Moving to a new place should feel exciting—a chance to start fresh. But let’s be real: it can also be stressful, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget. So when you see those incredibly low moving estimates pop up, it’s hard not to get excited. I mean, who doesn’t love a good deal?
Here’s the thing, though. Those rock-bottom prices? They’re often too good to be true. And unfortunately, what starts as a “bargain” can end up costing you way more than you ever expected—not just in money, but in stress and time wasted, too.
The good news is you don’t have to fall for these traps. Once you know what to look for, you can spot the red flags and find a mover you can actually trust. Let’s walk through how to protect yourself so your move is smooth sailing instead of a nightmare.
The Lure of the Lowball Quote
So what exactly is a lowball moving estimate? It’s basically when a moving company, or a broker, throws out a quote that seems way too cheap compared to everyone else. And of course, there’s usually a catch.
Why do some movers try to pull this trick? It’s pretty straightforward—they know that crazy-low prices will grab your attention. Once they’ve got you hooked and your stuff is loaded onto their truck, they’ll start jacking up the price. And at that point? You (and your belongings) are kind of stuck.
Red Flags for Lowball Moving Estimates
- The estimate is drastically lower than others you’ve received
- Limited or no details in the quote (no binding document, no breakdown of fees)
- No in-person or virtual inventory—just a quick phone estimate
- Non-binding agreements, which can be altered at the mover’s discretion
- Large upfront cash deposits
Trust your gut: if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Common Hidden Fees and Rising Costs
Here’s where things get really frustrating. You’ve signed the paperwork, the movers show up, and everything seems fine at first. But then, once they’ve started loading your stuff—or worse, once it’s already on the truck—surprise charges start popping up out of nowhere.
Maybe they’re suddenly charging you extra for stairs, even though you mentioned your third-floor walkup from the beginning. Or they claim your couch needs “special handling” that’ll cost you another $200. Sometimes they’ll say your belongings weigh more than estimated (convenient, right?) or that you have more boxes than they planned for.
The worst part? A lot of these are totally normal parts of any move. Stairs, bulky furniture, standard packing materials—most legit moving companies include this stuff in their initial quote. But lowball movers conveniently leave these details out upfront, then hit you with fees later when you’re in no position to negotiate. At that point, what are you going to do? Tell them to unload everything and leave?
Watch for Surprise Fees Like:
- Fuel surcharges and travel fees
- Packing materials and tape
- Extra charges for stairs, elevators, or long carries
- Fees for moving bulky or specialty items (pianos, safes, appliances)
- Insurance or “valuation coverage” not previously mentioned
- Storage or overnight holding fees
On moving day, services that should have been included—such as basic loading, blanket wrapping, and furniture disassembly—may be separated from your contract and priced separately. Suddenly, your “affordable” move spirals well above your budget.
“Hostage Load” and the Real Dangers
Worst-case scenario: your mover refuses to deliver your belongings unless you pay new, inflated charges. This is called a “hostage load” or hostage load scam. Unfortunately, it’s not rare—many customers have watched their moving truck drive off, only to receive a call demanding hundreds or thousands more. Law enforcement refers to this as theft, yet victims feel helpless as irreplaceable items hang in limbo.
Real Industry Examples
- Movers who quoted $2,000 but demanded $8,000 before unloading
- Families stuck paying cash on the spot under threat of losing their belongings
- Legitimate companies are being impersonated by “brokers” who vanish after receiving deposits
These scams prey on people’s trust during a stressful time—a reminder that the right mover is worth the investment.
How to Spot Lowball Moving Estimates and Avoid Scams
Safeguard your move with a few smart steps:
Insist on Thorough, Binding Moving Estimates
- Always request a binding, written estimate after a mover has completed an in-person or detailed virtual inventory—no exceptions!
- Avoid “phone-only” estimates or companies that refuse to inventory your items.
Get a Complete Breakdown of Costs
- Ask for line-item pricing for every aspect of the move: labor, supplies, travel, insurance, and extras.
- Know exactly what is included—don’t settle for vague promises or “we’ll add that later” responses.
Read Every Contract Carefully
- Look for “non-binding” language or blank spaces that can be filled in later.
- Never sign until every field is filled out and all charges are clear.
Verify Company Credentials
- Check USDOT and state registrations, insurance information, and online reviews.
- Avoid companies that use multiple business names or lack a valid local address.
Trust Your Instincts
- If a moving estimate seems dramatically low or the company is evasive, walk away.
- Reputable companies want you to make an informed, confident decision.
Why Professional Movers Save You Money
Look, I get it—when you’re comparing quotes, it’s tempting to just go with whoever has the lowest number on paper. But, here’s what I’ve learned: the cheapest estimate almost never ends up being the cheapest move.
The real value? It comes from working with movers who are upfront with you from day one. Companies that break down exactly what’s included, answer your questions without dodging, and don’t hide fees in the fine print.
Yeah, their initial quote might be a bit higher than that suspiciously low one, but at least you know what you’re actually paying for.
When you go with a company that genuinely cares about its customers—one that treats your belongings like they matter and keeps you in the loop throughout the whole process—you’re not just avoiding those awful surprise charges. You’re also protecting your stuff, your sanity, and, honestly, your faith in humanity. The last thing you need during an already stressful move is to feel like you’ve been taken advantage of.
Bottom line: a few extra dollars upfront can save you hundreds (or even thousands) in hidden fees, damaged items, and pure frustration down the road.
Move With Confidence With Nelson Markesbery
Ready to skip the scams and move with a name you can trust? Contact Nelson Markesbery for an honest, no-surprises moving estimate.
