Planning for a move means taking a lot of things into consideration, from your timeline to the actual packing plan. While it's easy enough to do on your own, sometimes it's too time consuming or you don't have the physical capacity to actually do it yourself. If this is the case for you, hiring a mover may be the best solution. However, before you do that, you should take time to be sure that you know what you're looking for. Here are some tips to help you as you choose the moving company that you need.

Make Sure The Quote Is As Accurate As Possible

If you've never hired a moving company before, you may think it's easy enough to call and get an estimated quote over the phone. While this may give you a general idea of how much it will cost, the only way to know the actual cost is to have the quote done onsite. Ask the movers to send someone out to your home to look at what you have. This is the best way for them to estimate the price based on the volume or weight, depending on how they price it.

Know What The Quote Includes

If you get a quote, ask for it in writing with a clear definition of what is included. That way, you can easily compare prices between companies with everything in consideration. It's important to do this, because you need to know if the price includes packing services, break down and assembly of furniture, or any other benefits. You'll also need to know up front if there are any additional fees in the event that things are heavier than estimated or take up more space in the truck than initially expected. Asking for all of this information up front helps you avoid surprises at the end.

Consider Adding Packing Service If It Isn't Included

Especially if you lead a busy lifestyle and don't have a lot of extra time for packing and such, having the moving company quote you for services that include packing can be in your best interest. Not only will this save you time, it may also help you to avoid breakage that occurs due to your inexperience with packing or insufficient padding. The movers have been trained to pack breakables in the proper manner to protect them, so it is always a good idea to defer to them when you can.

Ask For Insurance

The final consideration as you're gathering prices is insurance. Asking for insurance protection on your belongings while they're being packed and transported is important. That way, you can be sure that any accidental breakage will be covered by that insurance.