Verify the business, the crew actually performing the move and the written contract before paying a deposit. Reviews are useful evidence only when combined with identity, address, insurance, scope and complaint checks.

Due-diligence checklist

1. Confirm legal/trading name, physical address, phone and company details.
2. Ask whether work is performed by employees, subcontractors or another mover.
3. Obtain a written inventory, access assumptions, price basis and terms.
4. Read liability, exclusions, cancellation, delay and complaint clauses.
5. Check membership claims directly with the named trade body.
6. Look for review patterns across more than one platform.
7. Confirm payment recipient matches the contracting business.

Red flags

Be cautious when a mover refuses a survey for a complex move, will not identify the business, gives only a cash price in messages, demands a large urgent transfer to a personal account, changes company names, cannot explain liability or uses copied membership badges.

A deposit is not automatically suspicious. The concern is amount, timing, payment destination, refund/cancellation terms and lack of a credible contract.

Who will arrive?

Booking websites and lead services may pass work to another business. Ask for the operating mover’s name, vehicle arrangement and responsibility for loss or damage. Recheck if this changes.

FAQs

How can I check who will carry out the move?

Ask the contracting company in writing whether it subcontracts and request the operating business details before payment.

What should concern me about a deposit request?

Pressure, personal accounts, unclear refund terms, mismatched names and an amount disproportionate to the stated booking commitment.

Suggested component

Use a printable Mover Verification Checklist. It records checks but never labels a company “approved” without a current documented basis.

Related guides

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