Relocating in Massachusetts—whether you’re moving within Greater Boston, across the Merrimack Valley, or heading out to the Berkshires—can be an exciting milestone. From verifying a mover’s license with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities to checking reviews in your specific city or town, here’s how to ensure your move is smooth and secure.
1. Confirm Licensing with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities
In Massachusetts, household movers are regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU). Any legitimate moving company operating in the state is required to hold a license or certificate from the DPU. This licensure ensures the company meets state standards for consumer protection and operational safety.
- How to check: Visit the DPU’s website or contact them directly in Boston. Some cities—like Worcester, Springfield, and Lowell—may have local consumer affairs offices that can help direct you to the right DPU resources. If a company can’t provide proof of licensing, consider it a red flag.
2. Research Company Reputation in Your City or Region
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
The Better Business Bureau serving Central & Western Massachusetts and Northeastern Massachusetts is a solid starting point for evaluating a mover’s track record. The BBB provides ratings (A+ to F) based on how the company handles complaints and customer satisfaction.
- What to look for: Check for unresolved complaints or a pattern of negative feedback. For instance, if you’re in Worcester or Springfield, make sure to check the appropriate regional BBB listing for localized complaints or accolades.
Yelp
Local Yelp pages for Massachusetts cities and towns—from Cambridge and Somerville to Quincy and Newton—offer user-generated reviews of moving services. The range of voices on Yelp can give you detailed, ground-level insight.
- What to look for: Look for consistent themes in feedback: punctuality, care for belongings, and transparent pricing. Reviews specific to your hometown or target city (e.g., “I used this mover in Framingham and they handled my three-story condo move perfectly!”) can be especially relevant.
Google Reviews
Google Reviews are readily visible when you search for “[Mover Name] + [City/Town].” This can give you a broad perspective on the company’s standing across multiple regions in Massachusetts.
- What to look for: Check the overall rating and read through a variety of reviews—especially those mentioning local neighborhoods or towns. If you’re moving from the South Shore to the North Shore, for example, look for mentions of long-distance or interstate service experience.
3. Verify Experience and Services in Massachusetts
Some moving companies specialize in certain regions—like urban moves in Boston high-rises, or rural moves out in the Berkshires—while others handle everything from small apartments in Amherst to large family homes in Cape Cod.
- Questions to ask:
- Have you handled moves in my specific city or town (e.g., Lowell, Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, etc.)?
- What insurance coverage do you provide for belongings, and does it vary for local vs. long-distance moves?
- Can you provide references from customers in my area or in towns with similar logistics?
4. Request Written Estimates
Reputable companies across Massachusetts will offer free, no-obligation estimates. For more complex moves—like packing a multi-story home in Brookline or navigating narrow streets in Salem—they may schedule an in-home assessment.
- Tip: Gather quotes from at least three different movers like Safe Responsible Movers, Intelligent Labor and Moving, or Big City Moving. Extremely low estimates can signal hidden fees or subpar service. Look for companies that detail pricing for mileage, packing materials, and handling unique items like pianos (common in historic homes around Cambridge).
5. Check for Transparent, Comprehensive Contracts
Carefully review all contract terms and conditions, whether you’re moving within the same city (e.g., from Dorchester to South Boston) or making a cross-state jump (e.g., from Pittsfield to Cape Cod):
- Services included: Is packing/unpacking, assembly/disassembly, or storage clearly stated?
- Additional fees: Are extra costs—like elevator charges in Waltham apartment complexes or tight-stair fees in Beacon Hill—disclosed?
- Cancellation policy: How flexible is the mover if you need to adjust your timeline?
- Insurance coverage: Basic coverage is often standard, but consider full-value protection for high-value or antique items, which are common in Massachusetts’ older homes.
6. Ask for Local References
While online reviews are useful, personal referrals are often the most powerful. Ask friends, family, or colleagues in your area—or even your local real estate agent—for recommendations. If someone you trust in Northampton or Lawrence has had a positive experience, it’s a strong vote of confidence.
7. Look for Signs of Professionalism
From initial contact to the final handshake, a trustworthy moving company maintains professionalism at every turn:
- Communication: Are they responsive to emails or calls and willing to answer location-specific questions (e.g., navigating parking permits in Somerville)?
- Company website: Does it clearly list services, credentials, and contact information? Local touches—like mentions of specific Massachusetts neighborhoods—may indicate experience in those regions.
- On-site estimate: If a representative comes to assess your move in Worcester or Everett, do they arrive on time, discuss realistic costs, and show respect for your property?
8. Consider Additional Certifications
If you’re planning to move beyond Massachusetts to a nearby state like Rhode Island or New Hampshire, confirm the mover’s U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number and check their record with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Even for local-only companies, a USDOT registration can be an added sign of professionalism.
