Qualified Movers
Whether you are moving across town or across the country, it is a good idea to shop around for a household mover. Local moving companies have always been very competitive. When interstate movers were more regulated by the Interstate Commerce Commission, they charged basically the same rates. Since that industry has been de-regulated, the rates are varied and even negotiable.
If you are in the market for a mover, get recommendations from friends or neighbors. Call several companies for estimates and ask how their rates are calculated. Find out what kind of insurance against damage or breakage is included in their charges and what additional coverage will cost. The charges are usually broken down into two areas–packing, and loading and unloading. You can sometimes save a considerable amount of money by doing your own packing, but doing so may limit the mover’s liability.