Moving to a new home is often seen as a fresh start. It is a chance to declutter, reorganize, and embrace new beginnings. From packing up your life into boxes to coordinating timelines and dealing with last-minute hiccups, it can quickly turn from exciting to exhausting. One of the most critical decisions you’ll make during this time is choosing the right house moving services. It’s not just about finding someone with a truck; it’s about trusting a team with the smooth transition to your next chapter. Many people hire movers without asking the necessary questions. 

To avoid the uncertainty and inconvenience at the time of moving, it is essential to clear everything. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. In this post, you’ll discover the eight must-ask questions. This will help you separate the pros from the posers and ensure your move is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

This is one of the most critical questions you need to ask. In many places, moving companies that operate between states must have a license from the Department of Transportation (DOT). Local movers might need a permit from your state or city. 

Accidents can happen during a move. Without the proper insurance, you could end up paying out of pocket if something gets lost or damaged. A trustworthy company will always be licensed and fully insured. A reputable company won’t hesitate to share information. Ask for evidence of:

• DOT license number (for interstate movers)
• Public liability insurance
• Goods-in-transit insurance
  
  

2. What Services Are Included in the Quote?

Some companies offer full-service packages that include packing, loading, unloading, and even unpacking, while others only handle transportation.

Ask them to clearly explain what’s included in the price they give you.

• Are packing materials provided?
• Will they disassemble and reassemble furniture?
• Do they charge extra for stairs, elevators, or long carry distances?
• Is storage included if there’s a gap between move-out and move-in dates?

3. How Do You Handle Valuables or Bulky Items?

If you’re moving large or delicate items like a piano, pool table, antique furniture, or expensive electronics, make sure they are experienced in handling them. Not every company is trained to handle these kinds of things, so ask the right questions:  

• Do you have the right tools for moving heavy items?
• How do you make sure fragile or valuable items are safely packed?
• Have you moved things like this before?

These questions help you find out if they have real experience with special items.

4. Can You Provide a Written, Binding Estimate?

Avoid companies that give only verbal estimates or vague figures. Instead, ask for a written, binding quote, ideally after an in-home or virtual inspection of your belongings.  

There are typically three types of estimates:

1. Non-binding: Final cost may be higher than quoted.
2. Binding: You pay the quoted price, regardless of actual weight or time.
3. Binding Not-to-Exceed: If your move costs less than estimated, you pay the lower price. It protects you from surprise charges and rewards accurate planning.
4. What’s Your Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy?

Things don’t always go as planned, job offers can change, home closings get pushed back, or bad weather can mess up your schedule. That’s why it’s essential to know how flexible your moving company is before you book. Ask:

• How much notice do I need to give for changes?
• Are there cancellation or rescheduling fees?
• Is my deposit refundable?

The best moving companies will offer clear, written policies and show understanding when the unexpected occurs.

6. Do You Subcontract Any Part of the Move?

Some companies sell your job to third-party movers. This means the people who show up on moving day might be strangers to the company you hired. They have no accountability if things go wrong. A reputable company will be proud of its team. It will never hide behind hired help. Always ask:

• Will the same crew handle the entire move?
• Do you use subcontractors or day laborers?
• How do you screen and train your movers?

7. What Happens If Something Gets Damaged or Goes Missing?

Even with the best services, there’s always a risk that something will break, scratch, or disappear. So it’s critical to ask about their damage claims process. Find out:

• What’s the timeframe for reporting damages?
• How do they handle compensation?
• Do they offer additional insurance or valuation coverage?

By law, moving companies have to offer two types of coverage: Released Value Protection and Full Value Protection. It’s necessary to understand the difference so you can pick the one that works best for you. Also, don’t forget to take photos of your valuable items before packing them. It’ll make things much easier if you ever need to file a claim. 

8. Can You Share References or Reviews?

You probably wouldn’t buy a laptop or book a hotel without checking the reviews, so why take a chance on movers without doing the same? You must ask:

• Do you have recent customer testimonials? 
• Can I speak to past clients?
• Where can I read your reviews online?

Check independent review sites. Look for consistent feedback about reliability, professionalism, and communication. A few bad reviews are normal. Patterns are what matter.