How to Use Plastic Wrap for Moving (Step-by-Step Guide)

Publish Date: October 14, 2025

Last Modified Date: October 24, 2025

Category: How To Pack, Moving Boxes & Supplies, Packing & Unpacking

Tags: Tags: how to move, how to use shrink wrap, long distance move, move, movers, moving using shrink wrap, packing, packing with shrink wrap, plastic wrap, professional movers, saran wrap, shrink wrap, shrinkwrap, what is shrink wrap

When I was a mover, we always made sure we had some plastic wrap on our truck. Like tape and furniture pads, plastic wrap is an essential part of the equipment list of every moving pro, even if we don’t always use it.

So, if you’re not a mover, do you still need plastic wrap for your DIY move? There are plenty of reasons why you might, and many situations where it would help. But while plastic wrap can be extremely useful, it isn’t always necessary for a successful move.

Let’s get into why and when we use plastic wrap so you can decide for yourself if it will benefit your own move.

What Is Plastic Wrap for Moving?
Why Use Plastic Wrap When Moving?
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wrap Furniture with Plastic Wrap
Our Top 5 Tips for Using Plastic Wrap
Alternatives to Plastic Wrap for Moving
FAQs About Plastic Wrap for Moving

What Is Plastic Wrap for Moving?

Plastic wrap, also known as stretch wrap, is a sheet of clear, durable plastic that comes in rolls hundreds of feet long. It’s formed in the same basic shape as a roll of Saran Wrap, but don’t expect to find any in your kitchen drawers. A roll of plastic wrap for moving is about eighteen inches long and is quite bulky.

Moving plastic wrap is much thicker, stronger, and stickier than anything you’d use on your leftovers. It’s most often used to wrap large pieces of furniture and major appliances. It also doesn’t come in a box like Saran Wrap, though it does typically come with handles or a dispenser attachment.

There are a few different types of plastic wrap for moving:

Clear wrap: The most common type, used for general moving needs.
Heavy-duty wrap: Thicker and tougher, better for large or fragile items.
Perforated wrap: Has small pre-cut lines so you can tear sections without scissors.

You can usually buy moving plastic wrap at home improvement stores, moving supply outlets, or online. Just make sure you’re purchasing rolls labeled for moving or industrial use. Kitchen-grade wrap is too thin and tears too easily, so it’s not a good fit for moving.

How Much Plastic Wrap Do I Need?

The amount you’ll need depends on how much furniture and other items you’re wrapping. A small one-bedroom apartment may only require 1-2 rolls, while a larger home with 3-4 bedrooms might go through 4 or 5 rolls. If you have lots of upholstered furniture or bulky items, estimate one roll higher than you think you’ll need. In general, it’s always better to have too much than not enough halfway through loading your truck.

Why Use Plastic Wrap When Moving?

Most professional movers use plastic wrap for three reasons:

To keep dust and dirt off of upholstered furniture (overstuffed furniture, or “OS” in mover-speak)
To keep furniture pads in place around larger items like OS, major appliances, pianos, large TVs, and heavy tabletops
To keep drawers from sliding out of dressers, keep sofa cushions in place, and prevent the doors on hutches or armoires from swinging open and breaking off their hinges.

Those are the main reasons, but depending on what kind of furniture you have, it can provide a lot of other benefits. Here are some more ways you can use stretch wrap:

Stabilize office chairs: Wrap a swivel office chair to keep moving parts from shifting around and getting damaged.
Protect glass surfaces: Place a piece of cardboard over a furniture pad covering the glass of a hutch or curio, then wrap to help prevent shattering.
Bundle yard tools: Use plastic wrap to keep items like rakes, brooms, or shovels together in a tight bundle.

Years ago, two of my fellow crew members wrapped an entire plastic shelving unit — with everything still on the shelves. This saved about an hour of packing. I generally wouldn’t encourage the practice (since this only worked out because there was nothing heavy on those shelves), but you can see how plastic wrap can be used in some pretty unique ways.

Since plastic wrap is generally used for larger objects, when we, the movers, use it, we tend to use a lot. Unfortunately, plastic wrap is not something we can reuse, so when the move is over, all that plastic ends up in the trash. Just something to keep in mind as you plan your move.

The 10 Best Uses for Plastic Wrap for Moving

Plastic wrap is one of the most versatile packing supplies you can use on moving day. Beyond just covering furniture, it helps secure, protect, and bundle items in ways that tape or boxes can’t. Here are 10 practical ways movers rely on it:

1. Protect upholstered furniture

The barrier of the wrap keeps couches and chairs safe from dust, dirt, and stains. Make sure you leave a small opening so moisture doesn’t get trapped and cause mold during storage.

2. Secure furniture pads

Once your furniture is covered, pads are essential for protecting wood, appliances, and fragile finishes. Plastic wrap holds them in place more securely than tape, ensuring they don’t slide off during loading. Remember to always wrap from top to bottom so pads stay snug.

3. Keep drawers closed and their contents intact

Beyond pads, plastic wrap also helps with furniture that has moving parts. Instead of emptying every dresser drawer, wrap the whole piece with drawers still inside. This prevents them from sliding open and spilling lightweight items like clothes or linens. But, you shouldn’t leave fragile or excessively heavy items inside because they can break or damage the furniture, or make the piece too weighty to lift safely.

4. Hold cushions in place

Cushions are another part of furniture that often causes trouble in transit. Sofa and loveseat cushions slip off easily, but wrapping them tightly keeps everything together and prevents them from ending up on dirty truck floors. Some movers even wrap cushions separately to use as extra padding.

5. Wrap glass doors and fragile surfaces

When dealing with delicate glass, extra protection is key. For hutches, curios, or cabinets with glass panels, layer cardboard or a furniture pad first, then secure with plastic wrap. This double layer helps prevent shattering if the item shifts. However, never apply plastic wrap directly to bare glass long-term, since it can create stress points that cause cracks, or it can leave behind sticky residue that’s hard to clean.

6. Bundle loose items together

Plastic wrap isn’t just for furniture — it’s great for organizing awkward items, too. Yard tools, curtain rods, or sports gear are hard to box, but wrapping them into one tight bundle saves space and keeps them from scattering. Place cardboard at one end to prevent sharp edges from poking through.

7. Stabilize office chairs and moving parts

Just as it keeps bundles under control, plastic wrap also helps with furniture that moves too much. Chairs with wheels or swivels can get damaged if parts spin or twist in transit. Wrapping them keeps armrests, wheels, and backs in place. This also works for recliners, exercise equipment, and other items with moving parts.

8. Wrap mattresses and box springs

Beyond small items, plastic wrap also works on bulky pieces. It protects mattresses from dirt, dust, and spills during transport. For long-term storage, use a breathable mattress bag instead, but for moving day, plastic wrap provides quick, effective protection.

9. Protect large TVs and electronics

Electronics require extra care, and plastic wrap can help. Flat-screen TVs are fragile and expensive, so it’s a good idea to first wrap them in a moving blanket, then add plastic wrap to hold it in place. This prevents the blanket from slipping and adds light moisture resistance.

10. Secure cords, rugs, and odd-shaped items

Finally, plastic wrap makes hard-to-pack items easier to manage. Loose power cords and cables can get tangled, damaged, or lost. Instead of just tossing them into a box, you should wrap them onto their appliance or device with stretch wrap. Plastic wrap also keeps rugs rolled tight and makes irregular items like bikes or floor lamps easier to move without snagging. It can also seal the lids of cleaning supplies to prevent leaks.

When Is Plastic Wrap Unnecessary?

One main use of plastic wrap is to protect upholstered (overstuffed) furniture. If you don’t have any OS, then there’s one less reason to need plastic wrap. If you have OS but you’re only moving a short distance, it may not be worth the bother or the expense of wrapping it.

Also, even if you’re only moving a short distance, I’d recommend using pads for your furniture and any major appliances. Pads can be kept in place with tape — the same kind you use when packing stuff in cardboard boxes. Tape may not be as effective as plastic wrap, but if you only have a few items that need to be padded, buying a five-hundred-yard roll of plastic wrap may not make sense for you.

“…[you’ll] want to avoid rolling plastic wrap across the floor, your driveway, or the floor of your truck or container. Even one small rock can nick the surface, causing the plastic to pull apart in pieces the next time you try to use it.”

Likewise, some well-placed tape can keep dresser drawers and China hutch doors from opening and dumping out all your stuff or breaking. Just don’t put tape directly on the wood!

In short, tape can do much of what plastic wrap does, just not quite as well. Keeping furniture pads in place is one thing, but to keep dust and dirt off your OS, you’d be much better off with plastic wrap.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wrap Furniture with Plastic Wrap

Plastic wrap only sticks to itself, not to your furniture. That’s why it’s important to anchor it properly and keep steady tension as you wrap. Done right, it will protect your upholstered furniture from dust and dirt, keep drawers and doors shut, and hold furniture pads in place for the trip. To get that plastic-wrapped tight right from the start, you’ll need to do the following:

Step 1 — Gather Supplies

Before you start wrapping, get everything ready:

Rolls of plastic wrap for moving (wide rolls work best for large furniture).
Moving blankets or pads for cushioning delicate areas.
Scissors or a box cutter for cutting the wrap when you’re finished.
Work gloves to protect your hands from friction burns while handling the roll (yes, they happen).

Some rolls come with plastic handles that act like a rolling pin. In my experience, though, it’s often easier to grip the roll loosely in your fingers and let it spin. Just make sure you’re wearing gloves.

Step 2 — Prepare the Furniture

Set up each piece before you wrap it:

Clean surfaces so you don’t trap dust or grit under the wrap.
Remove cushions, legs, or detachable parts that could shift during transport.
Cover delicate areas with a furniture pad or thick paper first. This prevents the plastic from sticking or causing damage in storage or extreme temperatures.

If you’re wrapping something with drawers or doors, padding it first ensures you won’t damage the surface if you need to use a little extra tension.

Step 3 — Start Wrapping

Anchor the plastic wrap to one corner of the furniture or solid leg. If there’s nowhere to tie off, have a helper hold the free end flat against the surface until you come all the way around to secure it. Doing this solo is possible, but it’s a real pain.

As you wrap, walk backward around the furniture, overlapping each layer so it clings to itself. Keep the roll just off the surface until you clear an edge or corner. Then pull it tight and hook it around the corner to lock it in place. Continue until the item is covered tightly.

This method works for everything from sofas to fridges. Just go slowly and be careful not to pull so tightly that you strain the legs on lighter pieces or collapse flat-pack furniture. If things start going sideways, don’t be afraid to back up and start again.

Step 4 — Seal and Secure

Once the item is fully wrapped, tear or cut the plastic, and then press the end firmly into the last few layers so it sticks to itself. For extra security, tuck the loose edge under one of the wrapped sections.

If someone was holding the starting edge for you, remember they’ll need to keep their fingers in place until you make your way all the way around and wrap some plastic over that loose end — and probably your friend’s fingers. It’s one of those moments when a little teamwork saves a lot of frustration.

Our Top 5 Tips for Using Plastic Wrap

Even though plastic wrap is simple to use, a few tricks can make it safer, easier, and more effective on moving day. From protecting your hands to preventing damage to your furniture, these quick tips will help you avoid common mistakes and get the most out of every roll.

#1. Always wear work gloves.

Some plastic wrap comes with handles on the ends, making it look like a big rolling pin. But I personally find that these handles just get in the way, especially when you try to wrap the bottom edge of your upholstered sofa or heavy dresser.

It’s much easier to hold your roll of plastic wrap loosely, letting it unroll around your fingers as you go. But be careful! Don’t find out the hard way that the friction of the spinning roll can cause painful rope-burn-like blisters. Trust me, find some decent gloves.

#2. Plastic wrap can damage certain materials.

Wrapping OS and mattresses with plastic wrap generally does not cause problems because the plastic won’t adhere to the fabric. On the other hand, plastic wrap can stick to wood, vinyl, and some metals.

“A small one-bedroom apartment may only require 1-2 rolls, while a larger home with 3-4 bedrooms might go through 4 or 5 rolls. If you have lots of upholstered furniture or bulky items, estimate one roll higher than you think you’ll need.”

Over time and in extreme temperatures, it can adhere to your wooden dining room chairs, your leather couch, and even the sides of your fridge. And it may never completely come off. This is especially crucial to remember if you are moving long-distance or putting your stuff into storage.

The solution is to cover these items in furniture pads or thick brown paper sheets before wrapping them tightly in plastic. “Tightly” is the key word here, because if it’s loose, it won’t hold those furniture pads or sheets of paper in place, and your fridge will slip right out of your hands.

#3. Plastic wrap can lead to mold.

While plastic wrap’s primary purpose is to keep dust and dirt away, completely sealing your sofa in the stuff can backfire. If moisture gets trapped inside and has no way of escaping, you can end up with mold and mildew all over your living room set.

Here too, extended time and extreme temperatures can exacerbate the situation. Be sure to leave a few openings when you wrap your OS (and everything else) in plastic.

#4. Don’t strangle your stuff.

Yes, it’s important to wrap tightly. But if you pull the plastic wrap too tight around your dining room chairs or your coffee table, you can snap the legs right off. This applies to any other pieces of furniture with legs, like upright pianos, sideboard tables, and the rare dining room or kitchen table with legs that don’t detach.

Similarly, I don’t advise plastic-wrapping cheap IKEA-type furniture. That bookcase you bought and put together yourself will likely collapse under the weight of the wrap and tension.

#5. Don’t let your plastic wrap fall or roll on the ground.

As heavy and solid as a roll of plastic wrap is, you might think the stuff is indestructible. But that weight will be its undoing if you drop it on the floor. The edge of the roll will get dented, and the next time you try to use it, the plastic will get stuck in itself where that dent is, rendering the entire roll useless.

For the same reason, you also want to avoid rolling plastic wrap across the floor, your driveway, or the floor of your truck or container. Even one small rock can nick the surface, causing the plastic to pull apart in pieces the next time you try to use it.

Alternatives to Plastic Wrap for Moving

Plastic wrap is versatile, but it isn’t the only way to protect your belongings. Depending on your situation, you may be able to swap it out for other moving supplies:

Furniture pads and moving blankets: Great for covering wood, leather, or fabric surfaces without trapping moisture. They’re reusable and more eco-friendly. (See our moving pads cost comparison for details.)
Bubble wrap: Best for small fragile items, dishes, or electronics. Bubble wrap provides cushioning but won’t hold things together like plastic wrap does.
Straps or ropes: Ideal for keeping furniture pads in place or securing large items inside the truck. Reusable and adjustable.
Mattress bags: Provide full protection for mattresses, especially in storage or long-distance moves. Unlike plastic wrap, they’re designed to be breathable and resist tearing.

Each alternative has its strengths, but none fully replaces the versatility of plastic wrap. Still, if you’re trying to reduce waste or cut costs, these options can fill in the gaps.

FAQs About Plastic Wrap for Moving

Can I use kitchen plastic wrap instead of moving wrap?

It’s not a good idea to use kitchen wrap instead of moving wrap. Kitchen plastic wrap is too thin and breaks far too easily. Moving-grade plastic wrap is much thicker, stretches without tearing, and clings tightly to itself so it actually holds furniture pads and parts in place.

How much plastic wrap do I need for a move?

How much plastic wrap you need depends on the size of your home and furniture. A one-bedroom apartment usually needs one or two rolls (about 1,000–1,500 feet total). A family home will likely need three to four rolls. If you have a lot of upholstered or oversized furniture, plan for extra.

Is plastic wrap reusable?

Sometimes. Heavy-duty wrap may be reused once or twice if you cut it carefully and it doesn’t tear. But most of the time, once it’s stretched and stuck to itself, you’ll need to toss it.

Does plastic wrap protect furniture from rain?

Plastic wrap will help a little with light rain or drizzle, but it’s not waterproof. If you’re moving in wet weather, use plastic wrap over furniture pads and load items quickly. For serious water protection, look into mattress bags or plastic furniture covers.

Can I buy plastic wrap for moving on Temu or Amazon?

Yes, you can purchase plastic wrap online, but review the product details carefully before ordering. Look for rolls labeled as moving wrap or stretch wrap, at least 80-gauge thickness. And read reviews to confirm the quality. Cheap rolls can tear easily and waste your money.

How to Pack up Your Kitchen: Pantry, Fridge, and Freezer

Author: Alexis Rhiannon

Publish Date: July 29, 2025

Last Modified Date: July 29, 2025

Category: How To Pack, Moving Checklists & Planning

Tags: Tags: food donations, hireahelper, how to move food, move, move out, movers, moving, moving frozen items, moving kitchen, moving liquids, moving liquor, pack frozen food, packing a pantry, wrap frozen food

One of the biggest challenges of relocating is figuring out how to pack your kitchen for moving. Kitchens are a blend of fragile dishes, heavy appliances, and food items, and are often the hardest part of the house to pack — particularly the pantry, fridge, and freezer. You don’t want to waste food, but getting these items to your new home without spilling or spoiling any of it can be tricky.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how to pack these areas, including when to pack, what order to pack, and how to keep food safe during your move.

What to Do Before Packing Your Kitchen

In general, the pantry, fridge, and freezer should be the last parts of the house you pack. This helps reduce the risk of spoiled food and gives you more time to eat items you don’t plan to bring with you. That doesn’t mean you should wait on the rest of the kitchen — you can pack most of your dishes, pots, pans, and small appliances long before you get to the food. You should leave just a plate, bowl, glass, and a set of utensils for each person in your household.

Want to minimize waste? Here’s what to do before you start packing the fridge, freezer, and pantry:

Stop buying groceries. About 5 to 7 days before you move, stop buying groceries you won’t be able to finish.
Eat existing food. Transporting food can be a hassle, so in the weeks leading up to the move, start eating as much of your existing groceries as possible. Focus on perishable items first; the more meats, fruits, condiments, and vegetables you can eat, the less you have to discard, donate, or transport.
Throw out or donate unwanted items. About 3 to 5 days before you move, go through all of your food items. Throw out everything that’s expired or nearly empty. Then, set aside unopened, unexpired, and non-perishable items that you don’t want to take. Donate them to a local food bank or homeless shelter. Finally, identify any perishable foods that are still edible, and offer them to your friends, family, or neighbors. You can also use apps like Olio to share extra food with others in the community.
Prep the food you’re taking with you. At this point, you should be left with the food you intend to move to your new home. Start by labeling everything with the contents and use-by dates. This is particularly important for homemade items such as sauces. Then, freeze everything you can to keep it colder for longer in transit. Group similar items, such as meat and dairy, together for easier organization and transport.
Make an essential food box. Set aside all the items you plan to eat or cook during the last week in your home. These should be items you don’t plan to pack, so make sure you can get through them all before moving day.

How to Pack a Pantry

Since it mostly contains non-perishable foods, begin by packing the items in your pantry. Get started about 1-2 weeks before you move, allowing plenty of time to sort and organize.

Use These Best Practices to Pack Your Pantry Efficiently

Group similar items

For easier organization, packing, and unpacking, start by grouping similar items. Put each group on a different shelf for convenience. This simplifies packing and unpacking and might include categories such as:

Cans and jars
Spice containers
Boxed cereal, pasta, rice, and crackers
Baking goods such as flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda
Snacks, including chips, cookies, fruit snacks, and granola bars

Pack fragile items in separate boxes

Identify things that could break or crush in transit, such as delicate glass jars or bags of chips, and pack them separately. You can also wrap them in bubble wrap for extra padding. If the items still shake around in the box, add filler material (or extra kitchen towels) to reduce movement. This protects breakable and crushable food.

Use sturdy, small-to-medium-sized kitchen moving boxes

Pantry items can get heavy quickly, especially when you’re dealing with cans and jars. Smaller boxes are easier to lift and stack. This makes boxes manageable and prevents injuries.

Line boxes with plastic

Place trash bags inside your packing boxes before loading food items. This helps prevent the box from falling apart if a container breaks or a can is punctured in transit. It can also protect your other belongings.

Seal open food packages

If you’re bringing open bags or boxes, place each one into a large plastic bag and seal it tightly. This helps keep the contents in place if the container is shaken or crushed during the move, and prevents spills and contamination.

You can also keep pests at bay and prevent messy spills by loading all open food containers (in bags) into plastic bins with airtight lids. This keeps pests out and prevents messes.

Load boxes strategically

When packing moving boxes, place heavy items such as cans or full boxes on the bottom of the box to create a stable foundation. Then, layer in lighter items on top. Make sure to lift the boxes occasionally to prevent the weight from breaking the cardboard. This ensures stability and easier handling.

Fill in the gaps

When packing irregularly shaped food items, fill the gaps in the box with filler material to prevent the items from shifting.

“Don’t pack raw meat, milk, or eggs unless you’re confident that you can keep them completely chilled. If these items rise above a safe temperature, they can accumulate harmful bacteria.”

You can use towels, extra plastic grocery bags, packing paper, or even paper towels. This keeps items secure and prevents jars from breaking and bags and other packaging from getting holes in them.

Avoid overloading boxes

Make sure each box is 40 pounds or under. This makes loading, unloading, and unpacking a lot easier for you and your movers. This eases transport and prevents injury.

Label each box clearly

Before you seal each box, label it with the contents. Make a note of the boxes that contain open packages; you’ll want to unpack them first. This helps prioritize unpacking and ensures awareness.

How to Pack a Fridge and Freezer

Because the foods in your fridge and freezer are perishable, you’ll want to pack them last — ideally, as close to moving day as possible. This helps keep food fresh and makes it easier to transport. Here’s how to pack the perishables in your fridge and freezer:

Pre-cool your coolers

About 24 hours before you need to load refrigerated or frozen food, fill your coolers with ice. This allows the insulation and shell to cool down, so the cooler can keep food colder for longer. Pre-cooling helps maintain cold temperatures for longer.

Layer food with ice packs

Line the bottom of your cooler with ice, add a layer of food, and add another layer of ice. Repeat this process until the cooler is full, ending with a top layer of ice. Interspersing the food with layers of ice helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooler. This ensures even cooling throughout.

Consider using 12-volt freezers

If you’re transporting frozen items, consider using a 12-volt freezer instead of a cooler. They plug into the ports on your vehicle and keep food frozen while you drive (no need for ice).

“About 5 to 7 days before you move, stop buying groceries you won’t be able to finish.”

Choose a model with a compressor, and avoid thermoelectric models; they don’t provide the consistent cooling needed for frozen items. This setup maintains a steady frozen temperature without ice.

Prep your vehicle

Decide where to place the coolers in your vehicle. Then, lay towels down to absorb leaks and condensation. You don’t want to make a mess of your car or moving truck, especially if you’re hauling other items with your food. Any moisture could damage boxes or other items.

Load coolers just before you leave

Loading coolers last can help preserve the ice’s cooling power, especially if you’re moving during the summer. This preserves ice and cold temperatures for longer.

Plan to replenish ice

If you’re driving a long distance, plan to check your ice regularly and replace it as needed. This keeps food safely chilled during long drives.

Don’t forget to prep your fridge

Right before or after you remove food from the fridge, unplug it. Then, remove all shelves and bins, and wash them in the sink. Wipe down the inside, and leave the doors open to let it dry. This prevents mildew and prepares it for moving.

Pro Tips for Packing Your Fridge, Freezer, and Pantry

As you’re deciding how to pack your kitchen for moving, keep these tips in mind:

Avoid leaks. If possible, avoid packing opened containers that are prone to leaks, such as half-used condiments or containers of soup. If they spill into your cooler, it can cause a mess that takes a long time to clean up.
Be careful with bacteria-prone foods. Don’t pack raw meat, milk, or eggs unless you’re confident that you can keep them completely chilled. If these items rise above a safe temperature, they can accumulate harmful bacteria.
Pack perishables sparingly. If you’re moving across the country, consider throwing out all of your perishables. It’s often easier and cheaper to replace them when you get to your new home.
Check food temperatures upon arrival. Place thermometers into each of your coolers. When you arrive at your new home, check to make sure the temperature is below 40°F. If not, the food may not be safe to consume.
Do a smell test. Smell each item in the cooler. If it smells bad or strange, it’s probably safer to throw it out, even if you think the cooler was at a safe temperature.

Packing the Rest of Your Kitchen

Now that you know how to pack your pantry, fridge, and freezer, it’s a good time to learn how to pack the remainder of your kitchen for moving. For tips, check out our other packing guides:

Packing your kitchen might be the hardest part of moving, but it’s an essential step in the process. To make your move easier, try to bring only the foods you can’t eat, donate, or throw away. By using a smart packing strategy, you can make sure your new kitchen is partially stocked when you arrive.

2021 Study: Are They Real? The Truth about Moving Scams

Author: Volodymyr Kupriyanov

Publish Date: June 28, 2021

Last Modified Date: June 27, 2025

Category: Moving Stories

Tags: Tags: BBB, better business bureau, business fraud, craigslist, fraud, hireahelper, hostage, move, move hostage, move police report, movers, moving, moving fraud, moving scams, scams, stolen items, stolen move

Key Findings

A total of 230 moving scams were reported to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in 2020, which is 91% higher than reported in the previous year (130)
Americans lost up to $2 million to moving scams last year, according to the estimates from the BBB
As many as 148 moving scams are already filed in 2021, twice as many as were reported by the same time last year
Only an estimated 10% of moving scams are reported, meaning the real figure of moving scams is likely in the thousands
Roughly 1 in 13,000 moves in 2020 were affected by a scam, which is about as likely getting struck by lightning in your lifetime
Alaska, Oregon, and Montana are the worst states for moving scams (1 scam for around every 6,000 moves or fewer)
Utah and Missouri are the states least affected by scams (1 scam for around every 30,000 moves or greater)

Any scam you ever encounter or, even worse, fall for is a real bummer… to say the least. The Federal Trade Commission received 2.2 million fraud and scam reports in 2020 alone, with an estimated total of $3.3 billion lost to fraudsters. The majority of scams reported revolve around tactics like identity theft, credit card fraud, and suspect online shopping.

And though it pains us to admit it, the moving industry isn’t scam-free either. Suspect movers with hidden fees, contracts written in bad faith, and exorbitant deposits abound.

In this analysis, we zoom in on these moving scams to examine their prevalence in the industry, tally up the amount of money Americans lose to moving fraud each year, then see if the situation has changed much over the last few years (and explain what you can do to fight it).

What Exactly Are Moving Scams?

There are a wide variety of fly-by-night tactics that are more typical of those flyers you see on telephone poles, as well as Craigslist ads. Typical scams in the moving industry include (but aren’t limited to) situations where moving companies:

Hold your possessions “hostage” and refuse to deliver them unless you pay them a ridiculous amount of money
Change company names to avoid associations with previous scams
Don’t mention additional fees, then charge them
Charge premium insurance by default
“Lose” valuable items and refuse to investigate or explain the loss
Don’t show up after they receive a deposit
Provide blanket estimates without asking to evaluate the size of your move

A Worrying Trend? Moving Scams up 91%, Year-Over-Year

Looking at the figures from Scam Tracker—a Better Business Bureau (BBB) analysis tool which allows people to report and track scams and fraudulent behavior they experience within the U.S. and Canada—it appears moving scams are largely on the rise.

Some 230 moving scams were reported in 2020 alone, which is 91% more than the number of scams filed with the BBB in the previous year. And so far in 2021, the number of scam reports has already reached 148, despite us only being halfway through the year. That’s higher than the total number filed by Americans in all of 2019 (121).

Partially, we can chalk up the rise in scam reports to the rising popularity of the BBB’s website and its initiatives, but it would be unreasonable to wholeheartedly deny the fact that scams are becoming more prolific.

Considering millions of people move in the United States every year, 230 scams a year doesn’t seem like such a high number. (And it isn’t, in scale.) However, citing the Federal Trade Commission, the Better Business Bureau suggests that only about 10% of scams are reported.

With that percentage in mind, we can estimate that a more realistic number of moving scams last year is an estimated 2,300, while the number of scams in 2021 at the halfway point is currently estimated to be around 1,500.

Hidden Figures: Americans Lost up to $2 Million to Moving Scams Last Year

The total number of scams alone doesn’t tell us much about the impact they might have on people who fall victims to various kinds of moving fraud. Another way to gain an understanding of a moving scammer’s impact is to look at the amount of money lost to moving scams over the years.

“…the Better Business Bureau suggests that only about 10% of scams are reported.”

Based on Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker, the reported amount lost to moving scams in 2020 was $207,000 and about $114,000 so far in 2021.

Bearing in mind the high potential for scams going unreported, we can estimate that the amount lost to moving scams is in the region of $1.1 million during the first six months of 2021, and $2 million in 2020.

In that regard, the financial impact of moving scams seems to at least be in slight decline from the peak of $3.2 million lost in 2018 (when accounting for underreported scams).

As Likely as Being Struck by Lightning: How Common Moving Scams Really Are

The rise of moving scams and the potential millions of dollars lost to scammers in the moving industry is, by all means, a concerning trend. But if we look at the number of moving scams relative to the number of moves taking place in the United States each year, it’s true that moving scams are rather rare.

“Moving scammers are most common in the Western and Northern ends of the United States, with the states Alaska, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado all having the worst moves to scams ratio.”

Even if we take into account the fact that 90% of moving scams go unreported, the data suggests that only 1 in 15,000 moves that took place in the U.S. last year were afflicted by scams. For the sake of using a famous comparison, your chances of getting struck by lightning over the course of your lifetime are 1 in 15,300.

Where Are Moving Scams Most Common?

Still, rare as they might be, moving scams are actually more prevalent in certain states than others. Moving scammers are most common in the Western and Northern ends of the United States, with the states Alaska, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado all having the worst moves to scams ratio.

On the other side of the scale, moves in states like Utah and Missouri were the least prone to scams, in that the ratio of moves to scams in these states is greater than 30,000 to 1.

State	Moves Per Scam	State	Moves Per Scam
Alaska	3,494	Utah	37,931
Oregon	4,040	Missouri	32,941
Montana	5,963	Connecticut	26,370
Washington	6,077	Virginia	25,594
Wyoming	6,186	Wisconsin	23,544
Colorado	6,353	Tennessee	22,108
Pennsylvania	7,527	Louisiana	21,837
Minnesota	7,997	Texas	20,926
North Dakota	8,375	Idaho	19,481
Nebraska	8,945	Oklahoma	19,364

To get the details on the number of moves and moving scams in each state, check our map below, where we’ve assembled the data for the year 2020, the last full year for available data.

Moving scams are a nightmare for consumers and a source of great shame for the moving industry. The number of scams does appear to be on the rise, with a recent BBB report highlighting the suspiciously high levels of fraudulent activity since the start of the pandemic.

We may never know the true extent of the problem, but at HireAHelper, we make sure fraudulent movers cannot exist on our vetted platform of over 2,000 Moving Service Providers across the United States. All HireAHelper moves come with a $1,000 Safety Guarantee, industry-leading customer service, and verification of every single mover review. Nobody deserves to have their life stolen from them, least of all when they are at their most vulnerable. Moving day is tough enough!

If you feel like you may be a victim of moving scams, here’s what you might be able to do to get your life back on track.

Sources and Methodology

The number of moving scams and the associated dollar amount lost was taken from Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker. The number of moves in each state for the year 2020 was taken from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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