How Move.org Works

How we operate

Disclaimer: Move.org is supported by readers like you. That means we might make money when you click on one of our recommendations.

Move.org is here to provide all the information you need to move from A to B. This means we do in-depth research and pay our experienced writers to provide candid feedback about the products, services, and companies they review.

To keep our site free for you, we provide phone numbers and links to sign up for some of the moving services featured in our reviews. When you click on these links or make a phone call, we may receive compensation.

However, the results of our editorial reviews reflect our personal opinions of and experiences with each individual company, product, or service we research. While our affiliate relationships may influence the moving services we review and write about and where they’re placed on our site, it does not affect the analysis and opinions of our writers.

How we evaluate and review moving products and services

In late 2024, Move.org adopted an updated, more rigorous editorial strategy. This change included new editorial leadership and in-depth data collection and analysis from a dedicated data analyst. Our new approach is rooted in cutting through the noise to provide readers with honest, unfiltered, authoritative information and reviews they can rely on. We are committed to bringing expert-backed insights that go beyond surface-level research.

We aim to clarify misleading marketing, uncover real customer experiences, and highlight the best each company offers. We know that moving is a deeply personal experience, and that’s why we’re on a mission to identify the good, the bad, and the ugly so you can find the cross-country mover that meets your unique needs—while avoiding the common pitfalls that can be both financially and emotionally costly. Here’s how we do it:

1. In-depth research and mystery shopping

We dig into the details to uncover what really happens during a move. Our team performs extensive research by:

  • Posing as customers: We call moving companies, request quotes, and analyze the clarity and accuracy of the information provided.
  • Reviewing customer feedback: We examine hundreds of reviews and complaints to gauge real-life experiences and identify patterns of praise or red flags.
  • Exploring services: We scrutinize offerings like binding estimates, transit protection, and extra perks to assess how well each company meets customer needs.

Our goal is to separate facts from sales pitches and let customers know what they can actually expect.

2. Industry verification and regulatory compliance

Trust is critical in an industry where scams and misleading pricing can be common. To ensure companies are legitimate and properly authorized, we:

  • Verify federal standing through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database.
  • Verify and explain what it means if a company is authorized to operate as a carrier, broker, or both.
  • Check safety records and complaint histories.

3. Real-world moving experiences

We go beyond research by observing moving companies in action whenever possible.

  • We assist with actual moves to assess punctuality, care in handling items, and overall service quality.
  • We interview real customers about their moving experiences—from booking to final delivery.
  • We analyze hundreds of customer reviews and complaints to identify consistent trends—both good and bad.

4. Collaboration and cross-verification

We don’t just rely on companies' claims—we ask hard questions and verify answers. We also regularly meet with moving companies, both in person and virtually, to discuss their policies, practices, and performance.

  • We invite movers to share insights and data about their pricing, policies, and processes.
  • We cross-check this information against independent research, customer feedback, and industry reports to ensure accuracy.
  • We follow up with moving companies when we see red flags or inconsistencies in customer experiences vs. company claims.
  • We are active members in good standing with industry organizations like the American Trucking Associations (ATA).

5. Ongoing monitoring and updates

The moving industry is ever-changing, and so are our reviews.

  • We monitor trends in pricing, service quality, customer sentiment, and reputation to ensure our reviews stay current.
  • We track ratings and customer complaints from organizations like FMCSA and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), especially when we see frequent fluctuations.
  • We update our reviews annually and as new information warrants, incorporating the latest data, customer insights, and mystery shopping results. At a minimum, we verify and collect new data from moving companies on a quarterly basis.

6. Our 5-point rating system

To fairly compare long-distance moving companies, we assess them based on five key factors:

  1. Pricing/Value – Are quotes transparent, competitive, and binding—with no bait and switch at delivery?
  2. Customer Service/Experience – What do reviews, complaints, and company policies reveal about customer care?
  3. Services/Extras – Does the company offer unique benefits, discounts, or more robust options?
  4. Availability – Is the company widely accessible with reasonable scheduling?
  5. Reputation – Has the company maintained a strong, consistent track record over time?

Why you can trust Move.org

We know the moving industry can be overwhelming, full of misleading marketing, bait-and-switch pricing, and unreliable customer service. Our methodology ensures you get the real story—not just what moving companies want you to believe.

Combining deep research, mystery shopping, regulatory verification, and firsthand moving experiences gives you the tools to confidently choose a reputable, trustworthy moving company.

AI statement

Human-curated, thoughtfully written content: Our content is created by experts who understand the importance of real, hands-on experience. No bots—just honest advice for real life.

While parts of some articles (not all) may be created with the help of automation tools, all of our content has been carefully reviewed, improved, and fact-checked by our team of human moving experts. If an article has been assisted by AI generation technology, it is disclosed.