12 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Movers
Table of Contents
Questions to Ask a Moving Company: The 12 That Matter
Moving Company Estimate Checklist: Compare Quotes Fairly
Moving Company Deposit and Cancellation Policy: What to Confirm
Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: October 13, 2026
Questions to Ask a Moving Company: The 12 That Matter
The best way to avoid a bad move is to ask the right questions to ask before hiring movers before you sign anything. This guide from Sergeant's Tactical Moving Company, a veteran-owned mover based in Marlton, covers the 12 that matter most.
1. Are you licensed, and can I verify it? Ask for the company's license number and look it up yourself. Moves within New Jersey are regulated by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Interstate moves fall under the FMCSA. A USDOT number alone does not prove a mover is authorized to haul household goods across state lines. Look for MC authority too.
2. Are you a mover or a broker? A broker sells your move to someone else. A mover performs it. Ask directly who will load the truck. If a broker is involved, get the actual carrier's name in writing.
3. Who will actually perform the move? Ask if the crew is in-house or subcontracted. Get the names of any third-party carriers. This affects who you call if something goes wrong.
4. Will I get a written estimate? Never accept a verbal number. A written estimate should list the inventory, services, and terms. Binding estimates lock in a price. Nonbinding estimates can change.
5. What's included, and what costs extra? Ask about packing, loading and unloading, and stair or elevator access. Extra charges often come from long carries, shuttle trucks, or specialty items.
6. What are the deposit and cancellation terms? Get the deposit amount, payment method, and cancellation window in writing. Ask what happens if you cancel or reschedule.
7. Who packs, and what supplies are used? Confirm whether you pack or the crew does. Packing affects both cost and damage claims. Ask who supplies boxes, tape, and padding.
8. How are my belongings protected, and what are the limits? Ask about valuation coverage versus basic liability. Basic coverage pays by weight, not value. Full-value protection costs more but covers more.
9. How do I file a damage claim? Ask for the claims process in writing. Get the deadline and who handles the claim. Report damage before the crew leaves.
10. What are the pickup and delivery windows? Get a delivery window, not just a date. Ask how schedule changes are handled. Long-distance moves often have wider windows.
11. What about stairs, elevators, and parking? Tell the mover about stairs, elevator reservations, and parking access. These details change the crew size and the price.
12. What items will you not move? Ask about items movers cannot transport, like hazardous materials, perishables, and certain valuables. Plan to move those yourself.
Moving Company Estimate Checklist: Compare Quotes Fairly
A fair comparison starts with the same details for every mover. Give each company the same inventory, services, and access conditions. Otherwise, a lower quote may just mean less work is included.
Use this checklist before requesting quotes:
Room-by-room inventory with item counts
List of specialty items, like pianos or safes
Stairs, elevator, and parking details
Packing and unpacking needs
Preferred move dates and flexibility
Move type: local or interstate
Storage needs, if any
For a moving company estimate checklist, keep every quote in writing. Then compare line by line, not just the total.
Moving Company Deposit and Cancellation Policy: What to Confirm
A clear deposit and cancellation policy protects you if plans change. Ask for it in writing before you pay anything.
Confirm these points:
Deposit amount and what it covers
Accepted payment methods
Cancellation and rescheduling windows
Refund terms if you cancel
Any fees for changes
Get the terms and conditions in writing. Keep a copy of the signed contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I verify a New Jersey moving company's license?
Check the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs public mover license lookup for the company's NJ Public Mover License number. For interstate moves, verify the mover's USDOT and MC numbers on the FMCSA website. A USDOT number alone does not establish authorization for interstate household-goods moving, so confirm the MC number and HHG authority. Ask for the license number in writing before signing anything.
What should a moving company estimate checklist include?
Use the same inventory, services, and access conditions for every quote. Note the total cubic feet or weight, packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, stair or elevator details, parking distance, and any specialty items. Ask whether the estimate is binding or nonbinding, what additional fees could apply, and what the written contract and terms and conditions say. This makes quotes comparable.
What items can movers refuse to transport?
Most movers will not move hazardous materials such as propane tanks, gasoline, paint, ammunition, fireworks, and certain cleaning chemicals. Perishable food, live plants, and some high-value items like jewelry or documents are often excluded or limited. Ask for the company's prohibited items list in writing, and plan to transport those items yourself or dispose of them before moving day.
Moving is stressful enough without surprise charges or unclear terms. At Sergeant's Tactical Moving Company, we bring disciplined planning, careful handling, and clear communication to every move, backed by our NJ Public Mover License 39PM00506400 and interstate authority. Let's talk about your move at sergeantsmoving.com or 856-396-9173.
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