Make your next big move a breeze
Understanding mover rules and regulations helps you select a reputable company, confirm proper licensing and insurance, and know what documentation to expect before moving day.
Hiring movers costs around $1,400 for in-state moves and $5,600 for out-of-state moves, with long-distance moves reaching up to $10,000 depending on your home size.
You should receive a written cost estimate, FMCSA brochures, arbitration policy details, and the company's tariff outlining rates and fees before your move begins.
Hiring a local moving company provides peace of mind with proper documentation, insurance coverage, and guidance on what items movers cannot transport for you.
Moving is universally considered to be one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. And while there are a lot of pieces and parts to consider, perhaps the most important are the rules and regulations surrounding moving—the last thing you need is to add to your stress is breaking a law you didn’t know about. Here are all the rules and regulations you need to know about to make your move a success.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), when moving, you are responsible for selecting a reputable household goods mover or broker, and reading all the materials your mover provides you with to ensure that you know how to deal with any problems that arise. You should also know the difference between a moving broker and a household goods mover.
| Responsibilities When You Move | |
|---|---|
| Moving Broker vs. Household Goods Mover | The main difference between a moving broker and a household goods mover is that a moving broker is the company that arranges your move, but they don’t physically transport your stuff. A household goods mover transports your items from your old home to your new one. |
| Licensing and Insurance | Whether you are dealing with a broker or mover, you should confirm that they are registered with the FMCSA and that they are insured. This ensures that there’s a governing body you can go to in case there is a problem with the company, and the insurance means that if something goes wrong with your shipment, the company is equipped to cover any losses. |
Before hiring movers, you should learn about moving rules and regulations.
When you hire a moving company, they are required to provide you with certain documents and information so you know what to expect and how to go about dealing with problems. By the time you’ve hired local movers, you should have received or be shortly receiving:
A written estimate of all costs and anticipated costs of your move
The FMCSA “Ready to Move” brochure or web link and the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet or web link
Information on the mover’s arbitration process and policy
A mover’s tariff, which is a document that outlines their rates, cancellation fees, other service fees, and anything else you might need to know about moving day
The company’s policy on handling damage or insurance claims
If your moving company fails or refuses to provide any of this documentation, you should find another service.
There is a list of specific items that moving companies are absolutely not allowed to move for you. This includes firearms, fireworks, plants, toxins, explosives, contraband, pets, people and, livestock. If you have any of these items and are planning to take them with you to your new home, you should move them yourself or make other arrangements.
In addition, don’t pack these household items when you move:
Poisonous, flammable, hazardous, corrosive, or explosive items
Perishables
Personal and irreplaceable items
Broken or unused items
The cost to hire movers varies by geographic location, home size, and whether or not you’re doing a long-distance move. The average cost to hire movers for a short-haul move is around $1,400. Longer haul moves, like if you’re moving out of state, cost an average of $5,600, but can cost as much as $10,000.
I recently moved to another state and chose United Trust Van Lines after comparing several companies. Their team was punctual, professional, and extremely careful with my belongings. I was especially impressed with how they handled my home office setup and fragile items. Everything arrived on...
United Trust Van Lines, LLCShowed up on time and cleaned carpets well, but didn?t move furniture.
Voda Cleaning & Restoration of ColumbusA reliable team for moves across state. My switch to a new place needed careful lifting through tight hallways. The movers checked the doorway first, then carried heavier pieces with slow, controlled movements. Their patience helped prevent damage, and I?d choose them again.
**Would rate a 0 if i could** NEVER USE THIS COMPANY!!!!! They shattered my tv console and dresser, lost a mirror, and never finished the move. The broken furniture cost me over $600 to replace. They left me with 6+ hours of personal labor moving my 1BR apartment, when I was quoted a FULL...
All My Sons Moving & StorageI could not have moved without the help of Jen Stover! I was in my house for nearly 20 years, so the thought of clearing it out while working full time was overwhelming. Jen takes great joy in sorting and organizing while asking the hard questions with patience and compassion. Jen is...
Go and Stow Home OrganizingCouldn't have been a worse experience. 3 of my belongings were lost and 5 belongings were damaged. My furniture was clearly dragged across the ground. The movers couldn't move the furniture I paid extra heavy weight fees for so I had to help them move my own furniture. The manager gave me...
US Interstate and RailExcellent experience for me! They helped me a lot with my move. very reasonable price. Good communication with the office manager is excellent.
Goodview Moving and StorageI was concerned about my possessions safety throughout the move but Bridge View Van Lines took all necessary security measures to make sure everything arrived in mint shape I am really appreciative of their effort and commitment They made my long distance move seem simple
Bridgeview Van LinesThis moving company is the best in Columbus, Ohio! They rescued me when my movers didnâ t show up. Do not ever use Plane Movers! They never showed up for my move, claiming that I never signed the contract. They didnâ t call me to follow up, communication was awful. The people that work for...
All My Sons Moving & StorageOzie and Tyquese were great and worked fast. It was a good move
All My Sons Moving & StorageFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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