Hiring a moving company is a bigger decision than most people treat it as. You're handing over everything you own to strangers for hours or days. Getting it right matters. Here's what to actually check.
1. Licensing and Insurance
For interstate moves, the company must have a USDOT number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You can verify any USDOT number at the FMCSA's official website. For local (in-state) moves in Maryland, check that the company is registered with the state.
Ask specifically about cargo insurance and liability coverage. Understand what's covered and what isn't before anything goes on the truck.
2. Physical Address
A legitimate moving company has a real office you can visit, not just a phone number. Search their address — it should be an actual business location, not a residential address or a P.O. box. If you can't find a physical address, move on.
3. How They Provide Quotes
Be cautious of companies that give quotes over the phone without asking about the specifics of your move. A legitimate quote requires knowing what you're moving, where from, and where to. The best companies do an in-home or video estimate so they can see what they're working with.
Be especially wary of very low quotes — they're often a setup for extra charges at delivery. Get everything in writing before you commit.
4. What Their Complaints Look Like
Look them up on the Better Business Bureau and read Google reviews carefully. Every company has some negative reviews — that's normal. What matters is the pattern and how the company responds. Complaints about items arriving damaged and receiving no response are a red flag. Complaints about minor scheduling hiccups, less so.
5. Clear Communication
From your first call or email, notice how the company communicates. Do they answer questions clearly? Do they explain pricing without being pushed? Is there a real person to call if something goes wrong on moving day?
Good communication before the move usually predicts good communication during it. Companies that are vague or evasive at the quote stage don't suddenly become transparent once they have your deposit.
What We Do Differently
We're a Maryland-based moving and junk removal company. We're licensed, insured, and straightforward about pricing. We give honest quotes with no hidden fees, and our number is available if anything comes up — before, during, or after your move.
Get a free quote or reach out directly — we're happy to answer any questions before you decide.