We’ve all heard the horror stories. Broken furniture. Hidden fees. Movers who show up late — or not at all.
Take Anna, for example. She hired a cheap moving company she found online without much research. Big mistake. On moving day, the crew was late, didn’t have the right tools, and scratched her antique dining table beyond repair. When she tried to complain, no one picked up the phone.
Don’t be like Anna.
When you’re trusting someone with your furniture — that heirloom dresser, the $2,000 couch, the fragile glass coffee table — you want professional movers who know what they’re doing.
Here’s how to find them.
Step 1: Know What Kind of Move You’re Doing
Not all moves are the same. Are you moving across town or across the country? Are you moving a small apartment or a five-bedroom house?
You need furniture movers who specialize in your type of move. Here are a few common types:
- Local movers – best for short-distance, in-town moves.
- Long-distance movers – ideal if you’re going to another city or state.
- Specialty movers – for fragile or oversized furniture (like pianos, pool tables, or antique cabinets).
- Full-service movers – they do everything: packing, loading, driving, unloading.
Tip: Don’t assume all movers do everything. Some won’t even move furniture that needs disassembly or is above a certain weight. Always ask.
Step 2: Start Researching Early
Moving companies get booked fast — especially in the summer. If you wait until the last minute, your options shrink and prices go up.
Start researching at least 4–6 weeks before your move.
Here’s how to kick off your search:
- Ask friends or neighbors for recommendations. Firsthand experiences are gold.
- Search online for top-rated furniture movers in your area. Use sites like Google Reviews, Yelp, Thumbtack, or Angi.
- Check with local Facebook groups. Real people will tell you the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Step 3: Check Their Credentials (Don’t Skip This)
This part isn’t sexy, but it’s critical. You need to make sure your movers are licensed and insured.
- For local movers, check if they’re licensed with your state’s transportation authority.
- For long-distance movers, make sure they have a U.S. DOT number (you can check this on the
Also, ask for proof of insurance. If they break your couch, you want to be sure you’re covered.
Red flag: If a company refuses to show you a license or proof of insurance, walk away.
Step 4: Get Multiple Quotes (And Don’t Go With the Cheapest)
This is where many people trip up. They see a dirt-cheap quote and think, “Awesome, I’ll save money!”
But remember: cheap furniture movers can end up being the most expensive mistake.
Instead, get at least 3 written quotes. That means someone comes to your home, sees what you’re moving, and gives you a realistic estimate.
When comparing quotes, look for:
- Clear breakdown of costs (labor, truck fees, insurance, etc.)
- Hourly vs. flat rate
- Extra charges for stairs, heavy items, or long carries
- Cancellation policy
Tip: Ask if they charge travel time or fuel costs. Some sneak those in later.
Step 5: Read the Reviews — the Real Ones
Yes, read reviews. But not just the five-star ones. Look at the three-star reviews. That’s where people get honest.
Pay attention to:
- Customer service quality
- Punctuality
- How they handled damaged items
- Transparency with pricing
Also, check if the company responds to reviews — good and bad. That shows they care.
Step 6: Ask These 10 Smart Questions
Before you book any mover, ask:
- Are you licensed and insured?
- How long have you been in business?
- Do you have experience with moving large furniture like mine?
- Will you disassemble and reassemble furniture?
- What equipment do you use to protect furniture?
- Are your movers employees or subcontractors?
- Do you background check your workers?
- What happens if something gets damaged?
- Can I see your cancellation and refund policy?
- Can I get everything in writing?
If they hesitate or dodge, that’s a red flag.
Step 7: Understand Their Insurance and Liability Coverage
Here’s where most people get tripped up.
Most movers offer something called basic valuation coverage — usually 60 cents per pound. So if your 100-pound dresser breaks, they might pay you $60.
Yup. That’s it.
Ask about full-value protection. It’s more expensive, but it covers repair or replacement.
Also consider buying third-party moving insurance if you have high-end furniture.
Step 8: Don’t Forget the Little Things
Once you’ve picked your movers, don’t just sit back. There are a few final things to check:
- Confirm your moving date in writing.
- Label your furniture if certain pieces are fragile or stay behind.
- Take photos of your furniture before the move (for insurance).
- Empty drawers unless the movers say otherwise.
- Have cash or tip ready (industry standard is $4–$5 per mover per hour, but tip what feels right).
Bonus Tip: Use a Moving Inventory App
There are free apps (like Sortly or MoveAdvisor) where you can catalog your furniture, add photos, and track what goes where. This helps both you and the movers stay organized.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s wrap this up with some common traps — and how to dodge them.
| Booking last-minute | Fewer choices, higher prices | Start early |
| Not checking credentials | Risk of scams or damage | Always verify licenses |
| Going with the cheapest | Often leads to poor service | Compare value, not just price |
| Skipping the fine print | Hidden fees and surprises | Read contracts carefully |
| Not asking about insurance | No coverage if things break | Know your protection options |
Real Talk: Moving Can Still Be Smooth
Yes, moving is chaotic. But when you hire the right furniture movers, it’s a whole different experience.
Remember Mike and Jess? They moved from Chicago to Nashville with a newborn and a house full of big furniture. They did the research, asked the tough questions, and hired a reputable, insured mover with great reviews.
Everything showed up on time. Not a single scratch on their furniture.
That can be your story too.