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7 Tips for Hiring Movers in 2026
Table of Contents
- Verify License and Insurance Before You Hire
- Ask the Right Questions to Assess Fit
- Request a Detailed Moving Company Estimate Checklist
- Compare Multiple Quotes and Services
- Complete Your Moving Day Preparation Checklist
- Book Early and Confirm Details in Writing
- Review Feedback and Track Communication
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: October 11, 2026
Verify License and Insurance Before You Hire
The first step when hiring movers is confirming they're properly licensed and insured. This protects your belongings and holds the company accountable if something goes wrong during your move.
Ask to see proof of licensing. In Colorado, moving companies must register with the Public Utilities Commission if they operate intrastate. Request their license number and verify it independently through the PUC database. A legitimate moving company will provide this information without hesitation.
Insurance is equally critical. Make sure the company carries general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance naming you as an additional insured. This documentation proves they're protected and that you have recourse if damage occurs.
Many people skip this step because it feels administrative. Don't. A company unwilling to show proof of licensing or insurance is a red flag. At Taylor Moving LLC, we provide all credentials upfront because transparency builds trust. When you're hiring movers, this verification step takes 10 minutes and prevents major headaches later.
Ask the Right Questions to Assess Fit
Asking the right questions to ask movers helps you understand whether a company can handle your specific move. Don't settle for vague answers.
Start with their experience level. How long have they been in business? Do they regularly handle moves similar to yours, apartment to house, office relocation, or specialty items like pianos or antiques? A company with 20+ years of experience knows the local challenges: narrow stairwells, older buildings without elevators, tight parking on residential streets.
Ask about their crew composition. Will the same team show up on moving day that you discussed your move with? Or will a different crew arrive? Consistency matters. You want people who understand your specific needs, not a random team unfamiliar with your situation.
Inquire about their process for handling fragile or valuable items. Do they use specialized packing materials? Do they offer custom crating for antiques or artwork? How do they secure items in the truck to prevent shifting during transit?
Ask whether they've moved homes or businesses in your neighborhood before. Local movers understand building layouts, parking restrictions, and access challenges specific to your area. They know which buildings have weight limits on elevators or require advance notice to management.
Request a Detailed Moving Company Estimate Checklist
A moving company estimate checklist ensures you're comparing apples to apples and understand exactly what you're paying for. Never accept a quote without a detailed breakdown.
Request an in-person or virtual walkthrough before they quote you. The estimator should see what you're moving, assess access to your home, and note any obstacles. This prevents lowball quotes that don't reflect the actual work required. Many companies offer a Free Estimate to help you understand your move's scope and cost without obligation.
Ask for an itemized estimate that includes labor hours, equipment rental (dollies, furniture pads, boxes), packing materials if applicable, and any specialty services. A vague estimate like "approximately $3,000" tells you nothing. You need specifics: "4 movers × 6 hours at [hourly rate], plus packing supplies."
Confirm what's included in the base price and what costs extra. Some companies include basic boxes and tape. Others charge separately. Some include furniture pads and equipment; others don't. These details add up.
Ask about their pricing model. Is it hourly? Flat rate? Weight-based? Understand how they calculate the final bill. Taylor Moving LLC uses transparent, inclusive hourly pricing with no hidden fees, so you know exactly what you're paying for and why.
Request a written estimate. Never rely on a phone quote. A written estimate gives you something to reference if questions arise and protects both you and the mover.
Compare Multiple Quotes and Services
Comparing quotes from multiple moving companies prevents you from overpaying and helps you identify which company truly fits your needs.
Get at least three estimates. This gives you a realistic range and shows you which companies are outliers, either unusually cheap or unusually expensive. Cheap often means corners are cut. Expensive doesn't always mean better. The middle ground with strong references usually represents fair value.
When comparing quotes, look beyond price. Compare the services included, the estimated timeline, the crew size, and the company's communication approach. A company that responds quickly to your questions and provides detailed information is more likely to execute your move smoothly.
Check online reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, and industry sites. Look for patterns. One negative review happens; five similar complaints about damaged furniture or poor communication is a signal. Pay attention to how the company responds to criticism, do they take it seriously or dismiss complaints?
Ask each company about their approach to your specific challenges. If you have a narrow stairwell or a valuable antique, describe it and see how they respond. A thoughtful answer suggests they'll handle it carefully. A generic response suggests they're not really listening.
Complete Your Moving Day Preparation Checklist
A moving day preparation checklist ensures you're ready when the movers arrive and helps everything run smoothly.
Confirm the appointment 48 hours before moving day. Call to confirm the crew size, arrival time, and any special instructions. This catches scheduling errors before they become problems.
Prepare your home. Clear pathways from the front door to each room. Remove obstacles like garden hoses, decorations, or parked cars blocking access. If you're in an apartment, reserve the elevator and notify building management of the exact moving time.
Pack your personal items and valuables. Movers typically won't transport jewelry, important documents, medications, or irreplaceable items. Pack these separately and move them yourself.
Label boxes clearly with the room they're going to and what's inside. This helps movers place boxes in the correct rooms and makes unpacking faster.
Protect your floors and doorways. Lay down cardboard or plastic sheeting in high-traffic areas. Use door frame protectors. These simple steps prevent damage to your home.
Have a final walkthrough plan. Before the movers leave, check each room to confirm nothing was left behind. Inspect furniture and boxes for damage. Take photos if you notice any issues.
Book Early and Confirm Details in Writing
Booking your movers early, ideally 4-6 weeks before your move, gives you better availability and time to prepare properly.
Popular moving companies fill up during peak season (May through September). Booking early ensures you get your preferred date and crew. Last-minute bookings may mean higher prices or limited availability.
Once you've chosen a company, confirm all details in writing. Get a signed contract that includes your moving date, time, estimated duration, the services included, the price, and any special instructions. This protects both you and the moving company.
Request a follow-up communication schedule. When will they confirm the day before? Will they call when they're 30 minutes away? How will they contact you if something changes? Clear communication prevents surprises.
Ask about their cancellation and rescheduling policy. Life happens, if you need to postpone, what are the terms? Understanding this upfront prevents confusion later.
At Taylor Moving LLC, we confirm all details in writing and maintain regular communication leading up to your move. Our team reaches out before moving day to confirm the time and address any last-minute questions.
Review Feedback and Track Communication
Before you finalize your decision, review the company's track record and establish clear communication channels.
Check their social proof. Look for testimonials from customers in your area. Awards like "Top 10 Movers" or "Best of" recognition indicate a company consistently delivers quality service. Taylor Moving LLC has been recognized for years of reliable service to this community.
Ask how the company tracks your move. Will you have a dedicated contact person? Can you call or text with questions? Real-time tracking of your moving truck is increasingly common, ask if they offer it.
Understand their damage claim process. If something gets damaged, what's the procedure? How quickly do they respond? What documentation do you need? A company with a clear, fair claims process shows they take responsibility seriously.
Request a post-move survey. After your move is complete, the company should follow up to ensure you're satisfied. This shows they care about your experience and want to address any concerns.
Hiring the right moving company makes the difference between a stressful experience and a smooth transition. Verify licensing and insurance, ask detailed questions, compare multiple estimates, and communicate clearly in writing. These steps take time upfront but save stress and prevent problems later.
When you're ready to move, get a free moving estimate from Taylor Moving LLC. Our team has served the Longmont and Boulder communities since 1997 with transparent pricing, careful handling, and professional service. Contact us today to discuss your move and experience the difference local expertise makes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check whether a moving company is licensed and insured?
Request the company's license number and insurance certificate directly. For local moves, check with your state's moving authority or the Better Business Bureau. Ask for proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. A reputable company will provide this documentation without hesitation and explain what each policy covers.
What questions should I ask movers before hiring them?
Ask about their experience with moves similar to yours, how they handle fragile items, whether they provide packing materials, what their cancellation policy is, and how they calculate final costs. Request references from recent customers. Clarify whether the estimate is binding or non-binding, what happens if the move takes longer than expected, and how they handle access issues at your location. Ask if the company is licensed and insured, and request proof.
What should a moving company estimate checklist include?
A complete estimate should list the date and time of the move, the hourly rate or flat fee, an itemized breakdown of services (packing, loading, unloading, travel time), insurance coverage details, any additional charges for stairs or difficult access, and the estimated duration. It should specify what is and isn't included in the price. Ensure the estimate explains whether it's binding or non-binding, and confirm all terms in writing before signing.
How far in advance should I book movers?
Book at least 4-6 weeks ahead, especially during peak moving season (May through September). Booking early gives you more date options and allows time for detailed planning. If you need a move on short notice, contact companies immediately to check availability. Early booking also gives you time to gather quotes, compare services, and prepare your home properly, reducing stress and the risk of last-minute surprises.
What should I do before moving day to prepare?
Create a moving day preparation checklist: sort and declutter your belongings, use up pantry items, defrost your freezer, arrange for pet and child care if needed, confirm the move details with your company in writing, clear pathways in your home, protect floors and walls, and prepare a 'first night' box with essentials. Notify utilities, update your address, and ensure someone is home to meet the crew. Take photos of valuable items before the move for documentation.
