Hiring a moving company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during a relocation — and one of the most consequential if you get it wrong. The moving industry, unfortunately, includes a share of unreliable operators: companies that quote low, show up late, hold belongings hostage for surprise fees, or simply don’t carry the insurance they claim to have.

The good news: the right questions asked upfront separate the professionals from the pretenders. This guide gives you exactly what to ask — and what the answers should sound like — based on over 100 years of moving experience in Northern Virginia.

A note on who wrote this
Craig Van Lines has been moving families and businesses across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. since 1918 — over 100 years and four generations of the Craig family. We’re an A+ BBB-accredited company and members of the American Moving & Storage Association. We wrote this guide not to sell you on us, but to make sure anyone hiring a mover in this region — whether they choose us or not — knows exactly what to look for.

Craig Van Lines Services Referenced in This Guide

Residential Moving Services — local and long-distance home moves
Commercial Moving Services — office and business relocations
Packing & Storage Services — full packing, partial packing, and secure storage
Customer Reviews — verified ratings from Northern Virginia clients
Service Areas — all communities we serve in VA, MD & DC
Get a Free Moving Quote — same-day estimates available

Why This Matters More Than You Think

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) receives thousands of complaints about moving companies every year — and a disproportionate number involve hidden fees, damaged goods, or companies that were never properly licensed to begin with. In a region like Northern Virginia, where military relocations, government transfers, and a fast-moving real estate market drive constant demand for movers, the number of fly-by-night operators who surface during peak season is significant.

40M+

Americans move each year, creating enormous demand for moving services

13,000+

Moving-related complaints filed with the FMCSA annually

Written quotes you should always collect before committing to any mover

The questions below are organized in the order you’re likely to ask them — starting with the basics you need to answer before anything else, and moving toward the details that matter most when you’re close to making a decision. For each question, we’ve included what a trustworthy answer looks like and, where relevant, what a red flag sounds like.

The 15 Questions — and What the Answers Should Tell You

1. Are you licensed and insured — and can you prove it?

Why it matters first

This is the non-negotiable starting point. Any company moving goods across state lines must be registered with the FMCSA and hold a valid USDOT number. For intrastate moves within Virginia, the company must be licensed by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Beyond licensing, the mover should carry general liability insurance and cargo insurance to protect your belongings in transit.

✓ What a good answer looks like
The company provides their USDOT number without hesitation (you can verify it at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov), shares proof of insurance upon request, and can name the carrier covering their cargo. Craig Van Lines is fully licensed and insured — we’re happy to provide documentation before you book.

Red flag
Vague answers, reluctance to share a USDOT number, or claims that “we’re covered” without specifics.

2. How long have you been in business, and do you have local experience?

Experience in your specific market matters

Moving in Northern Virginia presents logistical realities that out-of-market companies don’t always anticipate: HOA move-in windows and elevator reservations at condominiums, the traffic patterns on I-66, Route 50, and the Beltway, the mix of townhome communities with tight stairwells, and the seasonal surge that makes summer booking windows extremely competitive.

✓ What a good answer looks like
Years of verifiable operation in Northern Virginia specifically — not just general business history. Craig Van Lines has served Northern Virginia and the DC region continuously since 1918. That’s over 100 years of knowing these roads, these neighborhoods, and the logistical quirks that can make or break a moving day. View our full service area across VA, MD, and DC.

Red flag
A company that can’t name specific communities they regularly serve in your area, or one that appears to have launched in the last year or two with no verifiable history.

3. Do you provide a written, in-home or virtual estimate — not just a number over the phone?

The single most important protection against moving scams

Phone quotes are essentially meaningless — the company hasn’t seen what you’re moving, and a lowball number quoted over the phone is the most common setup for a “hostage load” situation, where your belongings are loaded and then held until you pay a dramatically higher fee.

✓ What a good answer looks likeThe company either sends a trained estimator to your home or conducts a thorough virtual walkthrough via video call — and provides the estimate in writing with a binding or not-to-exceed total. Craig Van Lines offers free, same-day written estimates — a detailed quote you can hold us to.

Red flag
Any company that insists on giving you a final price over the phone without seeing your home and your belongings.

4. What’s included in the quote — and what isn’t?

Where hidden fees most often hide

Moving quotes can look very different once the fine print is examined. Common add-on charges that aren’t always included in an initial estimate include: long carry fees (if the truck can’t park close to the entrance), stair fees, elevator fees, fees for disassembling and reassembling furniture, fuel surcharges, packing material charges, and charges for specialty items like pianos, safes, or antiques.

✓ What a good answer looks likeA transparent, line-item breakdown that specifies exactly what’s covered. Ask specifically: “Is there anything that would cause this number to change on moving day?” A reputable company will walk you through every potential variable.

Red flag
A quote that’s just a single total with no breakdown, or a salesperson who dismisses your questions about additional charges as unlikely.

5. Do you use your own employees, or do you subcontract to day laborers?

This affects quality, accountability, and your coverage

Some moving companies, particularly those that book heavy volume during peak season, staff their crews with temporary laborers sourced from third-party agencies. These workers may not be background-checked, trained in proper furniture handling techniques, or covered under the company’s insurance policy in the same way full employees are.

✓ What a good answer looks like
The company employs its own trained, background-checked crew members who are covered by workers’ compensation and know the company’s standards. At Craig Van Lines, every crew member is a trained employee — not a stranger hired off an app the morning of your move.

Red flag
Vague language like “we use trusted partners” or admission that crews vary by job.

6. What valuation coverage do you offer — and what’s the difference between that and insurance?

One of the most misunderstood topics in moving

Most people assume their belongings are “insured” during a move. The reality is more nuanced. Federal law requires movers to offer two levels of liability coverage: Released Value Protection (the default, which covers only $0.60 per pound per item — meaning a 10-lb laptop worth $1,500 is covered for just $6) and Full Value Protection, where the mover is liable for replacement or repair at current market value.

✓ What a good answer looks like
The company clearly explains both options, discloses the cost of Full Value Protection, and doesn’t bury Released Value as the automatic default without your explicit acknowledgment. Also check whether your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy extends coverage during a move — many do.

Red flag
A company that says “don’t worry, you’re covered” without specifying what level of liability they carry.

7. Do you offer packing services — and what materials do you use?

Full-service packing is worth asking about even if you think you’ll DIY

Professional packing dramatically reduces the risk of damage in transit — and items packed by the mover are typically covered under their valuation policy, while items you pack yourself may not be. There’s also the time factor: a professional crew can pack an entire household in a fraction of the time it takes most families to do it themselves.

✓ What a good answer looks like
The company offers flexible options — full packing, partial packing (just fragile items or specific rooms), and packing supply delivery. Craig Van Lines’ packing services include everything from custom crating for fine art and antiques to standard box packing for everyday items. We use professional-grade materials and pack with the same care we’d give our own belongings.

Red flag
A mover who only offers “all or nothing” packing options, or who can’t speak to what materials they use for fragile items.

8. What is your availability, and how far in advance should I book?

Timing is critical in Northern Virginia’s competitive market

Northern Virginia experiences some of the most intense moving demand in the country, driven by military PCS orders, federal government transfer cycles, and a real estate market with compressed closing timelines. Summer weekends — particularly late May through August — are the most heavily booked period. Memorial Day weekend, the end of June, and the first two weeks of August can fill up weeks in advance.

✓ What a good answer looks like
The company is honest about their availability, offers realistic lead-time guidance for your specific move date, and can confirm your booking in writing. If you have flexibility, a weekday move or a mid-month date often offers both better availability and sometimes better pricing.

Red flag
A company that claims they can take any job on any date with no notice during peak season — it likely means they’re overpromising or will subcontract your move.

9. Do you offer storage — and what are the facility conditions?

Essential for anyone with a gap between move-out and move-in

In a hot real estate market like Northern Virginia’s, closings get delayed, leases don’t always align perfectly, and military orders change. Having access to short-term or long-term storage through your mover — in a climate-controlled, secure facility — eliminates the need to coordinate a separate storage company during an already stressful time.

✓ What a good answer looks like
The company has its own storage facility (not a rented third-party unit), can describe the security measures and climate controls in place, and offers flexible terms — whether you need storage for a week or several months. Craig Van Lines offers secure, local storage as part of our full-service moving offering, with no need to coordinate a separate vendor.

Red flag
A mover who says “we can store it” but can’t describe the facility or terms clearly.

10. Can you handle specialty items — pianos, safes, antiques, large artwork?

Not every mover is equipped for every item

Pianos require specialized equipment and trained handlers. Large safes can weigh 500–1,000+ pounds and require proper dollies and a crew that knows how to navigate stairs safely. Fine art and antiques may need custom crating. If you have items like these, confirming the mover’s specific experience and equipment before signing anything is essential.

✓ What a good answer looks like
The company asks you to describe your specialty items in detail, quotes those items specifically, and can explain their process — including the equipment they use. After over a century of moves, the Craig Van Lines team has handled everything from Steinway grands to custom wine collections to irreplaceable family heirlooms.

Red flag
“We can handle anything” without any follow-up questions about what you actually have.

11. What does your damage claims process look like?

How a company handles problems tells you more than how they handle the easy stuff

Even the best moving crews occasionally encounter damage. What separates a reputable mover from a problematic one is how they respond when it happens. Federal regulations require movers to acknowledge claims within 30 days and either offer a settlement or deny the claim within 120 days — but the best companies resolve issues far faster and without requiring you to fight for it.

✓ What a good answer looks like
A clear, documented claims process with specific timelines, a named contact for claims, and evidence of a track record of resolution. Read Craig Van Lines’ verified reviews to see how we’ve handled the rare occasions when something didn’t go perfectly.

Red flag
A vague answer like “we’ll take care of it” with no process described, or a policy that requires you to report damage within an unreasonably short window (like 24 hours) before you’ve even had a chance to unpack.

12. What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?

Life happens — especially in real estate

Closing delays, lease amendments, and last-minute schedule changes are realities of any move. Understanding the mover’s flexibility before you’re in that situation is much better than finding out during one.

✓ What a good answer looks like
A reasonable cancellation window (typically 48–72 hours) with a clear, written policy on deposits. Any deposit or cancellation terms should be spelled out in the contract — not just mentioned verbally. Ask whether rescheduling (as opposed to canceling outright) carries any fee, and what happens if the mover needs to reschedule on their end.

Red flag
Large non-refundable deposits required upfront, or vague language about cancellations that isn’t in writing.

13. Can I see recent reviews — and are they verified?

Reviews are only as useful as they are authentic

Online reviews are one of your best tools for assessing a mover — but they vary significantly in reliability. Verified third-party platforms (Google, BBB, GuildQuality, Angi) carry far more weight than testimonials that appear only on the company’s own website. Look at volume (many reviews over many years), recency (are they recent or years old?), and how the company responds to negative reviews.

✓ What a good answer looks like
The company can point you to multiple third-party review platforms with a substantial, consistent, and recent track record. Craig Van Lines’ reviews span multiple verified platforms — including BBB (A+ rated since 1984), GuildQuality, and Angi — built over decades, not months.

Red flag
Reviews that only exist on the company’s own site, a sudden surge of reviews in a short period, or no negative reviews at all (every real business has occasional dissatisfied customers — how they respond matters).

14. Do you handle commercial moves — and what does that process look like?

Relevant for business owners, government contractors, and office managers

Commercial moves come with unique requirements: minimizing downtime, coordinating with building management on access windows, handling IT equipment and server racks, and sometimes working evenings or weekends to avoid disrupting operations. Not every residential mover has the experience or equipment for a well-executed office relocation.

✓ What a good answer looks like
The company has a dedicated commercial moving process with experience in your type of facility — whether it’s a small office suite or a multi-floor corporate headquarters. Craig Van Lines’ commercial moving services are built around minimizing operational disruption for businesses throughout Northern Virginia and the DC metro area.

Red flag
A company that says “yes, we do commercial” but can’t describe how their commercial process differs from a residential move.

15. Will you provide everything in a signed written contract?

Your final protection — and the most important document of your move

Every commitment made during the quoting and booking process needs to exist in a signed written contract before moving day arrives. This includes the total price, the scope of services, the pickup and delivery windows, the valuation coverage selected, the cancellation policy, and any special handling agreements for specific items. Verbal promises from a salesperson hold no legal weight if a dispute arises.

✓ What a good answer looks like
The company provides a detailed written order for service and bill of lading — standard federal documents for interstate moves — and a clear written agreement for local moves. They encourage you to read it thoroughly and answer any questions before signing.

Red flag
Any hesitation about committing to a written contract, pressure to sign quickly, or a contract that’s missing line items you discussed verbally.

Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away

Stop and reconsider if a moving company does any of these:

Quotes a price over the phone without seeing your home or conducting a virtual walkthrough
Refuses to provide a USDOT number or proof of insurance
Demands a large cash deposit before the move (legitimate companies may require a small deposit, but not the full amount upfront)
Has a generic or very recently created website with no verifiable history, reviews, or physical address
Shows up with a rented truck rather than a company-branded vehicle
Pressures you to sign a contract quickly without giving you time to read it
Can’t name the insurance carrier covering your belongings in transit
Significantly “revises” their estimate upward once your belongings are already loaded

The Northern Virginia Moving Market: What Makes It Different

Northern Virginia is one of the most active relocation markets in the United States, driven by federal government employment cycles, defense and technology sector growth, military PCS orders from Fort Belvoir, Quantico, and the Pentagon, and one of the most competitive residential real estate markets on the East Coast.

This creates specific considerations when hiring a local mover:

Peak season pressure: May through August is intensely competitive. Book at least 4–6 weeks in advance for summer moves, and 2–3 weeks for off-peak periods.
HOA and building restrictions: Many Northern Virginia communities have designated move-in windows, elevator reservation requirements, and specific parking rules for moving trucks. An experienced local mover will know to ask about these upfront.
Traffic and routing: A crew that knows when to avoid the I-66 corridor or which neighborhoods have weight-restricted roads is a crew that keeps your move on schedule.
Military and government moves: If your move is government-funded (a GSA or military entitlement move), make sure the company is familiar with the specific documentation, billing codes, and authorization processes involved.

Craig Van Lines serves the full Northern Virginia region — including Gainesville, Fairfax, Manassas, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun County, Prince William County, and communities throughout Maryland and Washington DC. View our complete service area here.

One final tip: collect at least three written quotes. No matter how much you like a particular company, getting at least three in-home or virtual estimates gives you a realistic sense of fair market pricing for your specific move. Quotes that are dramatically lower than the others are a signal worth investigating before assuming you found a deal. Request a free Craig Van Lines estimate as one of your three — we’ll give you an honest, transparent quote and you can compare it side by side.

Quick-Answer FAQ

Local moves in Northern Virginia are typically priced hourly. Rates vary based on crew size, the volume of belongings, distance between addresses, and any specialty items or add-on services like packing. A two-bedroom local move might run 4–6 hours with a two- or three-person crew. The best way to get an accurate number is a written in-home or virtual estimate — contact Craig Van Lines for a free same-day quote.

For summer moves (May–August), aim to book 4–6 weeks in advance, especially if you need a weekend date. For fall, winter, and spring moves, 2–3 weeks is usually sufficient. Military PCS and end-of-month moves tend to be particularly competitive — the earlier you confirm, the more choices you’ll have.

A binding estimate guarantees the quoted price regardless of actual weight or time, as long as the scope doesn’t change. A non-binding estimate is an approximation — the final cost can go up or down based on actual conditions. A binding not-to-exceed estimate is often the best of both: you pay the estimate or the actual cost, whichever is lower. Always ask which type of estimate you’re receiving and get it in writing.

Yes. Craig Van Lines handles both local and long-distance moves throughout the U.S. We’re fully licensed for interstate moves and have the experience to manage the added complexity of cross-state relocations, including proper FMCSA documentation, binding estimates, and accurate delivery windows.

Tipping isn’t required, but it is genuinely appreciated for a job well done. A common guideline is $20–$50 per crew member for a standard local move, adjusted up for particularly large, difficult, or exceptionally well-executed moves. Tip in cash at the end of the move, directly to each crew member.

Document the damage immediately with photos and note it on the bill of lading before the crew leaves if possible. Then contact the moving company in writing to initiate a claim. Federal regulations require the mover to acknowledge your claim within 30 days and resolve or deny it within 120 days. Keep copies of all correspondence. A reputable company — like Craig Van Lines — will work to resolve legitimate claims promptly and fairly.

Ready to Get a Straight Answer From a Mover You Can Trust?

Craig Van Lines has been answering these questions honestly for over 100 years. We’ll walk you through every detail of your move, provide a written estimate, and give you the time and information you need to make the right decision — whether you choose us or not.

Get a Free Moving Quote | Read Our Reviews

(703) 659-6904 | Gainesville & Fairfax, VA | Serving all of VA, MD & DC | BBB A+ Rated Since 1984

This guide reflects the experience and perspective of Craig Van Lines, a licensed and insured moving company serving Northern Virginia since 1918. Federal moving regulations referenced are based on FMCSA guidelines current as of 2026. Always verify licensing and insurance independently before hiring any moving company.

Questions to ask a Moving Company