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Production Moves: How to Find the Most Qualified Mover
By: NorthStar Moving Co-Founder Laura McHolm | April 14, 2025
When it comes to finding the right help for the moving needs of a production, Googling "moving company" might seem like a quick solution, but it often falls short. As you are well aware, productions have unique demands-tight timelines, budget constraints and a need for discretion. You need a mover who understands the intricacies of the entertainment industry.
Here's what to look for to find a qualified mover who will make your production move seamless, saving you time, money and stress.
Not all movers are created equal. Start by asking if they've handled production moves before. How many? What was the scope? A mover with a solid background in production moves will understand the need for speed and flexibility. Ask for references from their production company clients to verify their expertise.
How long has the moving company been in business? Experience counts and a track record shows the ability to deliver each and every time. Do they have repeat clients? Check for five-star reviews and request letters of recommendation. If folks don't want to use them again, that should tell you something. Longevity indicates experience and reliability, the two key factors when your production is on the line.
Have they moved celebrities or high-profile clients? Movers accustomed to handling these types of clients are often well-versed in maintaining strict confidentiality and handling complex, detailed moves. That experience is a huge advantage when dealing with the confidential, fast-paced, sometimes unpredictable nature of production moves.
Make sure the mover is licensed and insured. For interstate moves, they need a valid US DOT number. For moves within California, they should have a Cal-T number. Verify these licenses to ensure they are up-to-date. Never use a company without proper licensing and insurance-it's not worth the risk. An expert moving company should be able to provide you with Certificates of Insurance and any other documentation you require.
Look for movers who are members of industry organizations like the Location Managers Guild International (LMGI). These memberships indicate a vetted company and commitment to serving the entertainment industry.
Awards and accolades demonstrate their dedication to customer service. If they haven't won any awards for service, chances are they aren't going to win any awards from you. Remember a great reputation absolutely saves everyone money and time.
A legitimate moving company will offer a free on-site or virtual estimate. They will ask detailed questions about the move, indicating they are thorough and professional.
Low rates can be deceiving. Scrutinize what the estimate includes-are fuel charges, labor and materials covered? Rates can vary depending on the season and day of the week, ask if moving your production on a different day might save you some costs. And, make sure they measure doorways, stairways and elevators in advance. This foresight helps avoid time delays and ensures a smooth move. A reputable mover will be transparent about their pricing and avoid hidden fees.
Does the moving company have experience handling unique, irreplaceable items? When it comes to moving sets, not everything can be packed in a standard cardboard box-especially not props, equipment or one-of-a-kind pieces from a movie or TV production. Choose a mover with proven expertise in transporting valuable works of art, furniture and specialized gear. Look for a team that custom-builds secure crates, ensuring the utmost safety and protection for your production's prized possessions.
Lastly, let the moving estimator ask YOU questions. If they don't, consider it a red flag. If they are quick to provide an estimate without a thorough assessment, it's a sign to look elsewhere.
Laura McHolm is a moving & storage expert and co-founder of NorthStar Moving Company. A long-time member of the Location Managers Guild International (LMGI), NorthStar Moving has 30 years of experience providing seamless production moves for clients like The Jim Henson Company and Dick Clark Productions. In fact, they are the production moving company that the LMGI consults for tips on how to do the production move right, making production professionals' jobs easier. To learn more about their production moving & storage services watch this 2 minute video. www.northstarmoving.com
Here's what to look for to find a qualified mover who will make your production move seamless, saving you time, money and stress.
1. Production Move Experience
Not all movers are created equal. Start by asking if they've handled production moves before. How many? What was the scope? A mover with a solid background in production moves will understand the need for speed and flexibility. Ask for references from their production company clients to verify their expertise.
2. Longevity & Reputation Matter
How long has the moving company been in business? Experience counts and a track record shows the ability to deliver each and every time. Do they have repeat clients? Check for five-star reviews and request letters of recommendation. If folks don't want to use them again, that should tell you something. Longevity indicates experience and reliability, the two key factors when your production is on the line.
3. High-Profile Clients
Have they moved celebrities or high-profile clients? Movers accustomed to handling these types of clients are often well-versed in maintaining strict confidentiality and handling complex, detailed moves. That experience is a huge advantage when dealing with the confidential, fast-paced, sometimes unpredictable nature of production moves.
4. Licenses & Insurance
Make sure the mover is licensed and insured. For interstate moves, they need a valid US DOT number. For moves within California, they should have a Cal-T number. Verify these licenses to ensure they are up-to-date. Never use a company without proper licensing and insurance-it's not worth the risk. An expert moving company should be able to provide you with Certificates of Insurance and any other documentation you require.
5. Memberships and Awards
Look for movers who are members of industry organizations like the Location Managers Guild International (LMGI). These memberships indicate a vetted company and commitment to serving the entertainment industry.
Awards and accolades demonstrate their dedication to customer service. If they haven't won any awards for service, chances are they aren't going to win any awards from you. Remember a great reputation absolutely saves everyone money and time.
6. Free Estimates
A legitimate moving company will offer a free on-site or virtual estimate. They will ask detailed questions about the move, indicating they are thorough and professional.
7. Rates & Fees
Low rates can be deceiving. Scrutinize what the estimate includes-are fuel charges, labor and materials covered? Rates can vary depending on the season and day of the week, ask if moving your production on a different day might save you some costs. And, make sure they measure doorways, stairways and elevators in advance. This foresight helps avoid time delays and ensures a smooth move. A reputable mover will be transparent about their pricing and avoid hidden fees.
8. Specialty Services for Productions
Does the moving company have experience handling unique, irreplaceable items? When it comes to moving sets, not everything can be packed in a standard cardboard box-especially not props, equipment or one-of-a-kind pieces from a movie or TV production. Choose a mover with proven expertise in transporting valuable works of art, furniture and specialized gear. Look for a team that custom-builds secure crates, ensuring the utmost safety and protection for your production's prized possessions.
9. Professionalism
Lastly, let the moving estimator ask YOU questions. If they don't, consider it a red flag. If they are quick to provide an estimate without a thorough assessment, it's a sign to look elsewhere.
About the Author:
Laura McHolm is a moving & storage expert and co-founder of NorthStar Moving Company. A long-time member of the Location Managers Guild International (LMGI), NorthStar Moving has 30 years of experience providing seamless production moves for clients like The Jim Henson Company and Dick Clark Productions. In fact, they are the production moving company that the LMGI consults for tips on how to do the production move right, making production professionals' jobs easier. To learn more about their production moving & storage services watch this 2 minute video. www.northstarmoving.com
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