Booking a moving company is one of the most important decisions you make during a move. The right team makes the entire process feel effortless. The wrong one turns an already demanding experience into a costly, stressful ordeal. The difference often comes down to what you ask – and what you don’t – before you sign anything. Asking the right questions upfront protects your belongings, your budget, and your peace of mind.

Are You Licensed and Insured?

This is the first question you ask, and it is non-negotiable. Any legitimate moving company operating across state lines must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and hold a valid USDOT number. For local moves, licensing requirements vary by state, but reputable companies maintain proper credentials regardless. Ask for their USDOT number and verify it directly through the FMCSA’s official database – the federal authority that regulates and tracks complaints against interstate movers. If a company hesitates or cannot produce this information immediately, that tells you everything you need to know.

Insurance is equally critical. Ask specifically what liability coverage they carry and what it covers. Standard carrier liability – also called released value protection – covers only a fraction of the actual value of your belongings. If you own items of significant value, ask whether full value protection is available and what the cost is. Trusted movers will explain your coverage options clearly and without pressure.

How Do You Calculate Your Estimates?

Understanding how a company builds its estimate protects you from unexpected charges on moving day. There are three common estimate types, and knowing the difference matters:

  • Binding estimates lock in a final price based on the assessed weight and services. The price does not change even if the actual weight differs.
  • Non-binding estimates are based on projected weight and can increase if the actual weight exceeds the estimate.
  • Binding not-to-exceed estimates cap the price at the estimated amount but allow it to decrease if the actual weight comes in lower. This is the most consumer-friendly option.

Always ask for a written estimate and make sure it reflects an actual assessment of your belongings – not a number pulled from a brief phone conversation. A company that provides a firm quote without ever seeing what you are moving is not giving you a reliable figure. You can also request a free quote from Star Movers and we will walk you through the full estimate process with complete transparency.

Do You Conduct In-Home or Virtual Surveys?

An accurate estimate requires an accurate assessment. Ask whether the company conducts an in-home walkthrough or a virtual survey before providing a quote. A thorough survey allows the crew to account for every room, every large or specialty item, access challenges, and any services beyond basic loading and unloading. Companies that skip this step and quote blindly are setting the stage for disputes on moving day when the actual scope of work becomes clear.

What Services Are Included in the Quote?

Not all moving quotes cover the same scope. Some companies include packing, unpacking, disassembly, and reassembly of furniture as standard. Others charge separately for each service. Ask for a complete breakdown of what is and is not included so you are not surprised by additional line items at the end of the job. If you have delicate belongings, also ask whether the company offers professional packing support – our guide on how to pack fragile items the right way will help you understand what proper handling looks like so you can ask the right follow-up questions.

Specifically ask about:

  • Packing and unpacking services
  • Furniture disassembly and reassembly
  • Specialty item handling – pianos, antiques, large appliances, safes
  • Stair carries or long carry fees if access is limited
  • Storage options if there is a gap between your move-out and move-in dates
  • Fuel surcharges or travel fees for longer distances

Do You Subcontract Any Part of the Move?

This question catches many people off guard. Some companies book your move and then hand it off to a third-party crew you have never vetted. When that happens, the company you researched and trusted is not the one showing up at your door. Ask directly whether the crew completing your move is employed by the company or contracted through a third party.

If subcontracting is involved, ask how those contractors are vetted, whether they carry the same insurance coverage, and whether your contract still holds if something goes wrong. A company that employs its own trained, full-time movers gives you a higher level of accountability at every stage of the job.

What Is Your Claims Process for Damaged or Lost Items?

Even the most careful moving company operates in a high-movement environment where accidents, though rare, can happen. Ask how the company handles damage claims before anything goes wrong. Key questions include:

  • How do I file a claim and within what timeframe?
  • How long does the claims process typically take?
  • Is there a deductible?
  • How is item value determined for reimbursement?

A company with a clear, straightforward claims process reflects confidence in its own service standards. Vague or evasive answers to these questions are a warning sign worth taking seriously.

How Long Have You Been in Business and Can You Provide References?

Experience matters in this industry. A company with years of successful moves behind it has worked through the challenges that newer operations are still learning to navigate. Ask how long they have been operating and whether they can point you to verified reviews or provide references from previous clients.

Look for consistent patterns in their reviews rather than fixating on any single comment. Trusted movers build their reputation over time through repeat business and referrals – and that track record is visible if you know where to look. Read through our Star Movers customer reviews to see what our clients say about their experience from the first call to the last box placed.

What Happens If My Moving Date Changes?

Life is unpredictable. Closing dates shift, leases get extended, and circumstances change. Ask the company what their policy is if you need to reschedule and how much notice is required to avoid a cancellation or rescheduling fee. Also ask what happens if the company needs to change your date – what notice do they provide, and what compensation applies if their change creates a problem for you?

Understanding the flexibility built into your contract before you sign it prevents difficult conversations later when you are already managing the stress of a move.

Who Will Be My Point of Contact on Moving Day?

Communication is one of the most common pain points in a moving experience. Ask who you will communicate with on moving day – whether that is a designated crew lead, a dispatcher, or a customer service line – and how quickly they respond to questions or concerns during the job.

Knowing who to call if the truck is delayed, if an item needs special attention, or if something goes wrong removes a significant source of anxiety. Professional movers assign a clear point of contact and make sure you have direct access to that person throughout the move.

Do You Have Experience With My Type of Move?

Not every move is the same. A long-distance relocation across multiple states involves different logistics than a local apartment move. A home filled with specialty items – a grand piano, antique furniture, a gun safe, fine art – requires specific handling expertise. Ask directly whether the company has experience with moves like yours and request examples.

If your move has specific characteristics – a high-rise building with elevator restrictions, a narrow rural road, an international destination – raise these details during the estimate and ask how the company has handled similar situations. For additional guidance on what to look for when evaluating your options, our post on tips for hiring the best movers in Virginia Beach walks through exactly what separates a reliable crew from one that will cost you more in the long run.

What Should I Do to Prepare Before Moving Day?

A good company invests in your preparation, not just their own performance. Ask what you can do before moving day to help the job run smoothly – whether that is labeling boxes a certain way, disassembling certain items in advance, or clearing specific access points. Companies that give you a thorough answer to this question are demonstrating that they think about the move as a collaboration, not just a transaction.

Conclusion

The questions you ask before booking a moving company are just as important as the move itself. They surface the information you need to make a confident, informed decision – and they quickly separate the companies that earn their reputation from those that simply market one. Take the time to ask every question on this list, get the answers in writing, and trust the process. When you work with our reliable movers in Virginia Beach, you get a team that answers every question with full transparency and backs every promise with professional service. At Star Movers, we welcome every question – because we have nothing to hide and everything to prove.