Written By Erin Scott
General Questions
Before you get into the fine print, start with the basics. These first seven questions will help you understand who you’re working with, how experienced they are, and whether their business practices align with your expectations.
Getting accurate answers at this early stage will give you a clear picture of what kind of moving company will be handling your move.
1. What’s your experience in the moving industry?
Experience doesn’t guarantee everything, but it often means a company has handled a wide range of moves and knows how to solve problems when they come up. How a company frames this answer will give you a sense of their scope of experience.
2. How long have you been in business?
Longevity is a strong indicator of reliability. A company that’s been around for a while is more likely to have solid processes, trained staff, and fewer surprises.
3. Can you provide references or testimonials?
A trustworthy company should be able to point you to satisfied customers. If they hesitate or dodge this question, that’s a red flag.
4. What are your rates and what do they include?
Pricing structures vary, and some companies have hidden fees. You’ll want to know if the quote includes things like stairs, long carries, fuel, or packing materials, or if those will be tacked on later.
5. Are you a broker or a carrier?
Some companies do the moving themselves (carriers), while others help you find the best third-party movers (brokers). Knowing the difference helps you understand who’s actually going to show up on moving day.
6. Do you have a physical office or location?
Believe it or not, some seemingly solid moving businesses turn out to be smoke and mirrors. A real business address — one you can verify on a map — is a sign that the company is legitimate and not just operating out of a call center. It also means they won’t disappear at the first sign of trouble.
7. What’s your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
Life happens. Make sure you know how flexible the company is if your plans change or dangerous weather happens, and whether you’ll lose money in the process.
Specific Questions About Services
Every move is different, and moving companies typically offer several tiers of service. Some people want full-service movers to help with every step — packing, storing, driving, assembling furniture, etc. — while others just need someone to load a truck.
The questions below will help you understand exactly what services a company offers and whether they’re equipped to handle your specific situation.
8. Do you offer packing and unpacking services?
Full-service packing can save time and reduce stress, especially for large moves. It also gives movers more control over how items are protected in transit.
9. What is the cost of these services?
Packing services often come at an added cost. It’s important to understand how these fees are calculated — by the hour, the number of boxes, or the size of the job.
10. Are there different levels of packing services available?
Some companies offer partial packing or fragile-only options, which can be more affordable than full-service packing. This lets you customize based on your budget and needs.
11. What kind of moving equipment do you use?
The right tools — such as dollies, ramps, and furniture pads — make a big difference in how safely and efficiently your items are handled.
12. Do you provide temporary storage options?
If there’s a gap between your move-out date and your move-in date, short-term storage can be a lifesaver. Ask whether they offer it, and what it costs.
13. Do you provide furniture assembly and disassembly?
Some items need to be taken apart before they can be moved. If your movers offer assembly services, it could save you significant time, though it will likely come with additional costs.
14. Are there items you don’t move?
Most movers have a list of prohibited items, which might include hazardous materials, certain electronics, living things, or unusually heavy or fragile items. It’s better to know that now than on moving day.
Questions About Estimates and Pricing
Moving costs vary widely depending on distance, timing, and the services you need. That’s why it’s so important to get a detailed, written estimate upfront.
A good estimate sets expectations on both sides and helps you avoid surprise charges once everything’s already packed. These questions will help you understand how a company handles pricing and how transparent they really are.
15. Do you provide written estimates?
A written estimate protects you from sudden price hikes or miscommunication. Verbal quotes are harder to dispute if something goes wrong.
16. Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
Ask about things like fuel surcharges, long carry fees, stair fees, or other extra costs that may not be included in the base quote.
17. Can you provide a binding estimate?
A binding estimate guarantees the final price won’t exceed the amount quoted, as long as the scope or circumstances of the move don’t change. It offers more financial certainty than non-binding quotes.
18. What factors can lead to additional costs?
It’s helpful to know what might trigger a price increase, such as added inventory, unexpected delays, or poor access at either location.
19. What is your policy on deposits and payment schedules?
Some companies will require a deposit upfront, while others only ask for payment on delivery. Understanding their policy helps you budget and avoid scams.
20. Is the estimate based on weight, volume, or time?
Different companies use different pricing models. It’s important to know whether you’re paying by the pound, by the cubic foot, or by the hour in order to compare quotes more accurately.
21. Will I receive a copy of the estimate and contract in advance?
You should have time to review documents before moving day. If a company won’t send paperwork ahead of time, that’s a red flag.
Licensing and Insurance
When you hire a moving company, you’re literally trusting them with everything you own. Don’t run any risks — work with a mover who’s properly licensed and insured.
These questions help confirm that the company follows federal and state regulations, and has the right protections and moving insurance in place in case something goes wrong during your move.
22. Are you licensed and insured?
Reputable movers should have licensing information, a valid USDOT number (for interstate moves), and insurance coverage. Use the USDOT number to look up safety records and verify they’re in good standing. If they can’t provide licensing or insurance proof, move on.
23. What types of liability coverage do you offer?
Most movers offer basic valuation coverage, but it may not cover the full value of your belongings. Ask about the various coverage levels they offer and what’s included.
24. How do you handle claims and complaints?
Know how the company will respond if something gets damaged or goes missing, and how long the process takes. You don’t want to put your future self in a bad spot by not being prepared.
25. Is there an option to purchase additional insurance?
Supplemental insurance can offer peace of mind, especially for high-value items. Ask if they partner with third-party insurers or offer in-house options.
26. Are you a member of any industry associations?
Affiliations with groups like the American Trucking Associations (ATA) or state-level moving associations signal credibility and professionalism.
27. Do you have any recent safety violations or insurance claims?
This one’s a bit more direct, but it’s still fair game. You want a company with a clean track record — not one that’s constantly dealing with damaged goods or failed inspections.
Time and Availability
Timing can make or break a move. Whether you’re trying to meet a lease deadline, close on a home, or simply avoid a chaotic clash of schedules, know how flexible your movers are — and how realistic their timelines sound.
These questions help clarify expectations and prevent last-minute surprises.
28. What is your availability around my preferred moving dates?
Movers book up quickly, especially during the peak summer season. Be proactive and check their availability before you lock in your move-out and move-in dates.
29. How long do you anticipate the move will take?
A clear time estimate helps you plan your day and coordinate other logistics, like travel, utility shut-offs, or elevator reservations. It will also help avoid surprise additional charges.
30. Do you have a policy for handling delays?
Weather, traffic, and other delays happen. Knowing how a company communicates and responds to schedule changes can reduce stress when the unexpected hits.
31. Will my belongings be delivered on a specific date or within a delivery window?
Some companies provide guaranteed delivery dates; others, especially long-distance movers, offer multi-day delivery windows. That can make a huge difference in your planning, so make sure you understand what’s promised and what’s flexible.
32. What happens if my move runs longer than expected?
Ask how they handle overtime or unexpected extensions. Will you be charged extra? Will they finish the job the same day or come back later? Don’t put yourself in a tricky spot by not having a clear sense of timing from the start.
Subcontractors and Staff
Just because you book with one company doesn’t mean they’re the ones showing up. Many moving companies use subcontractors and/or temporary labor to meet demand. That’s not always a bad thing, but as these are your belongings, you deserve to know who will actually be handling your stuff.
The following questions will give you a clearer picture of the crew doing the work and how they’re managed.
33. Do you use subcontractors?
If the company outsources the work, you’ll want to know who the subcontractor is, how they’re vetted, and whether you can contact them directly.
34. Are your movers employees or temporary workers?
Employees are more likely to be well-trained, experienced, and reliable. Temp workers may not have the same level of accountability or familiarity with the company’s standards.
35. Will the same team handle both loading and unloading?
Continuity makes a big difference, especially regarding communication and accountability throughout the move.
36. Do you run background checks on your crews?
Not every company does this, but it’s worth asking about. You deserve to know who’s entering your home and handling your personal belongings.
Claims and Disputes
Even with the best planning, things can go wrong. Items get damaged, boxes go missing, and timelines shift. What matters most is how the moving company responds.
The questions below will help you understand how they handle issues after the fact — and whether they’re prepared to make things right.
37. What is your claims process for damaged or lost items?
A good moving company should have a clear, documented process for submitting claims — and they should be up front about what’s covered and what isn’t.
38. Do you have a dispute resolution program?
Whether it’s handled in-house or through a third party, knowing there’s a formal system in place for disputes will offer peace of mind in case things don’t go smoothly.
39. How long does it typically take to resolve a claim?
Ask for an estimated timeline. Some companies resolve issues in days, and others may take weeks. The more specific they are, the better.
40. Can you walk me through a recent claim and how it was handled?
This puts their policy into context and shows how they deal with real-world situations — not just what’s on paper.
Overwhelmed By Questions? MovingPlace is Here to Help!
If your head’s spinning from all the things you’re supposed to ask a moving company, you’re not alone. Most people don’t know what to look for — or they realize they forgot to ask something after it’s too late.
That’s exactly why we built MovingPlace. We take the guesswork out of finding the right movers. Just tell us about your move, and we’ll match you with trusted, vetted professionals who already meet your needs. You don’t need to memorize a list or grill anyone over the phone. We’ve already done the hard part, so you can move with confidence.
Lauren Thomas
Melanie Morris