Moving is stressful, regardless of whether you are moving across town or across the country.  Many people invest in the help of professional movers to assist in the big move.  Moving can be expensive, and it can be even more costly if you choose the wrong moving company.  When making the decision on which company to go with, it is important to follow a few steps to guarantee an easy, safe and affordable move.

Choose an established local company, or a company with a brick and mortar facility nearby. 

Choosing a moving company that is in close proximity to where you live means that the movers are able to respond quickly to your needs.  If you are searching online, it can be a challenge to find companies that are actually local.  Advertisers sometimes pay to come up at the top of searches, and customers who aren't Internet savvy can become confused and waste valuable time contacting companies that are not actually candidates because they are not located in the area.

Ask the right questions.

There are many questions to ask a moving company that will help you find the most qualified company for your unique moving situation.  Start off by confirming where they are located.  Ask how long they have been in business.  Find out what their statistics are for on time pickup and delivery.  Make sure that they hold insurance for liability, cargo, and property damage.  Ask to see proof of these credentials.  A qualified mover will be willing and able to provide this for you.

Make sure they are licensed.

Regulations vary from state to state on what is required to be licensed.  A few things a state might require in order to be licensed are: various types of insurance, a maximum cost (that the move can't exceed) and special forms to be used in business.  Become familiar with what being licensed means in your state, and verify that the company is licensed.  Hiring a moving company that is not licensed is a huge risk.

See if they are associated with a professional association for movers.

Many states have movers associations that have high standards for members.  These associations require members to follow a code of ethics.  This code of ethics typically includes things such as non-discrimination, maintenance of vehicles, proper training of employees and investigation of complaints.  You can find out if a moving company is part of an association, along with checking other credentials, by contacting the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration.  This is especially helpful if you are moving out of state. 

Get three quotes before making your final decision.

Obtain quotes from companies that you are interested in.  It is a wise idea to get quotes from three companies before making your final decision.  Use all the information you have gathered to make the decision that is best for your situation.  Although the process seems time consuming, the results will be worth it. For more information, contact a professional like Redondo Van & Storage.