Hiring a moving company can make relocating far less stressful—but only if you choose the right one. A trustworthy mover will handle your belongings with care, offer transparent pricing, and provide professional service from start to finish. On the other hand, the wrong choice can lead to delays, damaged items, or even unexpected charges. To protect yourself and ensure a smooth experience, it’s important to ask the right questions before signing a contract.

Here are 10 key questions from Safe Ship Moving Services to ask any moving company you’re considering:

1. Are you licensed and insured?
   Start with the basics. A legitimate moving company should have the proper licensing and insurance. For interstate moves, they must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). Local movers may be licensed by state or regional authorities. Insurance protects your belongings in case of loss or damage during the move.
2. What services do you offer?
   Not all movers provide the same services. Some offer full-service moving with packing, loading, and unpacking, while others only handle transportation. Clarify whether you need additional services like furniture disassembly, storage, or specialty item handling—and confirm they offer them.
3. Can you provide a written estimate?
   Always request a detailed, written estimate. Ask whether it’s binding (guaranteed price) or non-binding (subject to change). A reputable mover will send someone to do an in-home or virtual assessment before quoting a price, especially for larger moves.
4. Are there any additional fees I should know about?
   Some moving companies charge extra for things like long carry distances, stairs, narrow hallways, or packing materials. Make sure all potential fees are clearly explained so you’re not surprised on moving day.
5. How do you handle fragile or valuable items?
   If you have antiques, artwork, electronics, or other delicate belongings, ask how they will be packed and protected. A professional mover should have experience handling specialty items and the materials to secure them properly.
6. What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
   Life is unpredictable. Ask what happens if your moving date changes or you need to cancel. Know the timeline for notifying the company and whether there are penalties or non-refundable deposits.
7. Can you provide references or reviews?
   Reputable movers should have a list of happy clients or online reviews that reflect their service quality. Look for consistent feedback on punctuality, communication, and how well they handled people’s belongings.
8. Who will actually be doing the move?
   Some companies subcontract moves to other crews. Ask if the movers handling your job are employees or third parties, and whether they’ve been background checked and trained.
9. What kind of liability coverage do you offer?
   Understand what the company will cover if something goes wrong. Most movers offer basic valuation coverage, but you may want to ask about upgrading to full-value protection for peace of mind.
10. How do you handle disputes or claims?
    If items are lost or damaged, you’ll want a clear claims process. Ask how long it typically takes to resolve issues and what documentation is required.

Taking the time to ask these questions upfront will help you choose a moving company you can trust—and make your next move as smooth as possible.