Moving is one of life’s biggest transitions — and one of the most common ways it turns stressful is by hiring the wrong moving company. Whether you’re relocating to a waterfront home on Kent Island, settling into a new neighborhood in Annapolis, or moving across the country, doing your homework before you hire movers can save you time, money, and a lot of unnecessary headaches.
Below are the five questions every smart mover should ask before signing a contract — and why each answer matters more than it might seem.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
Why it matters: This is non-negotiable. Any reputable moving company operating in Maryland should be fully licensed and carry adequate insurance to protect your belongings during transit and storage.
Licensing confirms the company meets state and federal requirements for operating as a moving carrier. Insurance protects you financially if something is damaged, lost, or broken along the way. If a moving company can’t answer this question clearly and confidently — or hesitates to show proof — treat that as a red flag and keep looking. A legitimate mover will have this information ready without being asked twice.
What to ask for specifically:
- Their USDOT number (for interstate moves) or Maryland state licensing information (for local/intrastate moves)
- Proof of liability insurance and cargo insurance
- Whether valuation coverage is included or needs to be purchased separately
2. Do You Offer a Written Estimate?
Why it matters: Verbal quotes are easy to forget — and even easier for a company to change after the fact. A written estimate protects both sides by outlining the full scope of the move in black and white.
A trustworthy moving company will walk through your inventory (in person or via video walkthrough) and provide a detailed, itemized estimate that includes labor costs, truck fees, packing materials, fuel surcharges, and any potential add-on services like furniture disassembly or specialty item handling. Surprises on moving day are never fun, and a clear written estimate dramatically cuts down the odds of a final bill that doesn’t match what you expected.
Questions to dig deeper:
- Is this a binding or non-binding estimate?
- What circumstances could cause the final price to change?
- Are there extra fees for stairs, long carries, or elevator access?
3. What’s Your Experience With My Type of Move?
Why it matters: Not all moves are created equal, and experience with your specific move type can make the difference between a smooth day and a chaotic one.
Moving a two-bedroom apartment in downtown Annapolis looks very different from relocating a large household, or managing a commercial office move. Each scenario comes with its own logistics — narrow staircases, tight parking, water access considerations, or business downtime concerns. Make sure the movers and storage company you’re considering have direct, verifiable experience with moves like yours, not just general moving experience.
Ask them to share:
- Examples of similar moves they’ve completed recently
- How they handle unique challenges (waterfront access, high-rise buildings, long-distance hauls)
- Whether they offer specialty services like piano moving, art handling, or commercial relocations
4. Do You Offer Storage Solutions?
Why it matters: Closing dates, lease overlaps, and renovation timelines don’t always line up perfectly — and when they don’t, you need a plan B.
Ask upfront whether your moving company offers short-term or long-term storage options. Having both your move and storage handled by one trusted provider makes the entire process smoother, since your belongings don’t have to change hands between multiple companies. This is especially valuable when the unexpected happens, like a delayed closing or a gap between move-out and move-in dates.
Follow-up questions worth asking:
- Is the storage facility climate-controlled and secure?
- How is pricing structured for short-term vs. long-term storage?
- Can you access your items during the storage period if needed?
5. What Do Your Reviews Say?
Why it matters: Online reviews tell the real story that a sales pitch can’t. Patterns in feedback reveal how a company actually performs, not just how they describe themselves.
Look for consistent comments about punctuality, care of belongings, communication, and overall professionalism — across multiple review platforms, not just one. A single bad review isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but a pattern of complaints about damaged items, hidden fees, or no-shows should be. A company with strong, consistent local reviews from is almost always a safer bet than the lowest bidder.
Where to check:
- Google Business reviews
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and complaint history
- Local Facebook community groups, where honest recommendations often surface
Ready to Ask Us These Questions?
At A One Moving & Storage, we welcome every one of them — because we’ve got great answers. We’re fully licensed, insured, and proud to serve families and businesses across Annapolis, Kent Island, Anne Arundel County, and beyond with both moving and storage solutions under one roof.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote. Let’s make your next move your best one yet.
📞 410-729-1729 | 🌐 https://aonemoving.net/
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire movers in Maryland? Costs vary based on the size of your move, distance, and any additional services like packing or storage. Getting a written, itemized estimate from a licensed local mover is the best way to get an accurate number for your specific situation.
What questions should I ask a moving company before hiring them? At minimum, ask whether they’re licensed and insured, whether they provide a written estimate, whether they have experience with your specific type of move, whether they offer storage options, and what their reviews say about punctuality and care of belongings.
Do movers also offer storage services too? Many full-service moving companies, including A One Moving & Storage, offer both moving and short- or long-term storage solutions, which is especially helpful when closing dates or lease timelines don’t align perfectly.
How do I know if a moving company is legitimate? Check that they can provide licensing information (a USDOT number for interstate moves or Maryland state registration for local moves), proof of insurance, a written estimate, and verifiable online reviews across multiple platforms.
What’s the difference between a binding and non-binding moving estimate? A binding estimate locks in the total cost upfront based on the reviewed inventory, while a non-binding estimate is an approximation that can change based on the actual weight or time of the move. Ask your mover which type they’re providing before you sign anything.
