Hiring a mover is a strange thing when you stop and think about it. You are handing almost everything you own to people you have never met, and most folks make that call after ten minutes on the phone. I have been doing this since 2005, and the customers who end up happiest are almost always the ones who asked a few good questions up front.
So here is my list. These are the questions I would ask if I were hiring a mover in Phoenix myself, with a quick note on why each one matters.
The 7 questions to ask before you hire a mover
- Who is actually doing my move, your own employees or day labor? The person on the phone and the people at your door are not always from the same company. Your own crew means trained, accountable people.
- Is the price hourly or flat, and when does the clock start and stop? You want to know exactly when you are paying, not find out on the invoice.
- What is not included in this quote? Stairs, long carries, pads, wrapping, fuel, and heavy items are where surprise charges hide. An honest mover can list them.
- How many movers and what size truck are you sending? This tells you whether the time estimate is realistic for the size of your home.
- Can I get all of this in writing? A written contract protects both of you. If a company will not put it on paper, keep calling.
- What happens if the move runs long? Listen for a calm, specific answer. Scrambling or vague talk is a warning sign.
- How long have you been in business, and can I talk to the owner? A company with deep local roots has a reputation to protect, and an owner you can reach is worth a lot when plans change.
Now let me add a little more color on the ones that matter most.
Ask who is actually showing up
This is the one I would put at the top of anybody's list. A lot of moving outfits book the job, then fill the truck with whoever they can find that morning. Those folks might be good people, but they have not been trained on how to wrap a dresser, protect a doorframe, or carry a sleeper sofa down a stairwell without taking out the drywall.
At In or Out Movers, we do not use day labor. Our crew is our own employees, and many of them have been with us for years. If you want to know how to spot the difference, I wrote a whole piece on how to avoid day-laborer moving crews in Arizona.
"I needed to move in 2 days and they were able to make that happen!. The team that performed my move were professional, experienced and knowledgeable on best way to move everything out of old home and into my new home." · Jay S., Yelp review
Ask what is not included
The cheapest quote on the phone is not always the cheapest move. Some companies give a low number to win the booking, then add line items on move day for stairs, wrapping, fuel, or a "heavy item" nobody mentioned. By then your things are on the truck.
The fix is simple. Ask, "What is not included?" and listen closely. A straight answer is a good sign. A pause, or "we'll see on the day," is not. We quote with no hidden costs, and our pads and wrapping are part of the job, not an extra. For more on reading a quote line by line, see how to get an honest moving quote.
Get it in writing
Arizona has a state law for household goods movers (A.R.S. 44-1611 through 44-1614). The written contract it describes includes the services to be provided and any fees, the payment terms and accepted payment methods, and the total estimated price including all anticipated fees and charges. Whoever you hire, ask to see those details on paper before anyone picks up a box.
Ask about the Phoenix stuff
Moving in the Valley has its own wrinkles. Summer heat means an early start matters. Many communities have HOA move-in windows and rules about where a truck can park. A mover who works here every day will know to ask about these things without you having to bring them up. If you are moving in or around the city, here is more about our movers in Phoenix and how we handle local moves across the Valley.
Red flags to listen for
- A quote given without asking what you are moving or where.
- A large cash deposit requested before anything is in writing.
- No straight answer on who is coming to do the work.
- Vague answers on what is included, or "we'll figure it out on the day."
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important question to ask a moving company?
Ask who is actually doing the move, their own employees or day labor. The crew at your door decides how your belongings are handled, so it is worth knowing before you book.
How many moving quotes should I get?
Getting quotes from a few companies is a good idea. Ask each one the same questions so you are comparing the same things, not just the bottom number.
Should I get my moving quote in writing?
Yes. Arizona's household goods mover law describes a written contract that includes the services, fees, payment terms, and total estimated price. Ask to see it before move day.
That is the list. Ask these, write down the answers, and go with the company that gave you straight ones. If that is us, great. If it is not, you will still have a better move for having asked. Either way, I am always happy to talk it through on the phone.