Packing up everything you own, moving it to a new home and then unpacking it is a lot of work. You may want to consider hiring a moving company to do some of the work for you. This column will provide some useful tips for dealing with movers.

If you decide to hire a mover, you should speak to several different ones before choosing. Like any other product or service on the market, shop around and ask friends and family for recommendations. It is important to book your movers well in advance of your moving day. Movers get very busy in the summer and at other peak times such as on the 15th and last day of each month, and you will want to ensure you are not scrambling for a mover at the last minute. Also, it is important to tell your movers what they will be moving to ensure they quote you an accurate price.

You can save some money by packing without professional help. In order to do so, you will need many sturdy boxes and other moving supplies. Boxes and other supplies can be purchased from movers. Resist the temptation to put your most delicate items in boxes from the local grocery store, as they are usually not sturdy enough to protect your valuables. Additionally, avoid using newspaper to wrap your valuables as the ink can rub off. Blank newsprint also can be purchased from your movers. Should you want to hire professional packers such as employees of your moving company, be advised that this service does not come inexpensively.

Movers generally charge for their services by the hour, and this rate generally increases if more movers are required. This noted, however, it is not necessarily cheaper to have fewer men, as fewer men take longer to complete a move. Before you hire a moving company, it is a good idea for the moving company representative to come to your home to determine the amount of work involved. Your mover should provide you with a written estimate of the cost to move you. This estimate should cover all of the tasks you want the movers to complete.

Your decision regarding which company you plan to hire should not be based on cost alone. You should check a mover’s reputation. Also, seek a company that has been in business for a reasonable period of time, is licensed and is insured. A reference check is also a must.

If you are moving out of your existing house or apartment before your new home is ready, you may have to store your personal belongings for a period of time. Many movers offer this service for a cost determined both by the amount that needs to be stored and the length of time for which it must be stored. There is an additional cost for insuring the items while they are in storage. Once again, ask for a written estimate so there are no surprises.

Ask your movers about insurance to protect you should your belongings be lost, stolen or damaged. You may find that standard insurance is insufficient and that you need to buy additional insurance through your moving company. Before you do so, check with your own insurance company to see if your existing contents insurance will provide coverage for your belongings during a move.

Taking the right precautions will help ensure your move goes smoothly.