7 Questions to Ask Any Moving Company Before You Book
A short phone call with a moving company can tell you more than ten adverts — as long as you ask the right questions. We’ve put together the seven questions to ask a moving company before you book, along with the answers that tell you you’re dealing with professionals.
You don’t need any special knowledge to ask them. They’re the same things you’d ask any tradesperson coming into your home: what will you do, how much will it cost, what happens if something goes wrong? The difference is that with a move, your entire household is at stake — so it’s worth asking every one of them, in writing if possible.
What questions should I ask a moving company?
Ask whether the price is written and fixed, what exactly it includes, what insurance cover there is, who is coming and with what vehicle, how damage is reported, what the cancellation policy is and whether the business issues a proper receipt or invoice. Clear, written answers are the best sign you can trust them.
1. “Can I have a written quote? Is the price fixed?”
This is the most important question. A written quote protects you from last-minute changes. Ask too whether the price is fixed for the job or charged by the hour. Both are fair, as long as it’s clear from the start.
Good answer: “Yes, we’ll send you a written quote listing everything it includes. The price stands as long as the details you’ve given us are accurate.”
2. “What exactly does the price include?”
Two quotes for the same amount can include completely different things. Ask them to spell out:
- how many people will be working,
- whether dismantling and reassembling furniture is included,
- whether blankets and protective materials are included,
- whether there’s an extra charge for stairs or for distance from the vehicle,
- whether the price includes VAT.
3. “What insurance cover do you have?”
Don’t settle for “we’re insured”. Ask what kind of cover it is, up to what amount and what the exclusions are. Ask for these details in writing before the move. For high-value items, ask whether extra cover is available. See what to look out for in our guide to moving insurance.
4. “Who is coming, and with what vehicle?”
A serious company knows which team it will send and what vehicle your job needs. Ask whether the movers are the company’s own permanent staff and whether they have experience with your type of move — a flat without a lift, say, or moving a piano. Ask too whether one trip or two will be needed.
5. “What happens if something gets damaged?”
The answer to this one tells you a lot about a company. They should explain simply and clearly when and how damage is reported, how quickly they respond and how repair or compensation works.
Good answer: “You note any visible damage at delivery, in front of our team. For anything that isn’t obvious straight away, you let us know in writing within a few days. We look into every case and get back to you quickly.”
6. “What’s your cancellation and rescheduling policy?”
Plans change: a contract signing gets delayed, a flat isn’t handed over on time. Ask how late you can change the date free of charge, whether there’s a deposit and whether it’s refundable. A fair policy is written into the company’s terms — not something they’ll “sort out at the time”.
7. “Do you issue an invoice or receipt?”
A legitimate business always issues a proper receipt or invoice and has public company details: name, VAT number (ΑΦΜ), tax office and address. These should appear on the website and on the quote. Issuing a receipt isn’t just a tax obligation — it’s also proof of your agreement if a problem comes up.
One question the moving company should ask you
It’s worth looking at it the other way round, too: how many questions does the moving company ask you? A professional company will ask about floors, lifts, parking, bulky furniture and fragile items before giving you a price. If they quote without asking almost anything, that price will probably change on moving day.
Questions for special situations
If there’s anything unusual about your move, add the relevant questions:
- A piano or heavy items: Do you have the experience and the special equipment? How many people will it take?
- A floor without a lift: How is the surcharge worked out? Will you need an extra person?
- Storage: Where is the space, how is it secured and how are items recorded?
- Moving on the same day you get the keys: Can you do an afternoon slot?
- Weekends or public holidays: Is there a different rate?
How to keep track of the answers
When you’re talking to two or three companies, the answers quickly get mixed up. Keep a simple table:
| Question | Company A | Company B | Company C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written quote | |||
| What’s included | |||
| Insurance cover | |||
| Cancellation policy | |||
| Final price incl. VAT |
With the table in front of you, comparing takes a few minutes. Keep it after you’ve chosen, too: if anything on moving day differs from what was agreed, you’ll have it in writing and can discuss it calmly.
Common mistakes when choosing a moving company
- Choosing on price alone, without checking what’s included.
- Settling for a verbal agreement.
- Not mentioning the tricky parts up front, such as stairs or bulky furniture.
- Booking at the last minute, when the good dates have already gone.
- Not reading the cancellation terms before paying a deposit.
Questions for moving day
Once you’ve booked, a few practical questions make the day itself much calmer:
- What time exactly will the team arrive, and who is in charge?
- Which number can I call on moving day?
- Do I need to empty wardrobes and drawers?
- Should I disconnect the washing machine and fridge myself?
- How do I pay, and what receipt will I get?
When to ask
Questions about price, insurance and cancellation belong before you book, while you’re comparing quotes. The practical moving-day questions are best asked a week before, when you confirm the appointment. That way you don’t overload the first conversation with detail, and nothing is left to the last minute.
Our answers
At TheBestMovers we answer all of these questions in writing before you book. Our quote lists the team, vehicle, materials and any surcharges. Our company details are at the bottom of every page and in our terms of use. See what each service includes, from a home move to special item moves, or ask for a free quote.
