We help over 400,000 people plan smarter, smoother moves each year. These FAQs explain who we are, how we vet moving companies, and what makes our data trustworthy.
About our platform
Yes. Browsing the site, using the cost calculator, and comparing movers all cost nothing. We earn referral fees from moving companies when you choose to connect with them. See our advertising disclosure for full details.
No. Moving Finder is not a moving broker and we do not sell your information to movers. We are a consumer-first research company that helps you find and evaluate licensed moving companies. We never recommend using unlicensed brokers.
Most comparison sites are either lead brokers (selling your contact information to multiple companies simultaneously) or affiliate listicles with minimal research. We maintain a proprietary dataset covering 4,500+ licensed movers with 70+ data points per carrier, drawn from 25+ independent sources. No company can buy a better ranking on our site.
We analyze over 1,000,000 verified customer reviews using a ranking system that evaluates movers across 70+ performance data points. Our data has been cited by Forbes, the New York Times, Bloomberg, and USA Today. We have no incentive to steer you toward any particular mover — our rankings are entirely data-driven.
How we rank and verify movers
Licensing, authority, and safety data come from the FMCSA SAFER public database — the same system used by federal regulators. City demographics come from the US Census Bureau. Wage benchmarks come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Reviews are aggregated from 25+ platforms including Google, Trustpilot, Yelp, and the BBB.
Rankings evaluate movers using over 70 data points drawn from 25 verified data sources, including customer review platforms, FMCSA safety data, quote accuracy, responsiveness, and service quality. Rankings undergo continuous updates. No company can pay to improve their score.
No. Listings come from public records, not paid placements. A mover cannot improve their ranking or visibility by paying us. We disclose all commercial relationships separately and they never influence rankings.
We track more than 4,500 licensed movers across the U.S. with a proprietary dataset covering 70+ variables per mover, including performance metrics, licensing data, customer sentiment, quote accuracy, and safety history.
Moving costs and quotes
Local moves (under 100 miles) typically cost $500–$3,500+ with full-service movers. Long-distance moves of 1,000+ miles range from $1,500–$8,500+. Use our Moving Cost Calculator for estimates by home size and distance.
Local moves are billed hourly based on crew size and hours, plus add-ons like packing or stair fees. Long-distance moves are priced by shipment weight multiplied by mileage, adjusted for services and valuation coverage.
No. The ranges are historical aggregates for typical moves on that route. Your actual quote depends on your specific home inventory, access conditions, timing, and the carrier. Always get a written in-home estimate before booking.
Book at least 6 weeks in advance for the best availability and rates — 8 weeks during peak season (May–September). Last-minute moves during peak season can be significantly more expensive or unavailable.
Yes. Most movers have some flexibility, especially in the off-season. Get at least three quotes and bring them to each carrier. Ask about price matching and any senior, military, or membership discounts.
Consumer protection
Red flags include unusually low quotes (often a sign of a rogue carrier or broker), requests for large deposits before pickup, refusal to provide a written estimate, and no verifiable USDOT number. Always verify licensing at the FMCSA website before booking.
Valuation is the level of liability your mover carries for lost or damaged items. Released Value (free) pays only 60 cents per pound per item. Full Value Protection (costs extra) requires the mover to repair, replace, or pay current market value for damaged items.
Federal law limits how much a carrier can require at delivery for a non-binding estimate to 110% of the original quote. If the final bill exceeds that, you pay the 110% cap and your belongings must be released. The remainder is billed separately within 30 days.
We publish detailed guides explaining your rights and options for filing claims and complaints with the FMCSA. You can also contact us directly and we will point you to the right resources.
Email us at the address in the site footer and a member of our team will respond as quickly as possible.