Choosing a moving company can feel like a roll of the dice. You’re handing over everything you own to a team of strangers, hoping for the best. And here in Jacksonville, you have dozens of options, from big national brands to local, family-run operations. How do you know what to look for in a moving company?
It’s about more than just finding the cheapest price. Choosing a mover is about finding a trustworthy partner for a stressful day. We’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. We want to help you avoid the bad.
This guide is your step-by-step process for vetting moving companies. It will help you cut through the noise, ask the right questions, and find a professional mover you can trust.
Start With Licensed And Insured Movers
This is the first and most important cut. Do not skip this step.
A “guy with a truck” is not a moving company. A professional mover has to meet legal requirements to protect you, the consumer.
For local Jacksonville moves (within Florida)
Your mover must be registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Ask for their “IM” (Intrastate Mover) number. You can verify it on the FDACS website.
For moves crossing state lines (e.g., to Georgia)
Your mover must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a USDOT number. You can look them up on the FMCSA’s public database.
Being licensed and insured is non-negotiable. This means they carry Cargo Liability (to cover your stuff), Motor Vehicle Liability (for their trucks), and General Liability. If they aren’t registered, they aren’t a real mover.
Verify Local Experience And Knowledge
Jacksonville is a massive, sprawling city. A mover who doesn’t know the area will cost you time and money.
Choosing the best moving company in Jacksonville, FL means finding a team that knows the local quirks. Do they know about the afternoon traffic on the Buckman Bridge? Are they familiar with the high-rise loading dock rules downtown? Do they understand the parking challenges in Riverside or the Beaches?
When you call, ask them what parts of town they service most. A mover with a real, physical address in Jacksonville and a deep knowledge of the city will be far more efficient than a national call center dispatching a random crew.
Read Recent Reviews And Testimonials
This is your single best insight into a company’s day-to-day performance. But you have to know how to read moving company reviews.
Don’t just look at the 5-star rating. Read the actual comments. Look for patterns.
- Are customers consistently praising the crew’s professionalism and care? That’s a great sign.
- Are there multiple, recent complaints about damaged furniture, hidden fees, or showing up late? That’s a huge red flag.
Check multiple sources. Look at Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). A few bad reviews over 10 years are normal. A pattern of recent, angry customers is not.
Understand The Services They Offer
Not all movers are created equal. Are you just moving a few big items, or do you need a full-service pack and move?
Before you call for moving quotes, make a list of what you need.
- Do you need them to pack your whole kitchen or just the fragile items?
- Do you have specialty items like a piano, a safe, or a piece of art?
- Will you need storage for a few weeks between homes?
Make sure the companies you’re vetting actually offer these services. A trustworthy mover will be happy to explain what they can and can’t do.
Demand Transparent Pricing And Estimates
Now we get to the money. This is where many people get tricked.
Never accept a quote over the phone. A professional mover will insist on an in-home or detailed video walkthrough to see your belongings. It’s impossible to give an accurate price without seeing the volume of items and the layout of the home (stairs, long walkways, etc.).
Get at least three in-home estimates. This is the only way to compare apples to apples.
Ask for a “Binding” or “Binding Not-to-Exceed” estimate. A “non-binding” estimate is just a guess and can legally be increased on moving day. A “binding” estimate is a locked-in price. This is one of the most important hiring movers tips we can give.
Ask About Their Claims Process
This is a question that reveals everything about a company. Even with the best movers, accidents can happen. What matters is how they fix them.
Ask this question directly: “What happens if something gets broken?”
A trustworthy mover will have a clear, simple answer. A shady one will get vague. Here’s what you need to know:
- Released Value Protection: This is the default coverage all movers must provide. It is NOT insurance. It covers your items at a flat rate of 60 cents per pound, per item. This is free, but it’s terrible. A 50-pound flat-screen TV would only be covered for $30.
- Full Value Protection (FVP): This is the option you want. You will pay extra for it, but it means the mover is responsible for repairing the item, replacing it, or giving you a cash settlement for its current value.
Ask for the details of their FVP and how to file a claim. If they can’t explain this clearly, hang up.
Trust Your Gut
After you’ve done all your research, you’ll have a good feel for each company. Did the estimator show up on time and look professional? Were they patient and thorough in answering your questions? Or did they feel pushy, rushed, or evasive?
Finding a good mover is also about finding a team you feel comfortable with. If your gut is telling you something is off, listen to it.
Your Checklist For Vetting Movers
Use this as your scorecard when you call for moving quotes.
- [ ] Are they licensed?
- Local Move (within FL): Ask for their FDACS “IM” number.
- Interstate Move (out of state): Ask for their USDOT number.
- [ ] Are they insured? Ask them to email you a Certificate of Insurance (COI).
- [ ] Do they have a real local address in Jacksonville? (Not just a P.O. Box).
- [ ] Are their online reviews (Google, BBB) mostly positive and recent?
- [ ] Did they insist on an in-home or video walkthrough?
- [ ] Did they provide a written, “Binding” estimate?
- [ ] Can they clearly explain their claims process and “Full Value Protection”?
- [ ] Did they seem professional, patient, and trustworthy?
Choosing a moving company in Jacksonville doesn’t have to be a gamble. By following these steps, you can move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling confident. You’re not just buying a service; you’re investing in peace of mind for one of life’s biggest days.
When you’re ready to start getting those estimates, we’d be happy to show you how a professional, licensed, and insured Jacksonville mover handles the process.