1) Licensing & Insurance: You can’t be considered a top of the line moving company if you aren’t properly licensed and insured. Every long distance mover (a mover who can move you from one state to another) needs a license issued from the FMCSA and insurance coverage. For every local mover (a mover who moves you within one state), check with that state’s moving regulator (for example, in CA it is CPUC) to see if a mover has the appropriate license and insurance (not all states require a local mover to have a license and insurance).
2) Contract: A moving company can’t be considered top tier if they don’t deal with you using a contract. One that contains all the details of your move, specifically the price. A contract protects both you and your mover and helps to reduce any confusion between both parties. A serious mover is one that offers you a contract.
3)Accessibility: A mover you can reach regularly is a mover you can trust. When a mover isn’t afraid to pick up the phone to answer your questions, it’s a sign that they aren’t trying to hide something from you. Stay away from a mover who doesn’t answer or return calls or emails, and if a mover doesn’t even have a working number or email, run away fast!
4) Pricing & Estimates: Just because a moving company gives you the lowest price does not mean they are a good mover. Compare the prices of several movers and see if one really stands our as being too low – that could be a warning of a mover who might practice “low-balling” tactics, where they quote you a low price only to raise it on moving day once your items are in their truck. A good mover will also make sure you understand all the charges and expenses (such as packing, packing materials, and storage).
5) Positive Web Presence: The best movers around will have a positive web presence, meaning that wherever you find them online, they have relatively positive reviews. If others have had a bad experience with a particular mover, take their comments into consideration before you make your final decision.