Choosing a licensed moving company can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re comparing prices, reading reviews, and trying to figure out which promises are real and which are just sales talk. The wrong choice can lead to damaged belongings, surprise fees, or a truck that shows up late, or not at all.
The good news? Asking the right questions to ask local movers upfront can help you avoid common moving nightmares and find a company you can trust. Whether you’re moving across Phoenix or relocating within Arizona, these questions will help you make an informed decision.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
This should be your very first question. A legitimate moving company operating in Arizona must be properly licensed and insured to protect both you and themselves.
For interstate moves, check that the company is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify this by asking for their DOT (Department of Transportation) number and MC (Motor Carrier) number, then looking them up in the FMCSA database. The operating status should read “Authorized.”
For local moves within Arizona, the company should be licensed through the Arizona Corporation Commission. Proper licensing means the company follows safety regulations and has met minimum insurance requirements.
If a moving company can’t provide proof of licensing or seems hesitant when you ask, that’s a major red flag. Walk away and find someone else.
2. Do You Offer Binding Estimates?
One of the most common complaints about moving companies involves surprise price increases on moving day. You get an estimate over the phone, agree to it, and then when the truck is half-loaded, suddenly the price doubles.
A binding estimate (also called a guaranteed price) protects you from this scenario. With a binding estimate, the company commits in writing to the quoted price, provided your inventory doesn’t change and all the details remain the same.
Not every reputable mover offers binding estimates, but if price predictability matters to you, this is worth asking about. At minimum, make sure you understand exactly how the company calculates your final bill and what could cause the price to increase.
3. Will You Provide an In-Home or Virtual Estimate?
Phone estimates based on a quick conversation about your home size are notoriously inaccurate. Professional movers know that every home is different, a three-bedroom house could mean vastly different amounts of furniture depending on the family living there.
Reputable moving companies offer in-home estimates where they physically walk through your home and assess what needs to be moved. Many also offer virtual estimates via video call, which became popular during the pandemic and continues to be a convenient option.
Either way, a visual inspection ensures the company understands the scope of work. This leads to more accurate quotes and fewer surprises on moving day.
If a company insists on quoting you without seeing your belongings, be cautious. That low estimate might not be realistic.
4. What Items Won’t You Move?
Not everything can go on a moving truck. Most moving companies won’t transport hazardous materials like paint, propane tanks, cleaning chemicals, or gasoline. Many also won’t move plants, especially on long-distance relocations, and some have restrictions on perishable food items.
Ask your mover what they won’t transport so you can make other arrangements. The last thing you want is to discover on moving day that you’re responsible for getting your grill’s propane tank and half your garage to your new home yourself.
5. How Do You Handle Damages or Lost Items?
Even the most careful movers occasionally break something. What matters is how the company handles it when things go wrong.
Ask about their claims process and what kind of coverage they provide. By law, movers must offer basic liability coverage at no charge, but this typically only reimburses you $0.60 per pound per item for interstate moves, barely enough to replace anything valuable.
Many companies offer additional protection options, often called full-value protection, which covers items for their actual replacement value. This costs extra but provides much better peace of mind, especially if you’re moving expensive furniture or electronics.
Also, check online reviews to see how other customers’ damage claims were handled. If multiple people report that the company refused to reimburse them for broken items, that’s a warning sign.
6. Do You Run Background Checks on Your Crew?
You’re trusting strangers with your belongings and access to your home. It’s completely reasonable to ask whether the moving company conducts background checks on their employees.
Professional moving companies screen their crews to ensure they don’t have theft convictions, major criminal records, or histories of damaging customer property at previous jobs. This protects both you and the company.
At Moving Team Six, we hire, train, and employ our own full-time moving crews. We don’t use temp workers or day laborers, which means every person who shows up to your move is a vetted member of our team. This makes a huge difference in professionalism and accountability.
7. Are There Any Hidden Fees?
Some moving companies advertise low rates to get you in the door, then hit you with unexpected charges on moving day. Common surprise fees include:
- Extra charges for stairs or elevators
- Long-carry fees if the truck can’t park close to your door
- Fuel surcharges
- Fees for moving heavy or bulky items
- Charges for packing materials
Ask upfront what the quoted price includes and what could trigger additional fees. A trustworthy mover will be transparent about their pricing structure.
Also, read customer reviews with an eye toward mentions of surprise charges. If you see a pattern of complaints about hidden fees, consider that a red flag.
8. What Services Do You Offer?
Not all moving companies provide the same services. Some only handle loading and transportation, while others offer full-service moving that includes packing, unpacking, furniture disassembly, and more.
Make sure the company you’re considering offers everything you need. Common services to ask about include:
- Packing and unpacking
- Packing materials (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, furniture blankets)
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Specialty item moving (pianos, safes, artwork)
- Short-term or long-term storage
- Appliance disconnection and reconnection
Don’t assume a company offers a service just because it seems standard. Ask specifically about what you need.
9. How Long Have You Been in Business?
Experience matters in the moving industry. A company that’s been operating successfully for years has proven they know how to handle moves efficiently and keep customers satisfied.
Newer companies aren’t necessarily bad, but established movers often have better systems in place, more experienced crews, and track records you can verify through reviews and references.
Moving Team Six has been serving the Phoenix area for over 10 years and has completed more than 25,000 moves. That kind of experience means we’ve seen every situation imaginable and know how to handle challenges that come up.
10. Can You Provide References or Reviews?
Finally, don’t just take a company’s word for it, see what their actual customers have to say. Ask if they can provide references from recent customers, and check online reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.
Look for patterns in reviews rather than focusing on individual complaints. Every company gets an occasional bad review, but if you see consistent issues with damaged items, late arrivals, or poor customer service, pay attention.
On the flip side, consistently positive reviews about professionalism, care, and reliability are good signs you’ve found a company worth hiring.
Choose Local Movers You Can Trust
Asking these questions to ask local movers before hiring helps you separate professional, reliable companies from those that will make your move more stressful than it needs to be. Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions, good movers welcome them because they know transparency builds trust.
Whether you’re moving across Phoenix, relocating to Scottsdale, or heading to another part of Arizona, Moving Team Six is here to make your move smooth and stress-free. We’re a family-owned company that treats every customer with honesty and respect. Our licensed, bonded, and insured team has the experience to handle local moves of any size, from studio apartments to large family homes.
We offer comprehensive residential and commercial moving services, including packing, loading, transportation, and unpacking. Our crews know the Phoenix area inside and out, which means efficient routes and reliable timing.
Ready to get started? Contact Moving Team Six today for a free, no-obligation estimate. Let’s make your next move the easiest one yet.