Overview

5 Questions to Ask a Potential Mover

Hiring the right moving company is one of the most important decisions you'll make during your relocation. Whether you're planning a short-distance move on Long Island or heading across the country, doing your homework upfront can help you avoid scams, unexpected fees, and unnecessary stress. Before you hire a potential mover, be sure to ask the right questions and carefully evaluate their answers.

Below, we’ve outlined five essential questions to ask any moving company you’re considering. These will help you determine whether they’re reliable, professional, and well-suited to handle your move with care and efficiency.

How long has this potential mover been in business?

Experience matters. A potential mover with years (or decades) of experience likely has a proven track record of customer satisfaction and industry knowledge. A well-established company will also have protocols in place to manage logistics, handle specialty items, and respond to issues that might arise on moving day.

Don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions:

• • Have you operated under other names in the past?
  • Why did the company change names (if applicable)?

Some less reputable movers rebrand after negative reviews or legal issues, so verifying business history is a great way to spot red flags. You can also check online reviews and ratings, or ask if they have any references or testimonials you can contact.

Pro tip: Check if they’re listed with the Better Business Bureau or other trusted consumer organizations.

May I see your DOT number?

All professional interstate movers are required to have a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number. This number is a clear sign that the mover is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and is operating legally.

Ask your potential mover for their DOT number and verify it at fmcsa.dot.gov. Here, you can see whether the mover is licensed, insured, and in good standing. If the company only does local moves, they may have a state license instead, be sure to check with your state’s transportation agency.

If a mover hesitates to provide this information or offers a fake or expired number, consider it a major red flag.

Will you conduct an in-home estimate?

A trustworthy mover will offer, or even insist on, conducting an in-home estimate (or virtual walkthrough) to provide you with an accurate quote. This allows them to assess your inventory, understand any unique challenges (like stairs, narrow hallways, or fragile furniture), and determine how many movers and what equipment they’ll need.

Be cautious of any potential mover that only wants to give you a price over the phone or through email. Without seeing your home and belongings firsthand, there’s a high risk of surprise fees or underestimated costs later.

Getting a long-distance moving estimate based on a walkthrough helps ensure transparency and trust from the beginning.

Do you carry worker’s compensation insurance?

Worker’s compensation insurance is non-negotiable. It protects you and the movers in case someone gets injured on your property. If a moving company doesn’t carry it, or their policy is expired, you could end up liable for medical bills or legal issues.

Ask your potential mover for proof of worker’s comp coverage and verify that it's current. A reputable moving company will have no problem sharing this information and should be fully insured for liability and cargo as well.

This is especially important when you’re hiring a full-service moving company that provides services like packing, furniture disassembly, or heavy lifting.

How will you protect my home and belongings during the move?

A quality mover takes pride in their work and will have a plan for protecting your home, walls, floors, doorways, and furniture throughout the moving process. Ask them to walk you through their standard procedures.

Do they:

• • Use furniture pads and floor runners?
  • Wrap fragile items and electronics?
  • Disassemble and reassemble large furniture?
  • Offer packing services or specialized crating for valuables?

Listen for specific examples. A vague answer like “don’t worry, we’re careful” isn’t good enough. Your potential mover should explain their methods clearly and professionally. If you’re concerned about certain items, like antiques or artwork, be sure to bring that up in advance.

Bonus Tip: Ask About Valuation Options

Although not in the top five, it’s smart to ask your mover what kind of moving insurance or valuation coverage they offer. In the event that something is damaged or lost, you’ll want to know what your options are and how claims are handled. Understanding valuation protection can help you make informed choices and minimize your risk.

Final Thoughts on Choosing a Potential Mover

Choosing the right potential mover is about more than just finding the lowest price. It’s about finding a team you trust with your home and everything in it. By asking thoughtful questions, checking credentials, and listening carefully to how the company responds, you’ll be able to make a confident decision that leads to a smoother, less stressful move.

And remember, if you're moving from New York to Florida, planning a long-distance move, or just need help with packing and storage, Verity Van Lines has the experience, licensing, and dedication to handle every detail of your move. We’ve been moving families and businesses for over 100 years, and we’re happy to answer any of these questions (and more!) when you reach out.

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