- Are you properly licensed and Insured?
To avoid moving scams and rogue movers, make sure to ask whether the moving company is properly licensed. All professional interstate moving companies should have a license number issued by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). You can check their license number and complaint history with USDOT online. On the other hand, local moving companies that only relocate customers within the same state are regulated by the state – not the U.S. Department of Transportation. Therefore, local movers should hold a state license. It’s important to note that each state has its own set of moving regulations and licensing requirements.
Of course, if you select a moving company from our network of reliable movers, you won’t have to bother asking this question. Every professional moving company we work with is required to be licensed and insured.
- Do you have experience with my specific type of move?
Be sure to ask the moving company whether they have ample experience handling your specific type of move. For instance, if you’re moving to a high-rise apartment building, a townhome with multiple stories (and steps), or to a big city, you should inquire whether the moving company has any experience with this type of move. Movers should be well-prepared to handle anything that comes their way, including parking restrictions, steep stairs, lack of elevators, and small doorways.
- Do you have a cancellation policy?
– Some movers may charge you a fee to cancel a move reservation. Others may let you cancel a move without any penalty up to two weeks in advance. Be sure to ask the moving company about their cancellation policy.
- What forms of payment do you accept? – Movers should not charge you in advance of the move. If the mover asks for full payment upfront, this is a red flag. Most movers accept cash, checks and credit cards.
- Are there any potential charges I’m not already aware of? What additional moving supplies will I be paying for? – Pricing should be as transparent as possible. Make sure there are no surprises or hidden fees by asking about everything you’ll be paying for, including packing services, moving supplies, labor charges and more.
