Everything you’d ask a friend who’s moved a lot.

Completely. You never pay us to search, get matched, request a quote, or book a move. We earn from paid listings and optional tools we sell to the moving companies — never from the people doing the moving.

Robert is our AI moving agent. Tell him about your move by chat, text, phone, or email and he reads the details, then matches you with movers that actually fit — by route, home size, timing, and any specialty needs. He is AI, he says so, and using him is free and optional.

They are built from verified public records plus what the moving companies add when they claim or submit their own profile. Reviews are aggregated from verified review platforms. Details like USDOT numbers, insurance, and specialty services come from what the mover reports — always confirm them directly before you book.

Quotes come from the movers, not from us — they stand behind their own pricing. For movers with the instant-quote feature, Robert gathers enough detail to produce a number in that mover’s own pricing model, so it is realistic, but the final price still depends on confirming the specifics (access, stairs, elevator, exact date).

No. We never blast your details to a pile of companies. You choose who gets your contact info — by requesting a quote from a specific mover or by asking Robert to share your shortlist. We do not sell your data.

Just ask Robert. Coverage is nationwide even when a city is not on the featured grid — smaller markets and regional movers are fully searchable. The grid only highlights the busiest metros.

Most directories hand you a long list and leave the work to you. We hand you a short list that fits your specific move, ranked by suitability rather than by who paid the most — and on many listings you can get a real quote on the spot.

Local moves are usually billed hourly, based on crew size and how long the job takes, plus the truck. A small apartment might be a few hours with two movers; a larger home can run a full day with a bigger crew. Get a written estimate so the hourly rate, minimums, and any extra fees are clear up front.

Long-distance and interstate moves are priced mainly on the weight of your shipment and the distance, with add-ons for packing, specialty items, and access. A pre-move survey (in person or by video) is what makes the number accurate.

A binding estimate locks the price for the agreed inventory and services. A non-binding estimate is an educated approximation that can change with the actual weight or hours. A binding not-to-exceed estimate is the most customer-friendly — the final price can come in lower, but it cannot go higher unless you add to the job.

Almost always, yes. Reputable movers provide free estimates, either with an in-home walkthrough or a virtual survey by video or photos. Be wary of anyone who quotes a firm price sight-unseen with no survey at all.

Usually because something changed — extra boxes, more time, a long carry from the truck, stairs that weren’t mentioned, or items added on the day. A binding or not-to-exceed estimate protects you from surprises; a non-binding one can move with the actual work.

Often, for local moves — many companies bill a minimum number of hours even for a quick job. Ask what the minimum is before you book so a one-hour move isn’t billed as three.

Some movers add a fuel surcharge that rises and falls with gas prices, plus possible charges for long carries, stairs, elevators, shuttles for tight access, or bulky items. A good written estimate lists these so nothing shows up as a surprise.

Declutter before you pack, do some or all of the packing yourself, move mid-month and midweek instead of a weekend or month-end, and stay flexible on dates. Comparing a few quotes through Robert also helps you spot a fair price.

Tipping is optional and appreciated for good work. A common approach is roughly 10–20% of the labor cost split among the crew, or a flat amount per mover for a long day. It is never required.

For a local move, two to four weeks is usually comfortable. For long-distance, aim for four to eight weeks. In summer and around the end of the month, book even earlier — those are the busiest windows.

Late spring through summer is the busiest stretch, along with weekends and the first and last few days of any month. If your dates are flexible, midweek and mid-month moves are often easier to schedule and can cost less.

Sometimes — some companies keep capacity for short-notice jobs, usually at a premium. The sooner you ask Robert, the more options you’ll have.

Policies vary by mover; some charge a fee or hold a deposit if you cancel close to the date. Always ask about the cancellation and rescheduling policy before you put money down.

Most local moves run from a couple of hours for a small apartment to a full day for a house. Stairs, long carries, and how packed-and-ready you are all affect the clock.

Transit typically ranges from a couple of days to about two weeks, depending on distance and whether your shipment shares a truck. Movers give a delivery window rather than an exact day; guaranteed-date service is sometimes available for an added cost.

Usually you get an estimated window, not a fixed day, because long-haul routes and consolidated loads shift. If a firm date matters, ask about guaranteed or expedited delivery and get it in writing.

Both work. Packing yourself saves money but takes time, and self-packed boxes may carry lighter liability if something inside breaks. Professional packing is faster, better protected, and worth it for fragile or high-value items — many people split the difference and have movers pack just the kitchen and breakables.

Yes, most do, usually as an add-on. They can also bring specialty containers like wardrobe boxes, dish barrels, and mattress bags. If you’re self-packing, ask what they sell so you use sturdy, move-grade boxes.

Mark each box with the room it belongs in and a short note on the contents, and flag anything fragile. Clear labels let the crew place boxes in the right room at the new home and help you find essentials first.

Disconnect and clean them ahead of time, and drain water lines on washers, fridges, and ice makers so nothing leaks in transit. Movers transport appliances but generally won’t disconnect gas or reconnect plumbing — use a licensed technician for hookups.

Back up important data first, photograph the cabling so reconnecting is easy, and pack screens in their original boxes or well-padded specialty cartons. Keep tiny accessories and remotes bagged and labeled.

Finish packing, clear pathways and stairwells, take apart anything you’re handling yourself, and set aside an essentials bag and your valuables to keep with you. Confirm the arrival window and parking or elevator access with the crew.

Carry your own important documents, jewelry, medications, cash, keys, and small irreplaceable items. Reputable movers won’t want to be responsible for those, and you’ll sleep better knowing they’re with you.

Yes — taking apart beds, tables, and modular pieces and putting them back together at the new home is commonly included or offered as an add-on. The crew brings basic tools for it.

A professional crew pads and wraps furniture, and uses floor runners and door or banister protection at both homes. If you have delicate floors or tight corners, point them out at the start.

Yes. Small-load, single-item, and single-room moves are common — you don’t need a whole-house job to hire help. Tell Robert what you’re moving and he’ll match movers who take smaller jobs.

Many do, either short-term storage or storage-in-transit when your new place isn’t ready on delivery day. Storage is usually billed separately, so confirm the rate and how long your things can stay.

Some offer haul-away of unwanted items or boxes after unpacking, and a few will drop donations on the way. Ask up front — it’s not universal, and it may carry a separate fee.

Unpacking and debris/box removal are usually available as add-on services. If you want it, arrange it when you book so the crew plans the time.

Yes, but these need the right crew, equipment, and sometimes a separate quote because of the weight and care involved. Mention them early so the mover sends enough people and the proper gear.

Experienced movers protect antiques and artwork with specialty padding and custom crating for the most delicate pieces. For high value, ask about crating and additional coverage.

Vehicles move on auto carriers, and motorcycles and boats go through specialized transporters — often coordinated alongside a long-distance household move. Robert can match you with movers who arrange this.

Movers don’t transport pets — plan to take them with you or use a pet-transport service. Plants are often fine locally but are restricted across many state lines, so check before an interstate move.

Hazardous, flammable, and perishable items — propane tanks, paints and chemicals, ammunition, aerosols, open liquids, and food that can spoil. Plan to take those yourself or dispose of them before moving day.

Firearms are heavily regulated and rules vary by state, especially across state lines. Check the laws at both ends, declare them, and confirm the mover’s policy — many ask you to transport them personally.

Licensed, reputable movers carry liability coverage and, for interstate moves, must provide valuation options by law. Confirm a mover is properly licensed and insured before you book — it’s one of the clearest signs you’re dealing with a legitimate company.

Released value is the basic, free coverage and pays only a small amount per pound per item — not nearly replacement cost. Full-value protection costs extra but makes the mover responsible for repairing, replacing, or reimbursing the actual value of damaged items. For anything valuable, full value is usually worth it.

It’s the contract and receipt for your move — it lists the services, pricing, and your shipment. Read it before you sign and keep your copy until everything is delivered and any claims are resolved.

High-value items like jewelry, watches, collectibles, and important documents are best carried by you, and you may want separate coverage for them. Talk to your mover (and your homeowner’s or renter’s insurer) about what’s covered in transit.

Note any damage on the inventory or delivery paperwork right away, take photos, and file the claim with the mover promptly — there are deadlines. Keep your bill of lading and inventory; they’re the records the claim is checked against.

For interstate movers, check their USDOT and MC numbers on the federal FMCSA database. For any mover, look at reviews on verified platforms, confirm a physical address and insurance, and make sure everything’s in writing.

Generally a move over about 100 miles or one that crosses state lines. Interstate moves are federally regulated, which is why licensing, valuation, and paperwork matter more than on a quick local job.

Door-to-door means the mover picks up and delivers right at both homes when the truck can access them. A shuttle is a smaller vehicle used when a full-size truck can’t reach a narrow street or building — sometimes an added cost, so mention tight access early.

Yes. Consolidated or less-than-truckload shipping puts your goods on a truck with other shipments, which is cheaper than booking a whole truck but usually takes longer and gives a wider delivery window.

On consolidated long-distance moves, often yes — your shipment is inventoried, tagged, and tracked so it stays separate and accounted for. If you prefer a dedicated truck, ask; it costs more but tightens the timeline.

The truck is weighed before and after loading your goods, and the difference is your shipment’s weight — which, with distance, drives the interstate price. You’re entitled to see the weight tickets.

Some specialize in international relocations, including the customs paperwork and ocean or air freight. If you’re moving abroad, tell Robert so he matches you with movers set up for it.

The crew walks the home, confirms the inventory, protects floors and furniture, then loads in order. You’ll sign paperwork before they leave. Be available for questions, keep pets and kids clear of the work, and do a final empty-room check.

Many movers take a deposit to reserve the date and the balance on or before delivery; accepted methods vary (card, electronic payment, sometimes check or cash). Be cautious of any company demanding a large cash deposit up front.

Check items against the inventory as they come off the truck and note any damage or missing pieces on the delivery paperwork before you sign. Photograph anything affected and file a claim promptly so it’s documented from the start.

Yes — tell them the layout and they’ll set large pieces and beds where you want them, and reassemble what they took apart. It’s much easier to direct this on the day than to move heavy furniture yourself later.

Good companies build in arrival windows and have backup plans like a replacement truck. Stay in touch with your move coordinator; clear communication is the difference between a hiccup and a headache.

Watch for big upfront cash deposits, refusal to put things in writing, no in-person or video survey, a missing or invalid USDOT number, a generic name with no real reviews, and quotes that are dramatically lower than everyone else’s. Legitimate movers are licensed, transparent, and happy to answer questions.

A price that’s far below the rest, a firm number given with no survey of your belongings, vague or missing fee details, and pressure to sign immediately. A real estimate is specific, in writing, and based on what you’re actually moving.

Often, yes. Lowball quotes can turn into inflated final bills, held belongings, or no-shows. Compare a few quotes for the same job — Robert can line them up — so you know what fair looks like.

Robert ranks movers by how well they fit your move — route, size, timing, and specialty needs — not by who paid the most. He can hand you a shortlist and, on participating movers, a real quote, so you’re comparing the right companies instead of cold-calling a hundred.

Yes. Each mover’s profile shows its rating and reviews aggregated from verified review platforms, and our Reviews page collects recent ones across the directory. Read a few before you reach out.