Hiring a moving company should ease your stress—not add to it. Unfortunately, not all moving companies are reputable. In fact, moving scams and fraudulent operations are more common than many people realize. From lost belongings to sky-high hidden fees, working with a disreputable mover can turn your relocation into a financial and emotional nightmare.

If you’re planning a move and researching options—especially if you’re considering an Eden Prairie Moving Company or well-reviewed providers like Affinity Moving—it’s essential to know how to identify a legitimate, professional mover. In this guide, we’ll explore five crucial signs that your moving company is trustworthy, along with two additional tips to help you move with confidence.

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They Are Fully Licensed and Insured

This is non-negotiable. A legitimate moving company must be licensed at the federal or state level, depending on whether the move is local or across state lines. For interstate movers, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires companies to have a valid U.S. DOT number, which you can verify online.

What to check:

  • USDOT number: Required for all interstate movers.
  • State licensing: Required for in-state/local moves (check with your state’s transportation authority).
  • Proof of insurance: Ask for general liability and cargo insurance coverage.

For example, a reputable Eden Prairie Moving Company will proudly display licensing credentials and offer transparent proof of insurance. Companies like Affinity Moving even include this information in their estimates or on their websites.

They Provide a Written Estimate After a Home or Virtual Walkthrough

Scammy movers often throw out lowball estimates over the phone or email without seeing your home. Then, on moving day, they spring hidden fees on you, citing extra time, weight, or materials.

A legit moving company will:

  • Offer a written, itemized estimate.
  • Conduct a walkthrough or video call to evaluate your inventory.
  • Explain whether the estimate is binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed.

Don’t fall for vague ballpark figures. Whether you’re working with a big brand or a local Eden Prairie Moving Company, always request the estimate in writing and ensure it matches the scope of services discussed.

They Have a Physical Office and Online Presence

A common red flag for shady moving operations is the lack of a legitimate business location or an online presence. Reliable companies typically have:

  • A brick-and-mortar office or warehouse
  • A professional website with contact info, service listings, and customer support
  • Verified profiles on Google, Yelp, and BBB

Search the company name with terms like “scam” or “complaint” and see what turns up. Also check their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and FMCSA complaint history.

Well-established companies like Affinity Moving maintain a clear digital footprint and are easy to contact before, during, and after your move.

They Don’t Demand Large Upfront Payments

While a small deposit is reasonable to secure your move date, asking for a large cash payment or full prepayment is a red flag. Legitimate movers typically charge after the move is completed, or require a modest deposit upfront (typically no more than 10–25%).

Watch out for:

  • Cash-only requests
  • No receipt or contract
  • Requests to pay via apps like Venmo or Zelle

A professional Eden Prairie Moving Company will have secure, trackable payment methods and clear invoicing procedures. Companies like Affinity Moving provide receipts and official contracts for every transaction.

They Offer a Detailed Contract, Not Just a Verbal Agreement

Verbal agreements don’t protect you. Before moving day, your company should provide a comprehensive contract, also known as the bill of lading, which outlines:

  • Services provided
  • Pickup and delivery windows
  • Pricing breakdown
  • Insurance options
  • Terms and conditions

Never sign blank or incomplete documents, and don’t rely on “don’t worry, we’ll take care of it” statements. A legitimate mover, like Affinity Moving, ensures every detail is documented and mutually agreed upon before your items are loaded into a truck.

They Have Positive, Verified Reviews and Local References

Online reviews are powerful, but not all are trustworthy. Look for companies with consistent ratings across platforms and verified customer testimonials. A few five-star ratings from accounts with no history are suspicious, while a steady stream of recent, authentic reviews is reassuring.

Where to check:

  • Google Business Profile
  • Yelp
  • Facebook Reviews
  • Better Business Bureau
  • Nextdoor or community forums

Additionally, ask the company for local references. Reputable businesses, such as a trusted Eden Prairie Moving Company, will be happy to connect you with satisfied customers or show testimonials upon request.

They Communicate Clearly and Professionally

How a company treats you before your move is a good indication of how they’ll treat your belongings during it. A legitimate mover will:

  • Respond promptly to inquiries
  • Answer questions thoroughly
  • Provide written confirmations for all services
  • Assign a single point of contact for consistency

Professionalism goes beyond paperwork — it’s about building trust. From the first quote to the final box, companies like Affinity Moving emphasize transparency, responsiveness, and respectful communication.

If your calls go unanswered, emails are ignored, or reps dodge your questions, it’s time to move on.

Conclusion

Choosing the right moving company can mean the difference between a smooth, stress-free experience and a logistical nightmare. By keeping an eye out for the red flags and following these seven steps, you can ensure your mover is not just affordable—but also legitimate and reliable. From verifying licenses and insurance to demanding written estimates and reading real reviews, doing your homework pays off. If you’re looking for trustworthy professionals, consider a local and reputable option like an 

Eden Prairie Moving Company or a known name like Affinity Moving. These businesses have built their reputations on delivering quality service and peace of mind to their clients.

Remember: A legitimate moving company doesn’t just move your stuff — it protects your time, your money, and your trust.