This checklist is for people moving household goods from one U.S. state to another with a moving company.

Most of it applies to many interstate moves. The federal rules referenced here are written primarily for interstate household-goods movers and brokers. They may not apply, or may apply differently, if:

  • you're moving within one state;
  • you're moving a short distance across a state line within one commercial zone;
  • your employer, the military, or a government agency is paying the mover directly;
  • you're using a container or trailer service and doing all the loading and unloading yourself;
  • you're moving internationally.

If you're not sure which rules govern your move, ask the company and keep the answer in writing.

The goal is not to find a “perfect” mover.

The goal is to understand:

  • who you are hiring;
  • what you are agreeing to;
  • what can change;
  • what you may owe;
  • and which documents matter if something goes wrong.

Short on time? Jump to the 10-question pre-booking check.

Research the company

1. Verify the company

Confirm the legal company name and federal identifiers shown on your estimate or booking paperwork.

Check:

  • legal business name;
  • DBA or brand name;
  • USDOT number;
  • MC or FF number where applicable;
  • whether the company is acting as a carrier, broker, or freight forwarder;
  • whether the household-goods authority needed for that role is active.

A USDOT number identifies a company. By itself, it does not prove the company has active household-goods authority for the role it is performing.

Where to look: Your estimate, Bill of Lading, booking agreement if used, company disclosures, and FMCSA records.

Have paperwork already?
Use HGM Free Check to research the company shown on your documents.

2. Know who is arranging and who is transporting the move

Ask:

  • Is this company the carrier, a broker, or a freight forwarder?
  • Will any other company pick up, haul, store, or deliver my shipment?
  • Will an agent, subcontractor, warehouse, or other provider be involved?

If a broker is involved, it should identify itself as a broker and provide information about the carriers it uses.

For a specific shipment, the Bill of Lading and other move documents are important for identifying the carrier and any other known participants.

Do not rely only on the logo or brand name.

Understand the estimate

3. Get a complete written estimate

Interstate household-goods movers must provide a written estimate before you sign the Bill of Lading.

A verbal quote, text message, or phone price is not the estimate.

The estimate should be based on a survey of your belongings, in person or by live or recorded video, unless you waived the survey in writing.

Check that your estimate:

  • names the company, including its legal name and USDOT number;
  • says whether it is binding or non-binding;
  • lists the items and services it covers;
  • shows the estimated weight or volume and charges;
  • states the form of payment accepted at delivery;
  • includes the valuation/liability options;
  • is signed by you and the company;
  • gives you a dated copy.

If a broker gives you the estimate, it should be based on the carrier's survey and published rates.

4. Know whether the estimate is binding or non-binding

An interstate household-goods mover's written estimate must say whether it is binding or non-binding.

Binding estimate: Sets the total for the items and services listed, subject to documented changes or added services.

Non-binding estimate: The mover's best estimate. Final charges are based on actual shipment weight and the mover's published rates.

Words such as “guaranteed,” “fixed,” “locked,” or “not-to-exceed” are not separate federal estimate types.

Find the line that says binding or non-binding, then ask what any other label means in your paperwork.

Container, self-move, and other services outside these rules may price differently.

Where to look: The face of the written estimate.

5. Make sure the estimate covers everything you're moving

Check every room and storage area.

Look for:

  • furniture;
  • boxes;
  • appliances;
  • fragile items;
  • bulky items;
  • specialty items;
  • items in garages, closets, attics, patios, sheds, or storage units.

An incomplete item list can affect pricing and create disputes later.

If the shipment changes, ask how the price changes and get the revision in writing before loading.

6. Understand what measurement controls the price

For a non-binding household-goods move, the final price is based on the actual weight of the shipment measured on a certified scale.

If an estimate uses cubic feet, ask for the written explanation of how volume converts to weight.

Binding estimates, container services, and self-move services may use other measurements such as:

  • cubic feet;
  • linear feet;
  • container count;
  • another service-specific method.

Ask:

What exact measurement controls my final price, and how will it be determined?

7. List possible additional charges

Ask which charges could apply to your move.

Examples may include:

  • packing materials or packing labor;
  • stairs;
  • elevators;
  • long carries;
  • shuttles;
  • bulky items;
  • special handling;
  • storage;
  • waiting time;
  • extra stops;
  • difficult pickup or delivery access;
  • equipment placement;
  • redelivery.

Describe both homes accurately, including:

  • stairs;
  • elevators;
  • long walks;
  • parking limits;
  • narrow streets;
  • building restrictions.

Ask which charges apply to your move and get the answer in writing.

Before you pay

8. Map out the deposit and payment schedule

Write down:

  • deposit amount;
  • who receives the deposit;
  • payment due before or at pickup;
  • maximum amount due at delivery;
  • accepted payment methods;
  • cancellation terms;
  • refund timing.

Make sure the deposit is credited toward the total if that is what the agreement says.

What can be required at delivery

For interstate household-goods moves, federal rules limit what a mover can require before releasing the shipment.

Binding estimate: Generally the binding amount.

Non-binding estimate: Generally up to 110% of the estimate.

Additional amounts may apply for certain services requested after the Bill of Lading was issued and for certain impracticable-operation charges.

Your Bill of Lading should state the maximum amount due at delivery and the payment form the mover will accept.

Where to look: Estimate, booking agreement, and Bill of Lading.

9. Read the cancellation and refund terms

Before paying, ask:

  • How do I cancel?
  • Is written notice required?
  • What is the deadline?
  • Is there a cancellation fee?
  • Is the deposit refundable?
  • When would a refund be issued?

There is no single federal cancellation or deposit-refund rule for every moving company, so use the terms actually provided for your move.

If a broker is involved, review the cancellation, deposit, and refund policies disclosed in its website and agreement.

Choose your valuation before the move

10. Choose your valuation option deliberately

Valuation is the mover's liability for your goods. It is not insurance.

For interstate household-goods motor-carrier moves, the estimate and Bill of Lading should show the valuation option you selected.

Full Value Protection

Full Value Protection applies unless you waive it in writing.

The mover is liable for repair, replacement, or other settlement up to the declared value of the shipment, subject to the applicable terms.

Ask:

  • what it costs;
  • what declared value applies;
  • whether a deductible applies;
  • what exclusions apply.

Released Value

Released Value costs nothing extra but limits the mover's liability to $0.60 per pound per article.

For example, a 10-pound item worth $1,000 would be covered for about $6.

High-value items

Under Full Value Protection, identify in writing any item worth more than $100 per pound, such as:

  • jewelry;
  • artwork;
  • collectibles;
  • antiques;
  • some electronics.

If you do not list a high-value item when required, the mover's liability for that item may be limited.

Keep a copy of the declaration.

Do not confuse the mover's federal insurance filings with the valuation option you choose for your household goods.

Where to look: Valuation statement on the estimate and Bill of Lading.

Review your Bill of Lading before moving day

11. Read the Bill of Lading before loading

The Bill of Lading is your contract with the mover.

For covered interstate household-goods moves, the mover must provide it for signature before loading, generally at least three days before the scheduled loading date.

Review it when you receive it, not for the first time in the driveway.

Check that it shows:

  • mover name, address, and USDOT number;
  • any other known carriers involved;
  • pickup and delivery dates or windows;
  • any guaranteed-service terms;
  • payment form accepted at delivery;
  • maximum amount due at delivery;
  • valuation choice;
  • estimate attached or referenced.

If something does not match your estimate, ask before signing.

Federal rules also provide a rescission period after signing in covered moves. Ask how that timing affects any deposit or cancellation term already in place.

Before loading

12. Confirm nothing has changed

Before loading begins, compare the current paperwork with what you already signed.

Confirm:

  • company identity;
  • estimate;
  • item list;
  • added services;
  • pickup and delivery terms;
  • valuation choice;
  • other companies involved.

If you add items or services, or conditions change, any revised estimate should be agreed in writing before loading.

If the mover says extra services are needed after the Bill of Lading was issued, ask for a written explanation and written addition before the work is performed.

If another company appears to load the shipment, ask for its legal name and USDOT number and confirm its role.

13. Review the loading inventory and document condition

At pickup, review the mover's inventory and condition notations.

Where applicable:

  • watch items being numbered;
  • check the listed condition;
  • keep your signed copy;
  • photograph valuable or fragile items;
  • note visible pre-existing damage;
  • keep serial numbers where useful.

Do not wait until after delivery to create your own condition record.

Pickup and delivery timing

14. Know the pickup and delivery dates in writing

Confirm:

  • pickup date or window;
  • delivery date or delivery spread;
  • whether any date is guaranteed;
  • how changes are communicated;
  • whom to contact if dates change.

A target date and a guaranteed date are not necessarily the same thing.

The Bill of Lading should show the agreed pickup and delivery dates or periods and any guaranteed-service terms.

If the mover cannot meet the agreed timing, ask for the updated dates in writing.

If pricing depends on weight

15. Know your weighing rights

For weight-based interstate moves, ask:

  • where and when the shipment will be weighed;
  • how to observe the weighing if you want to;
  • how to receive the actual weight and charges;
  • how to request a reweigh when applicable.

Keep copies of the weight tickets provided with the final charges.

If storage is involved

16. Understand storage-in-transit

If your shipment goes into storage, ask:

  • Where will it be stored?
  • How long does storage-in-transit last?
  • What happens if it converts to permanent storage?
  • When does the mover's liability change?
  • Which warehouse rules apply after conversion?
  • How does storage affect claims and delivery?

Ask for any storage-conversion notice in writing and keep it with your move file.

At delivery

17. Compare the shipment before signing

Compare the delivered shipment with the inventory.

Look for:

  • missing items;
  • visible damage;
  • damaged cartons;
  • furniture damage;
  • items that do not belong to you.

Note missing or damaged items in writing and keep a copy of the notation.

Take photographs where useful.

Have the agreed payment method ready and compare the amount requested with the maximum amount shown on your Bill of Lading.

A delivery receipt should not be treated as a blanket release of the mover from liability for loss or damage.

Claims

18. Know how to file a claim

Claims for loss or damage generally go to the carrier responsible for the shipment.

A broker that only arranged the move is not the motor carrier.

Put the claim in writing

A claim should:

  • identify the shipment;
  • state that the carrier is responsible;
  • seek a specific or determinable dollar amount.

Damage notes on delivery paperwork help, but by themselves they are not the claim.

Know the deadline

Your Bill of Lading sets the claim deadline.

For covered interstate household-goods claims, federal law does not allow the carrier to give you less than nine months to file.

Do not wait until the deadline.

Know the response timeline

For covered claims, the carrier generally must:

  • acknowledge the claim within 30 days;
  • pay, decline, or offer settlement within 120 days;
  • provide status updates if more time is needed.

Arbitration

Interstate household-goods movers must offer an arbitration program for eligible disputes.

The exact effect of arbitration can depend on the amount and circumstances of the claim.

Container, self-move, freight-forwarder, and international arrangements may use different claim terms, so check your contract.

Where to look: Bill of Lading and claims instructions.

Keep your move file

19. Save the complete record

Keep copies of:

  • written estimate;
  • revised estimates;
  • booking agreement;
  • Order for Service, if your company still uses one;
  • Bill of Lading;
  • item list or loading inventory;
  • valuation election;
  • deposit receipt;
  • payment receipts;
  • cancellation notices;
  • weight tickets;
  • storage agreement;
  • carrier or broker disclosures;
  • claim correspondence;
  • important emails or text confirmations.

Store digital copies somewhere you can access even while your belongings are in transit.

Did you receive the federal consumer information?

For covered interstate household-goods moves, movers and brokers have federal disclosure duties.

Ask whether you received:

  • Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move;
  • Ready to Move?;
  • information about the mover's arbitration program;
  • information about the mover's complaint process.

If you did not receive them, ask the company.

10-question pre-booking check

Before you sign, you should be able to answer:

  1. Who am I hiring, and what is the company's USDOT number?
  2. Is it a carrier, broker, or freight forwarder, and who will physically move my belongings?
  3. Is my estimate binding or non-binding?
  4. Does the estimate include everything I am moving and every service I need?
  5. What could cost extra?
  6. How much is the deposit, who receives it, and what happens if I cancel?
  7. What is the maximum amount I may have to pay at delivery, and in what form?
  8. What pickup and delivery dates or windows are in writing?
  9. Which valuation option am I choosing?
  10. When will I receive and review the Bill of Lading?

If you cannot answer one of those questions, get the answer before paying.

What this checklist cannot tell you

A checklist can help you understand the transaction.

It cannot guarantee:

  • good service;
  • on-time performance;
  • a damage-free move.

Federal registration also does not equal quality.

HGM treats company research and paperwork review as two different jobs.

Research the company on your paperwork

Already have an estimate or moving agreement?

Check the company shown on your paperwork with HGM Free Check.

You can also read HGM mover profiles for company-specific information about:

  • operating model;
  • federal identity;
  • review themes;
  • company terms;
  • questions worth asking.

We don’t choose your mover. We give you better information to choose yours.

Related HGM resources:

Federal rules referenced: 49 CFR Parts 370, 371, 375 and 49 U.S.C. 14706.
Last regulatory review: October 6, 2026.