Moving quote guides for a clearer comparison

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Start with these five checks

1. Collect the complete written estimate and every attachment from each company.
2. Confirm whether each estimate is binding or non-binding and what weight, volume, inventory, and services support it.
3. Mark every difference as included, excluded, unclear, or not found instead of assuming it is covered.
4. Ask each mover to answer unresolved questions in writing before signing or loading.
5. Verify an interstate mover or broker in FMCSA's official database before making a decision.

FMCSA recommends obtaining estimates from at least three movers or brokers and comparing both cost and services. Source: FMCSA Moving Checklist.

How your move travels

For an interstate household-goods move, the first and last steps are usually similar. The transport and handling in between depend on the services promised in writing.

1. Survey and written estimate

The mover reviews your belongings in person or by video, prices the shipment and selected services, and provides a written binding or non-binding estimate.

2. Choose the service

Confirm packing, valuation protection, pickup and delivery dates, and whether the agreement reserves part of a vehicle or its exclusive use.

3. Pack, label, and inventory

The crew protects furniture and packs the items included in your plan. Every carton and unboxed piece is recorded; check the listed condition before signing.

4. Load and document

The bill of lading is the transportation contract. It identifies the mover, any participating carriers when known, the vehicle ID or IDs, pickup and delivery dates or periods, requested services, and charges.

5. Transport your belongings

The service named in your documents determines whether your shipment has exclusive use of a vehicle or may share space with other customers.

Exclusive-use vehicle

Often called a dedicated truck

• Where items go: Only your shipment rides in the mover's truck or trailer while exclusive-use service applies.
• Often chosen for: Larger households or customers who want vehicle space isolated from other shipments.
• Pros: No other customer's shipment shares that vehicle.
• Tradeoffs: It may cost more. Direct delivery, one-vehicle or no-transfer handling, expedited service, and guaranteed dates are separate written promises.

Shared or consolidated service

Often called a shared load

• Where items go: Your shipment may share vehicle space with other customers when exclusive use is not part of the agreement.
• Often chosen for: Smaller shipments, flexible timing, and cost-conscious moves.
• Pros: It may cost less than reserving exclusive use of a whole vehicle.
• Tradeoffs: Ask about other stops, transfers, storage, carrier changes, and the written delivery period.

6. Deliver and verify

Direct each item to the right room, check it against the inventory, and record anything missing or damaged before signing. Unpacking and reassembly happen only when included.

Confirm how your shipment will travel

Ask whether your shipment gets exclusive-use service, travels on one vehicle with no transfer, can be split, transferred, or stored, which carrier or carriers will handle it, and whether pickup or delivery dates are guaranteed.

This overview uses federal guidance for interstate household-goods moves. Local and intrastate rules vary.

Read the FMCSA service guide

Ready to organize your move?

Use the app to build an inventory and check how your belongings may fit in a truck, then return to these guides when you review mover paperwork.