How to choose movers you can truly trust.
Hiring a moving company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during a relocation. Whether you’re moving into a new home, apartment, or office, the right movers can make the process smooth, safe, and stress-free. The wrong movers, on the other hand, can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.
That’s why it’s crucial to know the questions to ask a moving company before you commit to hiring one. Think of it not as a tedious interview process, but as a powerful tool that puts you in control. You’re not just hiring people to move boxes to and fro; you’re trusting them with your belongings, your schedule, and in many cases, your new beginning.
This guide breaks down the most important mover questions to ask, along with red flags to watch for. Use it as your personal hiring checklist, whether you’re booking residential movers or a commercial moving service.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
This is the first, and arguably the most important, question to ask movers. A legitimate company will have the proper licensing and insurance to operate legally.
- Why it matters: Licensing ensures they follow industry standards, and insurance protects you in case of damage or loss. You can verify a company’s license and insurance by checking with the Department of Transportation or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
- Red flag: If a company hesitates to provide proof of insurance, look elsewhere immediately.
For your peace of mind, E-Logic Moving’s residential moving services are fully licensed and insured, ensuring that your belongings are in safe hands.
2. What Services Do You Offer?
Not all moves are created equally. Some companies specialize in local residential moves, while others focus on long-distance or commercial relocations. Clarify what’s included, and what services you’re looking for before blindly booking the first moving company you find..
- Questions to ask movers:
- Do you offer packing and unpacking services?
- Can you handle specialty items (pianos, artwork, IT equipment)?
- Do you provide storage solutions?
Check out our commercial moving services to see how E-Logic can customize moves for businesses, with full transparency about our offerings and costs.
P.S. E-Logic offers solutions to all of the above!
3. What’s Included in the Estimate?
Price transparency is critical. Ask for a written estimate that clearly outlines costs. Here are a few additional questions that we recommend considering when obtaining an estimate.
- Important mover questions:
- Is this a binding or non-binding estimate? A binding estimate is a fixed price based on the items to be moved and the services required. A non-binding estimate, on the other hand, is an approximation of the final cost and can change based on the actual services provided.
- Are there extra fees for stairs, long carries, or bulky items? For example, some companies may charge extra for carrying items up or down stairs, for carrying items over a certain distance, or for handling particularly heavy or large items.
- Do you charge by weight, hours, or both?
- Red flag: A company that won’t provide a written estimate or pressures you into signing on the spot.
4. How Do You Handle Claims and Damages?
Even with the best movers, accidents can happen. You need to know how claims are handled before moving day.
- What to ask before booking movers:
- What’s your claims process if items are lost or damaged?
- Do you offer full-value protection or only basic coverage?
5. Can You Provide References or Reviews?
A reputable moving company should be proud to share positive customer experiences.
- Pro tip: Read recent online reviews and ask for references from similar moves (apartment, corporate, long-distance).
- Red flag: No online presence or poor reviews with repeated complaints about the same issues.
6. What’s Your Experience With My Type of Move?
Moving a two-bedroom apartment is very different from relocating a corporate office. Always ask about their specific experience.
- Mover interview questions:
- Have you handled office relocations in Fairfax before?
- Do you have experience with apartment moves and landlord regulations?
- What about interstate or out-of-state moves?
7. What Equipment and Crew Do You Use?
The quality of equipment and staff can make a huge difference.
- Ask movers directly:
- Do you own your trucks, or are they rented?
- How many crew members will be on-site?
- Are your movers background-checked and trained?
E-Logic ensures every mover is professionally trained and equipped with modern tools to protect your furniture and belongings.
8. What’s Your Policy on Cancellations or Rescheduling?
Life happens, and sometimes you need to adjust your moving date. Clarify policies in advance to avoid unexpected costs.
9. How Do You Handle Timing and Scheduling?
Punctuality matters. Ask about arrival windows, delays, and how they communicate updates.
- Red flag: Companies that can’t guarantee a date or refuse to give clear timeframes.
10. Can I Get Everything in Writing?
From pricing to timelines, nothing should be left to verbal agreements. A professional mover will always provide written contracts that cover the scope of work.
Bonus: Red Flags to Watch For
- Large deposits are required upfront – Legitimate movers typically charge after the move.
- No physical address or office – Always verify the company’s location.
- Unmarked trucks or ununiformed crews – Signs the company may not be legitimate.
E-Logic Will Help You Move With Confidence
Choosing the right movers isn’t just about finding the lowest price—it’s about trust, professionalism, and peace of mind. By asking these questions for movers in advance, you’ll know exactly what to expect and avoid unpleasant surprises.
At E-Logic Moving, we welcome these questions. In fact, we encourage them—because we believe transparency builds trust. Whether you’re preparing for a small apartment move, a family home relocation, or a full office transition, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to hire trusted movers? Contact us today for a free quote and discover why we’re one of the most reliable moving companies in Virginia.
More Helpful Resources:
- Residential Move Checklist
- Office Move Checklist
- How to Choose a Moving Company
- Packing Tips for Moving House
Areas We Serve: