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Last Updated on March 24, 2025
Moving can be stressful—whether you’re relocating across town or making the big move to Spokane from another state. A reliable moving company can make all the difference, ensuring your belongings arrive safely and on time. But with so many options out there, how do you know which moving company is right for you?
Before you sign any contracts, take the time to vet your movers by asking these five key questions.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
This should be the first question you ask any moving company. Legitimate movers must be properly licensed and insured to operate legally and protect your belongings.
- For interstate moves, ask for the company’s U.S. DOT number (issued by the Department of Transportation). You can verify it through the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) website.
- For local moves in Spokane, check if the company is licensed with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC).
- Insurance matters! A reputable mover should offer at least basic liability coverage. Ideally, they should also offer full-value protection, which covers the full replacement cost of lost or damaged items.
🚩 Red Flag: If a company can’t provide proof of licensing and
2. What’s Included in the Quote?
Moving companies can have vastly different pricing structures, so get detailed estimates and ask what’s included. Some companies charge by weight, distance, or time, while others have flat-rate pricing.
Key things to clarify in your quote:
✔ Packing services – Are boxes, bubble wrap, and packing labor included, or is it extra?
✔ Disassembly & reassembly – Will they take apart and set up furniture?
✔ Fuel charges & travel fees – Are there any extra charges for mileage, fuel, or stairs?
✔ Insurance coverage – What level of protection is included?
📌 Pro Tip: Always ask for a written estimate and beware of companies that give only vague or too-good-to-be-true quotes.
3. Do You Have Experience with My Type of Move?
Not all moves are the same. If you have specialty items like a piano, antiques, or delicate electronics, make sure the moving company has experience handling them.
- Local moves: Do they know Spokane’s neighborhoods and traffic patterns?
- Long-distance moves: Do they have experience with cross-state or cross-country relocations?
- Commercial moves: If you’re moving an office or business, ask if they have experience with corporate relocations.
🚚 Bonus Tip: Check if they own their own moving trucks or subcontract work to third parties. Some companies outsource long-distance moves, which can create problems with accountability.
4. What’s Your Reputation? (Check Reviews & Complaints)
Even if a moving company looks great on paper, their reputation speaks volumes. Do your homework by checking online reviews and complaints from past customers.
Where to check reviews:
🔍 Google Reviews – Look for consistent positive experiences and professional responses to complaints.
🔍 Better Business Bureau (BBB) – See if they’re accredited and if they have unresolved complaints.
🔍 Yelp & Facebook – Customers often leave honest feedback here.
🔍 FMCSA & Washington UTC websites – Check for safety violations or legal issues.
🚩 Red Flags to Watch For:
❌ Multiple complaints about damaged items or missing belongings
❌ Reports of hidden fees or price changes after the move
❌ Lack of physical office address or only a PO Box
5. What’s Your Policy on Cancellations and Delays?
Moving day can be unpredictable, so it’s important to know how your movers handle last-minute changes, rescheduling, and delays.
- What happens if you need to change your move date? Is there a cancellation fee?
- If they’re late or don’t show up on time, do they offer compensation?
- How do they handle weather-related delays? Spokane winters can be rough, so it’s worth asking.
📌 Pro Tip: A professional moving company should have a clear, written policy for these situations. If they can’t provide one, consider it a warning sign.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Movers in Spokane
Finding a trustworthy moving company doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By asking these five key questions, you can avoid scams, hidden fees, and unreliable movers.
Recap: What to Ask Your Movers
✅ Are you licensed and insured?
✅ What’s included in the quote? (No hidden fees!)
✅ Do you have experience with my type of move?
✅ What’s your reputation? (Check reviews & complaints)
✅ What’s your policy on cancellations and delays?
The right moving company will be transparent, experienced, and reliable—helping you make your Spokane move stress-free and smooth.
🚛 Ready to find a mover? Start researching, compare quotes, and book early—especially during peak moving seasons!
Are you ready to make the jump to another city or country? Sara Graham guides you through how to deal with people, pets, paperwork and all the important moving parts of relocation.
Joey Trebif is the pen name of Mark Fiebert, a former finance executive who hired and managed dozens of professionals during his 30-plus-year career. He now shares expert job search, resume, and career advice on CareerAlley.com.
