Selecting the right moving company is a big step towards having as painless a moving experience as possible. It’s important to get written estimates from several moving companies so that you can compare them and choose your mover.

First, ask friends and acquaintances if they have any recommendations. Did they recently move and have a good experience with a moving company that they can recommend? You can also search the phone book or online for names of companies in your area. Do some initial background research on the companies to narrow down your choices. Check the companies’ ratings with the Better Business Bureau. When you’ve narrowed it down to three companies, invite them to your home to give you moving estimates.

In order to get an accurate estimate, make sure that you show the representative all that you have to move. Don’t forget the contents or your attic or tool shed. For a local move, you might be charged per hour. For long-distance moves, the estimate will be based on the weight of your belongings, the distance of the move, and extra service fees. In order to compare quotes from competing movers, check to see if they are offering similar services. The cheapest quote might not actually be the best one once you look closely at the quotes and realize that one may seem more expensive, but actually includes more services.

There are two types of estimates: non-binding and binding.

Non-Binding Estimates

A non-binding estimate is essentially the mover’s guess at how much your move will cost based on how much the mover thinks your belongings will weigh. The actual weight of your belongings is unknown until actually weighed, so it’s very possible that you will be charged more than the estimate. You can be charged up to 10% more at the time of delivery if your delivery weighs more than anticipated. The balance, if there is one, is due in 30 days.

A mover cannot charge you for a non-binding estimate.

Binding Estimates

In a binding estimate, the moving company gives a firm quote of how much your move will cost, based on the estimated weight of your shipment. Whether your belongings actually weigh more or less than the mover predicted, you still pay the price quoted on the binding estimate.

A mover can charge you for a binding estimate.

Binding Not-to-Exceed Estimate

A binding not-to-exceed estimate is a binding estimate, with the added stipulation that if your belongings weigh less than estimated, you will be charged less than the price quoted. The price quoted is the most that you can be charged, even if your shipment weighs more.

Get your estimate in writing, regardless of the type of estimate. The moving company must list all of your belongings and services that you requested. The company can charge you for additional services, including additional services that you requested after the shipment left, or services that were necessary in order to deliver your shipment. This could include putting items in storage if the new home isn’t available to move into as planned, or using a smaller vehicle to shuttle your belongings to your new home if it doesn’t have a wide enough street to accommodate the large moving truck.

The Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Administration’s website has information about the mover’s responsibilities and your rights relating to moving estimates. For further details, please visit www.protectyourmove.gov.