Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, finding the right moving company is essential. Many companies offer a variety of services, including packing, loading and unloading, and providing storage for your items. Choosing the best mover for your specific needs requires research and planning ahead of time. A good place to start is by narrowing down what type of move you want and setting a budget. You should also make an inventory of your belongings and take into account any specialty items, like antiques or family heirlooms. If your items are especially large or heavy, it’s important to be upfront about that with the moving company so they can give you an accurate estimate.

The cost of your move will depend on the size and weight of your shipment, as well as how far you’re traveling. A long-distance move is more complicated than a local one, and will require specialized equipment and additional labor. This will increase the cost of your move. A long-distance mover will typically charge by the pound, rather than by the hour. This means they’ll need to weigh your shipment and determine its volume before giving you a quote. They’ll also consider accessorial fees, such as packing supplies and appliance servicing.

Before the move starts, your moving company will prepare an order for service that includes a cost estimate for services and an agreement on how those services will be performed. It’s important to read this document carefully, and make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities as a customer. The document will also include a description of your shipment, and an estimated pickup and delivery dates.

A quality moving company should have a solid reputation and be registered with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). It should also be licensed in your state and adhere to the American Moving & Storage Association’s ProMover program, which subjects its movers to a rigorous background check and requires them to follow strict standards. A reputable moving company will also be able to provide you with references from past customers.

Be aware that some companies that advertise as movers are actually brokers, not carriers. Brokers take your call and act as middlemen, but hand you off to third-party carriers for the actual moves. Be wary of brokers, and always ask if they’re licensed and insured. For interstate movers, you’ll need to find out whether they are certified by the FMCSA and have a federal DOT number.