Making a final decision about which company to hire to move your possessions can be tricky. Moving yourself is one of the best ways to cut sown on cost, damages, and other mishaps that might occur when hiring a moving company. But if that idea leaves you shaking your head with grief, then finding a mover will probably be your best bet. To get you on the right track to finding a good mover, the first step is to avoid the computer al together.

Many good and reputable movers have websites to advertise their services, but those who have located their mover by this method were very disappointed. To avoid this, go to your phone book or your local real estate agents office and have them assist you with the names and locations of moving companies in your area. When searching for a good mover, you want to look for those with lots of experience. At least seven years in the business or preferably more. You may be approached by a company that appears to be a mover, but is actually a moving broker. This is not what you want. Move on. For the reasons of consumer protection laws, the movement of your items by these brokers is not covered by Motor Carrier laws. Once you have about four or five movers in mind, give them a call. Have them come out to your house to give you an in home inspection for estimate purposes.

You will want to ask the mover a few questions. Find out if they come out to do home estimates first off. If they will not come out to give an estimate; they should be eliminated from your list. Make sure that the company is doing the moving themselves and not having the work sub-contracted out. If they do not move themselves; you should eliminate them from your list. You want a company that will be doing the work themselves; you only want to deal with the company and not any kind of middle man or company. Don’t compare just pricing. Compare services as well and discuss customization of the move to meet your particular needs. Talk with them about insurance amounts and valuation or your possessions.

Since there is no sure fire way to find a good mover, taking these steps will help to get rid of the ones that will possibly cause you trouble. The Department of Transportation is not very good at keeping record of those with poor records. Checking with your local BBB bureau is a good start to finding out who is worth your time. But do not depend on them alone. Most consumers believe that if there is no adverse information listed with the BBB then the company is good. However, if no one reports problems experienced then they will not have record! Certified movers registered with the American Moving and Storage Association is a good pick. They undergo strict scrutiny and meet tough standards to be a member and remain in good standing. Second best is asking friends and family who have done business with movers and have had positive outcomes. Comparison of all movers contacted for estimates and service is definitely needed to come to a good decision.