5 Common Scams to Avoid When Hiring Movers

The best protection against moving scams isn't luck — it's hiring a mover with real local history and nothing to hide. Keep It Moving Services has spent years helping families move locally and out of state across Burlington County and the surrounding area, and we built our process around the exact opposite of every scam above:

• Transparent, written pricing— no hidden fees added after the truck is loaded

• Full-service options— packing, bin rentals, and heavy-item handling, all quoted upfront

• 4.9★ rating on Googleacross 244+ reviews — real feedback from real local moves

• Licensed and insured— DOT, MC, and NJPM credentials on file, no exceptions

We'd rather walk you through the math — crew size, hourly rate, minimums — than hand you a vague number and hope you don't ask questions. Founder Kesi Sistrunk-Lewis still personally handles many estimates, so when you call, you're talking to the person who's accountable for your move, not a call center reading from a script. See where we serve across our NJ service areas, or get the details on our credentials before you book anyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a NJ moving company is legitimate?
Ask for proof of insurance and check the company against an industry resource like the American Trucking Associations' moving authority before you book. A legitimate company will also hand over a written, itemized estimate without being asked twice.

What should I do if a mover demands a large deposit?
Walk away. Reputable movers, including Keep It Moving Services, only require a small booking fee to hold your date — full payment happens after the job is done, not weeks before.

Can a moving company really hold my belongings hostage?
It's uncommon but real — some unlicensed movers refuse to unload a truck until the customer pays an inflated "final" fee. Avoiding it starts with vetting the company before your items ever go on the truck, not after.

How much should movers charge in Burlington County, NJ?
Rates vary by crew size, distance, and add-ons like packing or bin rental, but a legitimate mover will always give you a written estimate based on your specific move — never a vague verbal number with no breakdown.

What's the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?
A binding estimate locks in your price regardless of final weight or time, while a non-binding estimate can change based on the actual job. Ask which type you're getting, and get the answer in writing either way.

What should I do if I think I've been scammed by a mover?
Document everything — the contract, the estimate, any payments — and file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Reporting it helps protect the next family from the same company.

Do moving scams happen with local moves, or just long-distance ones?
Both. Long-distance moves get more attention because federal law covers them directly, but a local NJ mover can run the same low-ball, deposit, and hidden-fee tactics on a move across town. The vetting steps above apply either way.

What's a fair deposit amount for a NJ move?
Most legitimate NJ movers ask for a small booking fee — often a flat amount or a modest percentage of the estimate — just to hold your date on the calendar. Anything close to half the total job cost, especially if it's cash-only, is well outside the norm and worth walking away from.

Get a Safe, Stress-Free Move Today

Don't let a scam or a shady mover turn your move into a nightmare. Whether you're relocating within Mount Laurel, moving from Moorestown, or planning a long-distance move out of Burlington County, Keep It Moving Services is the trusted, transparent team behind it.

📞 Call (732) 655-2302 or request a free moving estimate online — We got you ✨