How to Choose a Reliable Moving Company (And Avoid Scams)

Your home is filled with your most prized possessions—everything from your favorite furniture to irreplaceable family photos. When it’s time to move, you aren’t just hiring people to carry heavy boxes; you are trusting strangers with your entire life.

Unfortunately, the moving industry has its fair share of shady operators who quote low prices only to hold your belongings hostage for more money on moving day.

To help you protect your wallet and your peace of mind, here are the non-negotiable things you should look for when choosing a reliable moving company.

1. Look for Local Proof and Real Reviews

A flashy website doesn’t mean a company is trustworthy. Before you sign anything, look for real proof that the company actually operates in your community and takes care of its customers.

  • Check Third-Party Reviews: Don’t just trust the reviews on a company’s own website. Look at Google Reviews and Facebook. Look for consistency—do people praise their communication, punctuality, and careful handling?

  • Watch Out for “Too Good to Be True” Prices: If one company gives you a quote that is drastically lower than every other company, it’s a major red flag. Shady movers use lowball quotes to get their foot in the door, then add massive, unexpected fees once your stuff is already loaded onto their truck.

2. Demand Transparency in Pricing

A professional moving company will always be upfront about how they charge.

  • Ask About Hidden Fees: When you get a quote, ask clearly: Does this include fuel surcharges, stair fees, heavy item fees, or packing materials?

  • Get It in Writing: Never rely on a verbal promise over the phone. A reputable mover will provide a clear, written estimate detailing exactly what you are paying for.

3. Professional Equipment and Trained Staff

A legitimate moving business invests in its operations.

  • The Right Tools: True professionals show up with clean, well-maintained moving trucks, heavy-duty moving blankets, proper dollies, and straps to secure your items safely.

  • Experienced Crews: Ask if their team is trained. You want a crew that knows how to maneuver tight corners, protect your doorframes, and pack a truck efficiently so things don’t slide around during transit.

Why Locals Trust Alaska Movers

At Alaska Movers, we built our business on a simple foundation: honesty and hard work. We understand the stress of moving, and we believe the last thing you should worry about is whether your moving company is going to let you down.

When you work with us, you get:

  • 100% Transparent Quotes: No hidden fees, no surprise surcharges, and no games. What we quote is what you pay.

  • A Dedicated, Trained Crew: We treat your belongings with the absolute highest level of care and respect.

  • Top-Tier Reliability: We show up on time, with the right equipment, ready to get the job done smoothly.

Don’t risk your next move with unverified companies. Let a team you can trust handle the heavy lifting.

How to Safely Pack Fragile Items & Electronics for a Move

When you’re preparing for a move, boxing up books and clothes is easy. But when it comes to your grandmother’s fine china, glass picture frames, or your expensive flat-screen TV, the anxiety starts to set in.

One wrong bump on the road can mean broken valuables.

To keep your most precious belongings perfectly safe, the packing experts at Alaska Movers have put together this guide to packing fragile items and electronics like a seasoned professional.

1. Never Skimp on the Golden Rule: Layering

The secret to protecting glass and ceramics isn’t just wrapping them; it’s preventing them from shifting and hitting each other inside the box.

  • The Bottom Cushion: Always crumple up a thick layer of packing paper or bubble wrap and place it at the absolute bottom of the box before putting any items inside. This acts as a shock absorber.

  • Wrap Individually: Never let two glass items touch. Wrap each glass, plate, or ornament separately in packing paper or bubble wrap, securing it with tape.

  • Fill the Empty Spaces: Once the box is full, fill every single gap, corner, and empty space with crumpled paper. If you shake the box gently and hear anything moving, it needs more padding.

2. How to Pack Plates (The Professional Way)

Most people pack plates by stacking them flat on top of each other. This is a mistake. Plates are much stronger vertically!

  • Wrap each plate in bubble wrap.

  • Place them into the box on their edges (standing up), like records in a crate.

  • This structure distributes weight much better and prevents the bottom plates from cracking under pressure.

3. Packing Expensive Electronics

Your TVs, computers, and gaming consoles require special care to avoid internal static and external screen damage.

  • Say No to Bubble Wrap on Bare Screens: Wrapping a TV screen directly in plastic bubble wrap can create static electricity or trap moisture. Wrap the screen in a soft, clean blanket or microfiber sheet first, then wrap bubble wrap around that layer.

  • Label Your Wires: Before unplugging your TV or desktop computer, take a quick photo of the back with your phone so you know exactly where the cords go. Label the cords with masking tape and keep them in the same box as the electronic device.

  • Keep It Upright: Flat-screen TVs are not designed to lay flat; pressure on the glass can break the internal crystals. Always transport TVs standing upright.

The Ultimate Peace of Mind: Let Us Pack For You

Packing fragile heirlooms and high-tech electronics takes a massive amount of time, patience, and the right materials. If you’re worried about doing it yourself, let the professionals take the weight off your shoulders.

At Alaska Movers, we don’t just drive the truck—we offer full-service packing. Our trained team uses industry-grade materials to wrap, pack, and secure your most delicate belongings so they arrive at your new home in pristine condition.