October 3, 2026
What to Ask Before Hiring a Moving Company in New Orleans
Quick answer: Before hiring a moving company, ask what the written estimate includes, what could change the total, who will handle your belongings, and what protection applies if something is damaged. Also confirm the services, pickup and delivery arrangements, cancellation terms, and your responsibilities before moving day. Get those answers in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
What services does your move actually require?
Start by describing the job rather than asking only for a price. Give the pickup and destination addresses, your preferred moving date, an inventory of major items, and whether you need packing help. Explain whether you are moving an entire household, a few large pieces, or belongings already packed in a rental truck or container.
Ask, “Does your estimate cover everything I need, or am I responsible for some parts?” Loading help is different from a move that includes transportation. Clarify who supplies the truck, drives it, provides packing materials, and unloads at the destination. If storage is involved, ask who coordinates access and any separate arrangements.
EZ Movers is based in New Orleans and lists local moves, long-distance moves, packing services, rental-truck loading and unloading, storage, and pods among its services. Its listed service areas include New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Slidell, Covington, and Mandeville. Ask which services fit your specific move and confirm availability for both addresses.
What does the written estimate include, and what can change it?
Ask how the company calculates your estimate and whether it needs a walkthrough, video survey, or detailed inventory. The estimate should identify the work being priced, not simply show a total. Ask whether it is binding or nonbinding, where applicable, and have the company explain what that means for your final bill.
A useful question is, “What circumstances could increase this amount?” Ask about travel, stairs, elevators, long distances between the truck and entrance, packing supplies, furniture assembly, and waiting for access. These are possible pricing factors to clarify, not a statement that every company charges separately for them.
Give each company the same information so you can compare equivalent services. An estimate that includes packing cannot be directly compared with one covering loading alone. If you add furniture, change an address, or request additional work later, ask for an updated written estimate rather than relying on a verbal explanation.
Before paying anything, confirm the deposit requirements, accepted payment methods, payment schedule, and cancellation or rescheduling terms. Costs and policies vary; request a quote for your actual move. Keep the estimate and any revisions together so you can check the agreed scope before signing.
Who will handle the move, and what protection applies?
Ask whether the business you are booking will perform the move or arrange for another company to do it. Request the name of the company that will transport your belongings and find out who your contact will be. This is especially important when more than one business is involved.
Ask what licensing or operating authority applies to your move and how to verify it. Requirements differ for moves within one state and moves that cross state lines. For an interstate household move, you can check the mover’s registration through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rather than relying solely on advertising.
Do not stop at “Are you insured?” Ask what responsibility the mover accepts for lost or damaged belongings, what valuation options are available, and what exclusions or deductibles apply. Moving valuation and an insurance policy are not necessarily the same thing. Request the terms in writing, including how owner-packed boxes are treated.
Ask how to document an issue, where to submit a claim, and what deadlines apply. Photograph valuable or fragile belongings before packing and note existing damage. Keep essential documents, medication, jewelry, and other irreplaceable personal items with you rather than assuming they should go on the truck.
Who is responsible for packing and special items?
Ask exactly what packing help includes. Will the crew pack everything, only fragile items, or only items you identify in advance? Confirm who supplies boxes and protective materials, whether unpacking is included, and what needs to be ready before the movers arrive.
Point out oversized, unusually heavy, delicate, or high-value items before booking. Ask whether the company can handle each one and whether special preparation or equipment is required. Do not assume that an estimate for ordinary household furniture includes every specialty item.
Clarify who disconnects appliances, prepares electronics, removes wall-mounted items, and takes furniture apart. Ask which pieces the crew will reassemble and whether there are exceptions. Keep hardware labeled with the furniture it belongs to, and photograph complicated cable connections before disconnecting them.
Request a list of items the company will not transport. Hazardous materials, leaking containers, and certain other items can require separate handling. For a rental truck or pod, also ask who supplies tie-downs and protective materials and how responsibility changes once loading is complete.
What should you confirm about access and scheduling?
Describe access at both addresses, including stairs, elevator availability, doorways, gates, and the distance from parking to the entrance. For a New Orleans move or a move in the other listed service areas, confirm building requirements directly with your property manager rather than assuming the movers will arrange them.
Ask who is responsible for reserving elevators, securing loading access, or arranging any required parking permissions. If your building requires documentation from the moving company, find out what it needs and ask the mover whether it can provide it before booking.
Confirm whether the quoted schedule is an arrival window, a pickup date, or a delivery window. For a long-distance move, ask whether your belongings will be transferred or stored during transit and how delivery updates will be communicated. Avoid treating an estimated arrival as a guaranteed appointment.
Finally, ask whom to contact if access falls through, your closing date changes, or the crew is delayed. Get the agreed services, addresses, schedule, and policies in writing. To discuss a move with EZ Movers, call (504) 471-0076 with your inventory and access details ready.
Common questions
What is the most important question to ask a mover?
Ask, “What exactly is included in this written estimate, and what could change the final total?” That question helps reveal differences in service scope and assumptions that a headline price may hide.
Should I choose the lowest moving estimate?
Not based on price alone. Compare the included work, potential additional charges, damage-protection terms, and scheduling arrangements before deciding which estimate fits your needs.
How early should I contact a moving company?
Contact movers once you know your likely date and addresses, especially if your schedule is inflexible. Availability varies, so ask directly rather than assuming a particular booking window.
What if I do not know my final inventory yet?
Provide your best current inventory and identify anything uncertain. Ask when the company needs the final list and how additions or removals affect the estimate.
Should I sign moving paperwork with blank sections?
Ask for missing service, pricing, or scheduling details to be completed or explained before signing. Keep copies of everything you sign, including any changes authorized during the move.
Related services
- Top Ten Moving Tips
- MOVING SERVICES NEW ORLEANS
- Contact EZ Movers | Book Professional Movers in New Orleans, LA
About EZ Movers
EZ Movers is based in New Orleans, La, serving New Orleans, La, Metairie, La, Kenner, La, Slidell, La, Covington, La, Mandeville, La. Call (504) 471-0076 or visit ezmoversweb.com.
