Moving Day Checklist: How to Choose the Best Movers
Looking for the best packers and movers? Our Moving Day Checklist helps you avoid scams, hidden fees, and unexpected hassles.
Let’s be honest–moving is a pain. Between packing up your entire life and making sure your favorite coffee mug doesn’t end up in a million pieces, there’s a lot to handle. That’s where professional movers and packers come in to save the day.
But here’s the catch: not all movers and packers are the same. While some are absolute lifesavers, others are, well… the reason people have trust issues. So, how do you pick the right one? Keep reading because we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to choosing the best packers and movers, so you can avoid scams, hidden fees, and moving-day disasters.
1. Assess your moving needs
Before you start Googling “best movers and packers near me,” take a minute to figure out what you actually need.
- Are you shifting across the street, across the country, or across the world? Different shifting services specialize in different distances.
- How much stuff do you have? A couple of boxes and a suitcase? Or an entire house that looks like a mini IKEA warehouse?
- Any special items? If you’ve got fragile antiques, a piano, or even a pet that’s more high-maintenance than you, you’ll need household shifting services that can handle that.
Knowing your needs helps you narrow down the best movers and packers–because no one wants to pay for extra services they don’t need.
2. Research and shortlist movers
Now comes the important part, investigating your options.
- Start by checking online reviews. Ziba Property and Google are your best friends here. Move on if a company has more bad reviews than a one-star restaurant.
- Ask around! Friends, family, or even your real estate agent might have recommendations. Word-of-mouth is gold.
- Compare at least three different movers and packers before making a decision. This isn’t a last-minute shopping decision–take your time!
Once you’ve got a shortlist, you’re ready for the next step: making sure these professional movers and packers are legit (spoiler: some aren’t).
3. Check credentials and experience
Alright, so you’ve got a list of potential movers and packers–now it’s time to separate the pros from the sketchy ones.
- Are they licensed and registered? A reputable shifting service should have the necessary permits to operate. If they hesitate when you ask for proof, that’s a red flag.
- How long has the company been in business? Experience matters. You don’t want a company that treats your home shifting day like a trial run.
- Are they part of any professional associations? Some house shifting services are members of industry groups, which usually means they take their job seriously (and won’t ghost you halfway through the move).
A little background check now can save you from a nightmare later.
4. Request quotes and compare costs
Let’s talk money–because no one likes unexpected surprises (unless it’s a gift card).
- Get quotes from at least three professional movers and packers. If one quote is ridiculously cheap compared to the others, be suspicious. You might pay more later with hidden fees.
- Request a breakdown of costs. Packing, transport, insurance–know exactly what you’re paying for.
- Avoid vague estimates. If a company says, “Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out later,” run. Always get a written estimate.
Remember: the cheapest option isn’t always the best option. A good deal is great, but peace of mind is priceless.
5. Review the services offered
Not all moving companies offer the same services, so check what’s included.
- Packing and unpacking? This can be a lifesaver if you’d rather not spend a week drowning in bubble wrap.
- Storage options? If your new place isn’t move-in ready, you might need a temporary storage solution.
- Insurance coverage? Accidents happen–make sure your stuff is protected.
Some home shifting services go the extra mile with services like furniture assembly or pet relocation. If that’s something you need, now’s the time to ask!
6. Read customer reviews and testimonials
Reviews can be your best friend–or your biggest warning sign.
- Check multiple sources. Google, Yelp, Facebook, and moving-specific websites like Trustpilot can give you the whole picture.
- Look for patterns. One bad review? It could be a fluke. A dozen complaints about lost furniture and surprise fees? That’s a hard pass.
- See how they handle complaints. A company that responds professionally to bad reviews is a company that cares. Silence or defensive replies?
If a moving company’s reviews are filled with complaints, it’s a strong signal to look elsewhere.
7. Verify the insurance policy
This is the part most people forget–until something goes wrong.
- What does their insurance actually cover? Some movers only cover damage if they pack the items themselves. Others might not cover high-value items unless you get extra protection.
- Ask for proof of insurance. Any reputable company will provide this without hesitation.
- Consider getting additional coverage. If you’re moving expensive stuff, extra protection can save you a lot of stress.
Let’s face it–if your TV gets damaged, an apology won’t magically fix it so you can binge-watch your favorite show.
8. Check for hidden costs
Unexpected charges are rarely welcome–after all, financial surprises don’t work in your favor.
- Ask about extra fees. Some movers charge extra for stairs, long carry distances, and last–minute schedule changes.
- Get a final price in writing. If they won’t commit to a fixed estimate, your bill will likely mysteriously increase later.
- Be wary of “too good to be true” deals. Some companies lure you in with a low quote and then charge you extra once your stuff is on their truck.
Moral of the story? Always read the fine print before signing anything.
9. Ask about the moving process
Halfway through the move, you don’t want to be left wondering, Where is my stuff? So, get the details upfront.
- What’s their timeline? How long will the move take? Do they guarantee delivery by a certain date?
- Do they provide tracking? Some companies offer GPS tracking so you can stalk your moving truck like a food delivery order.
- What’s their cancellation/rescheduling policy? Life happens. If plans change, will you get a refund or be charged extra?
A good moving company keeps you informed. A bad one keeps you guessing.
10. Get a written contract
Handshake deals are great for small favors, but when moving your entire life, get everything in writing.
- Demand a detailed contract. It should include pricing, services, pickup/delivery dates, and any extra fees.
- Read the fine print. What happens if they’re late? If something gets damaged, how will they handle it? Review the cancellation and refund policies carefully.
- Avoid verbal promises. If it’s not on paper, it doesn’t count.
A clear, written agreement keeps everyone accountable–and saves you from future headaches.
11. Confirm communication and customer support
If something goes wrong (and let’s be honest, it usually does), you’ll want a mover who picks up the phone.
- Test their response time by calling or emailing before booking. If they take forever to reply now, imagine how slow they’ll be once they have your stuff.
- Check their customer support hours. Are you moving at 8 a.m. on a Sunday? Make sure they’re available to help.
- Get a direct contact person. Having a go-to person makes things easier than being bounced between random employees.
A good moving company should be as easy to reach as your best friend. If they’re ghosting you, that’s a no.
12. Trust your instincts and make the final choice
At the end of the day, if something feels off, don’t ignore it.
- Too many red flags? Move on. A shady contract, vague answers, or a deal that’s too cheap are all bad signs.
- Feeling confident? Go for it! If a company meets all the right criteria, book it before someone else does.
- Have a backup plan. Even the best plans go sideways–so have a backup mover just in case.
Choosing the right packers and movers is all about doing your homework and trusting your gut. Get it right, and you’ll be sipping coffee in your new place stress-free. Get it wrong, and, well… let’s not go there.
Bottom Line
Choosing the right movers and packers isn’t just about finding the cheapest option–it’s about finding a reliable partner for a stress-free move.
By taking the time to research, compare, and plan ahead, you’ll avoid scams, hidden fees, and moving-day nightmares. So, do your homework, trust your instincts, and book the best movers and packers for the job.
To sum up, here are a few key factors to consider when choosing the best packers and movers:
- Assess your moving needs
- Research and shortlist movers
- Check credentials and experience
- Request quotes and compare costs
- Review the services offered
- Read customer reviews and testimonials
- Verify the insurance policy
- Check for hidden costs
- Ask about the moving process
- Get a written contract
- Confirm communication and customer support
- Trust your instincts and make the final choice
About Ziba Property
At Ziba Property, we connect you with highly skilled real estate agents possessing extensive market expertise. Whether you’re looking to buy, rent, or sell a property, our agents are dedicated to guiding you through each stage. Ziba Property optimizes property transactions, providing the most recent market insights and connecting you with a broad network of potential buyers and sellers, simplifying your overall experience.
We recently introduced the Businesses & Services section, which allows you to quickly find trusted professionals for various property-related needs, including household shifting services.
To learn more about Ziba Property, please click here or download the app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
