30 Fundamental Questions to Ask When Hiring a Moving Company

Are you willing to invite complete strangers into your home and let them tamper with your personal belongings?

Would you allow random people to handle your household items as they see fit?

Do you believe that what is meant to happen will happen, regardless of what you do?

If the answer to all these questions is “NO”, then, when looking for professional moving help, you shouldn’t just hire the first movers you come across – you should research your options, see what different moving companies have to offer, and pick the best moving partners for you.

You need to be careful though – many moving companies out there claim to rank among the best, but not all of them will do really a good job.

Some movers just aren’t competent enough – they don’t have the rich experience, specialized equipment, or professional know-how to perform a safe and smooth relocation.

Others are scam artists looking to rip off unsuspecting customers.

To avoid hiring bad movers, you need to know what to look for in a moving company and what questions to ask movers in order to find out if they’re right for the job.  

Here are some of the most fundamental questions to ask moving companies in order to ensure that you’re hiring licensed, experienced, and reliable moving professionals for your relocation.

Questions to ask movers about the moving company

The first questions to ask before hiring a moving company should be about the company itself:

1. Is your company properly licensed?

Why is it important to ask about the company’s licensing accreditation?

In order to operate legally, professional movers need to be registered and authorized to transport household goods and perform moving services:

• Intrastate moving companies need a state license with the State Department of Transportation or Bureau of Consumer Affairs;
• Interstate moving companies must have a USDOT number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Proper accreditation doesn’t necessarily guarantee that a mover will give you fair prices and quality service, but it indicates that the company complies with the law and follows ethical business practices.

How to verify the answer

To confirm that you’re dealing with legitimate movers, you’re advised to verify the company’s licensing credentials. Fortunately, that’s easy enough – all you need to do is go to the FMCSA’s official webpage and check the USDOT number (or MC number) of the moving company.

Must-read: How to check a USDOT number

2. Does your company belong to a movers’ association?

Why is it important to ask about membership in a moving organization?

Membership in a well-known and esteemed movers’ association is a guarantee of reliability and professionalism – it means that the moving company meets the quality standards held by the organization, follows its code of ethics, and has agreed to participate in arbitration programs.

Awards for service and positive business ratings are among the most significant signs of a good moving company.  

How to verify the answer

To verify the movers’ accreditation, you’re advised to check the company’s rating with the BBB and visit the website of the movers’ association the company claims to belong to (there will be a list of the members and plenty of useful information about them).

3. Is your company bonded and insured? Does it provide workers’ compensation and public liability insurance? What liability coverage options do you offer?

Why is it important to ask about insurance and liability?

Before you allow movers into your home and entrust them with your belongings, you need to make sure that you won’t be held responsible if an accident occurs on your property during the move and that your items will be properly covered in case they get lost or damaged while in the movers’ custody.

Under federal law, professional movers are required to provide basic liability coverage (released value protection) free of charge. This type of basic protection, however, covers only $0,60 per lbs per item and does not allow punitive damage claims. That’s why most reputable moving companies offer full value protection – it costs extra, but with this type of coverage the movers are liable for the full cost of repairs or the replacement value of every damaged or missing item.

What’s more, properly insured moving companies provide workers’ compensation that pays for medical expenses and lost wages if employees are injured on the job – which means that you won’t be held responsible for any accidents or personal injuries that may occur on your property during the moving process.

How to verify the answer

To make sure the moving company is bonded and insured, ask to see their insurance policy. It is also a good idea to call the FMCSA for further details concerning the company’s insurance plans and insurance practices.

Related useful information: Moving insurance and valuation coverage

4. How long has your company been in business?

Why is it important to ask about the company’s history?

A long business history does not necessarily mean high quality services but movers who have been around for many years have gained considerable experience and have performed well in order to stay competitive for so long. A flawless track record is evidence of professionalism and quality service.

How to verify the answer

The best way to learn more about a potential moving company is to visit their website and read the “About us” section. Keep in mind that lack of detailed information about the company or lack of a license number, physical address, or contact information is a warning sign to stay away from the company.

See also: Red flags of moving fraud

5. Do you have enough professionally trained, full-time movers to handle all moving jobs or do you employ temporary workers during busy moving times?

Why is it important to ask about full-time employees?

Many companies are understaffed and hire temporary employees during busy periods when the demand for moving services is high (the summer months, on weekends and national holidays, etc.). These temporary workers are foreign to the moving industry and lack proper training and experience – they can make rookie mistakes, cause accidents and damages, or even get injured in the process.

How to verify the answer

You can easily find out how many full-time employees the company has, but that number won’t guarantee that you will get experienced movers for your relocation. All you can really do is request a professional moving crew for your moving job.

6. Do you provide all the services I need?

Why is it important to ask whether the movers can do everything you need?

While all moving companies transport household items from one location to another, not all of them offer all kinds of moving services – some movers may not have the specialized equipment or professional training required to perform certain specialized services and some may simply choose not to offer services that are too difficult to perform, too time-consuming, or not profitable enough. You need to make sure that the movers you hire for your relocation can suit all your moving needs and requirements.

So, when interviewing a moving company, be sure to ask them if they provide the services you need:

• Will you pack and unpack my items for me? Can I pack some of my belongings myself and leave some items for you? Do you offer custom crating?
• Do you disassemble and reassemble furniture?
• Can you hoist furniture and other large items through a window?
• Do you have small moving vans for shuttle services (in case a large moving truck cannot access your home)?
• Do you provide storage services?

Discuss the details of your move with your potential movers, inform them of possible difficulties (steep stairs, small doorways, etc.) and difficult-to-move items (piano, hot tub, antique furniture, etc.), let them know what additional services you’d like to use (custom crating, temporary storage, etc.), and find out if they can handle the job. Don’t forget to inquire about the costs and conditions too.

7. Do you have the necessary equipment for the job?

Why is it important to ask about moving equipment?

No matter how experienced and reliable the movers may be, they won’t be able to do a good job without the necessary equipment – a moving truck of the right size (and in excellent condition), moving dollies and moving straps, quality packing supplies and protective materials, specialized tools and equipment to perform any necessitated extra services (such as a rope-and-pulley rigging system in case hoisting is required), secure and climate-controlled storage facilities (in case storage-in-transit is required), etc.

8. Do you do all the work yourselves or do you use subcontractors?

Why is it important to ask whether the same company will perform all the work?

Moving companies often work with affiliated van lines or subcontract parts of the job – your items may be transferred to another carrier along the way (in the event of a cross-country move), stored in a third party’s storage facility, etc.

If the moving company will be outsourcing some of the work or if a different mover will deliver your items, make sure the contractor is trustworthy and qualified for the job – request information about the third party, check their background, ask for references, etc.

9. Can you provide any references?

Why is it important to ask about recommendations and references?

Recommendations and references attest to the movers’ trustworthiness and quality of service. Good moving companies have plenty of positive reviews and will be able to easily provide references from previous customers.

Be sure to read as many online reviews of the moving company as possible – it is a great way to find out about surprise extra fees, unprofessional attitude, broken items, and other problems people have had with the movers (or, on the contrary, find out that most people were happy with the movers’ services).

Now that you know what to ask a moving company in order to ensure that you’re dealing with trustworthy professionals, it’s time to learn the best questions to ask movers when getting estimates.

Questions to ask movers about the cost of your move

Some of the most important questions to ask when hiring a moving company concern the moving costs – you need to know not only how much your relocation will cost you, but also how the movers calculated the price, whether you can get any discounts, how to avoid extra charges, how to pay, and what will happen if you need the cancel the move.

1. Can you provide a binding estimate?

Why you should ask about a binding estimate

A moving company may give you a low estimate to entice you with the easily affordable cost – unless that estimate is binding, however, the movers can easily increase the price later on (with a non-binding estimate, the cost of the move is subject to change, depending on various factors – provided extra services, unforeseen difficulties, etc.)

To avoid unpleasant financial surprises on moving day – and thwart fraud attempts – you should request an on-site, written, binding estimate. Binding estimates include all fees and charges and come with clear rules that determine how much the final moving cost can exceed the estimate — if at all (in case you add several more items to your shipment at the last minute, for example).

So, be sure to request a binding estimate from the movers you consider hiring for your relocation – ask them to perform a visual survey of your home, give them detailed and accurate information, and discuss the specific circumstances of your move with them.

If the company refuses to send a representative to your place and only offers you a quote over the phone or online, you should raise your guard – this is a red flag of moving fraud.

2. How do you determine the cost of a move?

Why you should ask how the company calculates prices

Knowing how the movers charge – by weight, by cubic feet, per hour, etc. – will not only allow you to estimate the price of your move, but will help you find efficient ways to cut down your relocation costs. (If you know that the moving costs will be based on the weight of your shipment, for example, you may decide to purge more of your possessions in order to lighten the load.)

Cross country movers typically have a set rate per pound and charge based on the weight of the shipment and the distance to the final destination. Local movers usually charge by the hour. Movers’ tariffs are generally higher during peak moving season.

Must-read: How much does it cost to hire movers?

3. Will there be any additional fees? What do you charge extra for? 

Why you should ask about extra charges

Moving companies charge extra for some additional services, so you may be badly surprised on moving day with a series of extra fees – especially if you were given a non-binding estimate.  And even if you have a binding estimate, the actual cost of your move can still exceed it under certain circumstances, so you need to be aware of any extra fees and charges the moving company might charge.

Therefore, it’s very important to ask in advance about everything you’ll be paying for – flight fees (for carrying items up or down stairs), elevator fees (for the time wasted while waiting to use the elevator), long carry fees (for carrying items more than 50 feet from your home to the moving truck), parking fees (for reserving a parking place for the moving truck), labor charges (for the handling of bulky items), storage-in-transit fees (for keeping your items in storage while you’re ready to take them), etc. Ask the movers if they charge extra for the travel time to and from your house, too.

Find out how much the moving company charges for each of these extra services and try to avoid as many of these fees as possible with proper preparation (reserving elevators and parking spots, getting your new home ready on time, etc.).

See also: How to avoid extra service fees

4. Can you offer any discounts?

Why you should ask about discounts

Many moving companies offer discounts and promotions in order to attract more customers – seasonal discounts, student discounts, senior discounts, military member discounts, AAA member discounts, etc.

Such offers are usually widely advertised so you will know about them in advance, but it’s still a good idea to ask explicitly – your specific situation may be eligible for a specific discount or the company may decide to offer you a better deal in order to win you as a customer.

Related: How to negotiate with movers

5. What payment methods do you accept?

Why you should ask about payment options

You need to know how you can pay for your move, of course. Even more importantly, though, finding out what payment methods the movers accept can give you a window into how ethical the company is.

Reputable movers accept credit cards and checks – requesting only cash payment is a warning sign for rogue movers.  

Another important thing to keep in mind is that the movers shouldn’t charge you in advance of the move. If a mover asks for a large deposit – or full upfront payment – you should steer clear of them.

6. What is your cancellation policy?

Why you should ask about the company’s cancellation policy

Something may come up and you may need to cancel or postpone your move. You don’t want to lose your deposit or to be charged extra in such a case, so it’s important to find out what the movers’ cancellation policy is.

Many companies keep part of the deposit – or all of it – if a reservation is cancelled. Some even charge an extra fee for cancellation. Others allow customers to cancel their move without any penalty up to a month, two weeks, or even one week before the reserved moving date.

You need to know the deadline, the amount of the cancellation fee (if any), and who to contact in case you need to cancel or postpone your move.

Also, be sure to ask whether you will be reimbursed if the movers fail to appear on the agreed moving date.

7. What documentation will I receive?

Why you should ask about the paperwork

Professional movers are required to provide you with a number of documents before the relocation – Bill of Lading, valuation addendum, inventory lists, receipts, etc. Make sure you have received all the necessary documents, read them carefully, and confirm that the details of your move (price, services, timeframes, conditions, etc.) are clearly and correctly stated in the papers.

Do not sign the moving contract unless you understand and agree with everything written in it (pay special attention to the small print). Never sign a blank or incomplete document!

See also: Understanding the moving paperwork

Knowing what questions to ask a moving company about moving costs and fees will help you not only choose the best movers for you (trustworthy professionals who offer quality service at a fair price), but also avoid unpleasant financial surprises on moving day – and may even help you find efficient ways to cut down your relocation costs as well.

Still, the most essential questions to ask movers before hiring deal with the actual move.

What to ask movers about the move

When you hire movers to help you relocate, you need to know what to expect from them – and how to best prepare for your move.

Here is a list of questions to ask movers about the specifics of your move:

1. Are there any requirements on how I pack and what type of boxes and other packing materials I use when packing my items myself?

Why you should ask about packing requirements

Doing your own packing can help you save money on your move (you won’t be paying for professional packing services), but you need to be aware of the movers’ requirements:

• Can you use old boxes? You may be able to get used boxes for free from friends, neighbors, or retail stores, but some movers may not allow old boxes (as they may not be safe enough, may not stack well, etc.) See also: The risks of using free moving boxes
• Can you pack in bags, suitcases, or other alternative packing containers? Many movers require everything to be packed in boxes. (See also: How to pack without boxes and bubble wrap)
• Should the boxes be sealed and labeled before the movers arrive or will they want to check their contents?
• In what cases will you be asked to repack? Your movers may ask you to repack if your boxes aren’t packed properly (some boxes may be too heavy, others may be bulging, the items in some packing containers may be shifting, etc.) See also: How to pack boxes for moving

Be sure to ask about liability too – most movers will not assume liability for items packed by the customers.

2. Is there anything you won’t move?

Why you should ask about non-allowable items

There are some items movers won’t move for safety reasons – hazardous materials, perishable goods, etc. You need to know which these items are, so you don’t waste time and effort packing them for moving – the movers will refuse to take them, so you will just have to leave them behind.

You also need time to decide what to do with such non-allowable items – transport them in your car (when driving to your new home), give them away to friends, neighbors, or charities, use them up before the move, etc.

Additional useful information: What movers won’t move – a list of non-allowable items

3. Have you moved a [specialty item] before? How will you ensure its safety?

Why you should ask about specialty items (you shouldn’t ask about specialty items in general, of course, but about the specific item you’re relocating – a piano, a grandfather clock, a pool table, etc.)

If you have a hot tub, a large safe, a crystal chandelier, or any other specialty items to relocate (antique furniture, musical instruments, pieces of art, etc.), you need to inform your movers in advance and ask them if they have the technical know-how and specialized equipment to handle such delicate, valuable, and difficult-to-move items.

Specialty items need special care – specialized packing materials, specific packing methods, extremely careful handling, etc. You need to make sure that the movers you hire for your relocation are up to the challenge and have experience moving this kind of specialty items.

4. How do you prevent property damage?

Why you should ask about property protection

You will want to leave your old place in good condition when you move out (so you can sell it at a higher price or so you can get your security deposit back) and to ensure that your new home stays in good condition when you move in (so you don’t need to deal with expensive repairs or extensive cleaning after the expensive, exhausting relocation), so you need to make sure adequate measures will be taken to avoid property damage during the move.

Ask your movers how they plan to protect the floors, stairs, walls, doors, and windows of your former home and your new one and request that they do everything possible to prevent damage to the property – use protective materials (moving blankets, floor runners, carpet films, corner guards, etc.), use appropriate moving equipment (rubber-wheeled dollies, furniture lifting straps, furniture sliders, etc.), and work with care.

Related: How to protect floors when moving; How to protect stairs when moving

5. What can I do to make things safer and easier on moving day?

Why you should ask about proper preparation

The better prepared you are when the movers arrive, the smoother, safer, and more efficient your move is going to be – so, be sure to ask your mover how you can best prepare for the Big day. The pros will likely advise you to:

• Reserve a parking place for the moving truck as close to the entrance of your home as possible (and get a parking permit, if needed);
• Reserve an elevator for the time of your move (if you’re moving in or out of an upper floor apartment);
• Remove obstacles from the way, so the movers can safely and easily maneuver your items around;
• Be fully packed by the time the movers arrive – unless you’ve hired full-service movers or requested professional packing services;
• Set aside the things that should not be loaded on the moving truck;
• Keep kids and pets away from the moving activity.

Related useful information: What movers want you to know; How to prepare for professional movers

6. How long do you expect the move to take?

Why you should ask about the time frame of your move

You need to know how much time the moving job will take, so you know when you will be able to depart for your new home, for how many hours you will need to hire a babysitter (or ask a friend, a family member, or a neighbor to look after your kids and/or pets), for how long you will have to reserve parking spaces and elevators, what kind of food to prepare for the movers (lunch if the move is going to take the better part of a day, some snacks if the move will be over in several hours), etc.

Needless to say, you also need to ask how long it will take the movers to deliver your items to your new home, but this question refers to the delivery of your shipment and will be discussed in detail below.

See also: How long does it take to move house?

7. What if it rains/snows on moving day?

Why you should ask about rain/snow

Rain – or snow – on moving day will add a number of extra challenges to the already difficult moving process and may cause severe troubles.

So, if there is a chance of rain on snow on the day of your move (you’re moving in the winter or during a typically rainy period, if you’re living in a place that sees a lot of rain, if the weather forecast predicts rain or snow at the time of your move, etc.), you need to ask the movers what their policy is in case of adverse weather.

Professional movers usually have the resources and experience to deal with harsh climatic conditions and will be able to perform your move even in snowy or rainy weather. They will take measures to protect your belongings from moisture (the pros will use plastic boxes, will cover cardboard boxes in plastic sheets or tarpaulin, will wrap larger items in plastic wrap, etc.) and to protect your property from water damage (the movers will line the entryway with old rugs and towels so mud and water doesn’t get tracked inside and will lay down tarps and plastic sheets on the floors to keep them clean and dry) and will ensure a safe and smooth relocation despite the weather challenges.

In case of a severe thunderstorm or snowstorm, however, the movers may have to postpone your move – your relocation may be delayed by several hours (until the rain lessens or stops) or may need to be rescheduled for another day (if the roads are blocked by snow, for example). Reputable moving companies won’t request an extra fee for rescheduling a move because of bad weather conditions.

Additional useful information: Tips for moving in the rain; Tips for moving in the snow

8. What if something is broken or missing?

Why you should ask about liability

You need to make sure that if any of your belongings get lost or damaged during the move, you will be properly reimbursed. Therefore, it’s very important to ask the movers to explain exactly how much liability they will assume under the different valuation protection plans they offer and exactly how much each insurance option will cost you. This way, you will be able to make an informed decision about the type of coverage you want for your items.

Once you have gathered enough information about the moving company, the moving costs, and the moving process, there remains only one thing to ask about – the delivery of your items.

Questions to ask movers about the delivery

The final questions to ask when hiring a moving company should be focused on the delivery of your shipment:

1. When will I receive my items?

Why is it important to know when to expect your items?

If you’re moving locally, your shipment will usually be delivered on the same day.

When moving across the country, however, your items may travel for many days – sometimes, even more than a week. Therefore, one of the most crucial questions to ask long-distance movers is how long it will take them to deliver your belongings.

You need to know when you can expect your items, so you know what to pack in your essentials boxes (if the delivery will take longer, you will need to take more clothes, more shoes, more toiletries, some basic kitchen items, etc.), whether you will need to stay at a hotel for a few days (your new place may not be furnished and you may not be able to live there until your items arrive), how soon you need to get to your new home in order to meet the moving truck (you may plan to visit historical places along the way or stay with friends or relatives for a couple of days), etc.

2. Do you offer shipment tracking?

Why is it important to ask about shipment tracking?

Knowing where your items are at all times can put your mind at ease, so it’s great to be able to track your shipment.

Many moving companies offer online shipment tracking, but some may just give you the phone number of the driver so you can contact them and ask them for an update.

3. Can you guarantee my delivery date?

Why is it important to ask about a guaranteed delivery date?

If the moving company doesn’t guarantee your delivery date, they could very well be late without owing you anything – and that’s not something you want to happen.

Yet, movers can’t control the weather, the traffic, or possible technical malfunctions, so they cannot really guarantee delivery dates on long distance moves.

What’s more, when transporting household items across the country, interstate movers usually consolidate shipments, so delivery schedules become even more complicated and unpredictable (as the moving truck picks up and drops off goods from/to several different locations along the route).

Therefore, if you’re moving long distance, your movers will likely give you a delivery window – a span of several days in which you can expect your belongings to arrive.

If your goods have not arrived by the last day of the delivery spread, your movers will have to reimburse you for the delay.

4. What will happen if my items arrive before me?

Why is it important to ask this? 

You may be delayed on the road or something else may happen and you may not be home when the moving truck arrives. In such a case, the movers will wait for a while but will charge you a waiting fee, calculated on an hourly basis.

If you can’t receive your items on the day they arrive (because you won’t get to your new place until a few days later, because your new home is not ready yet, etc.), the movers will take your shipment to storage – you will need to pay all incurred costs, including a re-delivery fee when the moving truck arrives at your home for a second time to deliver your items.

5. How do you handle loss and damage claims?

Why is it important to ask about the claims process?

You need to know how to react and what to expect in case of a conflict, so it’s crucial to ask the movers how they resolve disputes and settle claims. Find out who to contact if a problem arises, how much time you have to file a claim, what kind of evidence is required, etc.

Must-read: How to file a claim with your mover

All the above questions to ask a moving company are extremely important. Yet, there is one last fundamental question you should never forget when interviewing movers – question № 30:

Do you have any questions for me?

If the movers intend to do their best to perform a successful move, they will be focused and careful and will ask for any relevant information you might have forgotten to share. Then, they will give you lots of practical tips to help you prepare for your move in the best way possible.

Knowing what questions to ask when hiring a moving company will ensure that you find the best moving partners for you. So, did you get the answers to all these questions when you hired movers for your relocation? Were you happy with the services you received? Share your experience with us!