At the end of college, many students need to figure out moving logistics to a new job in a new area on a fairly tight timeline. I am going through something similar right now and thought a list of good questions to ask a moving company would help a lot of people. I do want to preface this with the fact that I am not an expert, just another student who has gone through/is going through this process and would have loved to have this information sooner.

• What is the address of the moving company along with other contact information?
  • This helps to prove that they are a legit company. There are a lot of scammers out there.
• Who (get specific names and personal contact info) do I call if there are any questions or troubles during the move?
• Are you all the moving brokers or the actual carriers?
  • Moving brokers are a pain to deal with and can actually cost you a lot more for no reason. They just coordinate and charge you fees for it while hiring another separate moving company which may also overcharge you.
  • Make sure to confirm that it will be their movers, moving van with decal, etc. showing up on pickup and delivery days.
• What is insurance like for items (and cars, if applicable)?
  • They may have some basic 60 cent/lb coverage and then charge you a few hundred for extra coverage which is usually worth it. Cars usually get full coverage.
• Get an emailed, itemized list in writing.
  • Also ask how the price will vary if you happen to have more or less boxes than initially planned.
• Understand the pickup and dropoff windows around your requested time/day.
• Make sure to understand all fees and services including packing materials, packing, walking more than 75 ft, using stairs, using an elevator, etc.
• Are the drivers (of the items and/or car(s)) fully insured and background checked?
• If applicable, check if the car(s) will be shipped with an outside trailer or enclosed. The pricing will be different for each.
• Understand the security measures of your items.
  • Many people need them to store things for at least a few days before delivery.
  • Where will my items be stored? Is it climate-controlled? Who has access? How is the security? Are there locks and where? What is the material of my pod/vault?
• What is the schedule for payments and how do I pay?
  • Many companies will have you give them a deposit which will be used towards the final cost. Then, you pay half after pickup/packing is done and the other half right before delivery.
• Figure out how they will load things into your new home or apartment.
  • Many apartment areas may have a loading dock in a parking garage or no designated area at all. Figure out what the movers will be working with and if it will incur any additional fees.