What Questions Should You Ask a Moving Company Before Hiring?

Choosing a moving company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during a relocation. The right mover will handle your belongings with care, communicate clearly, and deliver on every promise. The wrong one can leave you with damaged furniture, surprise fees, and a whole lot of stress.

The good news? A few smart questions asked upfront can tell you everything you need to know. Here’s exactly what to ask, and why each question matters.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

This is non-negotiable. Any legitimate interstate moving company must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and hold a valid USDOT number. You can verify this at the FMCSA’s mover lookup tool. For local moves, licensing requirements vary by state, ask your mover to confirm their credentials in writing.

At Premier Relocations, we’re proud to operate as a licensed Mayflower Agent with full insurance coverage on every move.

2. What Type of Estimates Do You Offer?

There are three types of moving estimates: non-binding (an estimate that can change), binding (a guaranteed price), and binding not-to-exceed (you’ll pay the estimate or less, whichever is lower). Understanding which type you’re getting protects you from unexpected charges on moving day.

3. Will You Conduct an In-Home or Virtual Survey?

A reputable mover won’t give you a final quote without seeing your belongings, either in person or via a video walkthrough. Any company that offers a price without an inventory survey is guessing, and those guesses often come with costly surprises.

4. Who Actually Does the Move: Your Employees or Subcontractors?

Some companies broker moves to third-party carriers without telling you, and those crews may have no connection to the company you hired. At Premier Relocations, we do work with subcontractors, but they’re exclusively contracted to us. That means they pull our trailers, wear our uniforms, and are held to the same standards as our in-house team. When our crew shows up at your door, you’re getting the Premier Relocations experience, regardless of who’s on the truck.

5. What’s Your Claims Process for Damaged Items?

No one wants to think about damaged belongings, but it’s worth knowing the process before anything goes wrong. Ask how long claims take, what documentation you’ll need, and how disputes are resolved. A company confident in its service will answer this without hesitation.

6. What Valuation Coverage Is Included, and What Are My Options?

Standard movers offer “released value protection” at no charge, but this only covers $0.60 per pound per item. That means a 10-pound laptop damaged in transit would net you $6.00. Ask about full value protection, which covers repair or replacement. We cover this in detail in our guide to moving insurance.

7. Are There Any Additional Fees I Should Know About?

Stairs, long carries, elevator waits, bulky item fees, fuel surcharges; these are all real charges that can inflate your final bill. A transparent mover will outline these clearly in your estimate. If a company can’t answer this question, consider that a red flag.

8. How Do You Handle Specialty Items Like Pianos, Artwork, or Antiques?

Not all movers are equipped to handle high-value or fragile specialty items. Ask whether they have experience with your specific items and whether they use custom crating. Premier Relocations offers specialty moving services, including white-glove handling for antiques, fine art, and oversized items.

9. What Happens If My Move Takes Longer Than Expected?

Weather delays, traffic, building access issues; any of these can extend your moving day. Ask how scheduling overruns are handled and whether you’ll be charged additional hourly rates. Knowing this in advance helps you plan for contingencies.

10. Can You Provide References or Reviews?

Any mover worth hiring will have a track record. Ask for references, or check independent review platforms like Google, the Better Business Bureau, or the FMCSA complaint database. Premier Relocations has proudly served families and businesses nationwide as a trusted Mayflower Agent for decades.

One Final Tip: Get Everything in Writing

Whatever you’re told verbally should also appear in your written contract, officially called the Bill of Lading. Review it carefully before signing, and keep a copy for your records.

Ready to get answers from a team you can trust? Contact Premier Relocations for a no cost, no-obligation estimate.