With the stress of packing and moving, choosing the right moving company can seem a bit overwhelming.  With so many moving companies to choose from, where do you even begin when trying to choose the right one?  We have all heard from friends who have had terrible experiences with movers so it can seem like a daunting task.  Moving is a big job and you want someone you trust handling all of your personal belongings.  When it comes to selecting the right movers, here are 3 things you need to know before signing on the dotted line.

Are they licensed and insured?
The first thing you need to know before hiring a moving company is whether or not they are licensed and insured to do so.  Believe it or not, there are several companies who advertise as movers but do not have the legal authority to do so.  Chances are if a deal sounds too good to be true it probably is.  This is so important, given that your movers will be responsible for safely transporting your personal belongings.  They are responsible for any damage that might occur to your items both during the moving process as well as during the transport of your items.  Do not forget to check on license and insurance.  It could end up being very costly for you if you don’t! 

What is their reputation?
Ask friends, coworkers, and local real estate agents who they would recommend.  Do not rely on flashy ads or catchy fliers.  This is one industry where recommendations go a long way.  It is important to do your homework and find out about the reputation of a company before signing any contract.  The best way to get information is to talk with actual customers.  Getting positive feedback from people you trust will give you much more peace of mind when choosing the right moving company. Likewise, getting poor reviews can help you avoid a potentially risky situation.

How much is it going to cost?
Once you have narrowed your search down to just a few companies, call and invite them to do a free in-home estimate.  Make sure you show them everything that needs to be moved so they can give you an accurate estimate.  Estimates are based on the amount of time it will take to move, so it is important to include attics, closets, sheds, etc.  For out-of-state moves, ask if the company will give you a written binding estimate, or even better, a binding not-to-exceed estimate.  Either way you are guaranteed to put a cap on what you will be charged.  If there is no binding contract, you can generally expect to pay more than the estimate.   While there are different rules in different states regarding estimates, it is always important to have a general idea of what the job is going to cost you.

Doing proper research can help alleviate much of the stress involved in choosing a moving company.  Take the time to check for insurance, research their reputation, and get a good idea of what it is going to cost before ever signing a contract.