Moving is such a stressful event and it can become very expensive. By not taking some basic precautions, it can become a real nightmare. So how do you find a mover or moving company you don't mind seeing driving down the road with everything you own?

My recommendation is to move it yourself or use a u-pack we drive company like ABF or one of the companies that drop off a Pods that you pack and they haul and drop off at your new home. Using one of these services insures the price your quoted stays the same, everything arrives that was packed, and with minimal damage, dependent on your packing knowledge.

If one of those options isn't going to work, then you need to get away from the computer, according to The BBB. Most of their complaints filed have dealt with moving companies found on line. Surely, there are some good companies on line you say. But finding one before your furniture is loaded up and rolling down the street with an unscrupulous mover, the chances are not in your favor.

After you get off line pick up the Yellow Pages or call your real estate agent or request a referral from someone you know. Locate at least three local companies who have been in business for at least five+ years. Stay away from moving brokers who job out your move. For consumer protection the selected mover needs to be a member of the Motor Carriers.

Have them come over to the house to look at the items to move and give you a written estimate. If they won't come out for a bid find another company. Check with their represenative if they will be doing the move themselves are jobbing it out to another company. Again, if they're not going to do it find another mover. Make a point to visit their local office to make sure their legit, signs on the building, trucks painted with the company logo.

Never hire a mover who gives you a quote based on cubic feet. Never, ever sign blank paperwork, and know what you're signing. Read the document, understand it and don't worry about making the moving company wait.

Full company name and any DBA names
How long they've been in business
Local Address
Phone Numbers both local and toll free
DOT and Motor Carriers numbers (Verify at Motor Carriers Council Website)
Web Site Address
E-mail addresses
References (and call them)

While checking their license status you can also check on their insurance and one more thing to check on call the FMCSA's Safety Violation and Consumer Complaints hot-line at 1-888-368-7238 and ask them about the complaint history of your moving company. They are open from 10am to 6pm EST Monday thru Friday and it's worth the call.

Finally, if anyone other than the moving company that you hired shows up on moving day, fire them on the spot. This is worth repeating... never, ever sign blank paperwork, and know what you're signing. Read the document, understand it and don't worry about making the mover wait.

Hopefully, this information prevents you from becoming a victim and losing hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Let us know about any bad experiences you may of had with a mover or any movers you've had good results with.

For more moving tips visit us at The Royal Move Thanks for stopping by.