How to Choose Furniture Movers: A Friendly Guide

Let’s be real—moving is stressful. I’ve moved three times in the last five years, and every time, I swear I’ll never do it again. But here we are. If you’re reading this, you’re probably staring at a pile of boxes, wondering how you’ll get your grandma’s old dresser down three flights of stairs without breaking your back (or the dresser).

So, how do you pick movers who won’t ghost you on moving day or drop your stuff like it’s hot? Here’s what I’ve learned from how to choose furniture movers—sometimes the hard way.

1. Ask Around Before You Google

Sure, you can search “best furniture movers near me” and get a million results. But you know what’s better? Texting your friend who just moved last month. Or asking your neighbor who seems to know everyone in town. I once found a great mover because my coworker overheard me complaining about my last move. Word of mouth is gold.

2. Don’t Skip the Boring Stuff

I know, paperwork is boring. But trust me, you don’t want to skip this. Ask if the movers are licensed and insured. If they get weird about it, just move on. I once hired a “cheap” mover who turned out to be just two guys and a rusty van. My bookshelf didn’t make it. Lesson learned.

3. Get Quotes—But Don’t Just Look at the Price

I used to think cheaper was better. Spoiler: it’s not. Ask for detailed quotes. What’s included? Will they carry your couch up three flights of stairs, or is that “extra”? I learned to ask after a mover tried to charge me double for “unexpected steps.” Never again.

4. Listen to Their Stories

Good movers love to talk about their toughest jobs. Ask them! If they’ve moved a piano or a 200-pound armoire, they’ll tell you. If they sound unsure, maybe keep looking.

5. Read Reviews—But Read Between the Lines

Five-star reviews are great, but look for details. Did someone mention the movers were late? Did they break anything? I always look for reviews that sound like real people, not just “Great job!” over and over.

6. Know What You’re Getting (and Put It in Writing)

Don’t assume anything. If you want them to pack your dishes, say so. If you have a pet iguana (hey, it happens), mention it. Get everything in writing. I once had a mover forget my mattress because it “wasn’t on the list.” Never again.

7. Prepare for Surprises

Moving day never goes exactly as planned. Maybe it rains. Maybe your elevator breaks. Good movers roll with it. Ask how they handle surprises. If they shrug and say, “We’ll figure it out,” that’s a good sign.

8. Pack Like a Pro (Or at Least Try)

Here’s a secret: even if you hire movers, you’ll probably end up packing some things yourself. Label your boxes. Keep a “first night” bag with pajamas, toiletries, and snacks. I once packed my coffee maker in the first box the movers loaded. Guess who didn’t have coffee the next morning? Don’t be me.

9. Communicate on Moving Day

Be there when the movers arrive. Show them around. Point out anything fragile or weirdly shaped. If you’re worried about your grandma’s china, say so. Movers aren’t mind readers, but most are happy to take extra care if you ask.

10. Check Your Stuff Before Signing Off

Once everything’s in your new place, take a quick look around. Open a few boxes. Check for damage. If something’s wrong, speak up before the movers leave. Most companies want to fix problems, but you have to let them know right away.

11. Don’t Forget to Say Thanks

Moving is hard work. If your movers did a good job, let them know. A tip, a cold drink, or even just a sincere thank you goes a long way. And if you had a great experience, leave a review. You’ll help the next person who’s stressing about their move.

12. What About Specialty Items?

Got a piano, a pool table, or a giant fish tank? Not every mover can handle those. Ask specifically if they’ve moved items like yours before. Specialty items often need special equipment or extra hands. Don’t assume—double check!

13. Timing Matters

Try to book your movers at least a month in advance, especially if you’re moving in summer. That’s peak season, and the best movers get snapped up fast. If you wait until the last minute, you might end up with whoever’s left—and that’s not always a good thing.

14. Double-Check the Details

A few days before your move, call your movers to confirm the date, time, and address. Mistakes happen, and you don’t want your crew showing up at your old place after you’ve already left. It’s a simple step, but it can save you a lot of stress.

15. After the Move: Unpack and Settle In

Once the movers leave, take a breather. Unpack your essentials first—think bedding, toiletries, and snacks. Don’t rush to unpack everything in one day. Give yourself time to settle in and make your new place feel like home.

16. Budget for the Unexpected

Even with the best planning, surprises happen. Maybe you need extra boxes, or you realize you want the movers to help with more than you thought. Set aside a little extra cash for last-minute needs or a well-deserved pizza after a long day.

17. Consider Storage Options

Sometimes, your new place isn’t quite ready, or you’re downsizing and need to store some things. Ask your movers if they offer storage solutions. It’s handy to have everything handled by one company, and it can save you a lot of hassle.

18. Ask About Eco-Friendly Options

If you care about the environment, ask if your movers offer reusable crates or eco-friendly packing materials. Some companies even recycle old boxes for you. It’s a small step, but it feels good to move green.

19. Don’t Forget Insurance for Valuables

If you have high-value items—art, jewelry, collectibles—consider extra insurance. Sometimes, your homeowner’s policy covers moves, but not always. It’s worth a call to your agent for peace of mind.

20. Plan for Long-Distance Moves

If you’re moving across the country, ask about tracking, delivery windows, and how your items will be handled along the way.

Conclusion: Making the Right Move

Choosing the right furniture movers doesn’t need to be overwhelming. By planning ahead, asking the right questions, and verifying credentials, you can avoid scams and stress. The goal is a smooth, damage-free move handled by professionals who respect your time and belongings.

How to Choose Furniture Movers: FAQ’s

Q1: How early should I book furniture movers?
It’s best to book at least 4–6 weeks ahead, especially during peak seasons (May to August), to secure your preferred date and time.

Q2: What questions should I ask a moving company?
Ask about their license, insurance, experience with furniture, pricing, hidden fees, cancellation policy, and if they provide packing or storage services.

Q3: How do I verify if a mover is legitimate?
Check for a USDOT number (in the U.S.) on the FMCSA website. Also, read online reviews and confirm they have a physical address and working phone number.

Q4: What are red flags when choosing movers?
Beware of movers who ask for full payment upfront, provide vague contracts, lack online presence, or have inconsistent customer reviews.

Q5: Do movers charge extra for stairs or heavy items?
Yes, many movers charge extra for flights of stairs, long carry distances, and heavy or oversized furniture. Always clarify this in the estimate.

Q6: Is moving insurance worth it?
Absolutely. Basic insurance often isn’t enough. Consider full value protection to cover the actual cost of damaged or lost items.

Q7: What if my items get damaged during the move?
Immediately document the damage, take photos, and file a claim with the moving company. Keep all receipts and contracts handy.