Relocating to a new home or office in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, should be an exciting milestone, not a logistical nightmare. Unfortunately, the moving industry isn’t immune to scams. From hidden fees to last-minute cancellations, disreputable movers can turn a straightforward relocation into a stressful, expensive ordeal. Whether you’re moving across the street or across the state, knowing how to find reliable movers in Harrisburg, PA can save you from disappointment and possibly financial loss. In this guide, we’ll show you how to identify trustworthy moving companies, avoid scams, and ensure a smooth, stress-free move.
Table of Contents
Start With Licensing and Credentials
One of the most important and easiest steps in avoiding a scam is verifying that the movers are properly licensed and insured.
In Pennsylvania:
- Movers operating within the state must be registered with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC).
- For interstate moves, the company must have a valid USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
You can verify a mover’s credentials through:
- The PUC website: https://www.puc.pa.gov/
- The FMCSA search tool: https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/
If the mover can’t provide a license number or hesitates when asked, that’s a red flag. Reputable companies — including trusted commercial movers near Aston — display their license info clearly on their website and paperwork.
Get Written, In-Person Estimates (and Beware of Lowball Quotes)
Scammers often lure customers with super-low estimates, only to add on excessive fees once your belongings are loaded onto the truck.
Here’s how to avoid that:
- Ask for in-person or virtual walkthrough estimates, not quotes based solely on a phone call.
- Get at least 3 estimates for comparison.
- Ensure all estimates are itemized and written — no vague numbers or promises.
Avoid movers who insist on large cash deposits upfront or who offer deals that sound too good to be true. Professional moving companies — like a well-rated packing and moving company in Aston — provide transparent pricing and written contracts that outline every service.
Read Reviews (and Know Which Ones to Trust)
Checking online reviews is essential, but you also need to read between the lines. Here’s how to vet them properly:
Look for:
- Reviews on Google, Yelp, Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Angi
- Repeated mention of punctuality, care for items, and professionalism
- High rating averages with consistently detailed reviews
Watch out for:
- Lots of vague 5-star reviews with no specific feedback
- A sudden flood of recent reviews (could be fake)
- Complaints about missing items, bait-and-switch pricing, or broken belongings
Local companies that service both residential and commercial clients near Aston often have a longer track record and more reviews from various types of customers. That’s a good sign of reliability.
Ask the Right Questions Before You Book
When speaking with a moving company, come prepared with questions that can help you gauge their experience, professionalism, and honesty.
Here are 10 questions to ask:
- Are you licensed and insured for moves in Pennsylvania?
- Do you perform background checks on your movers?
- Do you use subcontractors or handle moves in-house?
- What kind of liability coverage do you offer?
- Can I receive a binding estimate in writing?
- Are there any additional fees not listed on he quote?
- Do you offer packing services?
- What’s your cancellation and refund policy?
- How do you handle damage claims?
- Can you provide 2–3 recent customer references?
Reputable companies — such as a packing and moving company in Aston — will have no problem answering these questions directly.
Don’t Pay a Large Deposit Upfront
Legitimate movers may ask for a small deposit to reserve your date, but you should never be required to pay the full amount before the move. This is a classic scam tactic.
Here’s a safe structure:
- Deposits of 10–20% of the total cost are normal.
- Avoid companies that ask for cash-only payments.
- Use credit cards or other traceable payment methods for added protection.
A fair and transparent billing process is one of the hallmarks of reliable moving companies, especially those offering commercial moving services near Aston, where larger jobs often require detailed invoicing.
Be Wary of Non-Branded Trucks and Unmarked Staff
Your movers should arrive in branded trucks, wearing company uniforms or ID badges, and ready to provide documentation if asked.
Red flags to avoid:
- Plain white rental trucks with no company name
- Movers who refuse to provide ID or seem unprofessional
- No physical address listed on their website
Top-tier companies — whether based in Harrisburg or operating from other areas like Aston — maintain professional appearances. Even smaller companies, such as commercial movers near Aston, use branded materials and clear documentation to build customer trust.
Ask About Insurance & Liability Coverage
All moving companies are required to offer basic liability coverage, but that doesn’t mean your items are fully protected.
Understand your options:
- Released Value Protection: Free, but only covers $0.60 per pound per item.
- Full Value Protection: More comprehensive and worth considering for expensive or sentimental items.
Check whether your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance covers moves. Reputable movers — such as a licensed packing and moving company in Aston — will walk you through your protection options and provide everything in writing. If a mover brushes off questions about insurance or gives vague answers, take that as a warning sign.
Conclusion:
The difference between a smooth move and a moving-day disaster often comes down to the company you hire. By doing your homework — verifying licenses, checking reviews, asking the right questions, and understanding payment structures — you can avoid common scams and choose a mover that fits your needs. Whether you’re moving a small apartment across town or relocating an entire office, consider partnering with a packing and moving company in Aston or other nearby providers that have proven track records. And if you’re managing a business move, working with reliable commercial movers near Aston can ensure your assets arrive safely and your operations resume quickly.
In the end, a safe and successful move isn’t about luck — it’s about preparation. And now, you’re well-equipped to make the right call.
