Choosing a mover is really about reducing risk. A good one shows up, moves your things carefully, and charges what it quoted. A bad one is late, breaks things, or pads the bill. These steps stack the odds in your favor.
1. Verify licensing and insurance
- Interstate moves are regulated by the FMCSA. Look up the company’s USDOT number on the SAFER system to confirm active authority and insurance on file.
- In-state moves are regulated at the state level: the Oregon DOT and the Washington UTC license household-goods movers. Idaho does not license intrastate movers, which makes reviews and FMCSA records even more important there.
2. Read the reviews for patterns
A 4.9-star average across 1,500 reviews means more than a 5.0 across 12. Read the recent ones and look for repeated themes — punctuality, careful handling, and honest pricing on the positive side; damage, no-shows, and surprise fees on the negative. Our city moving reviews do exactly this, summarizing the themes from real reviews.
3. Get a written, binding estimate
Insist on an estimate in writing, ideally after the mover sees your inventory in person or by video. Understand which kind you’re getting:
- Binding — a fixed price.
- Not-to-exceed — a cap; you pay less if the move weighs less.
- Non-binding — an estimate that can change. Riskiest of the three.
4. Ask the right questions
- Are you licensed and insured, and what’s your USDOT number?
- Is this estimate binding, and what could change it?
- Do you use your own crews or subcontractors?
- How do you handle damage claims, and what valuation coverage is included?
- What are the charges for stairs, long carries, or specialty items?
5. Compare and trust your gut
Get two or three quotes. If one is far below the others, ask why — it often means a lowball that grows on moving day. And if a company is vague, pressures you, or won’t put things in writing, walk away.
Ready to compare? Get free quotes from reviewed PNW movers, and read up on the red flags that signal a scam.