Moving Deposits, Cancellations and Refunds: What to Check

Before money changes hands, know what it reserves.

A payment described as a deposit may be collected by the carrier, a broker or another business. Identify the recipient, what the payment covers and the written cancellation terms before deciding whether a refund is due.

Are moving deposits refundable?

A moving deposit is not automatically refundable in every case. Whether a refund is due depends on the written terms, the circumstances and applicable law. Check who received the payment, the cancellation deadline, any stated deductions and whether the agreed service was provided. The federal broker disclosure rule explained below does not create a universal refund entitlement.

Before paying: get five answers in writing

• Which legal business receives the money, and is it the mover or a broker?
• Is this credited against transportation charges, a separate brokerage fee or another charge?
• What service, date or capacity does the payment actually reserve?
• What happens if you cancel, change dates or the company cannot provide the agreed service?
• What notice method, deadline, deductions and refund process apply?

Save the agreement, quote and policy as they appeared when you booked. Keep the receipt and confirm how the payment will appear on the final account. Use the company research guide and comparison worksheet before committing.

What the federal broker rule requires

For covered household-goods brokers, 49 CFR 371.117 requires prominent disclosure on the broker’s website and in its agreements of cancellation, deposit and refund policies for cancellation before the scheduled carrier pickup date. The broker must also retain cancellation-request and disposition records for three years.

This is a disclosure and recordkeeping rule. It does not by itself establish that every deposit is refundable, a nationwide deposit cap or a universal cancellation period. Check the actual policy and applicable law. Intrastate moves may be subject to different state requirements. See Mover vs. Broker to clarify the roles.

If you need to cancel

Follow the agreement’s notice instructions and keep evidence of when and where you sent the request. Identify the booking, scheduled pickup date, payment amount and requested outcome. Ask for written confirmation that the booking is cancelled and a breakdown of any amount the company proposes to retain.

Before paying a replacement provider, establish the status of the original booking so two companies are not expecting to perform the same move. For a missed appointment rather than a voluntary cancellation, use the missed-pickup and late-delivery guide.

If a refund is refused or delayed

• Compare the reason given with the policy saved at booking and the service actually provided.
• Ask for the specific policy clause, itemized deductions and expected payment date.
• Keep the request, response, receipt and relevant messages in one dated file.
• If unresolved, consult the relevant state consumer-protection office or a qualified adviser about the agreement and available remedies.

For interstate broker disclosure problems, FMCSA lists failure to disclose cancellation, deposit or refund policies among its eligible complaint examples. Use the official complaint instructions. Reporting a possible violation does not guarantee a refund.

Recognize pressure before it becomes a dispute

FMCSA flags demands for cash or a large advance deposit among its moving warning signs. Treat pressure to pay before you can verify the company and read its terms as a reason to pause and investigate. This warning is not a rule that every deposit is unlawful.

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Sources reviewed September 15, 2026. Federal statements link to the current broker rule and FMCSA guidance. The checklists are TRE practical guidance. This educational page does not provide legal advice; refund rights depend on the facts, contract and applicable jurisdiction.