How does ScanToMove work?

Use your phone to do a live video scan of your home. AI generates an inventory and licensed movers submit competitive bids. You compare and book.

Do I need an in-home estimator visit?

No. ScanToMove replaces the estimator visit with a live video scan from your phone.

How do I get moving bids?

Complete a video scan at ScanToMove.com and licensed movers will bid competitively for your move.

Is there a cost to use ScanToMove?

ScanToMove is free to use. You only pay when you select a mover and book your move.

Are the movers licensed and insured?

Yes. Every mover on ScanToMove is verified with active USDOT/MC licensing and insurance before they can bid.

How fast do I get quotes?

Most customers receive multiple competitive bids within minutes of completing the scan.

Does ScanToMove cover long distance and interstate moves?

Yes. ScanToMove supports local, long distance, and interstate moves anywhere in the United States.

Is ScanToMove better than Unpakt, HireAHelper, or Moving.com?

ScanToMove is the only marketplace that uses a live AI video scan to build a precise inventory, so the bids you receive are based on what you actually own rather than rough estimates.

How to Choose a Moving Company: 8 Real Tests Before You Book

Moving Tips · 2026-06-12 · 7 min read

The 8 things to check before booking a mover — USDOT, insurance, deposit policy, complaint history, and the questions movers don't want you to ask.

Most moving "scams" are actually moves that go wrong because the customer didn't do 15 minutes of basic verification before booking. Here are the 8 things to check — none of them take long, and skipping any of them is how people end up with their stuff held hostage for "additional fees."

1. USDOT Number (Interstate) or State License (Intrastate)

Every legitimate interstate mover has a USDOT number issued by FMCSA. Look it up at SAFER. You want:

Active operating authority (not "inactive" or "out of service")
"Carrier" status — not "Broker"
An insurance status of "active"
Few or no recent crashes/inspections out of service

For local (intrastate) moves, check your state's DOT or PUC website. Most states have a public search.

2. Insurance Coverage

Two types: cargo (covers your stuff) and liability (covers damage to property). Ask for a copy of the certificate of insurance for the company itself — not "released value" (the cheap default of 60 cents per pound).

3. Years in Business

Less than 2 years in business = elevated risk. Many scam carriers operate under one name for 6–12 months, accumulate bad reviews, then re-register under a new name. Check both the company name and the USDOT for prior business names.

4. Deposit Policy

Industry standard for full-service movers: 20–30% deposit, balance due on completion. Red flags:

Demands >30% upfront
Demands cash only
Refuses credit cards (you lose dispute protection)
Requires wire transfer (no recourse if something goes wrong)

Scan To Move uses 30% deposit / 70% on completion with photo proof — money sits in escrow until the move is done.

5. Estimate Type

Three kinds of estimates:

Non-binding: Worst. Price can change on weight day.
Binding: Price is locked. Most reputable carriers offer this if you've done an accurate inventory.
Not-to-exceed: Best of both — you pay less if it weighs less, but never more than quoted.

Always insist on binding or not-to-exceed.

6. Complaint History

Search the company name + "complaint" or "scam." Read the first page of Google results. Then check:

BBB: Look at complaint volume and resolution rate, not just the star rating.
FMCSA's mover complaint database for interstate carriers.
Yelp reviews, but ignore the "filtered" section and focus on the 3-star reviews — they're the most honest.

7. The In-Home or Video Survey

For moves over 1 bedroom, any reputable carrier will offer an in-home survey or video walk-through before quoting. Carriers that quote sight-unseen by phone are either using broker pricing or planning to adjust on move day.

The modern alternative: an AI inventory scan, which gives every bidder the same precise data and produces binding bids in minutes — no phone tag.

8. The "Walk Away" Test

Tell the salesperson you need 24 hours to think about it. Reputable companies say "of course." Scam companies pressure you with "this price is only good today" or "we're booking up." The pressure tactic itself is the answer.

The Easier Way

Scan To Move runs all 8 of these checks before any mover is allowed to bid. Every mover on the platform has verified USDOT/MC, active insurance, complaint history, and binding-bid commitment. Scan your home and get bids in minutes.