Why choosing the wrong mover costs more than picking the right one
The cheapest quote almost always becomes the most expensive move. We've inherited customers from hostage-loading scenarios where a different company doubled the bill on delivery day and refused to unload. We've seen damage claims ignored for months, deposits disappear, and crews show up four hours late on a Sunday with a half-sized truck.
Every one of those disasters started with a phone call that skipped these 11 questions. Five minutes of vetting up front saves the worst day of your life later.
The 11 questions to ask
Before you even start asking these questions, make sure you're talking to a real moving company and not a broker. We covered that in detail in Why You Should Never Hire a Moving Broker — read it first.
1. What's your USDOT number?
Every legitimate interstate mover has one. Look it up at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. A real mover gives you the number on first ask.
2. Do you provide binding written estimates?
A binding estimate is a flat price that's legally protected under WA law. Without it you're at the mercy of an hourly meter.
3. Will the same crew that quotes me move me?
If a salesperson quotes and a different crew shows up, you're a broker customer. The mover should know which crew lead will be on your job.
4. Are your crew members background-checked?
Employees on payroll get background-checked. Day-laborers off Craigslist don't. Ask how they hire.
5. How long have you been in business?
Newer than 3 years means they haven't seen a full economic cycle. Newer than 1 year means you're the experiment.
6. Can you provide references from recent customers in my neighborhood?
Real movers can name three recent jobs within a few miles of you.
7. What's your damage rate?
Honest answer is a small percentage; less than 2% of moves involve any damage claim. Anyone claiming 'zero' is lying.
8. Do you carry cargo insurance and what's the coverage?
Required by law in Washington. They should email you the COI within an hour of asking.
9. Do you handle [specific specialty items]?
Piano, gun safe, antique, marble, fine art, hot tub — ask specifically. Most movers can't actually handle these.
10. What payment methods do you accept and when is payment due?
Major credit cards, check, cash should all be options. Cash-only or wire-only is a red flag.
11. What's your cancellation policy?
Should be in writing. A small fee for last-minute cancellation is normal; refusal to refund a deposit for any reason isn't.
Verifying a Seattle mover
Three free verification sources every Seattle homeowner should use before hiring: FMCSA SAFER (safer.fmcsa.dot.gov) for interstate authority and complaint history; WA UTC (utc.wa.gov/MovingCompanies) for state-level local-move authority; and the BBB for complaint resolution patterns. Real customer reviews on Google and Yelp matter too — read the 3-star reviews, not just the 5-star ones, to understand how a mover actually handles problems.
For background on us specifically: 35 years of moving Seattle, a real Ballard address, published USDOT and HG numbers, and binding written estimates on every job.
