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Once you get the ball rolling for your move by seeking out moving quotes, you'll probably find that the moving companies will be clamoring for your business.

Don't know how to choose a company? That's where this information comes in handy.

With your initial calls to each company, ask the movers for basic information: the address, number of employees, affiliations with moving associations, etc. The answers will not be as important as how you are treated: Do they answer every question? Do they appear interested in winning your business?

Once you have reduced your list of movers down to three or four, set up in-home appointments where a surveyor will come to see what you want moved as well as what other services you will require. You will receive an estimate based on those factors. This in-home survey is the only way to get an accurate assessment of what it will cost.

Here are the questions you must ask the moving company, and the kinds of answers you should get. You are not looking for just the right answer, but how the question is answered. A meticulous salesperson usually represents the same in a moving company.

How long has your company been around?

If the moving company has been in business for some time, say 10 years, it is usually a sign they are doing something right. You should not base your decision on the time in business alone, but it is a good indicator that a company is of quality.

How long have you been giving moving estimates?

You want someone who has been doing this for a fair amount of time. Experience counts for quite a bit. Ask the salesperson about their background. Did they ever work as a driver or did they work in some other aspect of the moving process before becoming an estimator? The more experience the individual has, the more confident you can be that you are getting an accurate estimate. Let's be honest: Most salespeople love to talk, so if they are unwilling to discuss their experience, view this as a warning sign.

What pricing options or types of estimates do you offer?

You can learn a lot about the moving company representative and the moving company by how knowledgeable he or she seems, and how willing they are to take the time to explain the pricing options for your move. If someone rushes through the explanation or seems to not understand the options and how they might apply to your move, you should be cautious.