Not all movers are created equal, here's how to spot the professionals, avoid the scams, and find a company you can actually trust with your belongings.
The moving industry has a reputation problem. Horror stories are everywhere, crews that never show, quotes that double on moving day, belongings that arrive damaged or don't arrive at all. We've heard them all, usually from customers who found us after a bad experience with someone else.
The good news? Finding a reliable mover isn't complicated. It just takes knowing what to look for, and what to run from. After a decade in this business, we're going to tell you exactly how to separate the professionals from the problems.
This isn't optional. It's the bare minimum. Any legitimate moving company should be able to provide proof of licensing and insurance without hesitation. If they can't—or won't—that's your first red flag.
For local moves within Ohio: The company should be registered with the state and carry liability insurance. Ask for their PUCO (Public Utilities Commission of Ohio) number if they're operating commercially.
For interstate moves: Federal law requires a USDOT number from the Department of Transportation. You can verify this at FMCSA.dot.gov. If a company is offering to move you across state lines without a USDOT number, they're operating illegally. Period.
Ask about their insurance coverage specifically. What happens if your couch gets damaged? What's the claims process? A reputable company will explain this clearly, not brush it off.
Get at least three quotes. Not estimates over the phone based on a vague description, actual quotes from companies who have seen what you're moving or received a detailed inventory list. The difference matters.
A phone estimate based on "about a three-bedroom house" can easily become a much higher bill on moving day when the crew sees your piano, your gun safe, and three flights of stairs. A proper quote accounts for all of it upfront.
What should be in writing:
• The total cost or hourly rate
• What's included (packing materials, disassembly, etc.)
• Any potential additional charges and what triggers them
• The estimated timeline
• Cancellation and rescheduling policies
If a company won't put it in writing, that tells you everything you need to know about how they'll handle disputes later.
They are. Every time.
Moving is a labor-intensive business with real costs: trained crews, maintained trucks, fuel, insurance, equipment. A company offering to move your four-bedroom house for half what everyone else quoted isn't more efficient, they're cutting corners you'll pay for later.
Common bait-and-switch tactics:
• Low initial quote, then "unexpected" charges on moving day
• Holding your belongings hostage until you pay inflated fees
• Subcontracting to unknown crews at the last minute
• Adding charges for stairs, long carries, or "difficult" items not mentioned before
A fair price from a reputable company will be competitive, but it won't be suspiciously cheap. You're paying for reliability, accountability, and peace of mind.
Reviews matter, but not all reviews are created equal. A company with 500 five-star reviews that all sound the same and were posted in the same week? That's suspicious. A company with mostly positive reviews and a few complaints that were handled professionally? That's reality.
What to look for:
• Specific details about the move (dates, crew names, situations handled)
• How the company responds to negative reviews
• Consistency across platforms (Google, Yelp, Facebook, BBB)
• Reviews that mention punctuality, communication, and care with belongings
Problems happen in every business. What matters is how they're resolved. A company that ignores complaints or responds defensively will treat you the same way if something goes wrong.
Who's actually going to show up at your door? This matters more than most people realize.
Questions to ask:
• Are your movers employees or day laborers?
• What training do they receive?
• Are background checks performed?
• Will the same crew handle loading and unloading?
Some companies hire temporary workers on moving day with minimal vetting or training. That's a gamble you're taking with your belongings, and with strangers in your home. Professional movers invest in their teams because they know the crew is the company as far as customers are concerned.
Moving quotes can include very different things. One company's "full service" might be another company's base package. Don't assume, ask specifically.
Clarify these details:
• Are packing materials (boxes, tape, blankets, wrap) included?
• Is furniture disassembly and reassembly included?
• What about specialty items, pianos, pool tables, safes?
• Are there extra charges for stairs, long walks to the truck, or elevators?
• What's the policy if the move takes longer than estimated?
The goal is no surprises. A good moving company will proactively explain what's covered and what could add to your bill before you sign anything.
How a company communicates before the move tells you how they'll communicate during and after it. Pay attention to the early signs.
• Do they return calls and emails promptly?
• Do they answer questions directly or dodge them?
• Are they patient with your concerns or rushing you to book?
• Do they confirm details and follow up proactively?
Moving is stressful enough without chasing down your moving company for information. If they're hard to reach before they have your business, imagine how responsive they'll be after.
Even the best movers occasionally have something go wrong. A scratch on a dresser, a dent in a wall, a box that arrives damaged. It happens. What matters is how it's handled.
Before you book, ask:
• What's your claims process for damaged items?
• What level of liability coverage do you provide?
• Is additional coverage available for high-value items?
• How quickly are claims typically resolved?
A company that's confident in their work won't hesitate to explain their accountability process. A company that gets defensive or vague? That's a warning sign.
At the end of the day, you're inviting people into your home and trusting them with everything you own. If something feels off during the quoting process, pushy sales tactics, vague answers, unprofessional communication, listen to that instinct.
The right moving company should make you feel confident, not anxious. They should answer your questions, not create new ones. They should be earning your trust, not asking you to give it blindly.
Before you book any moving company, confirm:
□ They're licensed and insured (verify USDOT for interstate)
□ You have a written, itemized quote
□ The price is competitive, not suspiciously low
□ Reviews are consistent and the company responds professionally
□ You know what's included and what could add to the cost
□ They communicate clearly and promptly
□ You understand their damage claims process
□ Your gut says yes
At Silver Bullets Moving, we believe you shouldn't have to wonder if your movers will show up, if your quote will change, or if your belongings are in good hands. That's why we've spent 10 years building a company where the answer to all of those questions is clear.
We show up on time. We quote honestly and stick to it. We train our crews and treat your stuff like it matters, because to you, it does.
If you're planning a move in Central Ohio or relocating out of state, we'd love to earn your business. Ask us anything. We'll give you straight answers.
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Silver Bullets Moving serves Columbus, Westerville, Worthington, Powell, Gahanna, Grove City, Lancaster, Circleville, and all of Central Ohio. We also provide long-distance moving services for Ohio-based clients relocating anywhere in the United States.
