# Questions to Ask Before Hiring Movers *Reviewed by Joey Padgett · Last reviewed September 2026* Most people don't know what to ask a moving company beyond "how much does it cost?" That question matters, but it leaves out most of what you actually need to know. Here are the questions that reveal whether a company is worth hiring. --- ## Licensing and Credentials **What is your USDOT number?** Any company doing interstate moves must have one. You can verify it at [protectyourmove.gov](https://www.protectyourmove.gov). A company that hesitates or doesn't know their number is a problem. **Are you a carrier or a broker?** Carriers own the trucks and perform the move themselves. Brokers book the move and hand it off to a carrier. Both can be legitimate, but if they're a broker, ask who the carrier will be and verify that carrier's licensing separately. **Do you have a state license for intrastate moves?** If your move stays within one state, ask for the company's state license number. Requirements vary by state but most require some form of registration. --- ## Who Does the Work **Will your own employees be handling my move, or subcontractors?** Neither answer is automatically better, but you should know which one you're getting. If subcontractors are used, ask how they're vetted. Some national companies use local agent networks where the quality varies significantly by market. **Do your employees receive training? In what?** For fragile items, specialty pieces, or long-distance moves, ask whether crews are trained in specific packing or handling techniques. A vague answer is informative. --- ## The Estimate **What type of estimate is this: binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed?** This is one of the most important questions. A non-binding estimate can increase on moving day based on actual weight. A binding estimate fixes the price for the items and services listed — though additional charges can apply for services you add or impracticable conditions that arise. A not-to-exceed (binding not-to-exceed) means the final price can decrease if your shipment is lighter, but cannot exceed the estimate. See [How to Get and Compare Moving Quotes](/advice/hiring-movers/moving-quotes) for how these work in practice. **What is and isn't included in this estimate?** Get an explicit list. Common add-ons that aren't always included: fuel surcharges, stair fees, long-carry fees, packing materials, furniture disassembly and reassembly, specialty item handling. **What happens if my inventory changes before moving day?** If you sell furniture, acquire items, or miscounted, how does that affect the estimate? Some companies revise estimates; others treat changes as add-ons on moving day. **Can you show me an itemized list of every fee that might appear on my final bill?** Ask them to write it out. A company that's transparent about fees will answer this without resistance. --- ## Insurance and Liability **What liability coverage options do you offer?** Federal law requires two options: released value protection (free, pays 60 cents per pound per item) and full-value protection (pays replacement value, costs extra). Ask specifically what full-value protection costs for your move. **What is your claims process if something is damaged or lost?** Ask: How do I file a claim? How long does it typically take to settle? What documentation do I need? For interstate moves, federal law gives movers 30 days to acknowledge a claim and 120 days to make a settlement offer. If unresolved, they must send status updates every 60 days. Knowing this upfront tells you something about how seriously they take it. **Does my homeowners or renters insurance cover my belongings during a move?** They won't know your policy, but a knowledgeable company can explain how moving insurance works in general. See [Moving Insurance: What You Need to Know](/advice/hiring-movers/moving-insurance) for how to check your own coverage. --- ## Fees and Payment **What are your stair and long-carry fees?** These are common on urban moves. Ask: Is there a fee per flight of stairs? Per carry over a certain distance from the truck? How is it calculated? **What is your fuel surcharge policy?** Most companies add a fuel surcharge, particularly for long-distance moves. Ask what percentage or flat fee it is, and whether it appears separately on the estimate. **When is payment due, and in what form?** At delivery is standard. Be cautious of companies requiring full payment before unloading. Acceptable payment forms include credit card, cashier's check, or cash. Very few legitimate companies require large upfront cash deposits. **What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?** Life changes. Know whether there's a fee to cancel or move the date, and how far in advance you need to do it. --- ## The Move Itself **How many movers will be on the crew for my move?** Match this against your home size. A 3-bedroom house with two movers is slower (more hours) than the same house with three. **What truck size will you bring?** Too small means multiple trips or items left behind. Ask how they determine truck size and whether your estimate assumes one truck or multiple. **What items won't you move?** Every mover has a list of items they won't transport: hazardous materials, live plants (for interstate moves), perishable food, certain flammables. Know what's on their list before moving day. **What is your delivery window for long-distance moves?** For long-distance moves, delivery is rarely guaranteed for a specific day. Ask for the estimated delivery window and what happens if delivery is late. See how they handle storage costs if the truck arrives before you're ready. --- ## After the Move **What should I do on moving day to protect myself?** A good mover will tell you: do a walkthrough before and after, document any existing damage to furniture and walls before loading, review and sign the bill of lading carefully, note any items that arrive in different condition. **How do I reach someone if there's a problem during or after the move?** Get a direct contact, not just a general number. Know who handles issues on moving day specifically. --- For the full hiring process, see [How to Hire a Moving Company](/advice/hiring-movers). For what to look for in a written estimate, see [How to Get and Compare Moving Quotes](/advice/hiring-movers/moving-quotes). --- ## Sources - [Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move — FMCSA](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move/consumer-information/your-rights-and-responsibilities-when-you-move) - [Questions to Ask Moving Companies — HireAHelper](https://www.hireahelper.com/advice/questions-to-ask-movers/) - [Questions to Ask a Moving Company — This Old House](https://www.thisoldhouse.com/moving/questions-to-ask-movers) - [Moving Company Questions — Move.org](https://www.move.org/questions-ask-moving-company/) - [How to Hire Movers — Angi](https://www.angi.com/articles/checklist-hiring-moving-company.htm)