Booking a moving company should be straightforward. But with more people listing services online and less regulation than in some industries, it can be tricky to separate the genuine professionals from the cowboys.
Whether you’re moving across Christchurch or relocating from one end of the South Island to the other, here’s how to make sure the company you’re trusting with your belongings is the real deal.
1. They Have a Physical Address and a Real Phone Number
This one sounds obvious, but it’s worth checking. A legitimate moving company will have a verifiable New Zealand business address, not just a contact form or a Gmail address. Look for a phone number you can actually call and speak to a real person during business hours.
If the only way to reach them is via an online booking form and they’re slow to respond, that’s worth noting before you hand over a deposit.
2. Their Google Reviews Are Consistent Over Time
Reviews are one of the most useful tools you have. But don’t just look at the rating score. Look at:
• How many reviews there are (a solid business should have dozens, not three or four)
• Whether reviews are spread across a reasonable period of time, not just a recent flurry
• Whether the owner or team responds to reviews, including negative ones
• Whether reviewer profiles look genuine (an account with one review and no photo is less reliable)
Be particularly cautious of companies with a perfect five-star score from a very small number of reviews. Genuine businesses accumulate both positive and occasional critical feedback over time.
3. They Give You a Written Quote or Confirmation
Any professional moving company should be able to provide a written quote that outlines the date, time, services included, truck size, pricing structure, and any additional charges like callout fees or weekend rates. If they’re only willing to confirm verbally, or if the pricing is vague, ask for it in writing before you commit.
A clear written confirmation also protects you legally if something goes wrong. You can check our moving FAQs for an idea of what a transparent booking process looks like.
4. They’re Listed on Reputable NZ Platforms
Established moving platforms in New Zealand like Moving Pros and Wise Move have their own vetting processes. A company that’s actively listed, reviewed, and rated on these platforms has at least passed a baseline level of scrutiny. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s a positive indicator.
Truck About is listed and reviewed on both Moving Pros NZ and Wise Move, and our Google reviews reflect years of consistent service across Christchurch and Canterbury.
5. They’re Upfront About What They Can and Can’t Do
A trustworthy mover won’t just say yes to everything. If you describe your move and they don’t ask any clarifying questions about access, stairs, heavy items, or timing, that can be a sign they haven’t done their due diligence.
Professionals will ask about:
• Parking access at both properties
• Whether there are stairs, lifts, or narrow hallways
• Any specialty items like pianos, spa pools, or gym equipment
• Whether you need packing or storage alongside the move
If a company quotes you a suspiciously low flat rate without asking any of this, be cautious.
6. They Have Insurance
Ask directly: are your movers insured? A legitimate company will be able to confirm this clearly. In New Zealand, there’s no mandatory insurance requirement for movers, so it’s on you to ask. At minimum, a professional operation will carry public liability insurance.
This doesn’t cover your individual belongings against damage in transit unless you arrange your own contents insurance, so it’s worth checking your home and contents policy or arranging specific cover for the move.
7. Red Flags to Watch Out For
Here’s a quick checklist of warning signs:
• No physical address or a PO Box only
• Payment required entirely in cash upfront
• No written confirmation of the booking
• Unusually low quotes with vague inclusions
• No or very few online reviews
• Unresponsive or slow to reply before the move
• No vehicle branding or professional equipment on the day
If several of these apply to a company you’re considering, it’s worth keeping your options open.
Choosing Movers You Can Actually Trust
Doing a bit of homework before you book goes a long way. The moving industry in New Zealand is largely made up of genuine, hard-working operators, but as with any service, the quality varies. A bit of research upfront saves a lot of hassle on the day.
At Truck About, we’re a NZ-owned and operated moving company based in Christchurch. We’ve built our reputation on showing up when we say we will, being honest about pricing, and treating your belongings with care. If you’d like a straightforward quote from a team that takes its job seriously, visit our house movers Christchurch page or get in touch directly.
