More TIPS on choosing the right mover: We can never be adamant enough with these TIPS (local moving company, shipment)

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The best way to find a reliable moving company is by recommendation or reputation. If someone you know has had a good experience then copies it! You do still need to be careful, however. If a local moving company successfully moved your mother-in-law across town, they won't necessarily have the skills, resources and experience to move you internationally, for example. Talk to your realtors or estate agents - they should be able to give experienced and knowledgeable recommendations. If you're looking to move relatively close to home then a quick and easy way to spot local companies is to keep your eyes peeled on the street as soon as you start thinking about moving. You'll see the vehicles of certain movers time and time again and you can take some comfort from the fact that they are busy.
Many of us will simply pick a moving company from a Yellow Pages type directory or from an Internet search. Some of us will simply choose a known name - i.e. a national company - and others may opt for a smaller local company. In all cases, it's especially wise to choose companies that have taken the time and trouble to become accredited members of a moving association or trade body. You can assume from this that they take themselves seriously and you can probably do the same too. They will probably have to adhere to certain standards and you'll have recourse to action if you do have problems. But you should still beware - if you are at all suspicious, check out their membership. You can even ask them for referrals from previous satisfied customers. You don't have to follow up on this but, if the company seem less than keen to let you talk to people they've dealt with in the past, then you need to start thinking hard about whether they're right for you.
The problem is we don't tend to move often enough in our lives to make it a process we get used to. We're generally all novices when it comes to moving and it shows! But, like any process, moving is all about being smart and knowing what you're doing. You're about to find out more about the hardest part of the process - choosing a moving company. You'll find more information on the other ins and outs of moving on the menu on the left of the page.

Choosing a Mover
Choosing the right mover is not a simple task. When moving, you want to be sure that your belongings will be in good hands until they reach your new home. You also want to be sure that the costs will not skyrocket in the end, or that you will have to wait too long before your belongings are finally delivered to you.
When choosing a moving company for your move make sure you deeply investigate each and every candidate. Use the following topics to guide you on your research:
1. Licenses and insurance
2. Better Business Bureau record
3. Place of business
4. Sales personnel
5. Important documents
6. Questions you should ask the movers
Licenses and Insurance
When choosing a mover make sure to verify his license with your local DOT office. Every moving company has to be licensed and insured. There are different types and levels of licensing, and the rules are different from state to state.
Local Moves: If you are moving within a state, make sure the mover you are considering is licensed by that state's Department of Transportation, Public Utilities Commission, or Bureau of Consumer Affairs. A call to your local state association can help determine if a mover is licensed. If you are moving to a different state, check to make sure the mover is licensed by the Federal Department of Transportation.
Interstate Moves: Interstate moving companies have two additional criteria they are required to meet:
1. Publish their tariffs or price list and make it available to anybody who requests a copy
2. 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.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: Another criterion to consider when choosing a moving company is whether it carries Workers' Compensation Insurance. Such coverage is required by the DOT. This adds to the cost of doing business but it protects you, so make sure you only choose a company that is covered.