Before you hire a moving company, make sure that the mover is properly licensed and insured. All interstate movers are required to register with the Federal government and can be found in the U.S. DOT system. Local movers, on the other hand, are only regulated by the state. So be sure to check your state’s requirements to ensure that the local mover is legitimate. In addition to making sure that they are licensed and insured, you should also check their complaint history and online reviews. To do so, you can start by checking their profile on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB is a non-profit organization helping people find companies they can trust. If a moving company has been accredited by the BBB, it means that the movers have met the organization’s accreditation standards.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there have been a growing number of complaints filed against rogue movers as of late. To prevent a scam from happening to you, make sure the mover is legitimate by following the guidelines in the above answer. In addition, find a moving company that performs either an in-person inspection or a video survey of your belongings before giving you a moving quote. This will ensure that your moving estimate is as accurate as possible.

The cost of an out-of-state move depends on where you’re moving to and the weight of your belongings. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, the average cost of hiring a professional mover for an interstate move is around $4,300, based on an average weight of 7,400 pounds and an average distance of 1,225 miles, as well as various moving services needed. In general, local moves are much cheaper. Hiring professionals movers for these intrastate moves costs on average $2,300 for four movers at $200 per hour, according to the American Moving and Storage Association.

Peak moving season takes place during the summer months. So if you’re planning to move between May and September, be prepared to pay higher prices for professional movers. If you do have to move during peak moving season, we suggest aiming for a mid-month, mid-week move. Demand for movers tends to be highest during weekends, as well at the beginning and end of the month. If moving during the winter months, you may also be able to save money by moving on a weekday as opposed to a weekend.

When interviewing professional moving companies for the job, we suggest obtaining at least three to four moving quotes from different movers. This should give you a good idea of how much your move will cost.