What to Ask a Moving Company Before You Book

Hiring movers is one of the few times you hand a stranger everything you own and ask them to put it back together across town or across the country. A short list of questions, asked before you book, separates a real moving company from a risky one. Here is what to ask, and what a good answer sounds like.

Are you licensed and insured?

Any legitimate mover should answer this without hesitating. For moves within Indiana, ask about state registration; for interstate moves, ask for the USDOT number. Insurance matters just as much. Ask what valuation coverage is included and what upgraded protection costs. A company that gets cagey here is a company to skip.

Is the estimate written, and what could change it?

Get the estimate in writing, and ask exactly what would push the price up: stairs, a long carry, packing, specialty items, or a heavier load than expected. A trustworthy mover walks you through the variables instead of quoting a suspiciously low number over the phone and surprising you on move day.

Who actually shows up, and what equipment do they bring?

Ask whether the crew is employed by the company or day labor, and what they bring: pads, shrink wrap, dollies, straps, and floor protection. The answer tells you whether your furniture and your floors are going to be looked after.

What happens if something is damaged?

Even careful crews occasionally have an incident. Ask how claims work, how long you have to report, and how they are resolved. A company with a clear, calm answer has handled it before and stands behind its work.

• Are you licensed and insured, and can I see the details?
• Is the estimate written, and what would change it?
• Is the crew employed by you, and what equipment do they bring?
• How does coverage work if something is damaged?
• Can you handle my specialty items (piano, safe, antiques)?
• How far in advance do I need to book my date?