, and list specific credentials, like moving industry associations.

Once you’re talking to a company, observe how they communicate. Professional movers respond promptly to inquiries, typically within one business day. Phone conversations with representatives demonstrate their customer service commitment. Knowledgeable staff answer specific questions about your move without rushing or pressuring you to book. They listen to your concerns and offer solutions based on experience rather than generic responses. The best companies assign a dedicated coordinator who becomes your consistent point of contact throughout the entire moving process.

4. Licenses and Insurance

Moving companies must have proper credentials. A licensed and insured mover provides proof without hesitation when asked. Most legitimate companies display their Department of Transportation (DOT) numbers on their website and trucks. 

Don’t just take a mover’s word about credentials. Verify DOT numbers through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website for any long-distance moving company you’re considering. State-level movers need different credentials depending on location, so check your state’s transportation department requirements too.

Insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all option, and you should understand what a mover offers before signing anything. Basic coverage (typically 60 cents per pound) won’t adequately protect valuable items. For example, if movers damage your 50-pound TV worth $1,000, you’d only receive $30 in compensation under basic coverage.

The best moving companies offer flexible insurance options or recommend trustworthy third-party options. Increased insurance is especially important if you’re planning a long-distance move, since the possibility of a broken item is high even if you choose a great moving company.

5. Comprehensive Services

Professional movers offer more than basic loading and unloading. Full-service moving companies train their teams in multiple specialties, which improves their overall skill level even for standard moves.

Valuable specialty moving services include:

• Packing services
• Piano and antique furniture handling
• Fine art and mirror packing
• Hot tub and pool table dismantling
• Wine collection transport
• Storage solutions between moves
• Vehicle shipping for state-to-state relocations
• Electronics setup in your new home
• Specialty item crating for unusual objects

Crews trained in these advanced techniques develop better awareness and problem-solving skills. They understand how to protect delicate items and navigate challenging spaces.

Companies offering comprehensive options typically invest more in packing supplies and equipment. Their trucks come better equipped with specialized dollies, custom ramps, and proper padding materials that benefit every move they handle.

Even if you just need simple loading, transit, and unloading, you’ll get the best service from a full-service company.

My Moving Experience

Last month, I moved from Atlantic City to Princeton for a university job. With books, a glass table, and vintage records to transport, I needed reliable help. Zip To Zip Moving Company delivered.

Their crew arrived with specialized materials for my records and expertly navigated my narrow Princeton staircase. My coordinator kept me updated throughout the process. The moving day finished two hours ahead of schedule, and their professional movers handled everything from furniture disassembly to final placement with precision and speed.

For anyone planning a move within NJ, PA, CT, or NY, I recommend getting a free quote from Zip To Zip. They’re the quality moving professionals that inspired me to write this article!