Do You Know the Warning Signs of Bad Movers?
As a Texas-based moving company with decades of experience, we’ve heard just about every horror story there is when it comes to moving scams. In many cases, people turn to us after being overcharged, ghosted on moving day, or dealing with broken promises from another company. These kinds of experiences are all too common, and in response, we’ve created this guide to help you avoid the worst moving companies before it’s too late.
Below, we’ll walk you through some of the most common red flags, warning signs, and smart ways to research moving companies so you can hire professionals you actually trust.
1. Rock-Bottom Prices Can Actually Cost You More Money
It’s tempting to jump at a super low estimate—especially when you’re comparing quotes—but extremely low prices are often the first clue that you’re not dealing with a reputable moving company. If you're wondering what the actual cost should be, check out our article How Much Does It Cost To Hire Professional Movers to get a realistic expectation of an estimate.
In many cases, shady movers use bait-and-switch tactics: they reel you in with a low quote, then tack on hidden fees or demand more money once your items are loaded onto the truck. Others cut corners by using untrained labor, skipping insurance coverage, or operating without proper licensing.
If you're trying to save money, remember: a legitimate mover will give you an accurate estimate upfront that reflects the actual cost of labor, equipment, and protection of your belongings. Always be skeptical of anything dramatically below the market rate.
2. Vague Estimates and No Written Agreement
If you're hiring professional movers, they will provide a written estimate that breaks down the expected charges. If they refuse to put it in writing or give you an accurate quote, you’re probably dealing with someone who’s trying to keep things vague on purpose.
A good estimate should clearly outline:
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Hourly rates or flat fees
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What’s included (e.g. loading, unloading, travel time)
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Any potential additional costs (e.g. stairs, long carry, fuel)
On top of that, and perhaps the most important thing to protect yourself and your belongings during a move, is that you should receive a formal contract before moving day that includes the terms of service, cancellation policy, and a summary of your rights and responsibilities. This protects you in case things go wrong during your move.
If you’re only given a verbal agreement—or no contract at all—it’s a major red flag.
3. No Physical Address or Company Branding
If you're considering using a moving company that doesn't have physical street address or uses a personal email address, you may want to think twice about hiring them. A reputable mover should have a business address listed on their website and a verified Google Business listing. A few quick searches should tell you if this company is trustworthy and are here to stay.
On moving day, their moving truck should display a company logo and a Department of Transportation (DOT) number. Unmarked trucks are often a sign that the crew isn’t affiliated with a legitimate business—or may be subcontractors hired at the last minute.
4. High Deposits Before the Job Begins
Another common scam tactic is requiring a large cash deposit upfront. Most reputable moving companies don’t ask for full payment before they do the work. Some may request a small deposit to secure the booking, but it should never be more than 10–20% of the total cost.
If a mover demands a hefty deposit or insists on cash only, that’s a serious warning sign. You may never see them—or your deposit—again.
5. Bad Reviews and Poor Online Reputation
It’s smart to read both positive and negative online reviews before making a decision. Look for consistent patterns in feedback, especially if multiple customers mention:
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Hidden charges
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Damaged or lost belongings
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Missed appointments
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Unprofessional behavior
Keep in mind that even reputable moving companies will still receive the occasional negative review—but it’s how they respond that matters. Avoid movers who ignore reviews or respond aggressively to criticism.
6. Lack of Licensing or Insurance
In Texas and other states, moving companies must be licensed with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for interstate moves. Always ask for their DMV or DOT number and verify it online at the Texas DMV Truck Stop site. It only takes a minute, and it can save you from hiring a company that’s operating illegally.
Insurance is another must. Professional movers should offer liability coverage to protect your household goods in case of damage or loss. Be sure to understand what level of protection is included and what add-ons are available.
7. A Website That Looks Slapped Together
Moving companies with bare-bones website with no real information—or worse, no site at all—should give you pause. Look for:
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Company history
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Physical address and contact info
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Real photos (not just stock images)
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A DOT number if applicable
If a company cuts corners on its online presence, it may also be cutting corners in other areas of its service.
8. Pressure Tactics or Evasive Communication
Trustworthy moving companies will answer your questions thoroughly and without hesitation. If you feel rushed, pressured to book immediately, or get vague responses to direct questions, it’s time to move on.
Pay attention to how they handle communication overall. Do they return your calls and emails promptly? Do they follow up with clear information after your consultation? Reliable moving companies offer transparency and will keep you informed throughout the process—from the initial quote to moving day logistics.
Watch out for movers that dodge questions about insurance, licensing, or pricing specifics. If they can’t provide straightforward answers now, they’re unlikely to be reliable once the job begins.
9. Red Flags on Moving Day
Even if everything seemed fine during booking, pay close attention on the actual day of your move. Warning signs include:
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Movers arriving late or in unmarked trucks
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Lack of uniforms or ID badges
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Attempts to renegotiate the price onsite
Professional movers should show up in branded vehicles, wear company apparel, and come prepared with the tools and equipment needed for the job. If your movers seem unprepared, confused about the scope of work, or avoid answering questions once they arrive, these are all red flags.
You should also be cautious if the crew seems drastically different from the team described during your booking call. Some shady moving companies outsource to third-party laborers at the last minute without informing you. This often leads to damaged items, poor communication, and lack of accountability if something goes wrong.
If anything feels off, trust your instincts. It’s okay to pause and call the company’s main line to verify what’s going on—or even walk away if you feel unsafe.
10. Protect Yourself with Research and Preparation
The best way to avoid hiring bad movers is to plan ahead and do your homework. Here’s how:
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Compare at least 3 written estimates from different moving companies
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Read customer reviews across multiple platforms
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Verify licensing and insurance
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Ask specific questions about fees, policies, and what’s included
Ask each company about their process from start to finish, how they handle fragile or specialty items, and whether they offer additional services like packing or temporary storage. These conversations will not only help you compare value, but also give you insight into how professional and prepared each company is.
Don’t wait until moving week to start this process—book early so you have time to vet each option thoroughly.
11. How to Handle Damaged or Lost Items
Even with reputable movers, accidents can happen. That’s why your moving contract should clearly outline the claims process in case anything is lost or damaged. If the worst does happen, here’s The Truth About What Happens When Movers Damage Your Stuff, so you’ll know what to expect.
Before your move, create an inventory of your belongings—especially valuable or fragile items—and take timestamped photos of everything. Make sure your movers know which boxes are fragile or contain breakables, and verify that this is noted on their paperwork.
If damage does occur, contact the moving company immediately and follow their claims process. Most will require written documentation, photos, and receipts. The faster you act, the more likely you are to receive a fair resolution.
Don’t forget to check what kind of insurance coverage you selected before the move—basic liability and full-value protection offer different levels of reimbursement. Good moving companies will help you understand your options and guide you through the claims process.
12. Final Thoughts: Don’t Settle for Less
Moving is stressful enough without worrying whether your movers will show up or handle your belongings with care. Hiring the right movers can make all the difference between a nightmare and a smooth transition. Now that we've shown you how to recognize red flags, by doing your due diligence, you can avoid the worst moving companies and protect your time, money, and peace of mind.
If you’re ever unsure whether a company is playing by the rules, don’t hesitate to check with the Texas DMV—or reach out to a trusted name like 3 Men Movers for guidance you can count on.