Moving is a very stressful and expensive experience, and if you don't take precautions it can quickly turn into a nightmare. So how do you find a moving company that you can trust with everything that you own and feel safe in your decision?

The first thing that you should do is to find at least three moving companies that provide the service you need. Try to find moving companies that have been in business at least ten years, and do not hire a moving broker.

Find out up front if the company will be doing the move themselves, or if they will be sub-contracting out the job. If they won't be moving you, then move on.

As each moving company gives you an estimate based on what kind of service that is needed by you.  Ask questions about the difference in pricing since it may have to do with what services one company provides that another doesn't, the amount of insurance included, or valuation of your belongings.

Never, ever sign blank paperwork, and know what you're signing. Read the document, understand it and don't worry about making the moving company wait.

• Full company name and any DBA names (doing business as)
• How long they have been in business
• Company address
• Phone numbers (local and toll-free)
• DOT and MC license numbers
• Company web site address
• Email addresses
• Get references (and call them)