There aren’t many things in life that can bring on a panic attack like an impending move. Even if you just finished building your dream home and you’re finally leaving your parents’ house, the move can cause plenty of stress. Professional, experienced moving companies can help reduce problems and help things go smoothly.
Not all moving companies are the same. There are large international firms that specialize in managing complex moves between countries, and there are smaller local companies that might be family owned with maybe one or two trucks, and they can handle local moves well but anything more than a hundred miles away could pose a problem.
The best way to start to eliminate possible issues is to only deal with companies that are willing to send out a representative to give you an estimate. No one can give you a good estimate if they don’t see your home. It’s impossible to tell someone “3 bedrooms, living room, and 2 baths will cost you…”. There’s a huge difference between bedrooms that are 10′ x 12′ and ones that are 20′ x 25′. Someone needs to do a walk through before they decide what you have and what you don’t.
Also make sure you know how many people you will be paying for. Many companies send out two workers only. Unless you live in a one bedroom apartment, two men can only move a few boxes or one piece of furniture at a time. If their truck isn’t literally at your front door, just loading the truck could take all day.
Read their contract thoroughly before signing it. You need to understand their level of insurance liability, refund policy, and what happens if they just don’t show up on time - which can cause major problems in long distance moves.
While the moving companies are there doing the walk through and formulating the estimate, make sure you ask them questions about how would handle specific issues. Don’t take anything for granted! Anyone with a few muscles can call themselves “moving companies”, but if they don’t have common sense, it’s a problem waiting to happen. Ask how they handle rain storms as they are bringing your expensive furniture in and out. What do they do with large expensive pieces of art? Are they experienced with high end electronics and plasma TVs? If they can’t explain in detail how they handle each of the above, find another company.
Also, run fast from anyone who asks to be paid in cash. If they don’t take credit cards, don’t hire them.
Learn more about cross country movers. Stop by Harold Jacobs’s site where you can find out all about piano movers and what it can do for you.

