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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.
Hire Best Pros Editorial Team · Updated August 24, 2026
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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Start your moveAbout 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.