When you’re planning a move, whether it’s across town or just to a new apartment down the street, finding the right moving company can feel like an overwhelming task. Trust me, I’ve been there. You’ve probably Googled “movers for small jobs” or “local movers NJ” and been bombarded with a long list of companies all claiming to be the best. How do you pick the one that’s right for you?
One of the most effective ways to narrow down your choices is by checking out reviews and ratings. But it’s not just about glancing at a star rating or reading one glowing review. There’s a bit of an art to understanding what these reviews are really telling you.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to look for when you’re scrolling through reviews and ratings of moving companies, so you can make an informed decision and have a stress-free move.
Why Reviews and Ratings Matter
I always start my search with reviews because they give me insight into what other customers have experienced. It’s like getting advice from someone who’s already been through the same thing. Plus, I’ve found that companies with consistent reviews—whether good or bad—usually give me a pretty clear picture of what I’m signing up for.
The Power of First-Hand Experiences
Reading reviews is one of the best ways to get a sense of how reliable, professional, and trustworthy a moving company is. People who leave reviews often share details about how their experience went, what the movers did right, and what went wrong. Those little stories are invaluable when you’re trying to make your decision.
But remember: not all reviews are created equal. Here’s what I focus on when reading moving company reviews.
What to Look for in Reviews and Ratings
1. Overall Rating
The first thing I check is the overall star rating. A company with a rating of 4.5 stars or higher is typically a good starting point. But don’t just focus on the stars—dig a little deeper.
- Companies with only 5-star ratings might seem perfect, but I find it a little suspicious. It’s normal to have a few 4-star or even 3-star reviews.
- On the flip side, a company with too many 1- or 2-star reviews is a red flag. If people are consistently unhappy, chances are you will be too.
2. Look at Recent Reviews
I make it a habit to filter for recent reviews. Why? A company’s quality of service can change over time, and recent reviews give you the freshest perspective on how they’re performing.
- If a company had 5-star reviews a year ago but now has several negative ones, that’s a sign something may have changed, like new management or policies.
- Conversely, a company that had a few bad reviews but has improved recently might be worth considering.
3. Pay Attention to Specific Complaints
When I’m reading through reviews, I look for patterns in complaints. These recurring issues can reveal the company’s weak points. For example:
- Late arrivals: If multiple people mention that the movers showed up late, this could be a problem.
- Damaged items: Frequent complaints about broken or damaged belongings are a big red flag.
- Unprofessional behavior: A couple of reviews mentioning rude movers might be a fluke, but if this is a common theme, think twice.
4. Read Between the Lines
It’s easy to get swayed by a negative review, but I try to approach reviews with a critical eye. Some bad experiences might have been a result of unrealistic expectations or things beyond the company’s control.
- Consider the reviewer’s tone: If someone sounds angry and emotional, I take their review with a grain of salt. Sometimes things go wrong in a move, but the way a company handles those issues is what’s important.
- Balanced reviews: I tend to trust reviews that offer a balanced perspective—highlighting both the pros and the cons of the experience.
5. Look for Consistency
One of the best ways to judge a company’s performance is by looking for consistent reviews. If a moving company gets consistently positive feedback on things like timeliness, care for belongings, and professionalism, it’s a good sign you’ll have a similar experience.
On the other hand, a company that gets mixed reviews might be hit-or-miss. It’s better to go with someone more reliable when it comes to your move.
6. See How They Handle Negative Reviews
Even the best companies will occasionally receive a negative review. What matters most is how they respond to it. I always check the company’s responses to complaints because it tells me a lot about their customer service.
- Apologies and solutions: If the company responds promptly, apologizes, and offers to make things right, it shows they care about their customers.
- Defensive responses: Companies that get defensive or blame the customer are less likely to take responsibility for their mistakes.
7. Verified Reviews vs. Fake Reviews
In today’s digital age, some companies pay for fake reviews. I try to stick to websites like Google, Yelp, or BBB (Better Business Bureau), where reviews are verified. Here’s how I spot a fake review:
- Too generic: If a review is overly generic, like “Great service!” with no details, I’m skeptical.
- Overly promotional: If a review sounds like an advertisement, it might be a fake one.
8. Check Multiple Platforms
I never rely on just one platform when reading reviews. Sometimes, a company will have great reviews on one website and terrible ones on another. To get the full picture, I always check reviews on:
- Google Reviews: One of the most trusted platforms, with verified user reviews.
- Yelp: Great for detailed reviews with photos.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): A reputable source that also includes complaint records.
- Social Media: Sometimes people leave quick reviews on Facebook or Instagram.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
After reading hundreds of moving company reviews over the years, I’ve learned to spot certain red flags that help me weed out the bad ones quickly.
1. Bait-and-Switch Pricing
One of the most common complaints I see in bad reviews is about unexpected price increases. Customers will mention that they were quoted one price, but when moving day arrived, the cost went up significantly.
I always look for reviews that mention hidden fees or price hikes. A reputable moving company should provide transparent pricing and stick to the estimate they give you.
2. Lack of Communication
Good communication is key to a smooth move. If I see reviews complaining about unreturned calls or emails, missed appointments, or unclear information, I take that as a warning sign.
3. Unlicensed or Uninsured Movers
I’ve come across reviews where customers didn’t realize until it was too late that they’d hired unlicensed or uninsured movers. To avoid this, I always make sure the company is fully licensed and insured, and I double-check this through reviews as well.
Positive Signs You’ve Found the Right Movers
It’s not all about the negatives! There are plenty of positive signs to look for in reviews that tell you you’re making the right choice.
- Professionalism: Reviews that praise the movers for being respectful, polite, and professional are a good sign.
- Care for belongings: Look for reviews where customers mention their items arrived in perfect condition.
- On-time performance: Movers who show up on time and stick to the schedule are worth their weight in gold.
- Flexibility: Moving can be unpredictable. I appreciate companies that get good reviews for being flexible when things don’t go as planned.
My Final Checklist When Reading Moving Reviews
When I’m ready to book a moving company, here’s my final checklist that helps me make the best decision:
- Look for recent, balanced reviews with consistent praise for professionalism and care.
- Pay attention to how the company responds to complaints or negative feedback.
- Avoid companies with recurring complaints about price hikes, damaged items, or unprofessional behavior.
- Check multiple review platforms to ensure you’re getting an accurate picture of the company.
- Trust your gut: If the reviews give you a bad feeling, move on to the next option.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Whether you’re searching for movers for small jobs or need local movers NJ to help with your next big step, taking the time to read reviews and ratings is essential. By paying attention to these key factors, you’ll be able to find a moving company that you can trust to handle your move with care and professionalism.
