Tips for Finding the Best Full-Service Moving Companies

Moving is a big milestone that requires careful planning and choices, so it’s always smart to research top full-service moving companies and assess the quality and reliability of their services. While you can no-doubt find many independent surveys and numbered lists online — and we hope you do — it really comes down to which moving company has the ideal mix of capabilities, service excellence and reputation.  

Finding the best full-service mover to provide a seamless, low stress move experience can be a challenge. Whatever moving company you choose, you want to be sure that they provide exactly the moving services you want at a price you can afford. 

Features of the Best Full-Service Moving Companies

When selecting a full-service moving company, there are many factors you should consider before making your final decision. Below is a comprehensive checklist to help you review and select the ideal full-service moving company for a smooth, stress-free experience. 

Comprehensive Services and Customizable Options 

A top full-service moving company offers customers the flexibility to choose from a wide range of moving services based on their specific needs. These options include: 

• Packing and unpacking 
• Loading, transporting and unloading of household belongings 
• Storage 
• Debris pickup 
• Custom crating for specialty items 
• Electronics packing and installation 
• Car shipping 

Licensing and Certifications 

If a moving company doesn’t have the required licenses, do not consider using them no matter how attractive their offer sounds. It’s quite possible they lack the necessary licenses for your specific needs, including moving across states.  

Always choose full-service moving companies that adhere to the stringent, data-driven safety regulations developed and enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).  

Reputation and Reviews

Customer and Better Business Bureau (BBB) reviews can be very helpful when you’re gauging the quality of a full-service moving company. Previous customers are the best source of information to know more about the company’s service quality, while BBB reviews can tell you more about the company’s history and operations.  

Transparent Pricing and Estimates 

All reputable full-service movers will perform an in-person or virtual estimate. Companies that are considered the best in the industry will also make sure that their pricing structure and moving estimates are as accurate as possible. There shouldn’t be any surprises at the end of the move, and they should be open with you about costs throughout the entire process. 

Customer Service Excellence 

When selecting a full-service moving company, it’s crucial to choose one that offers accessible and responsive customer support throughout the process.  

At United Van Lines, we take pride in our team of dedicated move coordinators and our nationwide network of movers, all committed to offering personalized support from the first planning stages to the moment you’re settled into your new home. We focus on understanding your unique needs, providing customized solutions, and ensuring a seamless move from start to finish. With United Van Lines, you can be confident you’ll always have a reliable partner by your side.  

Protection and Liability Coverage

Reputable moving companies provide protection plans to offer you peace of mind throughout your move. At United Van Lines, every initial full-service quote includes full-value protection. You can also choose to adjust this coverage or waive it altogether. 

Years of Experience 

If a full-service moving company has been around for many years, it is most likely because they are trusted by many customers and in the industry.  

Backed by over 90 years of experience, United’s professional moving services will give you peace of mind during your move and a stress-free experience that few moving companies can match. 

Warning Signs of a Poor Full-Service Moving Company 

Now that you know what to search for, it’s also essential to know what to avoid when choosing a full-service moving company. Here are some red flags you should watch out for: 

1. Lack of Proper Licensing: If you can’t find or confirm a moving company’s licensing or certifications, it’s best to steer clear. Unlicensed or non-compliant moving companies provide few or no options to repair or replace items lost or damaged during a move. 
2. Negative Reviews and Complaints: Negative reviews often signal a significant issue in the company’s service and should not be ignored. 
3. Vague or Non-Existent Estimates: Some full-service moving companies may provide vague estimates that do not clearly outline all expenses, and others may not provide a full estimate at all. Choosing a moving company without a detailed, written estimate raises the risk of out-of-pocket expenses before, during and after your move. 
4. Poor Communication: If you experience unresponsive or rude customer service during the estimate or planning process, you may want to find a different moving company.  

Why You Should Trust America’s #1 Mover® 

As America’s #1 Mover, United Van Lines has moved more than one million families across the U.S. We know how to get the job done right. Our full-service moving packages include a variety of services, outlined below, that you can mix and match for your unique needs: 

• Storage: If you’re planning a move and your new home isn’t ready for move-in, we provide short-term and long-term storage services. 
• Packing: Our full and partial packing options can save you time and eliminate stress. 
• Unpacking: United can help you unpack any boxes we packed for you. 
• Debris Pickup: If you don’t want to finish unpacking on delivery day, we can return within 30 days after delivery to clean up your empty cartons, packing-related materials and waste. 
• Car Shipping: Moving across the country? We can ship your car to save you time, gas, money and headaches. 
• Electronics Installation: Our team can help you install electronic devices such as televisions, Wi-Fi modems and computers to simplify your move-in process. 
• Specialty Items: We offer custom crating for specialty or fragile items. 

No matter how far you move and how complex your move can be, professional movers from United Van Lines are ready to help. Request a full-service moving quote today. 

Want to get ahead of planning your move? Check out our week-by-week moving checklist.  If you prefer access to these pro-tips on-the-go, our exclusive House Key magazine is for you.     

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