What To Know Before Hiring Movers

Whether it’s across the country or to the other side of town, moving can be a hassle. Case in point: about 40 percent of surveyed Americans think moving is more stressful than a breakup, and nearly 30 percent agree it takes between 40–80 hours to pack all their items for relocation. 

Fortunately, hiring movers can streamline the process and minimize the stress—as long as they’re professional and reliable — which is why it’s important to understand what to know before hiring movers.

From pricing and availability to services and insurance options, there’s a lot to consider when hiring movers. But don’t sweat it — we’ll help you navigate the ins and outs of this process to help  you make the best decision for your new chapter.

9 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Movers 

Whether you plan on moving out of state or just a few ZIP codes over, you’ll want to keep these nine questions in mind when hiring movers.

1. When is the moving company available?

First on the agenda: see if the movers you want to hire are available on your actual moving date. If you’re relocating during the peak summertime moving season, check availability well in advance — ideally six to eight weeks ahead of your move. Waiting until the last minute could leave you with minimal (if any) reliable options to choose from.

2. Is the moving company licensed and insured?

Before hiring movers, make sure the company has a valid license with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This accreditation legally permits them to transport your items long-distance, and it’s essential for interstate moves. If you’re moving within the same state, check your state’s licensing requirements — many regulate movers through a state DOT or public utilities commission.

To confirm whether a moving company is registered with the FMCSA, search for their UDOT number in the Department of Transportation’s mover database.

3. What are the moving company’s coverage options?

Potential losses or damage are inevitable risks of the moving process, so inquire about the different insurance plans a mover offers before you hire them. Here’s a rundown of the most common types of coverage and what each option is best suited for.  

Basic Liability Protection

In the U.S., moving companies must legally provide their customers with valuation coverage. This basic liability protection ensures the movers are responsible for your items while handling and transporting them. Because the FMCSA requires valuation coverage, all licensed moving companies offer it at no additional charge to you. 

Here’s the caveat: If any items are lost or sustain damage, you’ll be reimbursed at $.0.60 per pound for each item—no matter how much it’s actually worth. For example, let’s assume your $1,000, 20-pound TV breaks in transit. You’ll receive just $12 as compensation for it. Given that financial risk, basic liability protection makes sense if you aren’t transporting valuables or you already have homeowners insurance or third-party coverage.

Full-Value Insurance

If you want more robust insurance coverage to reimburse you for an item’s actual worth, full-value insurance compensates you in order to:

• Repair the item in question;

• Replace it with a similar item; or

• Receive the current market value in cash 

Just keep in mind: current market value means how much an item is worth at the time of your move — which might not be the same as how much you paid for it. 

The cost of full-value insurance is usually about 1% of the whole shipment’s estimated value. So, if you report to an insurer that all of your items together are worth $30,000, you’ll likely spend around $300 for the total coverage. If your items are valuable, or you need to transport them long-distance, full-value insurance is probably worth the investment.

Third-Party Insurance 

If you have fragile, expensive items such as antiques and artwork, or you’re planning an international move, you can supplement basic valuation coverage with third-party insurance from an external provider.

4. Which services does the moving company offer?

Some moving companies offer more services than others. When hiring movers, think about the needs of your specific move. Do you want a company to just deliver your items to your new home? Or would you prefer full-service movers who can handle all the labor — from packing to loading to transporting to unloading? 

Here are some common moving company services to ask about:

• Packing and unpacking items
• Providing boxes and materials
• Dissembling and reassembling furniture
• Loading and unloading the truck
• Transporting items to the destination
• Handling speciality items (valuable or bulky), such as pianos or jacuzzis
• Disconnecting appliances or electronics
• Storing items in units or facilities

5. What kind of price estimate does the moving company use?

In terms of what to know before hiring movers, cost is usually top of mind. Price quotes can be estimated in a few distinct ways—be sure to ask movers which of these following cost estimate models they use:    

Binding Estimate

With a binding estimate, the moving company will guarantee a fixed cost, which reflects the services you choose, the volume of items you need to transport, and the total distance of your move. If the actual process deviates from this estimate, the price won’t change—unless you increase the tier of service or amount of items during the move.

Non-Binding Estimate

With a non-binding estimate, the initial price quote you receive is just an approximation. The moving company will determine a final cost based on the shipment’s total weight in the truck. So, you might owe more (or less) than originally estimated in the quote.

Binding Not-to-Exceed Estimate

With a binding not-to-exceed estimate, the moving company will charge a lower price than the initial quote if your items weigh less than anticipated. If they weigh the same as (or more than) the estimate, you’ll just owe the quoted price — the movers won’t upcharge you. 

6.How does the moving company calculate prices?

When calculating the cost of a relocation, moving companies take many different factors into consideration. The more thoroughly a mover calculates these costs upfront, the fewer surprises you’ll have to deal with later on, so do your best to obtain a full cost breakdown that accounts for each of the categories below:

Moving Service Tier

The more services you need, the higher the expense. Other specialized services like furniture assembly will drive up the cost, too. 

Size and Volume of Shipment

As a general rule, the more items you transport, the more a company charges because bigger loads take up more truck space, weigh more, and require more labor. For most long-distance moves, the moving company will likely need to visit your home ahead of time to estimate the weight of your total shipment. 

Distance of Transportation

Local moves are usually charged by the hour, while long-distance or interstate moves charge based on the total mileage to account for travel-related expenses such as fuel and tolls. The farther your destination, the higher transportation costs tend to be. 

Availability and Time of Year

Since demand rises on weekends, during summer months, or on holidays, movers tend to increase their rates during these times. 

7. Does the moving company have a reliable claims process?

If any items are lost or sustain damage in transit, you’ll need to file a claim for reimbursement. Working with a reliable moving company will help streamline this process, so before hiring movers, ask them about how they handle claims and check customer reviews to ensure they follow through. 

Here are a few questions to ask about the mover’s claims process:

• How much time do I have to report damage or losses after the shipment delivery?

• What documentation will I need to submit (photos, inventory lists, receipts, etc.)?

• Are there any out-of-pocket deductibles or insurance limits that I should be aware of?

• Who will handle the claims process — the moving company itself or a third-party insurer?

• How does the moving company determine which form of compensation to offer (repair, reimbursement, or replacement)?

• What is the average timeline of a claim, from the first report to the final payout?

You can read customer reviews on sites like Yelp, Angi, Consumer Affairs, and Google. This information will provide honest, unfiltered insights on how a mover’s claims process works from customers who have been through it personally.   

8. Will the moving company be running any discounts?

When shopping around for a moving company, ask about if they’re running any promotions or offer discounts. Movers often lower their rates in the off-season (specifically, winter) and on weekdays. Some also offer discounts on moving boxes or other supplies, and make their services more affordable for veterans, seniors, teachers, or students.

9. What extra fees does the moving company charge?

Certain items or unique situations can incur additional fees that you might not expect. Movers tend to charge extra for the scenarios below, so inquire about these logistics ahead of time to avoid moving day surprises:

Stairs or Elevators

If the movers need to carry items up or down more than one flight of stairs or an elevator, the moving company could tack on a stair fee due to the extra time and labor.

Parking Permits

Some towns or cities require a permit in order to park a moving truck (especially in the street) — which often falls to the customer.  Failing to obtain a permit could increase labor costs, since the movers will need to park farther away.

Long-Carry

If the distance from your front door to the truck is longer than normal (usually over 100 feet), it might incur a “long-carry” fee.

Specialty Items

Transporting bulky, valuable, or delicate items—such as large electronics, appliances, artwork, pianos, antiques, or pool tables—requires specialized care. 

Rescheduling

If you reschedule the moving date on short notice, this can also incur a fee, especially during the peak season when availability is limited.

Cancellation

Similar to rescheduling, if you cancel services too close to the moving date, chances are, you’ll owe a cancellation penalty. 

FAQs: Hiring Movers

What do I do before hiring movers?

Before hiring movers, research several different companies to ensure they’re licensed and insured. Check out the online reviews to see how other customers feel about their moving experiences. Secure written estimates from each company, familiarize yourself with their policies, and inquire about extra fees to avoid any surprises.

Is $100 per person a good tip for movers? 

A $100 tip for each mover is a generous amount for a full-day job. Customers often tip $20–$50 for shorter local moves and $50–$100 for more complex long-distance moves.

Is hiring movers worth it?

Hiring movers is worth the expense if you want to save time and effort, while increasing the likelihood that your items will arrive in one piece. While full-service moving costs more than a DIY relocation, the efficiency and convenience of hiring movers can help ease the stress of this major life event. Just make sure the moving company is reliable and professional. 

Tips for Hiring Movers

Now that we covered all you need to know before hiring movers, here are some tips to streamline the process even further:

• Relocate during the off-season for cheaper rates and more availability: Moving companies are busiest in summer and on weekends, so booking in late fall or winter — and on weekdays — often means better pricing and more flexible scheduling.

• Get multiple quotes before choosing: Comparing estimates from at least three moving companies ensures you’re getting fair pricing and helps you spot hidden fees.

• Choose a moving company with a proven track record of experience: Look for established movers with strong customer reviews, clear licensing, and transparent pricing. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or proof of insurance.

• Start packing 6–8 weeks in advance: Begin with items you don’t use every day, like off-season clothes or décor, so you’re not scrambling when the movers arrive. The more organized you are, the smoother moving day will go.

• Label each box clearly: Note the contents, the room it belongs in, and any special instructions like “Fragile” or “This Side Up.” This saves movers time and helps you avoid damage during unloading.

• Ask about extra services: Movers may offer packing, unpacking, furniture assembly, or even storage options — which could save you time and stress if you need them.

• Set aside a moving-day essentials box: Pack a small box or suitcase with your daily necessities (toiletries, chargers, medications, a few days’ worth of clothes) so you’re not digging through boxes your first night.

• Confirm all details in writing: Make sure your contract specifies the date, time, services included, and agreed-upon price so there are no surprises.

Ready to Hire Movers?

Choosing experienced, trustworthy movers can be the difference between a smooth transition or a stressful one. 

Colonial Van Lines has maintained a 96.5% customer satisfaction rate during our 50-plus years in business, with over 20,000 long-distance relocations successfully completed. Contact us for a Contact us for a free quote today!