10 Things to Look for Before Hiring Moving Services
When you're preparing for a move, the company you choose will make all the difference. Whether it's a residential relocation or a commercial transition, the stakes are high. Hiring a team you can trust with your belongings is not a decision to rush. For those seeking moving services Charlotte residents rely on, getting it right from the start means knowing what to look for.
Here are 10 essential factors every industry professional and moving enthusiast should prioritize before locking in a moving service.
1. Reputation and Longevity
Moving companies that have stood the test of time didn’t do so by accident. A well-established business likely has systems in place for handling unexpected issues, staff that’s trained to deliver consistent service, and a reputation to uphold. Look for movers who have been in operation for a decade or more—those who’ve navigated various types of relocations and consistently delivered. Consistency is a clear signal of trustworthiness.
You want a company with roots, not one that disappears overnight after mishandling your most valuable possessions.
2. Proper Licensing and Insurance
Never overlook this. A legitimate moving company must have the appropriate licensing to operate in your region, along with adequate insurance to protect your property. This isn’t just red tape—it’s your first line of defense if something goes wrong.
Licensing ensures compliance with state and federal laws, while insurance protects against damage or loss. If a mover hesitates to provide documentation, that’s a red flag.
3. Transparent Estimates
Clear, itemized estimates are non-negotiable. A professional moving company will offer either an in-home or virtual walkthrough to assess your belongings before providing a written estimate. Avoid companies that give vague quotes over the phone without ever seeing what’s being moved.
Transparent estimates should include:
● Labor
● Materials (like boxes or bubble wrap)
● Mileage or fuel charges
● Any additional fees (stairs, bulky items, etc.)
This not only helps you budget better but also prevents unpleasant surprises on moving day.
4. Experience with Specific Move Types
Not all moves are created equal. Some require navigating narrow staircases, others involve sensitive equipment or heavy furniture that needs dismantling and reassembling. Whether it’s a high-rise apartment, a large estate, or an office relocation—experience with your type of move matters.
Ask if the company has handled similar moves before and how they plan to approach yours. Specialized experience reflects both skill and efficiency.
Here are 10 essential factors every industry professional and moving enthusiast should prioritize before locking in a moving service.
1. Reputation and Longevity
Moving companies that have stood the test of time didn’t do so by accident. A well-established business likely has systems in place for handling unexpected issues, staff that’s trained to deliver consistent service, and a reputation to uphold. Look for movers who have been in operation for a decade or more—those who’ve navigated various types of relocations and consistently delivered. Consistency is a clear signal of trustworthiness.
You want a company with roots, not one that disappears overnight after mishandling your most valuable possessions.
2. Proper Licensing and Insurance
Never overlook this. A legitimate moving company must have the appropriate licensing to operate in your region, along with adequate insurance to protect your property. This isn’t just red tape—it’s your first line of defense if something goes wrong.
Licensing ensures compliance with state and federal laws, while insurance protects against damage or loss. If a mover hesitates to provide documentation, that’s a red flag.
3. Transparent Estimates
Clear, itemized estimates are non-negotiable. A professional moving company will offer either an in-home or virtual walkthrough to assess your belongings before providing a written estimate. Avoid companies that give vague quotes over the phone without ever seeing what’s being moved.
Transparent estimates should include:
● Labor
● Materials (like boxes or bubble wrap)
● Mileage or fuel charges
● Any additional fees (stairs, bulky items, etc.)
This not only helps you budget better but also prevents unpleasant surprises on moving day.
4. Experience with Specific Move Types
Not all moves are created equal. Some require navigating narrow staircases, others involve sensitive equipment or heavy furniture that needs dismantling and reassembling. Whether it’s a high-rise apartment, a large estate, or an office relocation—experience with your type of move matters.
Ask if the company has handled similar moves before and how they plan to approach yours. Specialized experience reflects both skill and efficiency.
5. Well-Trained Crew
A moving company is only as strong as the team that shows up at your door. A trained crew can mean the difference between a smooth move and a chaotic disaster.
Look for companies that invest in training, both technical and customer service. The crew should know how to wrap furniture, load trucks safely, and maneuver through tight spaces without causing damage. Uniforms and ID badges also reflect professionalism.
6. Reliable Equipment and Fleet
If the company shows up in beat-down trucks with wobbly wheels, you're right to be concerned. Well-maintained vehicles and proper moving equipment are critical. This includes:
● Clean, padded trucks
● Dollies and hand trucks
● Furniture blankets
● Secure straps and tie-downs
Companies that take care of their equipment are more likely to take care of your belongings, too.
7. Positive Reviews and Testimonials
Client feedback offers a window into how a company operates. While no company can please every customer, an overwhelming number of positive reviews on platforms like Google or Yelp can boost your confidence. Look for:
● How recent are the reviews?
● How the company responds to complaints
● Whether clients mention specific staff or experiences
Word-of-mouth remains one of the most honest forms of advertising. Don’t hesitate to ask the company for references, either.
8. Flexibility and Scheduling
Timing is everything during a move. Look for a mover that respects your timeline and offers flexible scheduling options. Emergencies, last-minute changes, or specific delivery windows should not throw them off course.
A company that can accommodate evening or weekend moves, or offer short-term storage if needed, can save you from major headaches.
9. Accountability and Communication
Clear communication sets the tone for the entire moving experience. A reliable moving company assigns a point of contact who walks you through the process, answers your questions, and provides updates.
Accountability means owning up to delays or mishaps and resolving them quickly. The best companies handle stress with professionalism, not silence or avoidance.
10. No Hidden Fees
There’s nothing worse than feeling scammed after receiving a final invoice. Hidden fees can show up in the form of fuel surcharges, extra labor costs, or vague “handling” fees.
Trustworthy movers are upfront about every charge. Ask questions early—What happens if the move takes longer than expected? Are there penalties for rescheduling? The more informed you are, the less room there is for surprises.
A moving company is only as strong as the team that shows up at your door. A trained crew can mean the difference between a smooth move and a chaotic disaster.
Look for companies that invest in training, both technical and customer service. The crew should know how to wrap furniture, load trucks safely, and maneuver through tight spaces without causing damage. Uniforms and ID badges also reflect professionalism.
6. Reliable Equipment and Fleet
If the company shows up in beat-down trucks with wobbly wheels, you're right to be concerned. Well-maintained vehicles and proper moving equipment are critical. This includes:
● Clean, padded trucks
● Dollies and hand trucks
● Furniture blankets
● Secure straps and tie-downs
Companies that take care of their equipment are more likely to take care of your belongings, too.
7. Positive Reviews and Testimonials
Client feedback offers a window into how a company operates. While no company can please every customer, an overwhelming number of positive reviews on platforms like Google or Yelp can boost your confidence. Look for:
● How recent are the reviews?
● How the company responds to complaints
● Whether clients mention specific staff or experiences
Word-of-mouth remains one of the most honest forms of advertising. Don’t hesitate to ask the company for references, either.
8. Flexibility and Scheduling
Timing is everything during a move. Look for a mover that respects your timeline and offers flexible scheduling options. Emergencies, last-minute changes, or specific delivery windows should not throw them off course.
A company that can accommodate evening or weekend moves, or offer short-term storage if needed, can save you from major headaches.
9. Accountability and Communication
Clear communication sets the tone for the entire moving experience. A reliable moving company assigns a point of contact who walks you through the process, answers your questions, and provides updates.
Accountability means owning up to delays or mishaps and resolving them quickly. The best companies handle stress with professionalism, not silence or avoidance.
10. No Hidden Fees
There’s nothing worse than feeling scammed after receiving a final invoice. Hidden fees can show up in the form of fuel surcharges, extra labor costs, or vague “handling” fees.
Trustworthy movers are upfront about every charge. Ask questions early—What happens if the move takes longer than expected? Are there penalties for rescheduling? The more informed you are, the less room there is for surprises.
Bonus: Attention to Detail
This isn’t always easy to quantify, but it’s something you feel. Do they remember your name when you call back? Are they careful while walking through your home? Do they take the time to explain how they'll protect your fragile items?
Attention to detail is what separates average movers from exceptional ones.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Alongside what you should look for, it helps to keep an eye out for the danger signs:
● Demanding large deposits up front
● Unmarked or rented trucks
●Pushy sales tactics
● Poor communication
● Vague or handwritten estimates
If it doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.
Why Choose Atlant Moving 1987?
Since 1987, Atlant Moving 1987 has been a trusted name in relocation, committed to making each move seamless and stress-free. We’ve built our reputation on transparency, professionalism, and a hands-on approach that keeps our clients informed and comfortable at every stage.
Our seasoned team has handled everything from small apartment moves to large commercial transitions with the same level of care and precision. We invest in modern equipment, provide clear pricing with no surprises, and prioritize the safety of your possessions from start to finish.
Whether you’re relocating across the street or the state, Atlant Moving 1987 brings decades of insight, reliability, and excellence to every move. We don’t just move boxes—we move lives.
This isn’t always easy to quantify, but it’s something you feel. Do they remember your name when you call back? Are they careful while walking through your home? Do they take the time to explain how they'll protect your fragile items?
Attention to detail is what separates average movers from exceptional ones.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Alongside what you should look for, it helps to keep an eye out for the danger signs:
● Demanding large deposits up front
● Unmarked or rented trucks
●Pushy sales tactics
● Poor communication
● Vague or handwritten estimates
If it doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.
Why Choose Atlant Moving 1987?
Since 1987, Atlant Moving 1987 has been a trusted name in relocation, committed to making each move seamless and stress-free. We’ve built our reputation on transparency, professionalism, and a hands-on approach that keeps our clients informed and comfortable at every stage.
Our seasoned team has handled everything from small apartment moves to large commercial transitions with the same level of care and precision. We invest in modern equipment, provide clear pricing with no surprises, and prioritize the safety of your possessions from start to finish.
Whether you’re relocating across the street or the state, Atlant Moving 1987 brings decades of insight, reliability, and excellence to every move. We don’t just move boxes—we move lives.
