It’s not as if moving weren’t already stressful, but getting screwed by a moving company is the cherry on top of the sundae. Yet year after year complaints flood into government regulatory offices and review websites about how families’ belongings were damaged, or the mover held their stuff for hostage if they don’t pay a “surcharge,” you get the picture. Keep in mind that most movers are on the up and up, and if you have a legitimate problem, you will not generally have a problem. Still, you will be entrusting thousands of dollars of your belongings to someone who is essentially a stranger, so you should do at least a little investigating.

Here are a few things to look for when looking for a mover:

• If you are moving out of state, your candidate moving company must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. They have a pretty cool search feature that will give you the scoop on who’s gotten a lot of complaints and other relevant information
• Beware interstate movers who give estimates without seeing the project first. There is not way a mover can know how much to charge a client until he sees how much work his crew will have to put into it (how many big items are there? Are there stairs? How much stuff has been packed, etc) This is not as much of an issue with local movers. For example, since the distance is not so far, you or the local mover will not incur and significant costs penalties for a job that takes a little longer. Nevertheless, if there is any doubt in your mind, any reputable mover will come out to have a look.
• Make sure that your mover has the proper insurance for moving. All movers are required to have insurance, but don’t expect a 100% replacement cost. If full replacement is a necessity, you may purchase supplementary insurance through the mover to cover the difference. You may also purchase your own insurance if you feel the need.
• Be alert to movers who demand full price up front. No reputable mover should demand the entire amount.
• Inquire as to whether the mover hires temporary of permanent employees. This should not necessarily be a deal breaker, but generally it is better that a moving company employ a force, as opposed to contract workers. However, there are a significant number of moving companies that hire contract or temporary laborers, but the hire the same ones all the time, which is the next best thing to having a regular salaried workforce.

Remember, for interstate movers you are allowed to view a copy of https://www.protectyourmove.gov/consumer/awareness/rights/rights.htm

Fine china is often a family heirloom and has great value that cannot be priced with a tag. If you own any you are aware of how fragile it is. I am often asked about the best way to pack china. Here is the advice I give:

• Don’t use newspapers to pack like you would your other dishes. The ink comes off easily and is greasy and difficult to wash off.  You can find paper made specifically for moving things like china. It’s very heavy and can absorb a fair amount of bumping and bouncing.
• Don’t stack your china before you wrap it. Always wrap each piece individually.
• Use packing chips in the box. If those are not available  rolled  up newspaper can do that job but don’t ball it up too tightly –  and heaven forbid don’t put it in the bottom of the box.
• Use bubble wrap between each plate. You want to hedge all your bets.
• Pack china in a box by itself and in small boxes. Small boxes are easier to pad. They are also lighter and less likely to be dropped.
• Mark all the china boxes as china and fragile, so the movers know what to do.
• Make sure that the boxes are tapes solidly.

Most people think moving locally is a lot easier than moving long distance and out of state. There is a certain amount of truth to this, but the point should not be exaggerated.  This is because so many people underestimate how many details are involved with moving, that really it’s only the time frame that is easier.  Your costs may be less, but you still have to remember all the details like having your mail forwarded and setting up for the school where your kids will go.

. Another thing people underestimate is how soon in advance they should start the planning and packing process. Most think with a local move they always “have plenty of time” and don’t realize until it’s too late that they need to get going in order to make the deadline.

Also you should make sure that you have made your arrangements with the mover well in advance. This is particularly important if you live in a cold place. Often the weather can back thinks up for the mover in the winter, while he will probably be busy during the summer months. When it comes to local moving jobs, you still have to hammer down a date, and  make sure the mover makes a complete estimate out for you. It doesn’t hurt to get more than one, but never forget that the lowest price is usually not the best deal

It’s  a tough decision to make when you’re moving: should I hire a moving company or do it myself? Well it depends. If you are really on a budget, you probably won’t be able to spare the money for a professional mover. But for the rest you really need to decide how much effort you personally want to put into it. If you are pressed for time, it might make sense to allow the mover to do the entire job. On the other hand, if you are a diligent person, you will be starting early packing. Some early packers start a couple of months before the move. But most people are not that diligent.

Fortunately there are options. The thing about using a moving company is that it’s not an all or nothing proposition. The reality is that you can  choose how much or how little you want to pack, and let the movers do the rest. As a rule you should probably pack the most important stuff and the stuff with the most sentimental feeling yourself. It’s not so much because your mover will break or lose it, but it simply brings more peace of mind when you do that aspect of the move yourself.