What Questions Should I Ask a Professional Moving Company Before Hiring Them?

What Questions Should I Ask a Professional Moving Company Before Hiring Them to Avoid Surprises on Moving Day?

What Questions Should I Ask a Professional Moving Company Before Hiring Them?

Hiring movers can be stressful—especially if you don’t know what to ask. Whether you're moving across town or to another state, knowing what to ask a moving company helps you avoid hidden fees, delays, and bad service.

Here’s a list of the most important questions you should ask before hiring any professional mover.

What Questions Should I Ask a Professional Moving Company Before Hiring Them to Ensure a Smooth Move?

1. Are you insured?Make sure the company carries both general liability and cargo insurance. This protects your belongings and your property in case of damage or accidents during the move.

2. Do you offer binding or non-binding estimates?Understand whether the quote is fixed or if it can change. A binding estimate locks in the price (unless your inventory changes), while a non-binding one may increase based on time or volume.

3. What’s included in the quote?Clarify what services are included—truck fee, mileage, furniture disassembly, padding, tape, travel time, etc. Make sure you understand exactly what you're paying for.

4. Do you charge extra for stairs, long walks, or heavy items? Some companies add fees for stair carries, long carries from truck to door, or bulky items like pianos and safes.

5. How do you handle damages or claims? Ask about their claims process and how they handle damaged or missing items. Get it in writing.

6. Will you subcontract the job or handle it in-house? You want to know who will actually be showing up on moving day. Subcontractors might not meet the company’s standard of care.

7. What size truck will you use for my move? Make sure the truck size is appropriate for your home size and street accessibility.

8. Can you provide references or reviews? Reputable movers will have positive reviews and be happy to provide references from past customers.

9. What’s your cancellation or reschedule policy? Moving dates change—know their flexibility and any penalties upfront.

10. Do you offer packing services or materials? If you need help packing or need boxes and supplies, ask if those are offered and how they’re priced.

Asking the right questions up front can save you time, stress, and money. If you're searching what questions should I ask a professional moving company before hiring them, start with this list—and make sure you feel confident in who you're hiring before move day arrives.