You’ve found out you need to move long distance. But by the time you’ve decided to hire them, the big question becomes: Who can you trust with your home and everything inside it? Who are the best long distance moving companies?
For most families, the first stop is online reviews. However, when you start scrolling, the mix of glowing five-star ratings and frustrated one-star complaints can feel impossible to sort through. What’s actually going to make your move a great experience, rather than one that ends in a negative review?
At National Van Lines, we’ve guided families through countless long distance moves and seen firsthand how moving company reviews can both inform and overwhelm. With a few smart strategies, you can read reviews the way professionals do, looking past the noise and finding the real story.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Why reviews ultimately matter when you choose a moving company
- Quick red flags to watch out for
- How to see what’s positive about each company
- The difference between star ratings and written reviews
- Resources for sorting and reading reviews
- Using reviews to make your final decision on a moving company
Why Do Reviews Matter When I’m Choosing a Long Distance Moving Company?
Reviews are a window into what it’s really like to move with a company. Marketing materials may highlight features and services, but reviews show how those promises play out in real life. They also give you something more important than one person’s opinion: patterns.
The big picture comes from multiple reviews, not just one opinion. If three different people mention that movers arrived on time and communicated clearly, that’s a sign of consistency. On the other hand, if several people bring up hidden fees or late deliveries, that could point to an issue that’s more than just a one-time problem.
What Are the Red Flags for Long Distance Moving Company Reviews?
Every company gets the occasional bad review, but the difference between one unhappy customer and a recurring complaint is important. Vague reviews without details aren’t very useful, but repeated issues deserve closer attention. If you notice several customers describing:
- Late delivery dates
- Hidden fees Unexpected charges
- Careless handling
- Late to pick up
- Poor communication
- Underestimated weight
That kind of pattern should raise questions. Alternatively, reviews that feel fake or copy-pasted are another warning sign. If the language is overly generic, like “Great job, very good service,” and repeated across multiple reviews, it may not be authentic. Consistency in complaints tells you more than one angry customer, so focus on what repeats.
What Should I Look For in Positive Moving Company Reviews?
Positive reviews are at their best when they include specifics. A quick “everything was perfect” is nice to read, but it doesn’t tell you why the experience worked out so well. Instead, look for reviews that describe how the movers handled fragile items, communicated throughout the day, or worked together as a team.
Mentions of individual movers or drivers by name can be especially meaningful. It shows the customer remembered them and valued the personal connection. Balanced reviews that point out both positives and minor drawbacks are also helpful, since they feel more honest. The best reviews explain why the move went smoothly, not just that it did.
For example: “Movers arrived on time, wrapped our furniture carefully, and checked in with us before loading each item. Delivery was one day earlier than expected.” That kind of feedback paints a full picture of the experience.
What Is the Difference Between Star Ratings vs. Written Reviews?
It’s tempting to glance at a star rating and move on, but that can give you a false impression. A mover with a 4.2 rating and hundreds of detailed reviews might be more reliable than a company with a 5.0 average based on only a handful of vague comments.
Numbers give you a quick snapshot, but words give you the story behind them. When a customer takes the time to write about their experience in detail, you learn much more about how the company really operates. Always read the words behind the stars.
Where to Find the Most Helpful Reviews
Different review platforms offer different perspectives, so it’s smart to check more than one. Here are our top suggestions for where to get started:
- Google often has the largest number of reviews, which makes it easier to spot trends.
- The Better Business Bureau (BBB) carries credibility and provides information on formal complaints.
- Angi (formerly known as Angi’s List) is an excellent resource hub that provides reviews for a wide variety of local and long distance moving companies.
- Yelp is known for detailed reviews, though they can sometimes lean toward extremes.
- Social media and personal recommendations round out the picture, offering some of the most direct and honest feedback you’ll find. In particular, Reddit has become a go-to spot to discuss moving company experiences, good and bad.
Remember, comparing reviews across two or three sources can show whether patterns hold up. If a company is praised on Google for professionalism but criticized on Yelp for delays, it’s worth digging deeper to understand why.
How to Use Long Distance Moving Company Reviews to Make Your Final Choice
Reviews are valuable, but they should be part of a bigger decision-making process. Use them to confirm what you’ve learned through your own research, not as the only deciding factor.
Start by comparing two or three movers side by side. Do the reviews support what each company promises on its website? Are there consistent mentions of professionalism, clear communication, and safe handling of belongings? If the reviews line up with the company’s message, that’s a good sign.
A quick checklist before you decide:
- Have you looked at both positive and negative reviews?
- Did you check the same mover across more than one platform?
- Do the customer stories match what the mover promises?
When the answer is yes to all three, you can feel more confident in your choice.
Reviewing Your Long Distance Moving Options
Not too long ago, families relied only on word of mouth when choosing a moving company. Today, our digital world provides hundreds of online reviews that put a wide range of experiences at your fingertips. That can feel overwhelming, but it also means you have more information than ever before to make a smart choice.
Right now, you have the ability to spot patterns, separate helpful reviews from unhelpful ones, and weigh your options with more clarity. By learning how to read reviews like a pro, you lower the risk of surprises and give yourself peace of mind on moving day.
Looking ahead, reviews will continue to be one of the most trusted tools for choosing a mover. As you plan your long distance move, take time to read through reviews of reputable companies like National Van Lines and our competitors. You’ll gain the clearest picture of what to expect and be better prepared for the road ahead.
You just learned about how to compare and contrast long distance moving company reviews. But, who are the best options out there? Read about the top long distance moving companies that you’ll want to be sure to research.
