Hiring movers: compare the inventory, estimate and responsibilities

List pickup and delivery addresses, approximate inventory, dates, stairs, elevators, parking and items needing special handling. Say whether packing, unpacking or storage is requested. Ask whether the business is the mover carrying your goods or a broker arranging another carrier, and obtain the name of the company that will actually attend.

FMCSA’s cited consumer guidance concerns interstate household-goods moves, meaning a move to another state. Check the actual mover or broker and applicable registration through FMCSA for that scope. Local and in-state requirements differ; use the relevant state authority rather than assuming interstate rules settle every local move or every type of transport.

Ask how the estimate accounts for inventory, packing materials, travel, stairs, long carries, storage and special items. Confirm pickup and delivery expectations and what changes the price. For interstate work, obtain the required consumer documents and discuss the estimate and paperwork with the mover before agreeing to the move.

Ask which responsibility or valuation options apply, their exclusions and charges, and how a claim is made. Do not assume a mover’s included responsibility equals replacement-value insurance for every item. Keep the inventory, estimate, approved changes, shipment and delivery documents, photographs and contact details for resolving any discrepancy.