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1. Find a mover with a local presence.

It's better for you if the moving company works in the area, whether it's a local company or a local agent for a large van line. Working locally makes it easier for you to check out the company, get references from local people and maybe even check out the facilities. (Would you want an old broken-down truck to do your move? Probably not.) Don't book your move with an Internet broker; most just hand your business over to someone you know nothing about.

2. Make sure your mover is licensed.

Don't worry; it's pretty easy to check this out. If you are moving within the state, your state is responsible for licensing. Check your state's website for who does this.

If you are moving to another state, the feds have jurisdiction. Check with the Federal Department of Transportation to find out if the company is legitimate. Many companies affiliated with a national van line use the van line's license and insurance when doing interstate moves, and that's OK.

3. Check with the Better Business Bureau for many unresolved complaints about a mover.

The key words here are "many" and "unresolved." A responsible mover may have a few complaints lodged against them, the more moves a company handles and the larger the population in their market area, the more likely it is it will have at least a few complaints. But it should show an effort to remedy the complaints. The moving company's record with the Better Business Bureau should show that it has a satisfactory rating and that it responds to and resolves complaints.

4. Check the mover's credentials.

Is the moving company a member of an industry trade association such as a state association for moving companies or the American Moving & Storage Association? Are their salespeople certified moving consultants? Are their moving crews certified? What training programs do they have for their packers, drivers and moving helpers? A reputable company will usually be involved in one or more of these types of moving industry groups and have some type of structured training program.

5. Be sure the mover carries proper insurance.

First and most important is workers' compensation insurance. Without workers' compensation insurance, if someone gets hurt moving (and that happens in an industry involving heavy objects), you might be held liable. This type of insurance substantially adds to the mover's cost of doing business, so it could be the first area an unscrupulous moving company scrimps on.