You’re planning a big move and you’ve got a hundred things on your plate. Booking a mover should be quick and easy, right? So when you see a “Book Now” button pop up online, it’s tempting to click and be done with it.
But here’s the thing: booking a move online isn’t always as simple as it seems. And when it comes to long distance moving, there are some important details that quick-click platforms can miss. How many bedrooms are you planning to move? What’s the distance between your old place and the new? What’s the timeframe for your move? With so many important things to consider, do you even want to try to book online? Or is making a phone call better?
At National Van Lines, we’ve assisted countless families and individuals make the best decision for booking their move. In this article, we’ll break down how online booking really works, when it’s helpful, and how to make the smartest call, literally or figuratively, for your long distance move.
What Does “Book Movers Online” Really Mean?
If you search for ways to book movers online, you’ll see a lot of options. But they don’t all mean the same thing.
Some websites let you:
- Enter your address and inventory.
- See a list of local or national movers.
- Click a button to “book” or reserve a time.
Others only collect your contact info and pass it along to a few movers who will call or email you later. In that case, you’re not really booking, you’re just starting a conversation.
Here are a few of the more well-known booking platforms and marketplaces, with their pros and cons:
1. Unpakt
Pros:
- Provides quick, transparent pricing for local and long distance moves based on inventory.
- You can compare multiple moving companies and see their reviews in one place.
Cons:
- You’re only able to book from a select list of moving companies, so it may not offer the best options for your specific needs.
- Unpakt’s services are limited to certain regions, so availability may be an issue for long distance moves.
2. iMoving
Pros:
- Lets you search for moving companies by distance, size, and type of service.
- Allows customers to book their move instantly, with available options for both local and long distance moves.
- Provides customer feedback for each moving company listed, which helps you make an informed decision.
Cons:
- iMoving acts as a middleman between you and the movers, which can lead to higher prices or potential confusion about who is actually handling your move.
- Because of of how long distance moves are priced, there may be limited options for customization or special requirements when booking a move online.
3. MovingWaldo
Pros:
- Offers side-by-side comparisons of different moving companies and their quotes, saving you time.
- Helps you create and manage a comprehensive inventory of your items to get accurate quotes.
- Along with movers, they help connect you with services like packing and storage solutions.
Cons:
- Like other platforms, you may end up working with a broker instead of the actual movers, which can add layers of communication.
- MovingWaldo’s service availability might not cover all areas, especially for more niche or remote locations.
4. Clutter
Pros:
- Offers both moving and storage solutions, which is great for people who need flexibility.
- You can schedule a move at your convenience, often without needing to go through a lengthy call process.
- Clutter offers additional packing services to help get your items ready for transport.
Cons:
- Their full-service model can be more expensive than DIY options, particularly if you don’t need storage.
- Clutter’s services are only available in select cities, limiting access for customers outside those areas.
5. HireAHelper
Pros:
- You can choose from a range of options— packing, loading, unloading, and more— based on your move’s needs.
- Offers clear pricing on services like labor-only options, helping you control costs.
- Allows you to hire movers that may not be listed on larger national platforms, often giving you more options.
Cons:
- While it offers labor-only services, you may still need to coordinate your own truck or transport, which can be tricky for long-distance moves.
- Since HireAHelper connects you with independent movers, there’s a potential for quality inconsistencies depending on the hired crew.
These platforms can help compare pricing and services, but it’s important to know whether you’re dealing with a mover directly or a third-party marketplace. You can typically tell by looking for a few key clues:
- Company name: If you’re booking with a marketplace, the company name you see during booking may be different from the one that actually does the move. Look for details on the website about who’s handling your move.
- Contact details: Check if the platform offers direct contact with the moving company, or if you’re only dealing with customer service from the platform itself.
- Terms and conditions: Sometimes, the terms of service will mention that you’re working with a broker, not a direct moving company. These fine print details can reveal whether you’re booking through a middleman.
- Pricing structure: If you’re given a range of prices with no clear breakdown, it’s more likely you’re dealing with a marketplace rather than a moving company that offers more transparent, fixed rates.
We recommend bookmarking or screenshotting this list to help yourself make the most informed decision possible when you go to book your long distance move.
When Online Booking Might Be Enough
For a short, local move with a flexible schedule and a clear idea of what you’re moving, online booking might work fine.
Here’s when it can make sense:
- You’re moving across town.
- You don’t have many items.
- You don’t need help packing.
- You’ve used the mover before and trust their process.
In these situations, a fast online form can save time and still get the job done.
Why Long Distance Moves Are Different
If you’re moving to another state or across the country, things get more complicated.
Long distance moves involve:
- Interstate regulations.
- Detailed planning and scheduling.
- Truck availability based on timing and location.
- Pricing based on actual weight or inventory.
A generic form can’t capture all of that. And if something gets missed, you could end up with a price jump later… or a mover who isn’t prepared.
When your move is complex, a phone call ensures nothing important gets lost in translation.
What to Expect When You Call Instead
When you call a moving company, you’re not just checking off a box. You’re building a plan. This will involve the help of what’s known as a move coordinator.
A move coordinator will:
- Walk you through the process.
- Ask questions about your home, inventory, and timing.
- Explain pricing and what’s included.
- Help you avoid surprises.
Be prepared to have an open and honest conversation with your move coordinator about all the details that will impact your move. This kind of back and forth will allow your coordinator to do more than just book a truck— they’ll be able to fully address all your needs throughout the process, too.
The Honest Truth: Is Booking Online Risky?
It can be, especially if you’re not sure who you’re booking with.
Some websites are brokers, not movers. That means they collect your info and then assign the job to another company you may have never heard of. This can lead to confusion about who’s actually moving your belongings and what kind of service you’ll receive.
Transparency around broker practices has been a major industry issue. In fact, as of January 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reopened public comments on a proposed set of rules that would require brokers to share more information with truck carriers. The changes are designed to make it harder for brokers to hide transaction records or fees.
While these proposed rules are still under review, they highlight just how important it is to ask questions before you book. When choosing a mover online, make sure the company:
- Has a real phone number and a website.
- Lists a DOT (Department of Transportation) number.
- Provides written estimates and a clear process.
- Is upfront about whether they’re a broker or a carrier.
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to step back and make a phone call. It could save you from bigger problems later.
Looking Ahead: What’s Best for Your Move?
In the past, booking a mover meant walking into an office and shaking hands. Today, it usually starts online, with search engines, quote forms, and comparison sites. That kind of access can be a good thing, but only if it helps you make the right decision.
You’ve got more tools than ever to plan your long distance move. But tools only work if you know how to use them. That’s why understanding how online booking works, and where it might fall short, is such an important first step.
As you continue planning, look beyond speed and simplicity. The best move isn’t just about locking in a date. It’s about knowing who you’re working with, understanding what’s included, and feeling confident on moving day.
You’ve got the facts about booking movers online. Now, learn what goes into getting an accurate moving estimate— so you can understand all parts that make up both a successful move and its final price tag.
