Sites to See: Finding Reputable Moving Companies

American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA)
AMSA is a trade association that represents the moving and storage industry, from local and interstate movers to van lines. AMSA's consumer website, Moving.org,, will guide you through the moving process, from selecting a certified moving consultant to choosing a mover to finding a self-storage facility. New to the site is the Mover Referral Service, a tool to help consumers search for a reputable mover. (Any AMSA member or agent of a van line can be part of the service by paying a yearly fee.) Moving.org also offers a glossary of moving terminology, tips for filing a complaint against a mover and other educational information.

Better Business Bureau
The BBB's national website offers a database of local BBB offices, as well as a searchable collection of Reliability Reports that provide general details about a business, its licensing and the experiences of its customers. And for those consumers who end up in a dispute with a moving company, the BBB's Dispute Resolution Division may be able to help achieve a settlement by identifying arbitration or other dispute resolution programs.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
The FMCSA's Household Goods Program regulates interstate household goods movers and requires them to register with the agency. The FMSCA has established an online resource to assist consumers planning a move across state lines. The FMCSA publication "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" explains what to expect from a reputable moving company—and what to do if the moving company turns out to be a bad egg. The FMCSA also operates a 24-hour toll-free hotline (888-368-7238) and another website for consumers who wish to file complaints against interstate movers.

MovingTime.com
Featured on this site is a directory of more than 24,000 moving companies, including specialists—such as automobile shippers and piano movers. According to MovingTime, only "reputable, licensed and bonded" moving companies with an "excellent" record on file with the Better Business Bureau are included in the directory. The site's QuikQuotes tool can generate a list of "up to five free, no obligation quotes" from MovingTime's database of "recommended movers." Use this tool as a first step for estimating moving costs. (Caution: Estimates generated online can be helpful, but in-home estimates by potential moving companies are the best way to limit your risk of being scammed. See 8 Red Flags to Look for When Hiring a Moving Company.) There is also a directory of real estate professionals in the U.S. and abroad, as well as an "Apartment Locator" section for finding nationwide apartment listings.

Jane Irene Kelly is a freelance writer based in Pleasant Hill, Calif.