Moving Company Disputes
Complete guide to handling moving company disputes in small claims court.
Moving Company Disputes
When movers damage, lose, or hold your belongings hostage, or overcharge you significantly, small claims court can help you recover.
What Small Claims CAN Handle
- •Damaged furniture, appliances, or belongings
- •Lost or missing items during move
- •Significant overcharges beyond estimate
- •Unreasonable delays causing financial loss
- •Property damage to walls, floors, or doors
- •Deposit or prepayment disputes
What Requires Different Approaches
- •Interstate moves (FMCSA federal jurisdiction)
- •Claims exceeding small claims limits
- •Hostage situations (call police first)
- •Contracts with mandatory arbitration
- •Criminal theft (file police report)
- •Company out of business or bankrupt
Common Scenarios
Damaged Furniture
Scratches, dents, broken legs, or completely destroyed furniture. Movers often claim it was "already like that" or blame the packing.
Lost or Missing Items
Boxes that never arrived, items that disappeared from open boxes, or entire pieces of furniture that went missing.
Price Gouging/Overcharges
Final bill is 2-3x the estimate, unexpected fees, or movers refusing to unload until you pay more than agreed.
Property Damage
Holes in walls, scratched floors, damaged door frames, or broken fixtures caused during the move.
Evidence You Should Gather
Documentation is crucial for moving disputes. Start gathering evidence before the move and continue throughout.
Contract & Payment Records
- Written estimate (binding or non-binding)
- Signed contract and terms
- Bill of lading (moving receipt)
- Payment receipts and credit card statements
- Valuation/insurance documents
Photo & Video Evidence
- Photos of items BEFORE the move
- Photos of damage immediately after
- Video of movers handling items roughly
- Photos of damaged property (walls, floors)
Inventory Documentation
- Complete inventory list with values
- Purchase receipts for damaged items
- Repair estimates for damaged items
- Replacement cost quotes
Communications
- Emails with company and representatives
- Text messages with movers
- Claim filed with the company
- Company's response to your claim
Important: Interstate vs. Local Moves
Pro Tip: Note Damage at Delivery
Write "damaged" or "missing" on the bill of lading BEFORE signing. Once you sign without notation, it's harder to prove damage happened during the move.
File a Complaint with FMCSA
For interstate moves, file a complaint at protectyourmove.gov. While they won't resolve your dispute, it creates an official record and may pressure the company.
Example Case + How This Site Helps
Example: A mover damaged furniture and added unauthorized fees.
Your final bill was far above the written estimate, and multiple items were damaged in transit. You want reimbursement for overcharges and damage.
Typical claim range: $700-$6,000
What to collect first
- Bill of lading, estimate, and final invoice
- Damage photos plus replacement or repair quotes
- Complaint records with the moving company
Confirm fit and priorities
Start with the quiz so the app can steer you toward the right dispute flow and state rules.
Take the quizOrganize evidence and timeline
Use Case Manager to track facts, deadlines, and uploads so your story is clear and ready for court.
Open Case ManagerPrepare your pre-filing package
Generate a demand letter and supporting documents to improve settlement chances before filing.
Build demand packagePlan filing and hearing prep
Use filing guidance, calendar, and statement tools so you can submit correctly and present clearly.
Review filing stepsReady to Assess Your Case?
Take our intake quiz to organize your facts and see if small claims is right for your situation.
Legal Disclaimer
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and locality, and information may be outdated. No attorney-client relationship is created. Consult a licensed attorney for advice about your specific situation. See our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.