Essential Questions to Ask Moving Companies Before Booking

Choosing a moving company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your relocation. The right movers can make your transition smooth and stress-free, while the wrong choice can lead to damaged belongings, surprise charges, and endless frustration. Before you commit to any company, arm yourself with the right questions to ensure you’re making an informed decision.

Licensing and Insurance Questions

Are you licensed and insured? This is non-negotiable. Legitimate moving companies must have proper licensing depending on whether they operate locally or interstate. For interstate moves in the US, ask for their USDOT number, which you can verify through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database. For local moves, check if they’re licensed by your state or local authorities.

What type of insurance coverage do you provide? Most movers offer basic liability coverage, but it’s often minimal—sometimes as little as 60 cents per pound per item. Ask about full value protection options and what they cover. Find out if there are items they won’t insure, like jewelry or important documents, and whether you need to purchase additional coverage for high-value items.

Can I see proof of your insurance and licensing? A reputable company will readily provide documentation. If they hesitate or can’t produce these documents immediately, that’s a major red flag.

Pricing and Payment Structure

How do you calculate your estimate? Some companies charge by the hour, others by weight, and some use a combination of factors. Understanding their pricing model helps you compare quotes accurately. Ask whether they charge based on cubic feet, weight, distance, or hourly rates.

Is this a binding or non-binding estimate? A binding estimate guarantees a fixed price, while a non-binding estimate can increase if your belongings weigh more than expected. A binding not-to-exceed estimate is often the best option—you’ll pay the estimated price or less, but never more.

What’s included in the quoted price? Clarify whether the estimate covers packing materials, labor, fuel surcharges, tolls, stairs or elevator fees, long carry charges, and any other potential add-ons. Hidden fees are one of the most common complaints about moving companies.

What forms of payment do you accept, and when is payment due? Be wary of companies that demand large deposits upfront or only accept cash. Most legitimate movers accept credit cards and require payment upon delivery. Never pay the full amount before your belongings are delivered.

Services and Capabilities

Do you handle packing, or is that my responsibility? Some companies offer full-service packing, while others only load and transport. If they pack, ask about the cost and whether they pack everything or just fragile items. Understand who’s liable if professionally packed items get damaged.

What items won’t you move? Most companies have restrictions on hazardous materials, plants, perishables, and sometimes pets. Knowing these limitations in advance helps you plan accordingly.

How do you handle large or specialty items? If you have a piano, antiques, artwork, or other valuable items, ask about their experience and whether they charge extra. Some items may require special crating or handling.

Do you provide storage options if needed? Sometimes your move-out and move-in dates don’t align perfectly. Ask if they offer short-term or long-term storage, how it’s priced, and whether your items remain in their possession or transfer to a warehouse.

Logistics and Timeline

What’s your availability on my preferred moving date? Peak moving season (May through September) gets booked quickly. If your date is flexible, ask if moving mid-week or mid-month could save you money.

How many movers will you send, and how long do you estimate the job will take? This helps you plan your day and compare whether different companies are allocating adequate resources for your move.

What happens if there are delays? Understand their policy if the truck breaks down, movers don’t show up, or weather causes problems. Who covers hotel costs if your belongings don’t arrive when promised?

Will my belongings go straight to my new home, or make stops along the way? For long-distance moves, your items might share truck space with other customers’ belongings. This is normal, but you should know the expected timeline and whether multiple stops could delay delivery.

Company Reputation and Experience

How long have you been in business? While newer companies aren’t automatically bad, established companies often have more resources and proven track records.

Can you provide references from recent customers? Speaking with past clients gives you real insights into their experience. Ask the company for contact information of customers who’ve done similar moves to yours.

What’s your claims process if something gets damaged or lost? Understand exactly how to file a claim, what documentation you’ll need, and their typical response time. Ask what percentage of claims they typically pay out.

Will you conduct an in-home or virtual survey? For accurate estimates on larger moves, companies should assess your belongings either in person or via video call. Estimates given over the phone without seeing your items are often unreliable.

Day-of-Move Details

Who will be my point of contact on moving day? Get names and phone numbers so you know who to reach if issues arise.

What should I do to prepare before you arrive? Understanding their expectations for parking, access, and preparation helps everything go smoothly.

Do I need to be present during the entire move? Some moves require your presence at both locations, while others might allow you to designate someone else.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if a company can’t answer these questions clearly, pressures you to decide immediately, asks for large upfront deposits, doesn’t have a physical address, or offers estimates that seem too good to be true compared to competitors. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, keep looking.

Taking the time to ask these questions before booking can save you from nightmares later. A professional moving company will appreciate your thoroughness and answer all your questions confidently. The goal isn’t just to find the cheapest option, but to find movers who will treat your belongings with care and provide the service they promise. Your peace of mind is worth the extra effort to choose wisely.