How to Choose the Right Moving Company: 8 Questions to Ask Before You Book

Moving scams are real, and even the honest, disorganized ones can turn your move into a nightmare. Asking these questions before you sign anything filters out almost all of them.

1. Can You Give Me a Quote Based on What I Actually Own?

If the answer is a flat number over the phone with no walkthrough, photos, or video — that's not a real quote, it's a guess designed to get you to book.

2. Is This a Binding Estimate?

A binding estimate means the price won't change unless your inventory changes. Get it in writing.

3. Are You Licensed and Insured?

For interstate moves, ask for their USDOT number and look it up yourself. For local moves, ask about liability coverage for your belongings — a company that hesitates here is telling you something.

4. Who's Actually Doing the Move?

Some companies broker your job out to a different carrier you've never vetted. Ask directly whether the crew showing up on moving day works for the company you're talking to.

5. What's Your Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy?

Life happens. Know the deadline and any fee before you're stuck with one.

6. How Do You Handle Damage Claims?

Ask what happens if something breaks, how long you have to report it, and what compensation actually looks like — not just "we're insured."

7. What's Included, and What Costs Extra?

Stairs, long carries, packing materials, and shuttle trucks for narrow streets are common add-on fees. Ask what could add to the quote before moving day, not after.

8. Can I See Recent Reviews?

Not just a highlight reel — ask for their most recent reviews, including how they responded to any negative ones. How a company handles a bad review tells you more than the good ones do.

The Bottom Line

A moving company that answers all eight of these clearly and in writing has nothing to hide. One that dodges even one or two is worth walking away from, no matter how good the price sounds.