Sometimes, people forget to ask, or they assume everything’s already understood, and then – just a little too late – they realize a few sharp questions would’ve made the difference between a manageable move and a drawn-out, disastrous ordeal no one wants to talk about afterward. The contract’s signed, the truck’s loaded, and you’re standing there watching strangers carry your bed frame, unsure if it’s even covered by insurance. The above scenario happens more than anyone admits. Asking a moving company the right questions early on won’t make your move the perfect relocation ever, but it will give it structure, expectations, and, at the very least, fewer unpleasant discoveries once your belongings have already hit the road. Because hiring a moving company is a temporary surrender of everything that fills your home, and you don’t want your belongings in the wrong hands.
Are You Properly Licensed?
If you’re not talking to a well-known, nationwide brand, you should definitely ask whether the movers are licensed to operate in your city or state. This means requesting a USDOT number for interstate moves or checking with your local public utilities commission or consumer affairs office for local ones.
A license doesn’t necessarily promise out-of-this-world excellence, but it does mean the company is on record and answerable to a regulatory body. It’s a pretty straightforward question, but the replies won’t all sound the same. Some will hand you documents without hesitation; others will stall or act as if the topic should never have come up. Ask directly and expect precision. Avoid getting sidetracked by a friendly tone.
I Need Specific Services – Will You Provide Them?
Every move is different, and most people underestimate their own. You may have a piano, antique mirrors, plants that can’t freeze, or a narrow staircase that twists too tight. So, ask this clearly: these are the things I need to do. Do you do them? Will they pack your stuff for you, disassemble furniture, move fragile items with the utmost care, or haul junk you don’t want anymore? One of the things you should do first – before they arrive, before you even hire them – is have this conversation. Explain your specific needs and ask them to repeat them back to you. If the company offers full-service moves, ask what that includes and what it definitely doesn’t. Most misunderstandings start right here.
If Something Breaks, Who Pays for It and How?
Before hiring a moving company, you can ask: do you offer insurance? But it might be better to ask: what happens if any of my belongings break during the move? Because, well, that’s what you really want to know.
There are two kinds of coverage under federal law – Released Value Protection and Full Value Protection. The first one is almost worthless: up to 60 cents per pound of damaged items. That means your pricey, solid wood, six-drawer dresser might earn you just under a hundred bucks. The second one is much better but usually costs more. Some companies offer third-party insurance, some don’t. Ask what’s included in writing. Then, ask if they’ve ever had to file claims. And how they went. You want more than a number. You want a story.
Will You Lock Me Into a Price, or Will It Keep Changing?
There are estimates, and then there are binding estimates. These two things should never be confused. Some movers offer a binding quote – what you’re quoted is what you pay, even if the move takes longer. Others will offer a not-to-exceed estimate, which is safer than a flat hourly rate with vague time predictions.
Ask directly: how do you calculate the cost of the move? Is it hourly? Or weight-based? Do you charge more for stairs, narrow halls, and long carry distances? Do you upcharge boxes? Some companies even charge for fuel separately. You’ll hear a lot of industry terms. Just keep asking until the sentence makes sense in plain English.
Who Have You Moved, and Can I Talk to Them About It?
References matter only when they’re real. If a company has been around for ten years and can’t give you five names, that’s pretty suspicious. Simply ask for contacts of recent customers who’ve had similar moves – apartment to apartment, house to storage, cross-country, same-day, whatever.
Yes, reviews on the internet are helpful, but they’re also a little impersonal. You want names. Conversations. A chance to hear how the crew behaved, whether timelines were honored, and whether any surprise charges appeared at the last minute. Ask how long the company has been operating under its current name. Some shady businesses shut down and reopen under new names every couple of years or so.
What Other Charges Might Show Up on My Bill?
The language of additional fees is often so sanitized it no longer sounds like actual money. Here’s what you’ll want to know. Will they charge you extra if there’s no elevator? If the truck can’t park close? If you need to change the date? Will they bill you if the move runs late due to their crew being short-handed or arriving late? Will they charge you for tape and other packing materials? Some of this sounds small, but it adds up fast. Ask: can you give me a full list of fees I might incur beyond the quoted rate? If they hesitate, that’s its own answer, so to speak.
Go Slow
Hiring a moving company isn’t something most people do regularly, but if it goes badly, you’ll remember it for years. That’s reason enough to slow down and approach it deliberately. Ask the questions others would skip. Request specifics instead of generalities. Don’t assume professionalism just because someone wears a neat uniform or has a polished website. Let them earn your trust by how they speak, how they respond, how little they try to dodge the basics. If something feels off, pay close attention. It’s your furniture, your money, and your time. Treat all three like they matter before the first box is even moved.