Here are some quick suggestions to help you make smart choices about how you're going to move your family possessions to your new home.

A good mover enjoys working with an informed customer. The secret is to make sure the mover you choose is a good mover. Don't be afraid to ask questions - and get everything in writing!! Remember that prices too good to be true, probably are. Legitimate business people have legitimate expenses, such as license, taxes, insurance, employee wages, benefits, and quality equipment. A legitimate mover must consider all those things when determining the price for service ... and so should you.

1. Ask your friends.

Talk to your friends, coworkers, neighbors, or relatives. Find out if they have moved within the last year. See what their experiences were. A solid mover will receive at least forty percent of their business from referrals.

2. Check for the DOT license number.

All movers are required to be licensed by Department of Transportation, however interstate movers are required to meet two additional criteria,

• Publish their tariffs or price list.

• Participate in a dispute settlement program and to offer neutral arbitration in the event a dispute arises. A dispute may arise in the event loss or damage happens to a shipment while in the hands of the mover.

3. Check for the BBB rating.

Check the movers' status with the Better Business Bureau. The Better Business Bureau helps mediate disputes between consumers and businesses. These organization keep records of consumer complaints about movers. If you compare the number of moves a mover does with the number of complaints lodged against them, you can get an idea of how their performance compares. Keep in mind that a company that does 600 moves a month will have more complaints than a company that does 60 moves a month. A low ratio will usually indicate a mover with superior service.

4. Membership of the American Moving and Storage Association & ProMover Certification.

Before you make your final selection, ask if the mover is a member of the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) or if they are a member of the AMSA's Certified Mover program (ProMover), AMSA provides ProMover certification only after the designated moving company has passed a background check of its operations and has agreed to abide by a set of honorable business practices and AMSA’s Code of Ethics.

5. Get an Estimate

Call up prospective movers and get a phone estimate. A better moving company will give a detailed and thorough estimate. The more detail oriented the company is from the start, the more likely your move will be smooth. Be careful of companies that give "low-ball" estimates - either quoting low volume/weights on long distance moves, or under quoting hours on a local move. This is a common tactic some movers use to get more business. Keep in mind that all movers will charge for the actual time a local move takes, or the actual volume/weight of your long distance shipment. In other words the lowest price you initially hear may not be the lowest cost in the long run.

Ask about:

Payment Method

How does the mover you'd like to hire handle payment arrangements? Usually, moving companies you hire can require that charges be paid in cash or by certified check or money order. Most don't accept personal checks, but some do accept credit card payments. Find out in advance so you'll be prepared. You may prefer one payment method over another.

Insurance Coverage

Be sure to understand the coverage for loss or damage of your shipment. All licensed movers must provide liability for the value of goods they transport.. You need to understand the amount of protection provided and the additional charges that may apply.

Additional Charges

Find out what conditions or circumstances will result in additional charges, and what those charges might amount to.

In the end, the decision you make when choosing a moving company is yours to make and you need to feel comfortable with it according to your own preferences and your budget.