Red Flag Checklist: How to Spot an Unreliable Moving Company
Choosing the right moving company can make the difference between a smooth experience and a stressful, expensive disaster. Most movers are professional, trustworthy, and genuinely care about your belongings — but, like in any industry, there are a few companies that cut corners, overcharge, or even disappear with deposits.
The good news? Spotting an unreliable moving company isn’t hard when you know exactly what to look for.
Here’s your complete red-flag checklist so you can feel confident and protected before signing any moving contract.
1. They Don’t Provide an In-Home or Virtual Estimate
🚩 Red Flag: They give you a quote without seeing your items.
Legitimate movers need to understand the scope of your move before giving an accurate estimate. If a company refuses to do a walkthrough — either in person or virtually — that’s a major warning sign. Quotes given without details are a common tactic used by low-quality movers to inflate the price later.
✔️ What a good mover does:
Conducts a physical or virtual walkthrough
Asks questions about special items
Provides a detailed estimate based on weight or volume
2. The Price Seems “Too Good to Be True”
🚩 Red Flag: Ultra-low quotes that don’t match what others are charging.
Moving prices vary, but not by thousands. When one company comes in dramatically lower than competitors, it’s usually because:
They plan to add surprise fees later
They’re inexperienced or unlicensed
They underpay staff
They’re using the low price to hook you
✔️ What to look for instead:
Three quotes from reputable movers that fall within a reasonable range.
3. They Demand a Large Deposit Up Front
🚩 Red Flag: The mover insists on a high cash deposit before scheduling.
Reputable moving companies do not ask for large deposits — especially not in cash or e-transfer. If a company wants 50% upfront, that’s a strong indicator they may not show up on moving day or will hold your items hostage for more money.
✔️ A reliable mover typically:
Requires little to no deposit
Provides clear payment options
Lets you pay after the service is completed
4. They Don’t Have a Physical Address or Professional Website
🚩 Red Flag: The company can’t be tied to a real location.
Any established mover should have:
A verifiable business address
A legitimate website
A publicly listed phone number
A Google Business Profile with reviews
If all you can find is a cell phone number and a vague social-media listing, proceed with caution.
✔️ How to verify:
Search the address on Google Maps to ensure it's not a house, empty lot, or unrelated business.
5. Poor or No Online Reviews
🚩 Red Flag: They have no reviews, or only 5-star reviews with no specific details.
Scam movers often:
Create fake reviews
Fake profiles
Have sudden spikes in generic 5-star ratings
On the other hand, no reviews at all is also a sign the company lacks experience or credibility.
✔️ Check:
Google Reviews
HomeStars
Better Business Bureau
Facebook community pages
6. They Aren’t Licensed or Insured
🚩 Red Flag: The mover dodges questions about insurance.
Insurance protects you against damage, loss, and liability. If a company can't provide:
Proof of licensing
Cargo insurance
Liability coverage
Workers' compensation
…you’re exposed to major risks.
✔️ Always ask:
“Can you provide proof of licensing and insurance?”
If they hesitate or redirect the conversation, that’s your answer.
7. They Use Unmarked or Rental Trucks
🚩 Red Flag: They show up in a U-Haul or a plain, unmarked truck.
Professional movers use:
Branded trucks
Uniformed staff
Proper equipment
Unmarked trucks often indicate temporary crews, subcontracted work, or inexperienced labour.
8. Their Contract Is Vague or Missing Key Details
A proper moving contract should clearly list:
Services included
Estimated cost
Inventory list
Pickup/delivery dates
Policies on delays and damaged items
Terms of payment
🚩 Red Flag: They tell you “Don’t worry, we’ll fill this out later.”
Never sign a contract that is blank, vague, or incomplete.
9. They Try to Rush You Into Booking
🚩 Red Flag: High-pressure tactics.
Unreliable movers may say:
“We’re almost fully booked — you need to sign now.”
“This price is only available today.”
“You won’t find a better deal anywhere.”
High-pressure sales tactics often hide hidden fees or low-quality service.
✔️ A trustworthy company gives you:
Time to review
A clear breakdown of pricing
Zero pressure to commit
10. Communication Feels Off or Unprofessional
🚩 Red Flag: Poor communication, unclear answers, or rude staff.
Professional movers should be:
Responsive
Knowledgeable
Courteous
Transparent
If they:
Avoid straightforward questions
Don’t return calls
Forget appointment times
Send sloppy emails
…it’s a major indicator of operational problems.
11. They Don’t Provide an Inventory List
🚩 Red Flag: They don’t track your items.
A detailed inventory protects both you and the mover. Without it, disputes become impossible to resolve.
A reputable moving company will:
Document every item
Label boxes
Ask about fragile or high-value belongings
If they don’t take the inventory process seriously, it shows a lack of organization and accountability.
12. Lots of Complaints About Damaged or Missing Items
Reading through real customer reviews reveals patterns.
Watch for mentions of:
Broken furniture
Lost boxes
Items that “never arrived”
Damaged electronics
Refusal to honour insurance claims
This is one of the clearest signs that a moving company is unreliable.
13. They Refuse to Put Commitments in Writing
🚩 Red Flag: Verbal promises only.
Anything discussed — whether it's pricing, arrival time, or what services are included — must be written down.
If a company avoids documentation or keeps telling you “it’s all standard,” walk away.
14. They Change Prices Last Minute
One of the biggest red flags:
You’re quoted one price
On moving day, they claim your load is “heavier than expected”
Suddenly, the bill doubles
This is a classic bait-and-switch tactic used by rogue movers.
Always insist on:
A written estimate
A breakdown of potential additional charges
Final confirmation before move day
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Instincts
If something feels “off,” it probably is. When it comes to choosing a moving company, trust your instincts and focus on transparency, professionalism, and reputation.
A reliable mover will make things easier, not harder.
A bad one can turn a move into chaos.
Take your time, do your research, and use this red-flag checklist to protect yourself from scams, stress, and unnecessary costs.
