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7 Questions to Ask Your Mover

License, insurance, quote structure, and what happens if something breaks — the 7-question checklist that protects you from bad movers.

1. Are you licensed and insured?

Every legit mover carries commercial auto insurance, cargo insurance, and (for interstate) a USDOT number. Ask for proof. Any mover who can’t produce it in five minutes is not a mover you want.

2. Is your quote binding, or an estimate?

Binding = the price we agree on is the price you pay. Non-binding = the final bill can be different. Ask which one you’re getting, in writing.

3. What’s the minimum charge?

Most movers charge a two-hour minimum. Some charge three or four. If you have a small job, this matters.

4. Are pads, dollies, and wrap included?

They should be. Watch for movers who charge extra for basic equipment on move day.

5. What’s your damage claim process?

Stuff breaks, occasionally. Ask what happens if it does — full replacement value? Cents per pound? Deductible?

6. Will the same crew handle load and unload?

For local moves this is standard. For long-distance, ask specifically — some companies swap trucks and drivers mid-route.

7. How do I reach you on move day?

You want a cell phone number for the crew lead, not a call center. Save it in your phone before move day.

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They didn't waste a single minute — exceedingly efficient. I would never move again without hiring these two guys.” — Mary E., Greenacres, WA MovingHelp “These guys are amazing! Unloaded really quickly, came out to Dover for us. Friendly, personable, communicative. Makes moving that much easier.” — Julia J., Kirkland, WA MovingHelp “The entire transaction was great. Samuel and Gavin were awesome. Very efficient, careful with property, and obviously knew what they were doing.” — Brian G., Spokane Valley, WA MovingHelp “Micky called to give me an ETA since their previous job ran later. Drew and Micky worked well as a team loading and unloading — faster than anticipated.” — Colleen S., Spokane Valley, WA MovingHelp “Sammy was on time, professional, friendly, and got the job done. Amazing packers — got everything into my small SUV and trailer. Highly recommend.” — Sheryl S., Vernal, UT MovingHelp “Deacon and his partner were on time and ready to work. Pleasant, professional, and had a sense of humor. I enjoyed working with them.” — Ron J., Spokane, WA MovingHelp “Gentleman were amazing! Courteous, professional, exceptionally kind, and efficient.” — Michelle S., Caldwell, ID MovingHelp “This team was outstanding. Fast, efficient, took care with my things. Highly recommend. Would use them again.” — Susan S., Post Falls, ID MovingHelp “Gavin and Jakaih were a pleasure to work with. Timely, efficient and super helpful.” — Tim G., Spokane, WA MovingHelp “Efficient, polite, fast — a lot of work and they were very cheerful. Great attitudes. Would definitely hire them again.” — Valerie R., Sandy, OR MovingHelp “Michael and his crew were quick to my needs. Needed to move on short notice, on a weekend — they answered the call, showed up on time and moved us in quickly and efficiently. Courteous and treated our belongings with care. Highly recommend.” — Stephen P. Google “I've worked with Mike and his team for more than ten years. They are the only moving company I trust and will ever use. They've never damaged, broken, dropped, or lost a single item. Truly one of a kind.” — Five Star Ranch Google “Wonderful experience with Jacob and Deackon. They were very careful, gentle and efficient with moving our various items.” — Susan Waweru Google “Move Forward helped us move over 300 cabinets. Sam took the lead and his crew was professional, hardworking, and incredibly detail-oriented from start to finish. We highly recommend them.” — 3D Cabinets, CDA, ID Google “Great service. Samuel and Mickey were friendly, professional, and knew how to do their job. I recently retired from Washington State DOC as an executive manager — they reminded me great young professionals still exist.” — Dennis Jordan Google “Move Forward LLC helped us move our upright piano and did it without damaging the piano and our house. Very efficient and got it done on the same day.” — Zie T. Google “Very friendly, excellent movers, no wasted time. Would recommend and use again.” — Lynne M. Google “Great company and team all around. Very professional and do an outstanding job. I highly recommend.” — MP N. Google “The Move Forward team was amazing! Showed up on time, worked tirelessly throughout the day, and treated our belongings with the utmost care.” — Cindi H. Google “Outstanding experience. The crew was professional, efficient, and handled all of our belongings with great care. Highly recommend Move Forward LLC.” — Shad M. Google “Kyle and Zach worked incredibly hard. Very careful with our furniture and walls. They didn't waste a single minute — exceedingly efficient. I would never move again without hiring these two guys.” — Mary E., Greenacres, WA MovingHelp “These guys are amazing! Unloaded really quickly, came out to Dover for us. Friendly, personable, communicative. Makes moving that much easier.” — Julia J., Kirkland, WA MovingHelp “The entire transaction was great. Samuel and Gavin were awesome. Very efficient, careful with property, and obviously knew what they were doing.” — Brian G., Spokane Valley, WA MovingHelp “Micky called to give me an ETA since their previous job ran later. Drew and Micky worked well as a team loading and unloading — faster than anticipated.” — Colleen S., Spokane Valley, WA MovingHelp “Sammy was on time, professional, friendly, and got the job done. Amazing packers — got everything into my small SUV and trailer. Highly recommend.” — Sheryl S., Vernal, UT MovingHelp “Deacon and his partner were on time and ready to work. Pleasant, professional, and had a sense of humor. I enjoyed working with them.” — Ron J., Spokane, WA MovingHelp “Gentleman were amazing! Courteous, professional, exceptionally kind, and efficient.” — Michelle S., Caldwell, ID MovingHelp “This team was outstanding. Fast, efficient, took care with my things. Highly recommend. Would use them again.” — Susan S., Post Falls, ID MovingHelp “Gavin and Jakaih were a pleasure to work with. Timely, efficient and super helpful.” — Tim G., Spokane, WA MovingHelp “Efficient, polite, fast — a lot of work and they were very cheerful. Great attitudes. Would definitely hire them again.” — Valerie R., Sandy, OR MovingHelp