Most moving quotes aren't accurate — not because the mover is dishonest, but because they're based on incomplete information. Here's how to get a quote that actually reflects what you'll pay.
Step 1: Build Your Inventory Before You Call
The single most important thing you can do is create an item-by-item inventory of everything you're moving before you contact any mover. Not "3 bedroom house" — every piece of furniture, every box, every appliance, every item in storage. Volume is what drives price in long-distance moving, and volume can only be measured precisely if you know what's in the shipment.
Use our online inventory calculator to build your list and get an instant binding estimate. It takes about 5 minutes and produces a precise cubic footage number.
Step 2: Ask for a Binding Estimate
There are three types of moving estimates: non-binding, binding, and binding-not-to-exceed. Only a binding estimate guarantees your price. Read the full breakdown here, but the short version: if it's not binding, it's not a price — it's a guess with legal cover to go higher.
Step 3: Verify the Company's USDOT Number
Before you book with any mover, look up their USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. You want to confirm they're currently authorized to operate, they're registered as a household goods carrier (not just a freight company), and they have active insurance on file. This takes two minutes and eliminates a large category of moving scams.
Step 4: Ask These Specific Questions
- "Is this a binding estimate?" (not non-binding, not binding-not-to-exceed)
- "Are you the carrier or a broker?" (you want a direct carrier)
- "What's your USDOT number?" (verify it yourself)
- "What's the delivery window for my move date?"
- "What surcharges apply to my move date?" (summer, weekend, holiday)
Step 5: Get Multiple Quotes — But Compare Them Correctly
Don't compare quotes by headline price. Compare them by what type of estimate they are, whether the company is a carrier or broker, what's included, and what the deposit structure looks like. A $1,800 non-binding estimate from a broker is not comparable to a $2,200 binding estimate from a direct carrier. The $2,200 is almost certainly the better deal.