01
Stairs and elevators
Tell the company the floor at both addresses, elevator size, booking window, and whether stairs are unavoidable.
Ask before booking
How are flights, elevator time, and waiting calculated, and what is already included?
The ReviewMyMover guide
Moving fees explained: what to ask before you book
Understand stairs, long carries, shuttles, packing, storage, and other services that may affect a moving estimate.
Additional services are easier to compare when both addresses and the full inventory are known. Use this illustrated checklist to identify questions for the company. A service is not automatically an extra charge; the written estimate and agreed scope determine what is included.
02
Long carries
Measure or describe the walk between legal truck parking and each door. A nearby street address does not describe the carrying distance.
Ask before booking
What carrying distance is included, how is an extra distance measured, and how is it charged?
03
Shuttle service
A smaller vehicle may be needed when the line-haul truck cannot reach the residence. Discuss narrow access, low clearances, and parking restrictions.
Ask before booking
Which vehicle can reach each address, and what would trigger an additional shuttle charge?
04
Packing and materials
Distinguish owner-packed cartons from professional packing. List delicate items, crating, mattress covers, cartons, and unpacking separately.
Ask before booking
Which labor and materials are included, and how are additional supplies approved?
05
Storage and redelivery
Ask about receiving, storage terms, access, handling, and delivery out of storage. A free period does not explain every related service.
Ask before booking
What starts the storage period, what happens after it ends, and are redelivery and handling included?
06
Extra stops and waiting
List storage units and other addresses in sequence, with receiving hours and who can provide entry.
Ask before booking
How are additional stops, waiting, and changes to receiving appointments priced?
07
Specialty items and assembly
Identify pianos, safes, delicate artwork, unusual furniture, and any work needing a third party before estimating.
Ask before booking
Who performs each task, what protection is included, and what assembly is excluded?
08
Protection options and other charges
Review the mover’s liability options and any separate insurance, deductibles, taxes, travel charges, and minimums shown in the estimate.
Ask before booking
Which options and charges have I selected, and where do they appear in the written total?
Put answers into a written comparison
Ask the company to identify included work and potential additional charges. Keep agreed changes in writing. These examples do not establish a lawful charge, a price, or a permission to change an estimate.
Official guidance
FMCSA describes interstate estimates and accessorial services in its moving glossary and unexpected moving costs guidance. State rules can differ for wholly intrastate moves. Educational guide reviewed November 5, 2026; confirm your actual terms and applicable requirements.