Interstate moving consumer guide
Questions to ask a moving company before paying
Specific written questions expose unclear responsibility, pricing, refund, delivery, and scope terms before money changes hands.
Reviewed by Setly Editorial TeamUpdated July 26, 2026Scope Interstate U.S. household moves
Company and responsibility
- What is your exact legal name and USDOT number?
- Are you the carrier or a broker arranging the move?
- Which carrier will perform pickup and delivery?
- Who receives my payment and who handles a refund or claim?
Price and payment
- Is this estimate binding or non-binding?
- What is the maximum amount due at delivery?
- Which services or conditions can increase the price?
- Is the deposit refundable, and what is the exact cancellation deadline?
- Can I pay by credit card, and will I receive an itemized receipt?
Pickup, delivery, and protection
- Are the dates guaranteed or estimated windows?
- What happens if pickup or delivery is delayed?
- Are storage, shuttle, stairs, long carries, and packing included?
- Which valuation option have I selected?
- How and when must I file a loss or damage claim?
Official sources and scope
Setly summarizes consumer decision points and does not certify, approve, recommend, or guarantee a mover. Verify changing registration, authority, insurance, complaint, and safety information directly with the official source before paying and again before pickup.
Independent by design
Read our independence policy Movers cannot pay to change Setly’s findings.
Commercial relationships, if introduced, will be labeled and kept separate from report evidence.