You’re planning to move, and the thought of hiring a moving company can make your head spin.
It's not just about picking up the phone and saying, "Hey, come move my stuff." You want to make sure you're not stuck with a bunch of scam artists who’ll break your furniture and hit you with hidden charges.
The moving industry is a multi-billion-dollar business, and according to a recent study, more than 35 million people in the U.S. move every year.
It means a lot of opportunities for shady movers to slip through the cracks.
Did you know that nearly 10% of consumers report having a poor experience with moving companies?
So, before you pick up the phone, you must know the right questions to ask when hiring a moving company to ensure you don't end up with someone who will ruin your day.
Let’s give you all the questions to ask when hiring a moving company.
This isn't just about asking, "How much is it?" You have to go deeper and be like a detective. Just keep reading, and we’ll guide you through it step-by-step.
Is Your Company Licensed and Insured?
This might sound obvious, but it's critical. You wouldn't let just anyone handle your stuff, right? The same goes for a moving company.
You need to know if they’re licensed and insured. A licensed company is legally recognized and follows the rules. If they're insured, it means they've got you covered if something gets broken.
- What to ask:Can you show me proof of your license and insurance?
- What to expect: They should be able to provide the details. In fact, reputable movers usually have this information ready.
- Why it matters: You don't want sketchy movers who disappear with your stuff or don't offer any protection. If something goes wrong, you're going to need that insurance!
These articles will help you identify legitimate movers:
What’s Your Pricing Structure?
We all know moving isn’t cheap, but what’s the deal with how they charge you?
There are different ways movers calculate their fees—some charge by the hour, some by the weight of your stuff, and others by the distance.
It's really important to know what you're getting into so you won't be blindsided by a hefty bill later.
- What to ask:Do you charge by the hour or by the weight of the items? Are there any hidden fees like long carries or extra charges for stairs?
- What to expect: A good moving company will clearly break down everything for you. They should be upfront about any extra charges.
- Why it matters: You don't want any surprise fees, like "Oh, you live on the third floor? That's an extra $100!" If the fees are clear, you can budget better and avoid any unexpected costs.
To get a better idea of moving costs, check out our detailed guide on how much Moving Companies Charge and make sure you’re fully prepared.
What Services Are Included in the Move?
You don’t just want to hire someone to throw your stuff in a truck and call it a day.
Maybe you need packing services, or maybe you have a few fragile antiques that need special care.
Not all moving companies offer the same services, so make sure you ask.
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What to ask:Do you offer packing, unpacking, or storage services? What about handling specialty items like pianos or fine art?”
- What to expect: They should let you know exactly what’s covered, and if they don’t offer certain services, they should be upfront about it.
- Why it matters: This can save you time and stress. Plus, if you have special items, you don’t want them getting tossed around like a bunch of old boxes.
Take a look at our detailed comparison of Full-service vs. self-service moving to better understand the differences.
Do You Offer Any Additional Services Like Packing or Cleaning?
Some companies offer additional services like packing, unpacking, or even cleaning up your old place after you’re gone. These services can be a lifesaver.
- What to ask:“Do you offer packing services? How about cleaning up after the move?”
- What to expect: You should be able to get a good idea of whether these services are available and at what price.
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Why it matters: If you’re in a time crunch, having packing and cleaning services available can save you a ton of stress. If the company doesn’t offer these, at least you know you’ll have to make other arrangements.
What Kind of Equipment Do You Use?
Have you ever heard of moving companies showing up with old, creaky trucks or worn-out equipment? It happens. A reputable company should have well-maintained trucks and proper moving equipment.
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What to ask:“What kind of moving equipment do you use? Do your trucks have enough space to handle my move?”
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What to expect: The company should use modern, well-maintained vehicles and the right equipment (like dollies, blankets, and straps) to move your items safely.
- Why it matters: You want to ensure your belongings aren’t damaged because of poor equipment. Also, a well-equipped company is usually a sign of professionalism.
To ensure a smooth move, learn about the essential Moving Equipment and Tools You Must Have on Moving Day.
How Many People Will Be on the Moving Crew?
You don’t want a company sending just one or two people to handle your entire move, especially if you’ve got a lot of furniture or heavy items. More people mean a quicker, more efficient move.
- What to ask:“How many movers will be on my crew? Can I request extra movers if needed?”
- What to expect: They should give you a general idea of how many movers they’ll send and whether you can add more if you have a bigger load.
- Why it matters: The more hands on deck, the quicker and smoother the move, if they send fewer movers, the move could take longer, costing you more money and time.
What Is the Estimated Timeline for My Move?
Moving day is stressful enough—imagine if they show up late or your stuff doesn't arrive on time.
- What to ask: "What's the estimated timeline for my move? Will my items arrive on the same day, or will they be delayed?"
- What to expect: They should give you a clear delivery window and be realistic about the timeline.
- Why it matters: Timing is everything. You need to coordinate things like setting up utilities and taking time off work. If they’re vague about timelines, that’s a red flag.
To help determine how many movers and what truck size you'll need, check out our guide on How to Estimate Your Move Size.
Do You Subcontract Your Moves?
This one is super important. Some moving companies hire subcontractors to do the actual moving. It's not necessarily bad, but you want to know exactly who's handling your stuff.
- What to ask: ;Do you hire subcontractors for any part of the move? How do you vet them
- What to expect: They should be transparent and explain how they ensure quality with subcontractors.
- Why it matters: You don’t want random people showing up to move your things. You want professionals who are trained and trustworthy.
Do You Have Any Restrictions on What You Move?
Some moving companies will not move certain items, such as hazardous materials, pets, or plants. It's important to know what's on the "don't move" list.
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What to ask:“Are there any items you won’t move, like hazardous materials or plants?
- What to expect: They should give you a clear list of prohibited items.
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Why it matters: If they don't move something, you'll need to make other arrangements. You don't want to be caught off guard on moving day.
To avoid surprises, learn What Items Movers Will Not Move and make sure you're clear on what items movers won't handle!
How Do You Handle Insurance and Damaged Items?
Accidents happen. Maybe something gets scratched, or a box gets dropped. It's important to know what kind of insurance they provide so you're not stuck paying out of pocket for their mistake.
There are two main types of insurance: basic and full value protection.
Basic insurance is usually cheap (really cheap) and only covers a tiny bit per pound of your stuff. Full value protection covers the actual value of your stuff, but it's pricier.
- What to ask: What insurance options do you provide? If something is damaged, how do I file a claim?
- What to expect: They should walk you through their process and give you the option for full coverage if you want it.
- Why it matters: If you have expensive items like furniture, electronics, or family heirlooms, you’ll want full coverage. Don’t leave your stuff unprotected.
What Happens if Something Goes Wrong?
Life happens, and sometimes things don't go as planned. If your stuff gets lost or damaged or if something else goes wrong, it's important to understand the process.
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What to ask:What’s your process if something goes wrong during the move? How do you handle lost or damaged items?
- What to expect: They should give you a clear process and be willing to compensate you if something happens.
- Why it matters: You want to know that the company has your back if things go south. If they’re not willing to take responsibility, that’s a huge red flag.
If things go south during your move, make sure you’re prepared on How to Handle Movers Holding Your Goods Hostage and know what to do in case of any issues!
What’s Your Experience with Long-Distance Moves?
If you’re moving out of state or to a different part of the country, you’ll want to make sure the company you hire has experience with long-distance moves.
Not all moving companies are equipped to handle interstate moves, especially when it comes to logistics and insurance.
- What to ask: How much experience do you have with long-distance moves? Are there any additional charges for this type of move?
- What to expect: They should be experienced with long-distance moves and be able to explain the different charges (fuel surcharges, for example) that might apply.
- Why it matters: Long-distance moves involve more logistics and timing, so you want to work with a company that has a proven track record in that area.
Can You Provide References or Reviews?
Anyone can say they’re great at moving. But can they prove it?
Reputable moving companies should have no problem giving you references from past customers. Plus, you can always check online reviews.
Just make sure to dig a little deeper—some companies might have fake reviews, so look for trends in the feedback.
- What to ask: Can you provide a few recent references or direct me to where I can read reviews of your services?”
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strong>What to expect: They should either have reviews on their website or be willing to direct you to independent review sites like My Moving Journey.
- Why it matters: You want to make sure they’ve got a track record of happy customers. If they don’t, it’s a red flag.
To ensure you're reading genuine feedback, check out our guide on How To Spot Fake Moving Reviews and learn how to avoid unreliable reviews.
Do You Have a Cancellation or Rescheduling Policy?
Sometimes, life happens, and plans need to be changed. It's important to understand the company's cancellation or rescheduling policy.
- What to ask: What’s your cancellation policy? How far in advance do I need to cancel or reschedule?”
- What to expect: A professional moving company will provide clear terms for canceling or rescheduling, including any fees involved.
- >Why it matters: Flexibility is key. You never know when you might need to adjust your move date, and understanding this policy helps you avoid penalties.
Read our guide on How to Cancel a Move and get the details on how to manage any changes to your moving plans.
How Do You Handle Payment? Do You Require a Deposit?
Some moving companies require a deposit upfront, while others don't. It's important to know exactly when and how you'll need to pay so you're not surprised later.
- What to ask: “Do you require a deposit? When is the full payment due?”
- What to expect: They should clearly indicate when you need to pay (usually before the move, at least in part) and whether or not they require a deposit.
- Why it matters: This helps you budget for the move and understand what’s expected when the time comes. If a company asks for a large upfront deposit, that could be a red flag.
How Do You Handle Delays?
We’ve all heard the horror stories of moving trucks showing up days late, right? You don’t want to be left hanging, especially if you’ve already made plans for your new home.
- What to ask: “What happens if there’s a delay in the move? Will I be notified in advance?”
- What to expect: They should clearly explain how they handle delays, whether they'll provide updates, and how they plan to resolve any issues.
- Why it matters: Delays can happen, but you want to make sure the company is proactive in communicating and minimizing inconvenience.
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How Do You Handle Items with Special Value?
If you’re moving anything fragile, valuable, or sentimental (hello, Grandma’s antique china), you need to know how the company will handle those items.
- What to ask: How do you protect and handle items of high value or fragility? Do you offer specialized packing for these items?”
- What to expect: The company should be able to offer you specialized packing and handling for delicate or valuable items, and they should explain how they’ll protect those items during the move.
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Why it matters: Fragile and valuable items need extra attention, and you don’t want your stuff getting damaged because the movers didn’t know how to pack it properly.
How to Talk to Movers Like a Pro – The Script
When you call or meet with a moving company, you need to be prepared and ask all the right questions to get a clear picture of who you're dealing with.
Follow this script, and you'll be well on your way to hiring a professional, trustworthy, and perfect moving company for your needs.
Step 1: Initial Greeting and Setting Expectations
You: "Hi there. I'm planning a move and looking for a reliable moving company. Could you provide me with some details about your services?"
Step 2: Ask About Licensing and Insurance
You:“Can you please confirm if your company is properly licensed and insured?”
Mover:“Yes, we are licensed and insured. Here’s our USDOT number and proof of insurance.”
You:“Great! Could you send me those details in writing for my records?”
Step 3: Understand the Pricing Structure
You:“How do you calculate moving costs? Do you charge by the hour, weight, or distance? Can you break down what’s included in the price?”
Mover:“We charge by the hour, and our rates include loading, transportation, and unloading. There may be extra charges for stairs or long carries.”
You:“Are there any hidden fees I should know about, like for fuel or tolls?”
Step 4: Clarify the Services Provided
You:“Do you offer packing and unpacking services, or is it just the transportation of items? Do you also provide storage solutions?”
Mover:“Yes, we offer full packing services, including bubble wrapping, boxes, and even unpacking. We also offer short- and long-term storage if needed.”
You:“What about specialty items? How do you handle things like fragile antiques or large furniture?”
Step 5: Ask About Insurance and Liability Coverage
You:“What insurance options do you offer? What happens if something gets damaged during the move?”
Mover:“We offer basic liability coverage as well as full value protection. If something is damaged, we’ll either repair it or replace it with an item of equal value.”
You:“Can you provide the terms and conditions of your insurance in writing?”
Step 6: Ask for References or Reviews
You:“Can you provide references from recent customers or direct me to some reviews online? I want to make sure I’m hiring a company with a good track record.”
Mover:“Sure! You can check our reviews on Google and Yelp. We’ve got plenty of happy customers who’ve moved recently.”
You:“Thanks! I’ll take a look. Can you also send me any recent testimonials or references from past customers?”
Step 7: Ask About the Crew and Equipment
You:“How many movers will be assigned to my move? Will they be employees of your company, or do you subcontract any part of the moving process?”
Mover:“We’ll send a team of 3 professional movers. We don’t use subcontractors. Our team is fully trained and experienced.”
You:“That’s great! Can you send me a list of their qualifications and experience?”
Step 8: Get a Timeline for the Move
You:“What’s the estimated timeline for my move? Will my items arrive on the same day, or is there a window of delivery?”
Mover:"For a local move, your items will arrive on the same day. If it's a long-distance move, it might take 3-7 days, depending on the distance."
You:“If there’s a delay, how do you handle it? Will I be notified in advance?”
Step 9: Ask About Cancellation or Rescheduling Policies
You:“What’s your cancellation policy? If I need to reschedule or cancel the move, how much notice do I need to give?”
Mover: "We require 48 hours notice for cancellations or changes to your moving date. There's a small fee if you cancel within 24 hours."
Step 10: Finalize Payment Details
You:“Do you require a deposit? When is the full payment due, and what forms of payment do you accept?”
Mover:“We require a 20% deposit upfront, with the balance due on the day of the move. We accept credit cards, cash, and checks.”
You:“Can you send me a copy of the contract with all payment details before the move?”
Step 11: Wrap Up the Conversation
You:“Thanks for all the information! I’ll review everything and get back to you soon. Can I contact you if I have any additional questions?”
Mover:“Of course! Feel free to reach out anytime. We’re here to help.”
You:“Great! I’ll talk to you soon.”
This script provides a thorough approach to hiring a moving company. It will help you ask all the right questions to avoid scams or shady companies.
If the company hesitates or provides unclear answers, that’s a red flag. On the other hand, a reputable moving company will be transparent, professional, and happy to answer all your questions.
You’re Ready to Make Your Move!
By now, you should be armed with all the questions you need to ask before hiring a moving company. The goal is to find a company that meets your needs and gives you confidence that your belongings are in good hands.
Ask these questions, get the right answers, and make sure you’re comfortable with everything before signing on the dotted line.
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