Moving companies provide a variety of services for a range of fees. It is a good idea to talk with different movers to compare their services. To find out who the best movers are in your area, begin by asking friends about their experiences with the movers they have used.  Based on your specific needs, identify the carriers that provide the required services. Conducting telephone conversations with the carriers and reviewing their marketing information can be useful resources. Checking with the state's consumer protection department or Better Business Bureau is another advisable step that can help to identify known poor service providers.  

Establish a plan for how you will manage the move and stick to it. It is a good idea to confirm your scheduled dates with the mover three to four weeks before the move date. Pack, load, and move dates are important timelines to reconfirm throughout the moving process. You should provide the mover with a spread of delivery dates; the earliest date on which you will be available to the latest acceptable delivery date.

Moving provides an excellent chance to throw away, or give away, the things you'll never use. You can give items to a friend or neighbor, plan a yard sale, or donate them to a worthwhile charity. Set aside those items that you will be taking to your new home personally, so the mover will not pack them in the van.  Make sure to create an inventory for all the items that are packed and moved.

After the move be sure to check the inventory for all items as they are brought into the house. High value and special items should be inspected in the presence of the movers. If something is missing or damaged, note the problem next to the item on the inventory and ask the driver to initial it. Check the condition of any boxes you don't plan to unpack. If any are damaged, unpack them and inspect the contents.

There are so many moving companies and storage facilities, how do you know where to start.  While the list below is by no means complete it does give you a place to start.  These links are provided as a courtesy only and do should not be taken as a recommendation for or against any particular company.

A licensed mover is sanctioned by certain state or federal agencies, and has basic qualifications for operating a moving company. State agencies regulate local moves, while the Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) regulates interstate moves. A mover should be able to provide a number, either in its advertisement or over the phone, that certifies that it is licensed.

Allied Van Lines	Atlas Van Lines	North American Van Lines
Bekins Van Lines	Global Van Lines	Graeble Van Lines
Budget	Penske	Ryder
U-Haul		U-Pack
A Self Storage Center	Public Storage	Shurgard Storage