Red Flags To Look For In Movers For Beginners

Moving to another state and hiring movers is not a regular occurrence, and if you checked online reviews for long distance movers, you may have seen or heard horror stories. The purpose of hiring a moving company is to ensure a seamless relocation experience, not a chaotic one. It’s normal to wonder if your moving company is legit and to be curious about the red flags to look out for when considering a relocation company, and that’s what this article is about.

no hidden fees image, a great photo to add on this landing page given the topic of red flags with movers

After This Read, You’ll Know:

✔ What Are The Red Flags To Watch For In Movers

✔ How To Choose A Long Distance Mover

✔ How To Know If Your Movers Are Legit

After learning these three key points, you’ll be able to hire a long distance moving company with confidence without having to worry about scams or deceptive business practices.

Choosing The Right Long Distance Mover And Avoiding Red Flags

If your long distance moving company has any of these red flags mentioned below, the chances are they are not a legitimate or trustworthy choice.

Suspiciously Cheap Quote

Smaller brands or here-today-gone-tomorrow long distance moving companies lure potential customers in with quotes so cheap that it’s hard to say no. Online reports consistently show that the cheapest brands have service-based issues and frequently raise prices significantly on loading day.

This puts customers in a terrible position — not only does the cost increase at the last minute, but you’re also dealing with a company that was deceptive from the start.

Sloppy Estimation Process

The way long distance movers calculate your costs can make or break your experience with the moving company. Choose a company that takes its time in reviewing your inventory and asks detailed questions. Avoid brands that give generic quotes without discussing what you're actually moving. Otherwise, your movers will show up on loading day, blame you for “not providing an accurate inventory list,” and change your price.

Pushy Sales People

Moving sales can be like a used-car dealership: it gets sketchy fast. Some salespeople only have one goal: closing the deal and earning a commission. If your salesperson is trying to pressure you to sign and pay a deposit, or will suddenly reduce your costs substantially if you hire them today, this is a red flag. In many cases, pressure tactics are used to prevent you from researching the company or comparing alternatives.

A mover that’s worth hiring doesn’t need to use pressure tactics to earn your business. Any reputable business is okay with customers comparing quotes, and sales estimators are trained to encourage it.

Overwhelming Amount of Negative Reviews

Given the nature of shipping items far away, even the best long distance movers have negative reviews, but if the number of complaints is overwhelming, that is a red flag. Reputable brands do their best to avoid and address complaints, not let them pile up.

The main complaint to look out for is price increases. While estimates are legally allowed to change, a business should not make this a regular practice. Go with a mover with many complaints about price changes; the chances are it will happen to you, too.

Limited Reviews And Online Presence

A lack of reviews can be just as concerning as too many negative ones. Long distance moving companies that have been in business for several years should have a consistent review history across platforms. The absence of an online footprint, review history, or third-party verification makes it harder to evaluate whether a mover is established and legitimate. Be cautious when a company has very limited reviews and no traceable business presence.

Very Large Deposit Requests.

Paying a mover a deposit for a long distance move is normal, but it should be a reasonable amount, typically no more than 30 to 35% of the total cost, and even that’s pushing it. If a brand is asking you to pay 40-50% of the total cost as a deposit before any labor is performed, this is a clear sign you are dealing with a scam likely mover.

Green Flags From A Legitimate Long Distance Mover

If your long distance moving company has any of these red flags mentioned below, the chances are they are not a legitimate or trustworthy choice.

Infographic showing green flags of a legitimate long-distance moving company, including clear estimates, balanced reviews, professional website, and consistent communication.

A Clear, Detailed Estimate

Legitimate movers take time to understand what you’re moving, ask questions, and explain how they calculate your price. This shows they are taking your load seriously and are invested in providing a good experience to their customers.

Consistent Communication

Reputable brands maintain consistent communication from the moment you call, email, or ask questions. This shows that they will be available when your load is in transit, and you’re checking for an update or need to make any changes to your delivery window.

Addressed Online Complaints

Long distance moving companies that have been in business for several years should have many positive reviews and will eventually receive some complaints. When transporting household goods across state lines, things can go wrong. What matters most isn’t a spotless track record, but whether the company responds professionally and works towards resolving complaints when they arise.

Professional Website

Legitimate long distance moving companies have a clean, professional website that clearly explains who they are, what services they offer, and how their pricing generally works. A website acts like a résumé and portfolio — it shows whether a company is established, transparent, and willing to educate customers before asking for your business. While a professional website alone doesn’t guarantee a great mover, it’s a good sign you are considering a reliable option.

No Aggressive Sales Tactics.

A relocation company worth choosing is confident in its services and doesn’t rely on pressure tactics. They won’t dramatically drop prices to force a decision, bash competitors, or threaten rate increases if you don’t book immediately. Reputable movers are comfortable providing a quote, letting you compare options, and allowing you to make the decision that’s best for you.

The Bottom Line on Choosing Long Distance Movers

The main red flags to look for are a poorly reviewed mover, very large deposit requests, pushy salespeople, and a very cheap quote. Knowing these red flags will help you choose a legitimate long distance moving company and avoid a bad experience with movers.

Please visit American National Movers' resources page for more tips on hiring long distance movers