Move Options

Choosing how you’ll move your belongings to a new state is one of the most important decisions in your relocation process. This section breaks down the differences between hiring professional movers and doing the move yourself, helping you understand the benefits, limitations, safety concerns, and cost considerations of each option. Whether you want convenience and professional support or prefer a more budget-friendly, hands-on approach, this phase will walk you through what to expect and how to choose the method that works best for your move.

⭐TL:DR

Hiring movers offers convenience, safety, and professional handling of your belongings but comes at a higher cost and may involve longer delivery windows. DIY moving is more affordable and flexible, but requires more labor, responsibility, and driving a rental truck yourself. If you choose professional movers, you’ll need to take steps to avoid scams by comparing written estimates, verifying credentials, checking complaint and compliance histories, and understanding your legal protections. The best option depends on your budget, comfort level, and the complexity of your move.

Protecting Your Move

If you decide to hire movers, it’s important to understand how to protect your move, as there are many scammers who target people during relocation. By staying informed, knowing what to look for, and understanding your rights, you can ensure you hire a reputable company (such as Allied, 2Movers, and Mayflower) that will handle your belongings responsibly.

Here are key steps to help you choose a trustworthy moving company:

• Ask for a written estimate based on an in-person inspection.
  Compare estimates from multiple movers to ensure fair pricing and consistency.

• Verify that the mover is authorized and insured.
  All interstate moving companies are required to have a U.S. DOT number. You can use FMCSA’s Mover Search Tool to confirm whether a company is registered and legally allowed to perform interstate moves.

• Check the mover’s complaint and compliance history.
  FMCSA’s database can show complaint records, but you can also contact your local Better Business Bureau or consumer protection agencies for additional information.

• Know your rights under the 110% Rule.
  By law, movers cannot charge you more than 10% above the nonbinding estimate at the time of delivery. This helps prevent companies from raising the price last minute and refusing to deliver your belongings until you pay more.

• Review the booklet Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move (2022).
  Federal law requires movers to provide this booklet for interstate moves. It outlines your protections, what to expect during the moving process, and what to do if your items are lost or damaged.

Continue to Phase 2.2 | Budget ➡️