Holding a moving sale usually means a major life transition is just around the corner — downsizing, retiring, relocating, or settling an estate. Whatever your reason, the next step after the sale is moving the rest. Reputable movers provide free, no-obligation written quotes — this guide covers how to request them, how to compare them, and how to verify that a mover is properly licensed before you book.
Before booking an interstate move, look the company up in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s official database: the FMCSA’s free Protect Your Move mover search shows whether a mover holds active USDOT registration, its complaint history, and its safety record. For moves within one state, check your state’s household-goods licensing agency. A mover that will not give you its USDOT number is a mover to avoid.
Local moves (under 100 miles, same state) are typically priced hourly, with a two-mover crew running $90–$150 per hour plus a one-time travel fee. A standard three-bedroom local move usually completes in seven to nine hours.
Long-distance moves (interstate or over 100 miles) are typically priced by weight and mileage. The industry average is roughly $0.70–$1.10 per pound for cross-country household moves, with full-service packing adding 25–40% on top of the transit cost. Always insist on a binding estimate — nonbinding estimates are how most surprise-bill complaints originate.
Movers are accustomed to estate situations and offer specific accommodations: short-notice scheduling, partial-load options for the smaller volume that remains after a sale, and donation pickup coordination for items that didn't sell. Mention "post-estate-sale" in your initial request and you'll be matched with companies experienced in this specific transition.
Search the FMCSA’s free federal database to verify licensing and complaint history before you request quotes.