How do I know whether I am talking to a mover or a broker?

Ask directly, and ask who will physically show up. Brokers can be legitimate, but you should know which company is responsible for your belongings and be able to look that carrier up.

Should I be present the whole day?

You or someone you trust should be, at both ends. Someone needs to answer questions, check the inventory and do the final walkthrough before the truck leaves.

What paperwork should I have before moving day?

You should have a written estimate showing the service level and inventory basis, the order for service, a bill of lading on the day, and clear valuation or coverage election. Keep contact details for a real person you can reach during the move. Read the delivery window language rather than assuming a single date.

How do I check that a moving company is legitimate?

Look for a physical business address, a consistent company name across the estimate, website and paperwork, and registration details you can verify for interstate moves. Read recent reviews for patterns about pickup, delivery timing and claims. Be cautious with large cash deposits, quotes given without any survey, and a company that will not put terms in writing.

Hiring Guides

Questions to ask a moving company

The questions that separate movers who will handle your day well from the ones who will surprise you at the truck.

By Elijah Canfield, Founder, Hire Best Pros · Updated August 24, 2026

Elijah Canfield is the founder of Hire Best Pros. He writes and edits the site's consumer guides, with a focus on how home service and moving projects are priced, scoped and compared.

A moving estimator with a tablet walking through the rooms of a home

Ask how the estimate was produced, what would change the final price, who will actually perform the move, what coverage applies to your belongings, and what the pickup and delivery windows are. Write the answers down for each company, because the comparison is only meaningful when everyone answered the same questions.

About the company

Are you performing the move with your own crew and trucks, or brokering it to another carrier?
For interstate moves, what is your USDOT number?
How long have you operated under this business name?
What licensing does your state require for movers, and do you hold it?

About the estimate

Is this binding, not-to-exceed or non-binding?
Was it produced from a walkthrough, a video survey or a phone call?
What specific circumstances would raise the final price?
Are packing materials, stairs, long carries and shuttle service included or extra?
What is your policy if the job runs longer than estimated?

About the day and the delivery

What is the arrival window, and what happens if the crew is delayed?
How many people will be on the crew?
For interstate moves, what is the delivery window and how will you keep me updated?
How do you handle items that need disassembly, and do you reassemble at the destination?
What is your claims process if something is damaged, and what is the deadline to file?

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About payment

A large cash deposit before move day is a reason to slow down and look more carefully at the company.

What deposit is required, and when is the balance due?
What payment methods do you accept at delivery?
Are there charges that are only assessed on move day, and what are they?

Common questions

How do I know whether I am talking to a mover or a broker?: Ask directly, and ask who will physically show up. Brokers can be legitimate, but you should know which company is responsible for your belongings and be able to look that carrier up.
Should I be present the whole day?: You or someone you trust should be, at both ends. Someone needs to answer questions, check the inventory and do the final walkthrough before the truck leaves.
What paperwork should I have before moving day?: You should have a written estimate showing the service level and inventory basis, the order for service, a bill of lading on the day, and clear valuation or coverage election. Keep contact details for a real person you can reach during the move. Read the delivery window language rather than assuming a single date.
How do I check that a moving company is legitimate?: Look for a physical business address, a consistent company name across the estimate, website and paperwork, and registration details you can verify for interstate moves. Read recent reviews for patterns about pickup, delivery timing and claims. Be cautious with large cash deposits, quotes given without any survey, and a company that will not put terms in writing.