Questions to ask moving companies
Fact Checked by: Moving can feel like a maze of choices, stress, and second-guessing. With so many companies out there, and just as many horror stories, it’s easy to worry about being scammed, overcharged, or left with damaged belongings.
The good news: A little research and asking the right questions will save you time, money, and headaches on moving day. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself, spot red flags, and make sure your move goes smoothly.
Just want the complete list of questions to ask a mover? Jump to our master checklist.
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Top questions to ask moving companies
Asking the right questions is your best defense against moving disasters. The more you know up front, the less likely you’ll be caught off guard by fees, delays, or lost items.
1. Licensing and insurance: What to verify and why
Before moving forward, always confirm your mover is legitimate. Here’s what to ask and why it matters:
- Are you licensed with the USDOT and FMCSA? Interstate movers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
- Can you provide proof of insurance and licensing? Ask for documentation and verify their credentials online.
- What types of liability coverage or insurance do you offer? Understand the difference between basic liability and full value protection, and what each covers.
Reputable movers will share their USDOT and FMCSA numbers. You can confirm them on the FMCSA website. Licensing and insurance aren’t just boxes to check—they’re crucial for protecting your move from scams and fly-by-night operators.
Always ask for written proof of insurance and clarify what’s actually covered. For more, see our moving insurance guide.
2. Company experience and reputation: How to check and what to look for
Experience matters when you’re putting your belongings in someone else’s hands. Here’s what to confirm before booking:
- How long have you been in business? Companies with a long, consistent track record are generally more reliable.
- Can you provide references from recent customers? Recent references help you gauge current service quality.
- Are you a member of industry associations (AMSA, BBB, etc.)? Membership can signal commitment to industry standards.
- Where can I find reviews and ratings? Look for reviews on the Better Business Bureau, Google, and Yelp.
Don’t just take their word for it. Ask for references and research online reviews. Watch for patterns of complaints, not just isolated incidents.
3. Broker vs. carrier: What’s the difference?
Not all movers are the same. Some are carriers (they own the trucks and manage the move themselves), while others are brokers (they sell your move to another company). It’s important to know who you’re really working with:
- Are you a broker, a carrier, or both? Get clarity before you book.
- If you’re a broker, who will actually handle my move? Request company names and contact information.
Brokers aren’t necessarily a bad choice, but you need to know who is responsible for your move and how to contact them. Always get these details in writing.
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4. Pricing and estimates: How to avoid surprises
Moving costs can get complicated, so it’s important to understand how pricing works and what’s included. Ask these questions before you sign:
- How do you calculate your pricing? (Weight, volume, distance, services?)
- Do you offer binding or non-binding estimates?
- What hidden fees or surcharges might apply? (Stairs, elevators, long carries, fuel, shuttle, storage?)
- Can I get a detailed quote in writing?
- Do you offer discounts and promotions?Ask about discounts, negotiate, and see if the company offers price matching to get the lowest prices.
Always get your quote in writing. Binding estimates mean the price won’t change unless you add items or services, while non-binding estimates can increase if your move size or services change. Try to get a binding or not-to-exceed quote whenever possible.
Common hidden fees to ask about
It’s easy to miss the fine print. Here are some common extra charges you should ask about upfront:
- Stair/elevator fees: Additional charges if movers have to navigate stairs or elevators.
- Long-carry charges: If there’s a long distance from your door to the truck.
- Extra stops: Picking up or dropping off items at multiple locations.
- Fuel surcharges: Added costs for long distances or rising fuel prices.
- Shuttle/parking fees: Fees for using smaller vehicles if the truck can’t access your location.
- Storage-in-transit costs: Temporary storage if your new home isn’t ready yet.
5. Do you offer in-home and virtual estimates?
The most accurate quotes come from seeing your stuff in person or over video. Here’s why you should always request an in-home or virtual estimate:
- Reduces price hikes: Movers are less likely to change the price after seeing everything up front.
- Nothing gets missed: Specialty, fragile, or hidden items can all be included.
- More accurate inventory: Ensures your estimate matches what’s actually being moved.
During the walkthrough, show everything, including closets, attics, basements, and storage units. Review the written estimate line by line before you sign. Use our moving cost calculator for a quick cost estimate before talking to movers.
6. What services are included and what costs extra?
Not every company includes the same services in your quote. Ask about all available options and clarify what’s free and what’s extra.
| Service | Included? | Extra fee? |
|---|---|---|
| Packing | Varies | Usually |
| Unpacking | Sometimes | Often |
| Disassembly/Reassembly | Often | Depends |
| Storage | Rarely | Yes |
| Specialty item handling (pianos, artwork, antiques) | No | Yes |
| Moving supplies | Sometimes | Often |
It’s also smart to ask:
- Do you move specialty or high-value items? (Pianos, antiques, artwork, gym equipment?)
- Are there extra charges for large or fragile items?
7. Crew and labor: Who’s handling my move?
The people loading and unloading your belongings have a big impact on your experience. Don’t be afraid to ask about the crew:
- Are your movers employees or subcontractors? Employees are usually better trained and more accountable.
- Do you background-check your crews? Background checks add a layer of safety and trust.
- Are your workers covered by workers’ compensation insurance? This protects you from liability if someone is injured.
- How experienced are your movers? Experience matters, especially for fragile or valuable items.
8. Process and logistics: How will my move be managed?
Clear communication about how your move will be handled can prevent a lot of confusion. Here’s what to ask:
- Will my items stay on the same truck or be transferred? Transfers create extra risk for damage or loss.
- Can you guarantee pickup and delivery dates? Ask about delivery windows and on-time guarantees.
- What happens if there’s a delay? Clarify compensation or solutions for missed delivery windows.
- Who is my main point of contact throughout the move? A dedicated coordinator is a big plus.
Direct delivery is ideal. For long-distance moves, always confirm delivery windows and the process for handling delays.
Final checklist: Questions to ask movers before you book
Use this comprehensive list to screen movers and protect yourself from surprises:
- Are you licensed with the USDOT and FMCSA? Can I verify your credentials?
- Can you provide proof of insurance and explain my coverage options?
- What types of liability coverage do you offer — basic vs. full value?
- Are you a broker, a carrier, or both?
- If you’re a broker, who will physically handle my move?
- How long have you been in business?
- Can you provide recent customer references?
- Are you a member of industry organizations like the BBB or AMSA?
- Where can I read verified reviews of your service?
- Do you offer in-home or virtual estimates?
- Is your estimate binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed?
- How is pricing calculated — by weight, volume, distance, or services?
- Do you offer moving discounts or price matching?
- What hidden fees should I know about (stairs, fuel, shuttle, etc.)?
- Can I get a detailed written quote including all potential fees?
- What services are included in the base price?
- Do you charge extra for packing, unpacking, or disassembly?
- Do you move specialty items like pianos, antiques, or artwork?
- Are your movers employees or subcontractors?
- Are your crews background-checked and covered by workers’ comp?
- How experienced are the people handling my move?
- Will my belongings stay on the same truck or be transferred?
- What are my pickup and delivery windows? Are they guaranteed?
- Who will be my point of contact during the move?
- What happens if there’s a delay or issue on moving day?
- What’s your damage/loss claim process and average resolution time?
- What is your breakage-to-move ratio?
- What items are prohibited or restricted in your trucks?
- What payment methods do you accept?
- Is a deposit required? If so, how much?
- What’s your cancellation and refund policy?
- Do you offer discounts for students, seniors, military, or off-peak moves?
FAQs
What if my move date changes?
Do I need to be present on moving day?
What’s the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?
What if something gets damaged during the move?
Get quotes from reputable movers
Hiring a moving company isn’t something to take lightly. But asking the right questions upfront helps you avoid stress, budget blowouts, and poor service. Vet every company thoroughly, get everything in writing, and don’t hesitate to walk away if something doesn’t feel right.
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