The Ultimate 10-Point Checklist for Choosing a Mover in Florida

Published: June 16, 2025 | Category: Vetting Movers

Choosing a moving company is the most critical decision you'll make for your relocation. The right choice means a smooth, stress-free experience. The wrong choice can lead to lost belongings, surprise fees, and immense frustration. Use this essential checklist to vet any potential mover and protect yourself.

1. "Are you licensed and insured? What is your Florida IM number?"

This is the most important question. A legitimate moving company operating within Florida **must** be registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and have an "IM" (Intrastate Mover) number. Any company that cannot provide this is operating illegally.

The Secure Answer: We are fully licensed (FL IM #2024) and insured. We carry general liability, cargo, and workers' compensation insurance, and we are happy to provide our certificate of insurance upon request.

2. "Will my move be performed by your employees or by temporary day laborers?"

Reputable companies invest in their people. Companies that use temporary or day labor often have higher rates of damage, theft, and unprofessionalism. You want a team that is background-checked, trained, and accountable to the company.

The Secure Answer: We only use our own full-time, background-checked, and professionally trained employees. This ensures a consistent, high-quality service and gives you peace of mind about who is in your home.

3. "Is the moving quote you provide a binding estimate or a non-binding estimate?"

A "non-binding" estimate is just a guess, and the final price can increase significantly. A "binding" or "flat-rate" quote is a contract that guarantees the price you pay will not change, provided the inventory of items to be moved doesn't change.

The Secure Answer: We provide guaranteed, binding flat-rate quotes for long-distance moves and clear, transparent hourly rates with a "not-to-exceed" price for local moves. We believe in a "No Surprises" pricing guarantee.

4. "What type of liability coverage do you include, and what are my options for more coverage?"

By law, movers must provide basic Released Value Protection, which covers only $0.60 per pound per item. This is not enough to cover the replacement cost of valuable items. A professional company should offer Full Value Protection (FVP) as an option.

The Secure Answer: We include basic coverage as required by law and strongly recommend Full Value Protection for complete coverage. Your moving coordinator can explain the options and provide a quote for FVP.

5. "For a long-distance move, will my belongings be on a dedicated truck or co-loaded with other customers' items?"

Large national van lines often co-load multiple households onto one large truck to save money. This practice is the number one cause of lost items, mix-ups, and long, unpredictable delivery windows (sometimes weeks!).

The Secure Answer: We specialize in dedicated, direct shipments for long-distance moves. Your belongings are the only ones on the truck, ensuring the fastest, most secure delivery possible with no risk of mix-ups.

6. "How do you protect my home and furniture during the move?"

A professional mover doesn't just lift heavy things; they protect your property. Ask about their standard procedures for protecting floors, door jambs, and the furniture itself.

The Secure Answer: We use premium, heavy-duty moving blankets and shrink wrap on all furniture. We also deploy floor runners, door jamb protectors, and banister guards as a standard part of our service to protect your home from any scuffs or damage.

7. "Can you provide references or point me to recent online reviews?"

A confident, reputable company will be proud of its track record and should be able to direct you to testimonials from recent customers. Check their reviews on Google, Yelp, or other third-party sites.

The Secure Answer: We invite you to read our 5-star reviews on our Testimonials page and across the web. Our reputation is built on the satisfaction of our customers.

8. "What is your policy for handling damage claims?"

Even with the best movers, accidents can occasionally happen. A professional company will have a clear, straightforward process for documenting and resolving claims, not a system designed to make it difficult for you to get compensated.

The Secure Answer: We have an extremely low damage rate, but in the rare event of an issue, we have a simple and transparent claims process. Simply notify our office, provide photos, and we will work promptly to resolve the issue to your satisfaction.

9. "What do you consider extra services, and how are they priced?"

Avoid hidden fees by asking what is and isn't included in the base price. Common extra charges can include moving specialty items (pianos, safes), dealing with stairs or long carries, or providing packing materials.

The Secure Answer: All potential costs are outlined in our detailed quotes. We discuss any specialty items or access challenges with you beforehand to ensure your binding quote is all-inclusive and transparent.

10. "What is your cancellation policy?"

Life happens, and plans can change. A professional company should have a reasonable and clearly stated cancellation policy. Be wary of companies that require large, non-refundable deposits far in advance.

The Secure Answer: We offer a flexible and fair cancellation policy. We understand that things can change and we work with our customers to find a solution, whether that means rescheduling or cancelling.