The Most Important Questions to Ask Movers (and Yourself) Before Moving

Publish Date: February 9, 2026

Last Modified Date: February 10, 2026

Tags: Tags: how to tell a mover is legit, insurance, licensed movers, logistics, movers, moving, moving budget, moving companies, moving cost, moving insurance, moving logistics, moving truck size, questions about moving, questions to ask movers, what size moving truck, what to ask movers, will movers move my items

There are a ton of options for moving companies, but you need the right questions to ask movers to make sure you pick the best option. After all, these are the people you’re going to trust with your furniture and valuables. It doesn’t matter if you want a full-service experience or just labor-only pros to load your rental truck; you always have to vet your moving team carefully before booking.

But what are the right questions to ask? We put together a clear guide to help you figure it out. This covers the most important things to ask moving companies and yourself. When you compare reviews and prices on our platform, these answers will help you make the best choice. Here’s what you need to know.

Questions To Ask Movers When Vetting Their Credentials and Legitimacy

Before you trust anyone with your belongings, you must confirm they’re a real, legitimate company. This means checking their local address, license numbers, and insurance status to avoid scams. Here are some more common questions to ask and things to know about any moving company.

Where Are You Located and How Can I Verify Your Address?

Always ask the company for its physical business address. A real moving company usually has an office or a yard for its trucks. Once you have the address, look it up on Google Maps. You want to see a real building with a sign. If the map shows a house or a rental apartment, take that as a red flag. Reliable movers are easy to find in person.

Are You Licensed, Insured, and Registered With the DOT?

Any company moving goods across state lines must have a USDOT number. You can check this number on the FMCSA website to see their safety record. Ask if they offer basic released value protection or full-value protection for your items. Basic coverage is free but pays very little if an item breaks. For extra peace of mind, make sure they have additional insurance that covers their team and your home.

Are You a Broker or a Carrier?

A carrier is a company that owns trucks and employs the people who actually move your stuff. A broker is a middleman who sells your move to another company and takes a fee. While it’s convenient to have someone else handle getting movers for you, brokers can be risky because you never know who’ll actually show up.

“For long trips, you want to know where your stuff is. Ask the company if they use GPS tracking or send text updates. Some modern providers have an online portal where you can watch the truck move in real time.”

It’s usually safer to hire a carrier directly so you can check their specific reviews and ratings. Check the FMCSA’s movers vs. brokers page for more on the subject.

Do You Conduct Employee Background Checks?

You should feel safe with the people entering your home, so it’s important to ask the company if they run background checks on every person they hire. You should also figure out if the crew acts as full-time staff or temporary help. Full-time staff usually get better training. Finally, verify they have workers’ compensation coverage. This protects you if a mover gets hurt on your property.

Questions About Pricing, Estimates, and Payment

Budgeting for a move is easier when you know exactly what you’re paying for. Clear pricing helps you avoid hidden fees and stay within your limit. This section explains how companies set their rates and what kind of quotes you might receive. It also covers how to pay safely and what to expect with deposits.

How Do You Calculate My Final Cost?

Local movers usually charge by the hour, and the rate depends on how many people you need and how long the job takes. For example, a two-person team might cost $100 per hour. If the move takes 5 hours, your total labor cost would be $500.

Long-distance moves work differently. These costs often depend on the weight or volume of your items and the distance to your new home. A company will estimate how much your furniture weighs or how much space it takes up to give you a price. Regardless if you’re moving locally or long-distance, always ask if fuel, stairs, or heavy items like pianos add extra fees to the bill.

Is This a Binding Estimate or a Not-to-Exceed Quote?

A binding estimate is a set price. Even if your items weigh more than expected, you pay the amount on the paper. This is great for staying on budget because the price is firm and you know exactly how much you’ll pay. However, if you end up moving fewer items, you’re essentially paying for space and labor you don’t actually need or use.

With a not-to-exceed quote, if the move is lighter or faster than planned, you pay less than the estimate. But if the job is bigger, you never pay more than the original cap. This gives you a “ceiling” price while still allowing for potential savings.

What Payment Types and Deposit Requirements Do You Accept?

Only use safe payment methods to protect your money and create a paper trail. Most legitimate companies offer several ways to pay for their services. Ask the mover which of the following options they accept before you book:

Credit and debit cards: These are the safest ways to pay. They offer fraud protection if something goes wrong with your service. Most professional companies accept major cards for both deposits and final payments. While some movers charge a small processing fee for using a card, the peace of mind is worth the extra cost.
ACH and bank transfers: These are direct payments from your bank account to the business. They’re also secure and often used for large, long-distance moves. Just keep in mind that these transfers can take a few days to clear.
Digital wallets: Some companies take Apple Pay, Venmo, or Zelle. However, be careful if a mover only accepts those payment methods. While these apps are handy for friends, a lack of other options is a major red flag.
Cash: Be wary of any company that asks for the full payment in cash before they start. It’s practically impossible to get your money back, even if something goes wrong, if you pay this way. You should only use cash for tipping your moving team to show your appreciation for their hard work.

Most companies ask for a small deposit to hold your date on their calendar and for assurance that you’re a serious customer. This is normal, especially during the busy summer season. A fair deposit is usually a small percentage of the total cost or a flat fee. If a company asks for a very large deposit up front (or even worse, the whole payment), you may want to look elsewhere.

Questions About Coverage, Claims, and Liability

Even with a professional company, accidents can sometimes happen during a move. It’s important to know how your items are protected before the truck arrives. This section explains the difference between basic and full coverage for your belongings. We’ll also show you how to file a claim if something breaks.

What Coverage Options Are Available for Loss or Damage?

Federal law requires movers to offer basic protection at no extra cost. This is called released-value coverage. It pays a set amount based on weight, not the item’s actual value. If you want better protection, you can pay for supplemental valuation coverage. This option ensures you get more money back if expensive items are lost or damaged.

Comparing Moving Coverage Options

	Released Value Protection Basic	Full Value Protection Supplemental
Cost	This is included in your move for free. You don’t pay extra for this level.	You must pay an extra premium. The price depends on the total value of your goods.
How It Pays	Payouts are strictly based on weight. You usually get 60 cents for every pound.	The company is liable for the full replacement value.
Coverage for Expensive Items	You don’t need to list every item. Only the total weight of the shipment matters.	You often need to list high-value items worth more than $100 per pound.
Best For	People moving clothes, books, or old furniture.	People moving electronics, art, or nice furniture.

Choosing the right plan depends on what you’re moving. Basic coverage is fine if your furniture is old, heavy, and hard to break. However, if you have a $2,000 TV that weighs 50 pounds, basic coverage will only pay about $30. In that case, paying for full-value protection is a much smarter choice.

How Do You Handle Damage Claims and Disputes?

If you find damage, stay calm and follow the process outlined in your insurance coverage and the moving company’s policies. Ask the mover for their specific claim form. You legally have 9 months to file a claim for moves between states, but sooner is always better. Local moves often have much shorter deadlines, so check your contract. To make sure your claim is successful, you need to gather proof first. Here are the steps to take:

Take photos: Snap clear pictures of the damage right away.
Keep the evidence: Don’t throw away broken pieces or the box they came in.
Write it down: Note any damage on the inventory sheet before the movers leave.

Submit everything in writing, and avoid doing claims only over the phone so you have a clear record. The company will review your photos and notes to decide on a payout based on the coverage you picked.

Questions About Move Logistics and Special Services

There are also questions to ask about your actual moving day. You need to know how many people will show up and how long the job will take. You’ll also need to know about tracking your truck, who to call if plans change, and how to handle special requests like storage or moving heavy items.

How Many Movers Will Be Assigned and How Long Will My Move Take?

Much like the size of your moving truck, this depends on how much stuff you have. You can get a general idea of the number of movers you’ll need by consulting a few guides, and having this information on hand really helps your movers.

If possible, you should have your movers come over to take a look at your home. They’ve done enough moves to be able to tell with a quick walk around how many people you’ll need to have on the crew for your moving day.

Can I Track My Shipment and Who Will Be My Point of Contact?

For long trips, you want to know where your stuff is. Ask the company if they use GPS tracking or send text updates. Some modern providers have an online portal where you can watch the truck move in real time. This helps you plan your arrival at the new house.

Also, ask for the name and number of one specific person to manage your move. You don’t want to call a general hotline when you have a problem. Having a direct line to a manager or supervisor saves you time if the truck runs late. You need someone who knows your case and can get answers fast.

Do You Offer Storage Solutions and Handle Specialty Items?

If your new home isn’t ready when you arrive, ask if the mover offers overnight storage or portable containers. These services are helpful if there’s a gap between moving out and moving in, and they’ll save you from renting a separate storage unit.

You should also mention specialty items like pianos, pool tables, or antiques early on. These pieces often require custom crates or extra tools to move safely. Always confirm that the team has the right experience for these heavy or delicate tasks.

What Are Your Cancellation, Rescheduling, and Price-Matching Policies?

Most companies allow you to cancel or change your date if you give them enough notice, soask how many days in advance you need to call to avoid paying a fee.

On HireAHelper’s platform specifically, we offer a price-matching policy that can get you the best deal under certain conditions. If you find the same move (same date and service) with the same provider but for less money, we’ll match the price for you.

What Happens if My Final Move Takes Longer Than Estimated?

For hourly moves, the final bill depends on the actual time worked. If the move takes longer due to heavy traffic or long walkways, your cost might go up. Make sure you understand the hourly rate for any unexpected extra time.

If you have a not-to-exceed quote, you’re better protected. Even if the crew takes longer than they thought, they can’t charge you more than the agreed cap. Always get this price in writing before the work begins.

Can I Change My Move Date After Booking?

Most companies are flexible if you change your date at least a week before the move. However, if you wait until the last minute, you might have to pay a rescheduling fee. This fee helps cover the cost of the crew’s lost time.

If you booked through HireAHelper, first check with the moving company to see if they’re free on the new date. Then simply let our team know so we can update your booking. If the original company is busy on that date, you can cancel and find a new team on our marketplace.

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Booking Help

Before you hire anyone, look at your own situation closely. You need to decide how big a truck to rent and how much work you want to do yourself. It’s also important to set a firm budget and check your calendar for the best dates. Finally, think about where the truck will park and if the crew can reach your front door easily.

What Size Truck or Container Will I Need?

Your answer, of course, depends on how much stuff you have. For the average person without a lot of experience moving, figuring this out can seem like a confusing task. Thankfully, there are some helpful guidelines you can follow to get an idea of the truck size you need.

However, these are just estimates, and there are some other things to consider besides just the number of bedrooms or square footage. For example, if your home has an attic, a basement, or a large tool shed, you might want to count them as another “half” room, depending on how full they are.

What’s most important is that you now have a rough idea of what you’ll need and can give that information to the movers if they ask.

How Much Help Do I Want Versus Doing It Myself?

Deciding between a DIY move and hiring professionals is a big choice. Think about your physical strength and your schedule before you decide. Here’s how movers can help with different types of moves:

Labor-only help: You rent a moving truck or container and handle the transportation yourself. The moving crew just loads and unloads your belongings for you. This is a great budget-friendly choice, especially if you don’t mind a container in your driveway or having to drive a big vehicle.
Full-service move: This option is for people who want a hands-off experience. The company brings the truck, loads it, drives it, and unloads it at your new place. They handle everything from start to finish. This is the easiest way to move, but it costs much more than just hiring labor.

Labor-only services save you a lot of money because you’re not paying for a large moving truck. However, full-service moves save you the most time and effort. Pick the one that fits your budget and your energy levels best.

What Is My Budget and Timing Flexibility?

Before you start looking at companies, decide on a firm number you can afford to spend. Moving costs can add up fast with supplies, gas, and service fees. Having a clear budget helps you narrow down your choices on our marketplace. You can also get an estimate quickly with our moving cost calculator.

If you can be flexible with your dates, you might save even more. Prices rise with demand, and most people move on weekends or at the end of the month. If you can move on a weekday in the middle of the month, your costs will be lower. Also, try to avoid the summer rush to keep your expenses as low as possible.

How Close Can the Vehicle Get to My Door?

Walk your property and look at the path from your door to the street. If a large truck can’t park close by, the movers will have to carry items a long distance. This is called a “long carry”, and some companies charge a fee for this extra work. You should also check for low-hanging trees or narrow driveways that might block a big moving van.

“…[A]sk for the name and number of one specific person to manage your move…Having a direct line to a manager or supervisor saves you time if the truck runs late.”

In busy cities, you might need a parking permit to keep a spot open for the truck. Getting a permit ahead of time will prevent costly tickets. Also, if you live in an apartment, check the building rules for moving hours. Keep all these details in mind to help your movers work faster and more efficiently.

Preparing for a Smooth Moving Day

Getting the right answers early makes the actual move feel much more manageable. Planning your move with clear information about pricing, insurance, and timing means you can focus on your new home instead of worrying about hidden fees. Be sure to take the time to vet your moving team with these questions in mind to stay on track and on budget.

Our marketplace is designed to make this process simple and transparent. You can browse local movers, read real customer reviews, and see clear pricing all in one place. Whether you need a full crew or just a few hours of help with heavy lifting, we can help you find the right fit. Once you have your answers ready, you can book with confidence and look forward to a successful moving day.

6 Things To Know About Office Relocation in 2024

Author: Erin Scott

Publish Date: May 6, 2024

Last Modified Date: May 8, 2024

Category: Corporate Relocation, Moving Advice

Tags: Tags: corporate move, corporate moves, corporate relocation, diy moves, downsizing, full service moves, hybrid moves, moving budget, moving container, office budget, office moves, office packing, office relocation, planning move, portable storage container, project manager, rto

If you run a business, then you know the global pandemic’s influence on shifting office norms. Despite a lot of buzz about CEOs mandating RTO, the top 10 most populous US cities saw less than 50% office occupancy in the final quarter of 2023.

Given the rise in flexible work and less need for office space, companies now have more freedom to operate from anywhere. Rather than being confined to a specific location, business owners can move their offices out of top-dollar markets to save on costs. Some are closing their doors altogether, opting instead to manage operations entirely from home.

While an office relocation can be seriously beneficial, there are some logistical factors to think about before getting started. So if you run a small or medium business that’s undertaking a move, consider this your roadmap.

Office Relocation in the New Workplace

First off, what does office relocation mean exactly? When you’re dealing with a business, it’s not simply moving to a new location — you have to inform vendors, employees, and clientele in addition to rebuilding your IT infrastructure.

But with that said, office relocation doesn’t always entail trading one location for another. You could downsize, or move entirely to a remote environment.

But why consider a remote (or hybrid) office relocation? Here are some perks to pique your interest:

Global Workplace Analytics estimates the average small or medium business can save as much as $11,000 for each employee who works from home at least part-time. Those savings are due to increases in productivity, lower rates of turnover and absenteeism, and less overhead costs for office space.
A McKinsey poll of 100 business executives found that offering remote or hybrid work options can lead to a 58% boost in individual performance, a 54% boost in diversity and inclusion, a 49% boost in team productivity/collaboration, and a 36% boost in customer satisfaction.
Accenture’s Future of Work Report shows that 68% of high-growth companies allow their teams to work from anywhere. This initiative makes employees 2.3 times easier to retain, and it raises the average worker’s “Net Better Off” score by 21 percent. This translates to 5% more revenue.
In 2021, Yelp chose to downsize its office space in San Francisco and New York while allowing its 3,900 employees to continue working from home. After just one quarter of decreasing real estate in these markets, Yelp cut costs by 13% and expects to save $10–12 million a year through 2024.

6 Things to Know About Office Moving

Whether you downsize to a smaller space, move to a less expensive area, or ditch bricks and mortar altogether, an office relocation could be the fresh start your business needs. It’s a major transition, but don’t let all those moving parts intimidate you. Here are six factors to keep in mind as you embark on relocating your office.

1. You Have Lots of Options

The first step in any successful office relocation is the physical move itself. You have three moving options to choose from: DIY, hybrid, or full-service moving. Many businesses prefer the full-service route due to sheer convenience, but if you want to curb expenses, the other two choices are potentially a lot more affordable. Here’s a breakdown of each moving option, so you can determine which suits your needs the best:

DIY Move: With this option, you handle all the logistics yourself. This includes packing boxes, loading the vehicle, transporting your items, then unloading and unpacking once you arrive. The average cost is $660 (this will fluctuate based on travel distance), making it the cheapest of all three methods. For a smaller office, it’ll take you about 31 hours to complete this kind of move from start to finish. If you’re on a budget or want control over each aspect of the move, DIY is for you. But be advised that it’s time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Hybrid Move: With this option, you split the workload between your business and a team of hired helpers. Your job is to pack the boxes, supply the vehicle, transport the items, then unpack it all. Meanwhile, the moving helpers will load and unload for you. The average cost of a hybrid move is $910, and the process takes smaller businesses about 21 hours. While not as affordable as DIY, this option is still cost-effective — plus, it won’t require as much effort from you and your employees, so it’s definitely worth considering. Moving labor can also take care of packing and disassembling (and reassembling) furniture if you’d prefer.
Full-Service Move: With this option, a hired moving company does almost all the work. Aside from packing and unpacking (that’s still on you unless you pay for these as extra services), full-service movers will handle the rest. They’ll provide the truck, load the boxes, transport items, then unload everything at the final destination. But there are some drawbacks to be aware of. On average, a full-service move costs $2,568 (or upwards of $6,000 for long distances). It also requires a significant amount of planning, and can take several days for all the items to arrive if you’re moving long distance.

2. It’s Worth Considering Portable Storage

If you plan to downsize or transition to fully remote, or if you’re looking for some flexibility, portable storage containers can be a godsend for businesses. These units come in various sizes, and the average monthly cost is $180–$300 (significantly cheaper than a full-time office space). You can also store them in multiple locations — a local storage center, outside your business in the parking lot, or the driveway at home.

A portable container is a convenient, accessible, and secure place to house business files or documents, overstock inventory, and other items you don’t want to keep onsite. Portable storage is also useful if you’re remodeling the new office facilities before moving in. You can use your units for storing jobsite materials and tools as well as office furniture, making it easier to keep business operations going while renovations are underway.

3. Corporate vs. Residential Movers

Just because you’re moving a business doesn’t mean you need to opt for a corporate mover. In fact, there’s not much of a difference between a regular residential moving company and an office relocation company. The art of moving is basically the same whether you’re moving a home or a business facility.

The only difference you’ll notice is when it comes to billing. Corporate movers can invoice on net-30 terms, accept cash on delivery (COD), or offer a combination of both, whereas residential movers usually charge COD. Also, keep in mind that corporate movers are always full-service, so if you’re looking to cut expenses, this may not be the best option. Whichever route you choose, make sure your moving company is licensed in the state you’re relocating to.

4. There Are Ways to Cut Moving Costs

It’s no secret that costs everywhere are on an upswing, and inflation is no stranger to the moving industry. As of writing, the national average for fuel prices is currently at $3.68 per gallon, with certain states exceeding $4.50, making even DIY moves extra pricey. Not to mention, moving expenses in general have increased by 5–10 percent all across the U.S. However, before you stress out, here are a few strategies to help minimize your office relocation expenses:

Sell or donate most of your office equipment. If you’re about to downsize or transfer business operations to your home, then chances are, you won’t need all the furniture, equipment, and decor from your old office. So don’t bother taking these items — the less you move, the less it will cost.
Forgo the cost of hiring full-service movers. While the full-service experience is an easy and convenient option, it’s also the least affordable. If you’re able to go DIY or hybrid, you can curb some serious costs by renting a truck yourself and hiring a few helpers to do the heavy lifting.
Skip purchasing boxes and packing materials. Between boxes, tape rolls, stretch wrap, foam cushions, tie-down straps, and other materials, you can expect to fork over as much as $550 for a moving supplies kit. So don’t buy new boxes — accumulate them over time from local supermarkets, liquor stores, furniture retailers, or neighbors.

5. You Need a Project Manager

Planning for an office relocation is a lot of work, but you can’t let it overshadow your normal business operations. This is where a project manager comes in. Choose a competent, trustworthy, and organized member of your team, then delegate all the administrative moving tasks to this employee.

Of course, you’ll want to check in with your moving project manager regularly to see their progress and make final decisions. But funneling most of the daily execution through a point person will free your schedule to focus on keeping your company running smoothly during the transition.

Here are some of the office relocation tasks that a project manager can spearhead:

Setting a feasible budget for the move and gathering price quotes from moving companies or moving helpers
Tracking important dates, such as when the lease terminates at your current location and when you can move into the new space
Notifying relevant suppliers, vendors, banks, government organizations, and other service providers of your change in address
Taking inventory of office furniture, equipment, and amenities to determine what you need to pack versus what you can sell or donate
Decluttering office records and purging the files you no longer need to keep
Decommissioning all technology in the office your team is about to vacate and coordinating with IT staff or vendors to rebuild your infrastructure at the new office
Updating marketing materials to reflect the business’s new location and contact information
Overseeing the packing, loading, and other physical moving activities

6. Communication Is Key

One of the most important ways a corporate move differs from a residential move is the scope of people impacted by the relocation — namely, your staff and customers. So how do you keep these stakeholders informed? It all comes down to regular, transparent communication. Here’s how to ensure both employees and customers have all the necessary information — and feel excited about your upcoming move.

How to Communicate with Employees:

Alert your staff about the move as early as possible, so they have time to mentally adjust to the changes and make necessary arrangements
Offer transfer packages if the office relocation is long-distance or out-of-state
Discuss flexible remote or hybrid work options and confirm that employees have access to the equipment and virtual tools they’ll need to successfully work from home
Establish a feedback loop in which all team members at each level in the organization can ask questions, express concerns, or seek clarity about the impending move
Email an office relocation FAQ sheet to everyone with all the relevant information they need to know. You’ll also want to send out emails and make announcements in meetings whenever there’s an update to share, so the whole team stays informed at each stage in this process

How to Communicate with Clients:

Use this office relocation as an opportunity to connect with all your existing and previous clients, or potential clients. Email an announcement to detail the reasons for this move (such as company growth or expansion) and share the exciting news on social media
Send regular emails to make sure your customers are up to date on pertinent developments in the office relocation process
Plan a “Grand Re-Opening” to unveil the new location to clients once you’re all moved in

There are many reasons to undertake an office relocation, whether it’s downsizing to curb real estate costs, transferring operations into a more affordable market, or switching to a fully remote business model. No matter what kind of office move you have planned, be sure to consider the points above for a successful experience.