The Top 7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Moving Company
The Top 7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Moving Company
Hiring a moving company isn’t just about finding someone with a truck and a few strong backs. It’s about trusting them with your furniture, keepsakes, and honestly—your sanity on moving day.
So how do you make sure you’re hiring a mover who’s professional, careful, and won’t leave you with surprise charges (or worse, a horror story to tell)?
Start by knowing the right questions to ask a moving company before hiring them. Here are the top 7 to keep you protected.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
In California, all moving companies must be licensed through the Bureau of Household Goods and Services. If you’re moving out of state, they should also have a valid USDOT number.
If a company hesitates or fumbles this question, that’s your sign to look elsewhere.
📌 At Betsy’s Moving: We’re fully licensed, insured, and happy to show you proof. We even have special coverage for moving fine art and pianos.
2. What Type of Liability Coverage Do You Offer?
Many people don’t realize the default coverage is just $0.60 per pound, per item. That means if your 200 lb dresser breaks, the payout is only $120.
Ask about full value protection and how they handle claims—especially for high-value or sentimental pieces.
Learn about our special insurance options for high-end moves here.
3. Can You Provide a Written Estimate?
Never settle for a vague ballpark. Reputable movers will provide a detailed, written estimate, often after a virtual or in-home walkthrough.
👉 Be wary of rock-bottom quotes that seem too good to be true. That’s where hidden fees often show up.
4. Who Will Actually Be Moving Me?
Some companies sell your move to another crew. Ask if the team who gives the estimate is the same team who will show up on moving day, and whether they use their own employees or subcontractors.
📌 With Betsy’s Moving: Our trusted team handles your move from start to finish. No strangers, no surprise faces.
5. How Do You Protect My Floors, Doorways & Furniture?
Look for answers like floor runners, furniture pads, door jam protectors, shrink wrap, and proper truck loading. A good mover invests in keeping your home and belongings safe.
6. What Happens If My Move Runs Over?
Is there a clear hourly rate? Flat fee? How do they handle traffic delays or unforeseen issues? Make sure they’re transparent about billing beyond the original estimate.
7. Can You Share References or Reviews?
Read through their Google or Yelp reviews, and ask for direct references. Look for repeat mentions of careful handling, friendly service, and trustworthiness.
Bonus Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Moving Company:
Do you have experience with piano moves or fine art?
Can you pack and unpack for me?
What’s your cancellation or reschedule policy?
Are your movers background-checked and trained?
Why This Matters
Most moving horror stories start with skipped conversations. Asking these key questions to a moving company before hiring them protects you from stress, hidden fees, and heartbreak.
Why Betsy’s Moving?
We’ve built our reputation around trust, transparency, and extra-special care. From helping seniors transition to moving luxury homes with precious artwork, we treat every move as if it were our own.
🚛 Licensed & insured
📦 Specialists in senior moves, white-glove service & piano relocation
🌟 Hundreds of 5-star reviews from families across Sonoma County
👉 Learn more about our senior moving expertise here.
Helpful Links to Keep You Safe
Let’s Make Your Move Easy
Skip the headaches—hire movers you can laugh with, trust completely, and rely on when it matters.
📞 Call Betsy’s Moving at (707) 322-0620 or request your free quote online.
We’re here to handle the heavy lifting (and the fragile stuff too).
