Moving to a new city can be a big deal. If you’re a parent or have a busy work life, hiring a professional moving company can help remove the stress of the move. You can also get more time to relax and focus on other things – or to just take a break and do something fun.

Moving across the country isn’t an easy task, especially if you’re going long distance. You will have to consider all the extra costs, such as gas, lodging, and any special fees that may apply to your move. In addition, you’ll need to purchase moving insurance for your belongings.

If you’re not sure where to begin, start by researching the different types of movers. These include moving brokers, carriers, and container companies. Each type offers its own benefits and drawbacks, so you’ll need to make the best decision for your needs.

Brokers can provide you with quotes from a range of moving services, and they are often able to find you the best price. However, they usually don’t offer as many services as a carrier, and their customer service might be less than ideal.

Carriers, on the other hand, have their own fleets of trucks and dedicated customer support teams. This can be an advantage, but you should be aware that they may be more expensive than a broker.

The best moving companies offer a variety of options for all types of moves, and you can even customize your move package. For example, you can opt for a full-service move with a professional crew, or a move with just the basics, like loading and unloading your furniture.

A good mover will take the time to explain their services and answer your questions. They should also provide you with an “Order for Service” detailing how much they’ll charge at delivery and what items will be covered under their standard liability policy. You should then read through the contract and sign it in its entirety.

In the event of a loss or damage claim, you should promptly contact your mover to file a report and request a resolution in writing within 30 days. In the event that your mover denies the claim, you can seek a resolution in small claims court.

You should also be aware of the moving company’s cancellation policy, as they might not refund your money in some cases. You should also be sure to ask for a copy of the insurance documentation and any other paperwork that you signed.

If you have children or pets, they should be kept off-site and out of the way during the move. This can be especially important if you’re hiring a crew of movers for a large home or apartment.

You should also pack all of your belongings ahead of time, so they’re ready to go. This will reduce the number of boxes your movers will have to pack. It will also save them time on the day of your move. This way, they can spend more time working on other tasks and less time wasting time packing up your belongings.