How do I check if a New Jersey mover is licensed?

Use the New Jersey license lookup or the Division of Consumer Affairs public movers page. Movers who work within New Jersey must be licensed as public movers.

What license does a mover need for a move from New Jersey to New York?

A move between states is interstate, so the mover needs a USDOT number from FMCSA. FMCSA's Protect Your Move site explains how to check it.

Is a very low moving quote a red flag?

Often, yes. A quote far below the others, a big cash deposit or a refusal to write the estimate down are common warning signs.

Why does my building want a certificate of insurance?

Many buildings require movers to show insurance before they use elevators and common areas. Ask your building for its requirements and send them to your mover early.

How to Choose a Moving Company and Avoid Scams

By the MoveMatched editorial team · Last updated 2026-10-29

Most movers are honest small businesses. A few are not, and the bad ones cause real damage: surprise charges, held belongings and missing items. A little checking before you book protects you. Here is how to do it for moves within New Jersey, within New York and between states.

Know which license the mover needs

Moving within New Jersey: movers must be licensed by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs as public movers. You can verify a license online through the state's license lookup. Licensed movers must show their license number on their vehicles.
Moving within New York State: New York Transportation Law section 191 requires a certificate to move household goods for hire inside the state. The New York State Department of Transportation oversees these carriers.
Moving between states, including NJ to NY: the mover needs a USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. FMCSA's Protect Your Move site explains how to check it and what to expect.

Get estimates the right way

Get at least two or three written estimates.
Prefer an in-home or video walkthrough over a quote by phone based on a quick list.
Ask whether the estimate is binding, and what could change the final price.
Ask what is included: packing, materials, stairs, elevators, long carries and storage.
Ask how they price: by the hour, by weight or a flat amount.

Red flags

A price far below every other estimate.
A large cash deposit before the move.
No physical address, or a company name that changes between calls.
No license or USDOT number, or one that does not match the company name.
Refusal to put the estimate in writing.
Pressure to sign blank or incomplete documents on moving day.

Buildings, elevators and certificates of insurance

Many apartment buildings in North Jersey and New York City require the mover to send a certificate of insurance before the move, and some require you to book the service elevator and a time window. Ask your building's management for their rules early, and send them to every mover you get a quote from.

On moving day

Read every document before you sign, including the inventory list.
Keep valuables, documents, medicine and chargers with you.
Take photos of furniture and walls before and after.
Note any damage on the paperwork before the crew leaves.

If something goes wrong

For a move within New Jersey, you can file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Affairs. For interstate moves, FMCSA explains how to file a complaint. Keep your estimate, contract, receipts and photos together.

MoveMatched is adding licensed local movers to our town pages and moving checklist. Every featured mover pays the same flat monthly ad fee, and you are always free to choose your own mover.

Questions to ask every mover

What is your license or USDOT number, and what name is it under?
Will your own crew do the move, or will you hand it to another company?
How do you handle damage claims, and what coverage is included?
What happens if the move takes longer than planned?
Do you have experience with my building's elevator and insurance rules?

Questions people ask

How do I check if a New Jersey mover is licensed?: Use the New Jersey license lookup or the Division of Consumer Affairs public movers page. Movers who work within New Jersey must be licensed as public movers.
What license does a mover need for a move from New Jersey to New York?: A move between states is interstate, so the mover needs a USDOT number from FMCSA. FMCSA's Protect Your Move site explains how to check it.
Is a very low moving quote a red flag?: Often, yes. A quote far below the others, a big cash deposit or a refusal to write the estimate down are common warning signs.
Why does my building want a certificate of insurance?: Many buildings require movers to show insurance before they use elevators and common areas. Ask your building for its requirements and send them to your mover early.