Questions to Ask a Moving Company Before You Hire Them

These questions to ask a moving company help you find out who will handle your belongings, what work is included, and how the final charge can change. Ask each company the same questions, get its answers in writing, and compare the documents before paying a deposit or signing. This guide covers local and interstate moves in the United States; specific requirements differ by route and state.

Start with the company behind the quote

1. Are you the moving company or a broker?

A mover transports your shipment. A broker arranges transportation with a mover. Ask for the legal business name of the company that will actually load and deliver your goods, and whether another carrier or agent may be assigned. If you are dealing with a broker, ask when you will learn the carrier’s identity and whose terms govern the move. The FMCSA explanation of movers and brokers is useful for interstate moves.

2. What registration and coverage can I verify?

For an interstate move, request the U.S. DOT number and check the company’s authority and complaint history through the FMCSA mover search guidance. For a move entirely within one state, ask which state or local requirements apply and verify them with the appropriate agency. A number printed on a website is a starting point, not proof that the company you spoke with is the authorized carrier.

3. What is your business address and how can I reach you during the move?

Ask for a physical business address, a direct contact for scheduling, and a number to use during pickup and delivery. Search the company name alongside “complaint” or “scam,” and look for patterns across reviews rather than relying on a single rating. The FTC advice on hiring a mover recommends checking registration, reputation, and contact details.

Make the estimate comparable

4. How will you inspect everything I plan to move?

Give each company the same inventory: rooms, large pieces, storage spaces, fragile items, and anything needing disassembly. Show stairs, elevators, long carries, narrow access, and parking limitations. Ask how a video survey or in-person visit will capture these details. A quote that leaves out a storage unit or bulky item will be difficult to compare fairly.

5. Is this a written binding or nonbinding estimate?

Ask exactly what the estimated price covers and what may change it. For interstate moves, FMCSA distinguishes binding estimates, which set the price for the listed shipment and services, from nonbinding estimates, whose final cost may change. Added goods or services can require a revised agreement. Review the FMCSA explanation of written estimates before signing.

6. Which charges are outside the base price?

Request an itemized list covering packing materials, labor, stairs, elevator waits, long carries, shuttle trucks, storage, fuel or travel charges, rescheduling, and delivery access where relevant. Ask which charges are included, which are possible, and how each is calculated. If you are comparing moving estimates and quotes, use the same inventory and service level for every bid.

7. What is the deposit, cancellation policy, and accepted payment method?

Get the due dates, refund conditions, and final payment terms in writing. Treat demands for cash or a large advance deposit as a warning sign; the FTC specifically cautions against them. Keep receipts and use the written agreement to confirm when payment is due.

Clarify the work and the delivery

8. What exactly will your crew pack, carry, disassemble, and reassemble?

Separate services the mover will perform from tasks you must finish before arrival. Ask about fragile items, appliances, electronics, mattresses, and items the crew will not accept. Use a moving packing supplies checklist to plan what you will pack yourself, and decide how to label moving boxes for faster unpacking before the crew arrives.

9. What are the pickup and delivery windows?

Ask for the arrival window, the delivery window or spread, whether belongings may be transferred to another truck or stored in transit, and how updates will be sent. For an interstate move, read the dates and delivery terms in the order for service and bill of lading, rather than relying on a verbal promise. Keep a direct contact number available for moving day.

10. Who handles parking, building rules, and access?

Tell the mover about loading docks, elevator reservations, stairs, gate codes, permits, and truck restrictions at both addresses. Ask who obtains approvals and what happens if access is unavailable on arrival. Put agreed arrangements into the written paperwork so a practical detail does not become a surprise charge.

Understand damage coverage and paperwork

11. What protection applies if something is lost or damaged?

Ask for the available valuation options, their costs, deductibles or exclusions, and how to document a claim. For interstate moves, FMCSA describes full value protection and released value as different levels of mover liability; they are not interchangeable with a separate insurance policy. Review the chosen option on your paperwork and check your own coverage before assuming an item is protected.

12. What documents will I receive, and when?

Request the written estimate, service order, inventory where applicable, bill of lading, valuation selection, and claims instructions. For interstate moves, ask for the federal rights booklet. Read filled-in dates, services, and prices before signing; do not sign a blank or incomplete form. FMCSA explains these documents in its tips for a successful move. Keep copies with your moving day documents.

How to compare the answers

Put each written offer beside the same inventory and check the carrier identity, scope, estimate type, possible extras, dates, liability selection, and cancellation terms. If one bid is much lower, ask the company to identify exactly what it omitted or priced differently. A clear answer and complete paperwork are more useful than a vague assurance that everything is covered.

Before booking, verify the interstate carrier’s current record or the applicable state requirements yourself. Save the estimate and correspondence, then revisit the pickup details during the week before moving day.

Frequently asked questions

How many moving quotes should I get?

FMCSA’s planning checklist recommends estimates from at least three movers or brokers. Use the same inventory and services so the offers can be compared beyond the headline price.

Is a low quote a reason to reject a mover?

A low number alone does not establish a problem. Ask why it is lower and check whether the estimate includes the same items, access conditions, protection choice, and services as the other bids. Walk away if the company will not provide complete written terms or asks you to sign blanks.

Do local moves follow the same federal rules as interstate moves?

No. FMCSA’s household-goods consumer rules discussed here generally address interstate moves. For an in-state move, check the rules and complaint process with your state or local consumer protection agency.

References and Resources

Editorial Note: These federal consumer resources were selected to support the interstate registration, estimate, liability, and fraud-prevention points. The question order and comparison method are MuvvKit editorial guidance, not official requirements. This article is general information. Procedures, forms, charges, and service details can change; verify current requirements with the relevant agency, mover, written contract, insurer, or local authority.

• FMCSA Moving Checklist
• FMCSA Movers vs. Brokers
• FMCSA How Can I Avoid Unexpected Moving Costs?
• FMCSA Tips for a Successful Move
• FTC Avoid Scams When You Hire a Moving Company