Moving day is stressful enough without wondering if the company loading your boxes onto the truck is the same one that quoted you last week. Every year, people across the Lower Mainland lose money and belongings to movers who cut corners, disappear with deposits, or simply are not who they claim to be. The good news: most of these operators show warning signs well before moving day, if you know what to look for.
Here are the red flags to watch for when hiring a moving company, and what a trustworthy mover looks like instead.
No written, itemised quote
If a mover will only give you a number over the phone and will not put it in writing, walk away. A legitimate moving company provides a written, itemised quote that lists the services included, the estimated hours or weight, and any extra charges (stairs, long carries, packing materials). Verbal-only quotes leave you with nothing to point to when the final bill is higher than expected.
A large cash deposit up front
Be cautious of any company that asks for a large cash deposit before the move, especially if they push for cash only and no receipt. Reputable movers do not need a big chunk of your money weeks in advance to secure a booking. A small, documented deposit paid by card or e-transfer is normal: a demand for hundreds of dollars in cash is not.
No proof of insurance
Ask what coverage protects your belongings if something is damaged or lost in transit, and get the answer in writing. A mover who cannot explain their insurance, or who brushes off the question, is telling you they have not thought about what happens when something goes wrong. You are trusting this company with everything you own, so they should be able to answer this in one sentence.
No physical address or company registration
You should be able to verify who you are dealing with. A real moving company has a physical business address and is registered, and will tell you both without hesitation if you ask. If all you have is a mobile number and a name on a quote, you have no way to find them again if the move goes badly.
Reviews that look fake or inconsistent
Check reviews across more than one platform, not just the one the company links you to. Watch for review counts and ratings that do not match between sites, a wall of five-star reviews posted in the same week, or reviews that read like they were written by the same person. Genuine reviews build up gradually and sound like real customers, not marketing copy.
Prices far below everyone else
If one quote comes in far below every other estimate you have received, treat it as a warning sign rather than a win. Lowball quotes are a common way to get a truck in your driveway on moving day, after which the company adds “surprise” charges for stairs, extra time, or heavy items you already disclosed. A fair quote should sit in the same range as the other estimates you collect, not dramatically under them.
How Quick & Easy Moving stacks up
We built our business around the opposite of every red flag above. You get a written, itemised quote before moving day, not a verbal guess. Every move includes cargo insurance, so your belongings are covered in transit. We operate from a registered address in Surrey, BC, so you always know exactly who you are dealing with. And our reviews are real: 4.9 from more than 700 Google reviews, from real customers who booked real moves. If you want to see how we compare, read more about Quick & Easy Moving or get a written quote for your move.
FAQs
How do I check a mover is legitimate?
Ask for a written, itemised quote, a physical business address, and details of their insurance coverage before you book. Check reviews on more than one platform and look for consistency in ratings and review counts across sites. A company that answers all of this clearly, without pressure tactics or cash-only demands, is far more likely to be legitimate.
What insurance should a mover have?
At minimum, ask whether the mover carries cargo (goods-in-transit) insurance that covers your belongings while they are on the truck, and get the answer in writing before moving day. If a mover cannot explain their coverage, treat it as a red flag rather than a small detail to sort out later.
