Questions to ask a moving company before booking

Who will actually move my belongings?

Get the company’s legal name and contact details. Ask whether it will perform the move itself or arrange another company. For an Illinois household move, use the Illinois Commerce Commission’s mover information and lookup. For an interstate move, check FMCSA’s consumer resources.

Read recent Google and Facebook reviews for the type of work you need. Specific accounts of an office relocation or a furniture move tell you more than a rating alone.

How is the price calculated?

Ask whether the price is hourly, fixed or based on another method. For hourly work, check the crew size, minimum charge, travel time and when the clock starts and stops. Ask what could change the estimate.

Give every company the same addresses, item list and building details. Save the written estimate so you can compare the actual work.

What tasks and materials are included?

Check packing, pads and wrapping, furniture disassembly, reassembly and placement. List complex pieces separately, such as modular desks or cubicles.

Ask who supplies and drives the truck. If you have arranged your own transportation, confirm loading and unloading bookings at both addresses.

What happens if something is damaged?

Ask the mover to explain its liability terms, available protection options and how to report a problem. Get the documents before agreeing to them. Check whether the terms cover an item’s full replacement cost and what limits apply.

Keep photos and paperwork, and ask whom to contact if you find an issue after delivery.

What are the booking and change terms?

Check the arrival or delivery window, payment methods, deposit terms and cancellation policy. Ask how inventory changes or an unavailable elevator affect the plan.

Save the contact you will use on moving day. If an answer matters to your booking, ask for it in writing.

Sources

• Illinois Commerce Commission: household goods movers
• FMCSA: Protect Your Move