September 18, 2025
1. Are You Licensed and Insured in North Carolina?
Hiring a licensed and insured moving company protects you legally and financially. Movers operating within North Carolina should have a North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) number, while interstate movers need a U.S. DOT number. Insurance covers your belongings in case of damage or loss, and licensing proves legitimacy. Without these, you risk hiring unqualified or even fraudulent movers.
2. Do You Provide In-Home or Virtual Estimates?
Estimates done in person or virtually help ensure accuracy. A mover who refuses to assess your inventory may surprise you later with unexpected fees. A walkthrough allows movers to identify items requiring special handling and gives you a realistic quote based on volume, weight, and services needed.
3. Can You Give a Binding or Not-to-Exceed Quote?
Binding estimates guarantee your price won’t increase on moving day, while not-to-exceed quotes ensure the cost won’t go beyond a certain point. These provide financial clarity and peace of mind. Always avoid non-binding quotes, as they leave room for dramatic cost increases.
4. What Services Are Included in Your Pricing?
Some movers include wrapping, loading, and disassembly, while others charge for each service. Always clarify what’s covered in your quote so you can budget correctly. Understanding this upfront helps avoid surprise fees for basic tasks like padding furniture or carrying items upstairs.
5. Do You Have Experience with Local and Long-Distance Moves?
Not all movers are equipped to handle long hauls or state-to-state relocations. If you’re moving across North Carolina or beyond, experience in logistics, federal regulations, and secure packing for long-distance travel is critical. Ask for specific examples of similar moves they’ve completed.
6. How Long Has Your Company Been in Business?
A company’s track record speaks volumes. More years in business usually means more experience handling different types of moves—and resolving problems. It’s a good sign they’ve developed efficient systems, trained crews, and built a solid reputation in the community.
7. Can You Provide References or Reviews from Past Customers?
Customer feedback helps you gauge reliability. Ask for recent references or check verified reviews online. A reputable mover will be happy to share positive stories. Look for consistency in punctuality, professionalism, and how they handle issues.
8. Do You Handle Specialty Items Like Pianos or Antiques?
If you have fragile or valuable items, you need movers with specialized training and equipment. Mishandling can lead to damage, and not all movers are qualified for these tasks. Ask if they’ve handled similar items, and if they provide custom crating or padding.
9. What’s Your Cancellation or Rescheduling Policy?
Life happens—closings get delayed, weather interferes. Know your options ahead of time. Will you lose your deposit if you cancel? Can you reschedule without penalties? Understanding this policy can save you both money and frustration during an already stressful time.
10. Are Your Movers Background-Checked and Professionally Trained?
These are the people entering your home and handling your possessions. You want to be sure they’re trustworthy and properly trained in handling, lifting, and securing items. Background checks also ensure safety and professionalism on moving day.
11. How Do You Handle Damages or Claims?
Even the best movers can have accidents. Ask about their damage claims process. A professional company will have a clear, written procedure and offer valuation coverage. This ensures you know how to get reimbursed if something goes wrong.
12. Do You Offer Packing and Unpacking Services?
If you’re on a tight schedule or physically unable to pack, these services can be a lifesaver. Clarify costs, materials provided, and how items are labeled. Well-organized packing makes for faster, easier unpacking and reduces damage during transport.
13. Will My Belongings Be Transferred Between Trucks?
Some long-distance or consolidated moves involve transferring items between trucks or storage. This increases the risk of damage or lost items. Knowing this in advance lets you weigh the risks and ask about tracking or storage protocols.
14. What Are Your Payment Terms and Accepted Methods?
Always ask when payment is due and what methods they accept. Be cautious of companies requiring large cash deposits up front. Legitimate movers usually ask for partial deposits or payment upon delivery. Clear terms help you avoid scams or payment disputes.
15. Can You Provide a Written Contract?
A detailed contract protects both you and the mover. It should outline services, dates, prices, and liabilities. Never rely on verbal agreements. Make sure everything discussed is in writing to avoid disputes later on.
16. Are There Any Hidden Fees I Should Be Aware Of?
Surprise fees can wreck your moving budget. Common extras include charges for stairs, heavy items, long carries, or last-minute changes. Ask for a full breakdown of potential additional charges and get it in writing to protect your wallet.
Hiring professional moving services in the US can make your life much easier. It saves time, reduces stress, and helps you move without problems. Whether you are using moving solutions in Florida, having experts on your side is a game-changer. So, if you’re planning a move, don’t do it all alone. Let professionals help you every step of the way. You’ll thank yourself later.
Ready for a Stress-Free Move?
Don’t wait until the last minute. Get in touch now with Big Burns Moving for a smooth and simple moving experience. Call us at 828-303-4944.
