There are four things to keep in mind when selecting a moving company: reputation, availability, price, and insurance. Did you notice that I did not place price first? That is because price should not be the sole determining factor in selecting a moving company. Hire a moving company on price alone and there is no telling where or when your household goods will show-up. Reputation, on the other hand, helps ensure the price is worth it and insurance handles any unavoidable mishaps along the way.

Get Estimates

Start your selection process by getting three estimates from three different moving companies, either national or local depending on your how far you are moving. When obtaining estimates, ensure all the information presented to each company's representative is exactly the same or the estimates will be skewed.

Check Their Reputation

Next, check each company's reputation by asking family, friends, and colleagues for their opinions and don't forget the opinions offered from strangers via the Internet. There are several Internet web sites that allow consumers to express their intense dislike or appreciation for the service they received.

After you have an overall impression on how well a company is doing, check their complaint record with the Better Business Bureau and see if they are a member of the AMSA Certified Mover and Van Line Program.

What About Insurance?

Once you have a great price and reputation, make sure you find out how the mover handles those little mishaps that result in lost or damaged items. While movers must provide liability for the value of the goods they transport, there are different levels of liability.

Make sure you know what they will cover and what your insurance company will handle. If your move is across state lines, make sure you read the consumer booklet entitled “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.” Your moving company, as prescribed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), should provide this brochure.