man or a reasonable looking bid. One question you may ask is if they movers are employees of the company or are they subcontracted? If they are subcontracted, what company is used? What services are not included on the bid? What is the charge if, say, extra moving blankets must be used?

Another way to narrow down your choices is to check with the Better Business Beau for complaints against the company or the subcontract

Moving is among the most stressful events in your life, along with divorce and the death of a loved one. That is why it is so important to hire the right moving company for your situation and budget. When you open the phone book, there are sometimes pages of movers for you to choose from. So, how do you know you are getting the right fit? Following are some things to keep in mind when you are looking.

The first thing to keep in mind is that you will need time, and lots of it. Give yourself six to eight weeks to find the right mover. This may seem like a long time, but keep in mind that you will be collecting quotes and interviewing for the position as well as check those all important references.

Look for movers who offer free estimates, and insist they come to your home. A lot of movers will give quotes over the phone, but these tend to not be as accurate as they would be if they actually saw the rooms. After all, a two bedroom home is going to be larger (generally speaking) than a two bedroom apartment, but the apartment may have more overall stuff than the house. When you get your estimates, be careful of the wording. Some movers will give you an estimate that is ridiculously low just to get the job. When the move is completed, you may find yourself presented with a bill that is much larger. To avoid this, be sure the estimate has the words “not to exceed” on it. That will keep surprises to a minimum.

Check with your family and friends as to what movers they used and how satisfied they were. You can also knock on the door of a newly moved in neighbor to get their thoughts.

It is important that you ask the movers the right questions and look beyond a slick salesman or a reasonable looking bid. One question you may ask is if they movers are employees of the company or are they subcontracted? If they are subcontracted, what company is used? What services are not included on the bid? What is the charge if, say, extra moving blankets must be used?

Another way to narrow down your choices is to check with the Better Business Beau for complaints against the company or the subcontracto

keep in mind is that you will need time, and lots of it. Give yourself six to eight weeks to find the right mover. This may seem like a long time, but keep in mind that you will be collecting quotes and interviewing for the position as well as check those all important references.

Look for movers who offer free estimates, and insist they come to your home. A lot of movers will give quotes over the phone, but these tend to not be as accurate as they would be if they actually saw the rooms. After all, a two bedroom home is going to be larger (generally speaking) than a two bedroom apartment, but the apartment may have more overall stuff than the house. When you get your estimates, be careful of the wording. Some movers will give you an estimate that is ridiculously low just to get the job. When the move is completed, you may find yourself presented with a bill that is much larger. To avoid this, be sure the estimate has the words “not to exceed” on it. That will keep surprises to a minimum.

Check with your family and friends as to what movers they used and how satisfied they were. You can also knock on the door of a newly moved in neighbor to get their thoughts.

It is important that you ask the movers the right questions and look beyond a slick salesman or a reasonable looking bid. One question you may ask is if they movers are employees of the company or are they subcontracted? If they are subcontracted, what company is used? What services are not included on the bid? What is the charge if, say, extra moving blankets must be used?

Another way to narrow down your choices is to check with the Better Business Beau for complaints against the company or the subcontract

to not be as accurate as they would be if they actually saw the rooms. After all, a two bedroom home is going to be larger (generally speaking) than a two bedroom apartment, but the apartment may have more overall stuff than the house. When you get your estimates, be careful of the wording. Some movers will give you an estimate that is ridiculously low just to get the job. When the move is completed, you may find yourself presented with a bill that is much larger. To avoid this, be sure the estimate has the words “not to exceed” on it. That will keep surprises to a minimum.

Check with your family and friends as to what movers they used and how satisfied they were. You can also knock on the door of a newly moved in neighbor to get their thoughts.

It is important that you ask the movers the right questions and look beyond a slick salesman or a reasonable looking bid. One question you may ask is if they movers are employees of the company or are they subcontracted? If they are subcontracted, what company is used? What services are not included on the bid? What is the charge if, say, extra moving blankets must be used?

Another way to narrow down your choices is to check with the Better Business Beau for complaints against the company or the subcontract

esented with a bill that is much larger. To avoid this, be sure the estimate has the words “not to exceed” on it. That will keep surprises to a minimum.

Check with your family and friends as to what movers they used and how satisfied they were. You can also knock on the door of a newly moved in neighbor to get their thoughts.

It is important that you ask the movers the right questions and look beyond a slick salesman or a reasonable looking bid. One question you may ask is if they movers are employees of the company or are they subcontracted? If they are subcontracted, what company is used? What services are not included on the bid? What is the charge if, say, extra moving blankets must be used?

Another way to narrow down your choices is to check with the Better Business Beau for complaints against the company or the subcontract

man or a reasonable looking bid. One question you may ask is if they movers are employees of the company or are they subcontracted? If they are subcontracted, what company is used? What services are not included on the bid? What is the charge if, say, extra moving blankets must be used?

Another way to narrow down your choices is to check with the Better Business Beau for complaints against the company or the subcontractors. Also, give your local area chamber of commerce a call and see what they have on file for the movers. One or even two complaints can be dismissed as difficult to please customers. However, if the movers have a history of complaints, steer clear.

Overall, when making your final decision as to who you are going to trust with your belongings, price should not be the only factor. Make sure you like the person you are dealing with and the company as a whole. Generally, you get what you pay for and movers are no exception.

Another great tip is to get the winning bid in writing before the work is to begin, and never sign the bill until the move is complete and you are satisfied.