Choosing a moving company is like online dating. Everyone looks great on their profile. Everyone claims to be “trusted,” and somehow, everyone has five stars.
When thousands of dollars and everything you own are at stake, you need more than polished promises. You need real reviews from real people. Tinder Swindlers in the moving industry are common. “Send money, my enemies are after me” is a possibility.
Genuine reviews are out there. To avoid getting catfished, you have to know where to look and what to ignore. This guide breaks it down simply. No jargon. No scare tactics. Just smart ways to spot honest feedback before you book movers.
Moving scams and shady operators are widespread. NerdWallet reports that fake pricing, hostage loads, and last-minute fee hikes remain the top complaints in the moving industry.
Reviews are the first warning sign if you know how to read them correctly. That’s why experts agree: researching reviews is not optional; it’s essential.
Tip #1: Understand Where Reviews Actually Come From
Not all review platforms are trustworthy. Some sites allow open, unfiltered customer feedback. Others curate, edit, or selectively publish reviews.
Review aggregator MyGoodMovers explains that reliable ratings come from platforms with identity checks, moderation policies, and review history tracking. No anonymous submissions are allowed.
If a review site doesn’t clarify how reviews are collected, that’s your first red flag.
Tip #2: Why Website Testimonials Can’t Be Trusted
Company website testimonials are marketing, not evidence.
Moving companies choose which testimonials appear on their own sites. Negative feedback never makes the cut, signaling dishonesty and plain advertising.
My Moving Journey warns consumers not to rely on testimonials alone when choosing movers. They’re useful for tone, but not truth.
Use testimonials to understand what a company wants you to believe, then verify it elsewhere.
Tip #3: Google Reviews Are Still the Gold Standard
Google remains the most reliable source for moving company reviews. Why?
- Reviews are tied to real Google accounts
- Businesses can’t easily remove bad feedback
- Review history is visible
- Location-based relevance matters
Most consumer protection guides consistently recommend Google reviews first.
High ratings with hundreds of detailed reviews over time are better than a perfect five-star score with only a few entries.
Tip #4: Look for Patterns, Not Perfection
No moving company is perfect. Even excellent movers have occasional complaints. But look out for consistency.
Reliable companies show patterns like:
- Professional crews
- On-time arrivals
- Transparent pricing
- Responsive customer service
For example, FairPrice Movers receives regular strong feedback across platforms, including a 4.9 rating that customers discuss openly on Reddit. Remember, this is a space where reviews are harder to manipulate.
Reddit threads like this are valuable because people share unfiltered experiences, good and bad, without incentive.
Tip #5: Pay Attention to How Companies Respond to Reviews
Reviews aren’t merely for customers. They also show how companies behave under pressure.
According to CBS News, trustworthy movers:
- Respond professionally to complaints
- Don’t attack reviewers
- Offer solutions publicly
- Take responsibility when things go wrong
Silence, defensiveness, or copy-paste replies are warning signs. A thoughtful response to a negative review says more than ten positive ones.
Tip #6: Cross-Check Multiple Sources Before You Decide
Never rely on one site. The safest approach is cross-checking:
- Google Reviews
- Consumer guides
- Independent blogs
- Reddit discussions
- Company credentials
NerdWallet, CNET, and MyGoodMovers all emphasize this multi-source strategy to avoid scams and misleading ratings.
If feedback aligns across platforms, you’re likely looking at a legitimate company.
How Do I Avoid Moving Scams Before They Happen?
Be Wary of Quotes That Seem Too Good to Be True
Is one company’s estimate dramatically lower? Pause. Scam movers often use low quotes to secure bookings, and then raise prices once your belongings are loaded.
Never Pay a Large Deposit Upfront
Legitimate moving companies rarely require large deposits before the move. Requests for cash-only payments or full payment before delivery are alarm bells. A small booking fee is normal. Pressure to pay everything in advance is not.
Get Everything in Writing
Verbal promises mean nothing if something goes wrong. Confirm the total cost and payment terms, pickup and delivery windows, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
Watch for Vague or Missing Company Information
Scam movers hide behind generic names and vague websites. Before booking, confirm a physical business address and a working phone number. Authentic movers are transparent about who they are and how to reach them.
Trust Reviews That Mention Specific Details
Real reviews describe:
- Crew behavior
- Timelines
- Pricing accuracy
- How issues were handled
Fake reviews are vague and overly positive. Independent platforms are harder to manipulate and easier to cross-check.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable site for moving company reviews?
Google Reviews continues to be the most trusted source due to verified accounts, transparency, and visibility of both positive and negative feedback.
Are 5-star moving companies always trustworthy?
No. A perfect rating with very few reviews can be suspicious. Look for consistent scores over time, not perfection.
How many reviews should a reputable moving company have?
While there’s no magic number, dozens (preferably hundreds) of reviews across multiple platforms signal legitimacy.
Can moving companies delete bad reviews?
They can remove testimonials from their own website, but they generally cannot delete legitimate Google reviews from online users unless they violate platform rules.
What are the biggest red flags in moving company reviews?
Watch for repeated complaints about price changes, missing items, poor communication, or pressure tactics. These patterns are more important than individual complaints.
The Real Mccoys
Finding genuine moving company reviews is all about reducing risk.
Real reviews tend to live in places companies don’t control. They show both praise and problems. They repeat the same themes. And they don’t try too hard to impress.
If a mover looks great everywhere except on independent platforms, that’s information. If pricing feels unclear before booking, that’s information. If reviews talk more about sales than service, that’s information too.
Take your time. Cross-check what you read. And choose the company that’s consistent, transparent, and willing to be accountable.
