How to Choose a Local Moving Company: 7 Questions to Ask Before You Book
Most people choose a local moving company the way they choose a restaurant on a Friday night — a quick online search, a glance at reviews, and a gut call. That works fine for dinner. For a move, it leads to a lot of avoidable problems.
The movers you choose will handle everything you own for several hours. A good crew makes moving day straightforward. A bad one can result in damaged furniture, a final bill much higher than quoted, or worse. The difference almost always comes down to the questions you asked — or didn’t ask — before booking.
Here are the seven questions that matter most, with what to listen for in the answers.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
This is the non-negotiable starting point. Any legitimate local mover should be able to answer this immediately and specifically.
For moves within a single state, licensing requirements vary by state — Minnesota requires intrastate movers to be registered with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. For interstate moves (crossing state lines), federal registration through the FMCSA is required, including a USDOT number and MC number.
Ask for their USDOT number if applicable and verify it yourself at protectyourmove.gov. Ask what insurance they carry — specifically, what coverage applies if a piece of furniture is damaged during your move.
| Wheatland Van Lines: DOT# 3181246 | MC# 126479 — verifiable on the FMCSA database at protectyourmove.gov. |
2. Do You Provide a Written Estimate?
Verbal quotes mean nothing on moving day. A written estimate protects you by documenting what was agreed — the rate, the services included, and any additional fees.
For local moves, the estimate will typically be hourly (a rate per hour for crew and truck, with a minimum). The estimate should specify:
- Hourly rate and minimum hours
- Number of movers and truck size
- What’s included (travel time, equipment, fuel)
- Any fees that could apply (stairs, long carry, packing materials)
- Deposit requirements and payment methods accepted
A company that’s reluctant to provide a written estimate, or that only gives you a bottom-line number without detail, is one to be cautious about.
3. Do You Conduct an Inventory Survey Before Estimating?
The most accurate local moving estimates come from movers who have actually seen what you’re moving — either in person or via a video walkthrough. A company that quotes you a flat rate over the phone without asking about your inventory is guessing, and that guess usually adjusts upward on moving day.
Ask whether they offer an in-home estimate or a virtual survey. The answer tells you something about how the company operates. A mover who invests time in seeing your situation before quoting is generally a mover who takes the job seriously.
4. Who Exactly Will Be Doing the Move?
This question catches something important. Some moving companies are brokers — they take your booking and subcontract the actual move to a third party. This isn’t always disclosed upfront, and it means the crew that shows up may be from a company you didn’t research.
Ask directly: “Will your employees be handling my move, or will it be subcontracted?” A company that uses its own trained, vetted, and background-checked employees gives you more accountability than one that outsources to whoever is available.
5. What’s Your Claims Process for Damaged Items?
Ask before the move, not after. You want to know what happens if something gets broken or scratched during transport.
All licensed movers provide basic liability coverage (Released Value Protection), which covers 60 cents per pound per item — barely enough to matter for most furniture. Full value protection is the coverage worth having; ask if the company offers it and what it costs.
Also ask how claims are filed and how long the process typically takes. A company that has a clear, documented claims process is less likely to leave you in a dispute after the move.
6. Have You Moved Similar Situations Before?
This question is especially relevant if your move has unusual elements: a piano, a fourth-floor walkup apartment, a very large or heavy piece of furniture, tight staircases, or a home with difficult driveway access.
General moving experience is one thing; specific experience with your situation is more valuable. Ask whether they’ve handled similar moves, whether they have the right equipment, and whether any specialty items carry additional charges.
7. What Do Recent Customers Say?
Reviews are useful, but the way you use them matters. Don’t just look at the star average — look at the specifics. You want to see reviews that mention:
- Crew arriving on time
- Careful handling of furniture and fragile items
- Final bill matching or close to the estimate
- Clear communication before and on moving day
Cross-reference Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. A pattern of complaints about surprise charges or damaged items is meaningful — one or two complaints in a large review set is normal; a consistent pattern is not.
The Comparison Checklist
When you’ve gathered information from multiple companies, use this side-by-side comparison:
| Question | Company A | Company B | Company C |
| Licensed & insured? | |||
| Written estimate provided? | |||
| Inventory survey offered? | |||
| Own employees (not broker)? | |||
| Full value protection available? | |||
| Specialty item experience? | |||
| Review pattern (Google/BBB)? | |||
| Total estimated cost |
Red Flags That Should End the Conversation
- No USDOT number or reluctance to provide one
- Quote given without any questions about your inventory
- Requiring a large cash deposit before the move (more than 20% upfront)
- No written contract offered
- Name that doesn’t match the FMCSA registration
- Extremely low estimate that’s significantly below all other quotes
Choosing Wheatland Van Lines for Your Local Move
Wheatland Van Lines is a licensed, fully insured local moving company serving Minneapolis–Saint Paul and the surrounding Midwest region. We use our own trained employees — no subcontracting — and we provide written estimates for every move.
We’re happy to answer all seven of the questions above in detail before you commit. Request a free moving estimate and we’ll walk you through our process, our rates, and exactly what your move will involve.
Learn more about our local moving services across Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many moving companies should I get quotes from?
Get at least three written estimates. This gives you enough data to identify an outlier — either unusually high or suspiciously low — and to make an informed comparison on price and services included.
Is it better to use a local moving company or a national chain?
Local movers often provide more personalized service and are more accountable to their local reputation. National chains offer consistency across locations, which matters more for long distance moves. For a local move, a well-reviewed regional mover with verifiable credentials is often the better choice.
What if I have a bad experience with a local mover?
Document everything: photographs of damage, copies of all paperwork, written records of communications. File a claim with the moving company first. If unresolved, file a complaint with the FMCSA (for interstate moves), your state’s consumer protection agency, and the Better Business Bureau.