Woman holding a cell phone to make a call while carrying moving boxes.
Woman holding a cell phone to make a call while carrying moving boxes.

Whether you’re moving across the country or state lines, clear communication with your moving company and its team is essential. Asking the right questions will help reduce misunderstandings and keep your move on track and as stress-free as possible. 

Before outsourcing your moving services to a professional, take note of the following questions to ask.

1. Are You Licensed Through the FMCSA?

All interstate movers are required to be licensed through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). That makes this the first question you should ask any mover. FMCSA licensing ensures the moving company complies with federal safety and consumer protection regulations. 

The only appropriate answer for your mover is to include the company’s USDOT number and documentation. Disqualify companies that hesitate to share this information or claim they don’t need licensing. For local moves, ask about state-specific licensing requirements. A reputable moving company will always be transparent about credentials and happy to provide proof of licensing.

2. What Insurance and Liability Coverage Options Do You Offer?

As you source quotes from movers, ask about the insurance and liability coverage they offer to protect your belongings. Movers should typically offer basic liability coverage (released value protection) and full value protection. 

Movers shouldn’t be cagey about this. Reputable companies will clearly explain these options, costs, and coverage limits. Move along if a company is vague about its coverage or pushes expensive options without providing alternatives. You should focus on hiring a mover who provides written details and helps you understand which choice best suits your needs.

3. What Are Your Rates, and How Do You Charge?

Price is a major consideration when hiring movers. Understanding the moving company’s rates and charge method helps you budget and avoid surprises. Movers will typically charge you based on weight, volume, or hourly rates, depending on the move type

Moving companies should clearly outline their pricing structure, including any additional fees for services like packing or long carries. Be wary of movers who provide vague estimates or refuse to give written quotes. Reputable movers explain their rates transparently and provide a detailed, written estimate. Ask if the quote is binding or non-binding to understand financial commitments.

4. How Do You Handle Loss and Damage Claims?

How a company handles loss and damage claims is important to the protection of your belongings. Ask this question before you finalize your mover. You need to know how you’ll be compensated if something goes wrong. 

Reputable movers will clearly explain the claim process. That includes timeframes for filing those claims and how they assess damages. Ask your mover to provide written information about the claims process and be cautious of companies that are vague about it or that discourage claims entirely. Red flags include short claim windows or complex procedures.

5. How Long Do You Estimate the Move Will Take?

Ask your mover about the duration of your move to help plan and coordinate various aspects of your relocation. You can ask during the initial consultation or after receiving your quote. Accurate timelines help arrange time off work, schedule utility connections, and plan for temporary housing if necessary. 

Professional movers should provide reasonable estimates based on things like distance, volume of belongings, and potential challenges. Unrealistically short timelines or vague answers should give you pause. A reputable mover explains the factors that influence the timeline and offers a window rather than specific dates for long-distance relocations. They’ll also discuss potential delays and how they communicate updates.

6. Can You Provide a Detailed Estimate for My Move?

Detailed estimates help you understand the full cost of your move and avoid unexpected charges. Ask this question after the mover has assessed your belongings through in-home visits or virtual surveys. 

Reputable moving companies provide comprehensive, itemized estimates in writing. That includes all services, potential fees, and whether the estimate is binding or non-binding. Look out for estimates that seem too good to be true or require large upfront deposits.

7. What Are Your References and Experience Like?

Any reputable mover will readily provide references from recent customers and detail their experience in the industry. That includes highlighting long-standing relationships or specialized expertise. Red flags include testimonials without direct references or vague responses. A trustworthy mover should be transparent about their track record and proud of their experience.

8. What Additional Services Do You Offer, and How Are They Priced?

Ask about additional services when discussing your move’s specifics, typically after the initial quote but before finalizing the contract. Reputable movers will clearly outline additional services like packing, storage, or specialty item handling and detail transparent pricing. Be aware of companies that give vague answers about service costs or push unnecessary add-ons. Red flags include hidden fees or drastically inflated prices for basic services. Professional movers will help determine what you actually need instead of upselling you on everything.

9. Do You Offer Any Discounts?

Discounts can help save money, so you should ask about them before finalizing your booking and after receiving the initial quote. This timing lets you accurately compare total costs from multiple movers at once. 

Reputable movers will be upfront about available discounts, such as off-peak season rates, military discounts, or first-time customer offers. Some will even proactively ask if situations apply to you. Be wary, however, of companies that reluctantly discuss discounts or who offer steep ones without clear justification. 

Discounts are great, but they shouldn’t be the sole factor in your decision. Balance savings against the movers’ reputation and service quality to make sure you get the best overall value.

10. What is Your Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy?

Understanding the moving company’s cancellation and rescheduling policies is crucial for saving yourself from fees. It also ensures flexibility. Ask this question before you sign a contract or make a deposit. 

Reputable movers will clearly explain their policy, including critical deadlines for changes and associated fees. Be cautious of companies with overly strict policies or those that are vague about the terms. Red flags might include excessive cancellation fees or inflexible rescheduling terms. 

Life is unpredictable, and a good moving company should offer reasonable accommodations for changes that still protect their business interests. Get the policy in writing to avoid misunderstandings later.

Understanding the Importance of Interviewing Movers

Interviewing your movers is critical to ensure your move is stress-free. By vetting movers, you can protect yourself from scams, hidden fees, and subpar services. The consequences of not vetting your movers can be severe and range from damaged or lost belongings to unexpected costs. 

Reputable moving companies will welcome questions and provide honest answers. This transparency reflects a commitment to customer satisfaction and professionalism. In addition to interviews, remember to check online reviews and verify their credentials. Combining research and interviews gives you the information you need to make an informed decision.

Hiring a Moving Company the Simple Way

Of course, one way to simplify hiring a moving company even more is to work with a moving broker. 

Moving brokers don’t transport your belongings. Instead, they help their customers shop for a mover. Trusted moving brokers have already vetted carriers and can help source the right moving company that meets your budget and transportation needs. Safe Ship is a moving broker that offers services across the country for your long-distance move. Contact us today to learn more about the advantages of hiring a moving broker.

Interstate Moving Services

Our commitment to service helps you find licensed cross-country movers within our carrier network at fair, competitive prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What information does a moving company need from me when I hire them?

Moving companies need a few key pieces of information, including your current and new addresses, preferred moving dates, an inventory of items to be moved, and special requirements like storage or specialty moving needs. You will also provide contact information, access information for both locations and your preferred insurance option. Finally, you will sign a contract and provide a deposit.

Moving brokers connect customers with moving companies. They gather your requirements and obtain quotes from multiple movers at once, potentially saving you time and effort. Brokers may have access to a wide network that allows them to find services more easily than if you researched things on your own.

A moving broker might not guarantee savings, but they can help you compare rates from several carriers at once. The time-savings and convenience, however, can allow you to focus on using your budget for other things related to your move.