When searching for a moving company, online reviews can be your best friend—or your biggest source of confusion. A flood of five-star ratings might seem reassuring, but not all reviews are genuine. Some are exaggerated, outdated, or even fake. Knowing how to identify real, trustworthy reviews can help you avoid scams and choose the right moving service.
Why Reviews Matter
Moving is a major life event, and you’re entrusting strangers with your most valuable belongings. Reviews give you insight into:
- The company’s professionalism and communication
- How they handle belongings during transport
- Whether they deliver on time and within budget
- Customer service when problems arise
However, you need to dig deeper than just star ratings to get the full picture.
Signs of Genuine Reviews
1. Detailed Experiences
Real reviewers share specific details:
- Dates of service
- The type of move (local, long-distance, commercial)
- Names of crew members or customer service reps
- Specific situations handled well (or poorly)
Vague praise like “Great service!” without context could be a red flag.
2. Balanced Feedback
Authentic reviews often highlight both pros and cons. Even in positive experiences, there might be minor inconveniences, such as delays due to weather or a box that arrived slightly dented. Overly perfect reviews without a single flaw can feel suspicious.
3. Natural Language
Genuine reviews sound like they were written by real people, not marketing teams. Look for normal conversational language, occasional grammar quirks, and personal touches. Reviews that sound like polished advertisements may not be authentic.
4. Consistency Across Platforms
Check reviews on multiple platforms:
- Yelp
- Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Moving company directories like Moving.com
If a company has glowing reviews on their own website but mediocre feedback elsewhere, you may be looking at filtered or curated testimonials.
Warning Signs of Fake or Misleading Reviews
1. Overly Generic Praise
Fake reviews often lack details: “They were amazing!” or “Best movers ever!”—without explaining why—are common in fabricated feedback.
2. Clusters of Reviews in a Short Period
A sudden burst of five-star reviews within a few days could indicate a company is paying for positive feedback to drown out bad press.
3. Repetitive Wording
If multiple reviews contain nearly identical phrases or sentences, they may have been copy-pasted or written by the same person.
4. Extreme Polarization
Be wary if a company has only 1-star and 5-star reviews with nothing in between. This could mean fake praise from the company and angry retaliation from dissatisfied customers.
How to Verify a Review
1. Look at Reviewer Profiles
On platforms like Yelp or Google, check if the reviewer has a history of leaving feedback for different businesses. One-off accounts with no profile pictures or other reviews may not be reliable.
2. Search for Company Mentions in Forums
Websites like Reddit or local Facebook groups often feature unfiltered, firsthand moving experiences.
3. Ask for References
Reputable moving companies can connect you with past clients willing to share honest feedback directly.
Using Reviews the Right Way
Reviews should be one part of your decision-making process—not the only factor. Combine what you learn from online reviews with:
- A check of the company’s licensing and insurance status
- A request for a written, binding estimate
- An evaluation of their communication during the inquiry process
Final Thoughts
Online reviews are an invaluable tool for spotting reliable movers, but only if you know how to separate genuine feedback from fake praise. Look for detailed, balanced accounts, check multiple platforms, and watch for patterns that signal inauthentic reviews. By doing a little detective work, you’ll feel confident that your chosen moving company has a proven track record—and isn’t just hiding behind a wall of fabricated five-star ratings.