Here are 10 tips to make sure your next move goes smoothly.

1. Pick a moving company that runs a regular crew. Small moving companies often use day laborers who are inexperienced when it comes to moving household goods.

2. If you obtain an hourly quote, make sure to find out about maximum and minimum charges.

3. Always get in-person, written estimates. Your moving quote will be more accurate if the company representative can see your actual possessions.

4. Make sure that your moving company doesn't subcontract the move. Do not go through with the deal if your mover arrives in an unmarked truck. Fly-by-night subcontractors often use unmarked vehicles.

5. Consider using a well-known company such as www.broadwayexpress.net or www.mooversinc.com.

6. If it's irreplaceable, move it yourself or ship it. Family photographs can be shipped as can other important documents. If possible, it's a good idea to move antiques, musical instruments and other irreplaceable items yourself.

7. The last ten days of July and August are the busiest days of the year for moving companies. If you move during those time periods, your movers are likely to show up late, be in a rush, or not show up at all.

8. If you work for a large corporation, consider using their moving company of choice.

9. Be hesitant to take the lowest quote you receive. The moving industry is a hotbed for scam artists. Many disreputable moving companies quote lowball rates only to pull the old bait and switch later. These dishonest companies load up your possessions and then hold the goods hostage until they receive their requested price. These dishonest companies will often try to claim that there were more possessions than included in the original estimate; hence the price has gone up.

10. Consider using a service like www.upack.com. They will deliver a trailer or cube to your home. You have up to three business days to load your goods. A driver picks up your belongings and drives them to your new residence. All transportation and fuel costs are included in your moving quote. The price is based on the amount of space or number of cubes used. You pack, they drive, and it costs a lot less than a full-service move!

Copyright © 2007 Wade Young.