Questions To Ask a Moving Company Before You Hire Them
When you hire a moving crew, you’re trusting them with your furniture and most important belongings. From electronics to irreplaceable items, these professionals handle what matters most. It’s important to have a team you can trust.
Confirm how reliable movers are before you let them touch your belongings. Knowing the right questions to ask moving companies can help you determine whether the moving company is legitimate and what its quote covers.
Keep reading to learn what to know before hiring movers. We’ll walk you through the questions to ask before you request a moving quote, while you’re comparing moving estimates, and in the minutes leading up to signing.
Before You Request a Quote: Questions To Vet the Company
Before you discuss pricing, confirm the company’s credentials. The following questions help you avoid unlicensed operators and unnecessary risk.
Are You Licensed and Insured?
Any moving company crossing state lines must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and hold a valid USDOT number. You can check the company’s legitimacy at the FMCSA’s Protect Your Move website.
In-state or local moves follow state rules and regulations, which vary depending on location. A legitimate mover carries insurance coverage that protects your home and belongings. It also carries workers’ compensation, which protects you if a crew member is injured inside your home.
Are You a Carrier or a Broker?
A moving carrier owns the truck and employs the crew that arrives to help you move. A broker arranges your move with a separate moving company instead of handling your belongings directly.
Both are legal, and an honest broker will disclose their role upfront. Ask who transports your belongings so you know which company handles the physical move.
Do You Use Full-Time Employees or Subcontractors?
Ask how the company screens and trains anyone who handles your belongings. Full-time employees typically receive training and undergo background checks. Subcontracted crews can vary in skill and may not follow the same standards.
How Long Have You Been in Business, and Can You Provide References?
You don’t need a moving company with decades of experience, but a stable history matters. Companies with several years of consistent service have usually refined their process and resolved early mistakes. Ask for recent references or verified reviews to confirm the company’s performance with real customers.
When Comparing Estimates: Questions About Pricing and Scope
Many moving-day disputes come down to the estimate itself. A low quote can become more expensive if it leaves out services or accessorial charges. The following moving company questions help you determine what’s included in the quote and what may change depending on the workload:
- Is this a binding or non-binding estimate? A binding estimate is a fixed price. A non-binding estimate is a well-informed guess, so the final number may increase, especially if the mover discovers more items or needs more time to complete the job.
- Will you do an in-home or virtual walkthrough? Avoid quotes given over the phone, sight-unseen. A legitimate moving quote comes after a walkthrough, either in-person or over video. Someone should assess every area of your home, including attics and storage spaces.
- What additional fees could apply? Ask if there are additional charges, such as for stairs, elevators, or difficult access. Make sure to get the full list. College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving prices around your relocation instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, and it’s transparent upfront.
- How and when do I pay, and is a deposit required? Ask which payment methods the company accepts, and whether they need a deposit. Reputable movers keep deposits modest or optional. A large upfront payment is a common red flag and should prompt further vetting.
Before Signing: Questions About Services, Protection and Policies
The final set of questions to ask movers can help you narrow down your choice between a company that can handle your move and one that may struggle:
- What services are included, and what can be added? The basics you might expect when hiring a moving company are loading, transport, and unloading. Some offer more. For example, College HUNKS offers moving, packing services, junk removal, donation pickup, and hourly labor, all available in one booking.
- What items won’t you transport? Every mover has a list of items they won’t touch, such as propane tanks, paint, and anything flammable. Some refuse to transport perishable goods or live plants. Professional movers also avoid cash and important documents. Ask for the list before you start packing.
- What valuation liability coverage is included, and how do I get more? It’s important to confirm how the mover protects your belongings if something is lost or damaged. Basic coverage is “released value” for long-distance moves, which limits the mover’s liability to no more than $0.60 per pound per article. Full value protection, on the other hand, requires the moving company to pay for repairs or replacements, but it costs extra.
- What is your claims process if something gets damaged? Even the best moving crew has an off day. If something gets damaged, ask how to file a claim, how long you have, and how the mover repairs or replaces broken items? They should explain their process clearly.
What is your cancellation and rescheduling process? Sometimes, life gets in the way and plans change. Knowing how the moving company handles cancellations or rescheduling helps you avoid last-minute stress.
Red Flags To Watch for When You Ask These Questions
A reliable moving company can field your questions as if they’ve heard them thousands of times. If they’re vague about licensing, rush you to sign a contract, or quote a suspiciously low price without a walkthrough, that’s when you should step back.
You can confirm the moving company is legit by checking for a verifiable USDOT number. Then check for a physical address and branded moving trucks.
Unfortunately, there are moving company scams still taking place across the country today, including:
- Hostage load scams: Movers demand more money after loading your belongings.
- Lowball estimates: Victims receive steep price increases on moving day.
Deposit theft: A moving company collects payment upfront but never shows up for the move.
Make sure to carefully vet movers before you sign anything. The FMCSA’s Operation Protect Your Move resources help consumers check mover registration, understand their rights, and identify common red flags.
Ask the Right Questions, Then Call College HUNKS
Well before the big day, keep a checklist of questions to ask moving companies. The answers will help you lock down a transparent quote from a reliable mover. Then verify their license, confirm the estimate, and settle coverage before you sign anything.
When you’re ready, College HUNKS answers each question upfront. You’ll know all about licensing, insurance, pricing, and included services well before your move date. Take a moment to prepare for movers, then hand the heavy lifting over to a crew you can trust.