The short version
- You never pay Smooth Move. Estimates, guides and quote requests are free, and there is nothing to pay later.
- Movers pay a flat fee per request, currently between $25 and $100, charged only when you choose to send them your move details. The fee depends on the type and size of the move and how many movers you picked. It does not depend on what you end up paying, and it is not a commission.
- Nobody pays for placement. A mover cannot buy a higher spot in your list, and our estimates and guides are not sponsored.
What this means for the movers we show you
The movers we match you with are our partners: companies we have reviewed (see how we review movers) that serve your route and have agreed to pay the per-request fee. That is a real limitation, and you should know about it: a good local mover who has not joined Smooth Move will not appear as a partner.
When we have them for your area, we also list a few other well-reviewed local companies that pay us nothing. If you pick one of those, we pass your request along by hand.
Partners are shown in random order, not by who pays more, and we show each company's Google and Yelp ratings with the date we last checked them, so you can compare for yourself.
Your contact details
No mover gets your name, phone number or email until you have created an account, confirmed your email address, and chosen which movers to contact (at most three). We do not sell your details to lead lists or to anyone you did not pick.
Why our cost estimate is independent
The moving cost calculator does not use any mover's prices. It is built from published industry rates, adjusted for distance, local market and timing, and it gives the same answer whether or not we have partners on your route. You can see every input in how our moving cost estimates work.
Why we chose this model
Many moving lead sites sell the same request to many companies, and customers get a flood of calls. Charging movers per request, and only for movers you picked yourself, keeps the number of companies contacting you small and under your control.