Most moving-day disasters are decided before the truck arrives, at the point where you choose who to hire. Ten things worth checking, whoever you end up booking.

Registration. Interstate movers must have an active USDOT number, searchable at fmcsa.dot.gov. Movers operating inside Florida must be registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at fdacs.gov.

A written quote. Get the hourly rate, the minimum hours, and any travel, fuel or stair charge in writing before you book. Verbal numbers change.

What happens if the job runs long. Ask how overtime is billed and in what increments. Fifteen-minute and full-hour increments produce very different bills.

Crew size and truck size. Two movers and a 16-foot truck cannot do a three-bedroom house in a day. Ask what is actually being sent.

What is included. Blankets, shrink wrap, tape, dollies and straps should come with the crew, not appear as line items at the door.

Building requirements. If either address is a condo or high-rise, ask whether they will handle the certificate of insurance and the elevator reservation for you.

Coverage and claims. Ask what protection applies to your goods and how a claim is filed. Get the answer before, not after.

Deposit terms. Understand what is due up front, what is refundable, and when the balance is due.

Specialty items. Pianos, safes, marble, gym equipment and antiques should be quoted separately and handled with the right equipment.

Reviews that mention specifics. A review naming a crew, a building or a route is worth more than a wall of five-star ratings with no detail.

Run these checks on us too. Call (305) 333-9130 and we will give you whatever you need.

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