Research at least three companies to find movers who are diligent and trustworthy.

A quality moving company can save you a lot of the time, stress and muscle strain it takes to tackle a do-it-yourself move. However, not all movers are created equal -- hire an undependable company, and you might actually add stress to your move. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to make sure your movers are legit. Use these tips to choose a reliable moving company:

• Ask your friends and family for recommendations.
• Check out the company's licenses, credentials and track record. Look for the company's U.S. Department of Transportation license and their Motor Carrier number on their website. Find out if the company is a member of the American Moving & Storage Association or another industry trade association. Check with the Better Business Bureau for many unresolved complaints about the movers.
• Get in-home estimates from at least three companies. Movers need to see your stuff to give you a truly accurate estimate, so skip estimates over the phone or internet.
• Don't hire a mover that offers a too-good-to-be-true rate.
• Avoid movers that require large deposits or down payments.

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