Compare moving companies by their written work scope before comparing their totals. A quote for transport alone cannot fairly be compared with a quote that includes packing, carrying and furniture assembly.

Make a simple comparison sheet

Create columns for Provider A, B and C. Use rows for packing, materials, crew tasks, loading, unloading, assembly, building access arrangements and exclusions. Add the named business, booking contact and moving-day contact.

Use “confirmed,” “excluded” or “unclear” in each cell. Do not turn a blank answer into an assumed inclusion. Send the same follow-up questions to every provider whose proposal is unclear.

Examine how changes are handled

Ask how the provider documents extra work and who must approve it. For example, a sofa that cannot use the elevator may need a different plan. You want the provider to explain the alternative before starting chargeable extra work.

Also ask how to report a damaged item and which documents the business requests. This is a question about its procedure, not proof that every claim will be covered.

Should online reviews decide the booking?

Reviews can suggest questions to ask, but check whether they concern the same business and service type. One person's experience does not define your contract.

What if only one provider visits?

Give the others the same updated inventory and access information, then compare revised proposals rather than an old photo estimate against a new assessed quote.

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About this guide

Original practical checklist by Salgu, prepared 29 September 2026. Examples are illustrative, not customer testimonials. Confirm building rules, product instructions and the written service scope for your own move.