Moving is a big deal. And if you’ve ever felt like the whole process comes with more mystery than it should, you’re not alone. At TrueMover, we’ve seen it all—from the surprisingly smooth to the delightfully chaotic—and we think it’s time someone pulled back the curtain.
So, here it is: the unfiltered truth about what goes on behind the scenes of a professional moving company. Some of it may surprise you. Some of it might make you laugh. But if you’re planning a move anytime soon, this insider info could save you time, money, and a lot of unnecessary stress.
1. Not All Moving Companies Are Built the Same
Let’s start with the obvious: just because someone owns a truck doesn’t mean they’re running a legitimate moving company. It’s a low-barrier industry, which means you’ll find everything from fully insured, highly trained teams (hi, that’s us) to guys who learned how to carry a couch last week.
The catch? From the outside, everyone looks the same. That’s why it’s so important to ask questions—about licensing, insurance, and how they handle damaged items. Reputable companies (like TrueMover with a 5-star rating from more than 220 reviews) will have no problem being transparent. The others? Well, if they dodge the question, that’s your cue to move on—pun intended.
2. That “Too Good to Be True” Quote? It Probably Is
We hear this all the time: “But Company X gave me a quote that’s half your price!” And hey, we get it—moving isn’t cheap. But here’s the thing: those lowball quotes often leave out important details like stair fees, fuel charges, or “unexpected labor time.” Once your stuff is already on the truck, it’s hard to say no to surprise fees.
At TrueMover, we’d rather be upfront—even if that means we’re not always the cheapest on paper. Because when the move is over and the invoice matches the quote, you’ll thank us.
3. Packing Services Can Be a Lifesaver (But They’re Not All Equal)
Some moving services offer packing as a side hustle. We’ve seen movers wrap up a box of kitchenware in five minutes flat—no bubble wrap, no tape, just fast-moving hands. Then we’ve seen the aftermath when everything inside shows up cracked or broken.
A good moving company will treat your things like their own. At TrueMover, our packing pros don’t rush the process. We bring the materials, the method, and a little bit of magic to make sure your fragile items arrive safely and your sanity stays intact.
4. Clients Hide Things in Strange Places
Let’s just say: if it’s in your house, we’ve probably seen it packed—somewhere it shouldn’t be.
People are often in a rush when they pack, which means things get tossed into boxes without much thought. We’ve found car keys in cereal boxes, a TV remote packed with holiday decorations, and yes, even a frozen pizza that somehow made it into a box labeled “Books.”
Our advice? Do a last-minute sweep of each room before we arrive. Double-check drawers, closets, and especially that “junk” basket in the kitchen. It’ll save you the frustration of searching through mismatched boxes later—and possibly a few laughs you didn’t ask for.
5. The Garage Is Always the Trouble Spot
You know how people say, “Oh, we barely have anything in the garage”? Spoiler alert: they always do.
Garages are where stuff goes to disappear. Lawn tools, half-used paint cans, random power cords—you name it. So, if you bring in a moving company to do an estimate and they take a deep breath or cross their fingers before entering the garage, you’ll understand why.
If you’re downsizing or just trying to stay organized, give yourself extra time to sort through everything in the garage. A good moving company can help haul it, but only you can decide what’s worth keeping.
6. Your Dresser Drawers? You Can Probably Leave Them Full
This one surprises a lot of people: if your furniture is sturdy and the items inside aren’t too heavy, we can often move it with drawers intact. No need to pack socks and t-shirts into boxes. That said, skip this tip if your dresser is antique or already on its last leg.
Always ask your movers what they recommend based on your specific furniture—there’s no one-size-fits-all, but there is a right way to do it.
7. Movers Are People, Not Superheroes
We love what we do, and we’re really good at it. But moving day goes better for everyone when there’s clear communication and a bit of patience. If your timeline is tight or your apartment is up three flights of stairs with no elevator, a heads-up helps us come prepared.
Pro tip: If your building has specific rules about move-in times or elevator use, let us know early. Surprises are fun at birthday parties, not on moving day.
8. Tips Are Appreciated—But Not Expected
This one comes up a lot. Do you have to tip your movers? No. But is it appreciated when the team hustles all day, treats your items with care, and manages your entire move with a smile? Absolutely.
If you’re happy with your moving services, tipping is a great way to show it. But the best thank-you? Referrals and good reviews. Seriously. Those mean the world.
Moving Doesn’t Have to Be a Mystery
At TrueMover, we believe honesty is part of good service. We’re not just a moving company—we’re your moving partner. That means clear pricing, friendly pros, and moving services designed to actually make your life easier.
So whether you’re relocating across town or heading out of state, we’re here to help you skip the chaos and move with confidence.
Ready for a better moving experience? Contact TrueMover in Sterling, Virginia, for a free quote and see the difference a truly honest moving company makes.
