10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Moving and Storage Service

Moving is often cited as one of life’s most stressful events. The process can feel overwhelming, from sorting through decades of belongings to coordinating logistics. But while you can’t eliminate all the stress, you can significantly reduce the risk and anxiety associated with your move by making one wise decision: choosing the right local moving company.

Hiring a professional moving and storage service is an investment in peace of mind. Unfortunately, the moving industry has its share of less-than-reputable operators. The key to a successful experience is due diligence. A reliable, trustworthy company, like Quality Moving Services, will not only answer your questions but will do so transparently and confidently.

To help you vet potential partners and secure the best possible service, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 essential questions you must ask before you sign any agreement. This checklist is your shield against unexpected costs, delays, and damages.

The 10 Essential Questions for Your Moving Company

1. Are You Licensed, Insured, and Bonded?

This is the non-negotiable foundation of any professional moving service. Licensing proves a company operates legally within state and federal regulations. Insurance is critical—it protects your belongings while in the company’s care. Bonded provides an extra layer of financial security, guaranteeing against loss or damage caused by the company’s failure to perform as agreed.

The Quality Moving Services Standard: We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded, ensuring your move is legally compliant and financially protected from the moment we arrive until the last box is placed. For more information on our credentials, please visit our About Us page.

2. What Types of Moves Do You Specialize In?

Moving companies often develop expertise in specific areas. While a firm might be great at driving a studio apartment across the street, they may lack the resources for a significant commercial relocation or a complex in-state moving job. Asking about specializations helps ensure the company is equipped to handle your move's unique scope and complexity.

• Residential Focus: Does the company handle apartment and large home moving equally proficiently?
• Commercial Expertise: Are experienced commercial movers capable of handling delicate equipment and strict timelines, such as office moving?
• Specialized Needs: Do they offer focused services like senior movers who understand the needs and care required for older adults?

The Quality Moving Services Standard: We offer a full spectrum of services, specializing in local and in-state moving and dedicated services for residential, apartment, and commercial clients. We have the training and equipment for nearly any moving scenario.

3. How Do You Determine the Cost of the Move, and What Is Included in the Quote?

Surprise charges are one of the most common complaints in the moving industry. Understanding how your quote is calculated—whether it’s an hourly rate, a flat fee, or based on weight and distance—is paramount.

• Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates: A binding estimate is a guaranteed price (barring significant changes to the inventory or services). A non-binding estimate can change based on the actual weight or time. Always ask which type you are receiving.
  
  
• What's Included: Clarify if the quote includes services like disassembling/reassembling furniture, appliance servicing, packing materials, mileage, fuel surcharges, and basic insurance.

The Quality Moving Services Standard: We provide clear, detailed quotes with no hidden fees. We walk you through every line item so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

4. Do You Offer Valuation/Insurance Options, and What Are the Coverage Details?

While Question 1 covers the company's insurance, this question focuses on protecting your belongings. Reputable movers offer two main types of liability coverage:

1. Released Value Protection (Basic): This is the most economical option, often included in the base rate. However, it provides minimal coverage (e.g., $0.60 per pound per item), usually insufficient for high-value goods.
   
   
2. Full Value Protection (FVP): This is the more comprehensive option. Under this policy, the mover is liable for the full replacement value of any lost or damaged item, subject to the deductible and coverage limits you choose.
   
   

The Quality Moving Services Standard: We explain all valuation options clearly, helping you select the level of protection that truly covers the value of your possessions.

5. What Are Your Procedures for Handling Damage or Loss Claims?

Even with the best preparation, accidents can happen. A professional moving company will have a transparent, documented process for filing and resolving claims. Ask about:

• The Deadline for Filing: How long after the move must you report damage or loss?
• The Documentation Required: What evidence (photos, inventory notations) is needed?
• The Resolution Timeline: How long should the investigation and resolution process take?

The Quality Moving Services Standard: Our claims process is straightforward and clearly outlined in our service agreement. We pride ourselves on prompt, fair resolutions because your satisfaction is our priority.

6. Do You Use Your Own Staff, or Do You Rely on Third-Party Contractors?

Some moving brokerage companies outsource the physical labor to third-party providers. This can lead to a lack of accountability and inconsistency in service quality.

• In-House Teams: Companies that use their own, full-time, trained employees have greater control over service quality, professionalism, and adherence to safety standards.
  
  
• Training: Ask about the moving crew's training protocol. Are they trained specifically in furniture handling, proper packing techniques, and property protection?
  
  

The Quality Moving Services Standard: We never outsource the job. Our movers are employees—trained, vetted, and dedicated professionals who adhere to our high standards for customer service and careful handling.

7. Do You Offer Integrated Storage Solutions (Short-Term and Long-Term)?

Sometimes a move isn't perfectly coordinated. You may need to bridge a gap between closing and move-in dates or long-term storage for overflow items. A moving and storage service that offers integrated solutions simplifies logistics.

• Security: How secure is the storage facility (surveillance, access control)?
• Accessibility: How easy is it to access your goods if needed?
• Conditions: Are the units climate-controlled, pest-free, and suitable for furniture and delicate items?

The Quality Moving Services Standard: We offer secure, flexible self-storage solutions for short-term and long-term needs, making us a one-stop shop for your relocation.

8. What Is Your Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy?

Life happens, and sometimes moving dates need to change. Before paying a deposit, understand the company’s policy regarding changes.

• Deposit Refundability: Is your initial deposit refundable, and under what conditions?
• Notice Requirement: How much notice is required to cancel or reschedule without penalty?

The Quality Moving Services Standard: Our policies are designed to be fair and transparent. We work with our clients to accommodate changes where possible and clearly state all requirements in the agreement.

9. Can You Provide a List of Recent Customer Testimonials or References?

A company’s reputation is its most valuable asset. While you should check external review sites (Google, Yelp, etc.), a reputable mover should also be willing to share testimonials or put you in touch with recent clients (with permission).

The Quality Moving Services Standard: We are proud of our service record. On our Testimonials page, you can read reviews from our satisfied customers.

10. What Is Your Process for Preparing Items for Transit and Protecting the Properties?

The hallmark of a professional moving team is not just how they move the boxes, but how they treat the properties involved. Ask about the level of detail they provide for protection:

• Furniture Prep: Do they use thick moving blankets, plastic stretch wrap, or special crating for fragile items?
• Property Protection: Do they use floor runners, door jamb protectors, or banister padding to prevent scuffs and scratches on the old and new residence?
• Labor Services: Do they offer flexible loading and unloading labor services if you only need help with the heavy lifting?

The Quality Moving Services Standard: Our crew is trained to protect everything. We have all the necessary materials to safeguard your belongings and both homes, ensuring a smooth transition.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

While asking the 10 questions above will help you find a great mover, you should also be aware of a few classic moving scams:

• Vague or Evasive Answers: If a company can’t or won’t provide clear, written answers to the questions above, move on.
• Extremely Low Quotes: If a quote seems too good to be true, it likely is. Unrealistic low-ball offers often lead to "hostage load" scenarios where the price is dramatically inflated upon delivery.
• Requiring Large Cash Deposits Upfront: Reputable companies typically require a modest deposit, but demanding a large percentage of the total cost in cash before the move is a significant warning sign.

Why Choose Quality Moving Services?

At Quality Moving Services, transparency is key to trust. When you call us, you can rest assured that we meet all the above criteria. We offer specialized services ranging from expert corporate move management to simple loading and unloading labor services. We use trained, in-house crews, provide detailed, accurate estimates, and integrate safe, secure self-storage solutions into your move plan.

We don't just move boxes; we manage your relocation professionally and carefully.

Ready to start your stress-free move?

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: This blog post is provided for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Moving laws and regulations, including licensing, insurance, and valuation requirements, can vary significantly by state and type of move (local, in-state, or interstate). Readers are responsible for conducting their own due diligence, verifying the credentials of any moving and storage service, and reviewing all contractual terms before signing any agreement. Quality Moving Services is a licensed and insured moving company; all specific service details, terms, and conditions will be provided in a formal, written agreement upon booking.