Moving, whether it's out of town or across the country, can be a stressful experience. Many people consider hiring a moving company to help cut down on the work involved. But is it a good idea?

The following information will help you decide if hiring a moving company is worth it. Of course, the final decision will depend on your personal circumstances.

How much stuff do you need to move?

 Regardless of how far you're moving, the amount of help you may or may not need depends a great deal on how much stuff you have. For example, if you're moving across country but you're planning on buying all new furniture when you get there, you may be able to make the trip easily by yourself with a carload or a borrowed truck. On the other hand, if you're moving across town but you have lots of heavy things and a few flights of stairs, a moving company may be in your best interest.

 Consider whether the cost and hassle of renting a U-Haul may be more effective than hiring movers. A U-Haul or trailer can be an inexpensive way to get your things where they need to go- but chances are good you'll need to recruit a few friends to help load and unload. The following general guidelines are provided by U-Haul to give you an idea of how large a truck you might need:

 26 foot truck= 4+ bedrooms

24 foot truck=3-4 bedrooms

17 foot truck= 2-3 bedrooms

14 foot truck= 1-2 bedrooms

10 foot truck= apartment

 If you're considering a U-Haul rather than hiring movers, check into the costs of the truck you need based on the above guide, and think about whether or not you have friends available to help with transportation. Call a few truck rental companies in your area and compare them against the rates of local moving companies. 

How far are you moving?

 Whether you're renting a truck or hiring a moving company, the distance of your move is going to affect the cost. You'll be paying for mileage and gas, and a cross-country move with professional movers can get pretty expensive. On the other hand, a long trip in a rented truck by yourself can lead to all kinds of mishaps—and if you, as a non-professional mover, can't get it all in one truck or need to go back for some reason, your costs will rise quickly. Also consider the risk factor- there's a greater chance of something happening to your belongings if they are traveling a long distance, and a moving company will most likely offer insurance to cover any such incidents, whereas if you rent a truck you'll be on your own. 

If you do hire a moving company...

Make sure they're reliable! If you have certain special or fragile items, it is certainly fine to move them yourself... but for the most part you should find movers you can trust with just about anything. Please don't hire a moving company just because they're the cheapest or have the fastest turnaround time. Ask for references and do some searches online for consumer feedback regarding the companies you're considering. You may end up spending a little more on a reputable company, but if you've weighed the options and decided that you need to hire movers, then get the best. 

There are also a few ways to cut down on the costs of hiring a moving company. Ask to have the items loaded and unloaded onto the truck, but emphasize that you will do the packing and unpacking yourself - many moving companies take it for granted that they will be packing your belongings, which is why they may ask to come out to your home in order to make an estimate. Whatever they will allow you to do to help cut down on costs, including taking furniture out into the front yard to be loaded, do it. A little extra sweat in exchange for a better deal on a safe move is worth it. 

Like any major business, moving companies come in a wide variety. Finding the right company for your major move isn't just a matter of cost comparison. The key is making sure that you're working with a reputable company that falls within your budget and will get your things to your new location safely and as promised.

 The following are a few major questions you should ask any moving company before you sign on with them for your relocation. These questions should help keep you- and your belongings- safe during this transitory time. 

Are you licensed or regulated?

Don't just take the company's word for it. It's key to find out for yourself whether a moving company is licensed. Your state should have a transportation department that can point you in the right direction and let you know whether a particular mover is authorized. Look in the phone book under Public Utility Commission or Department of Transportation, and make a few phone calls to find out.

Are you associated with a trade organization?

There are a few unions that exist for movers, including the International Association of Movers. Whether or not a company belongs to an organization isn't necessarily a deal maker or breaker when it comes to hiring them. It is, however, excellent information to have if you should have to settle a dispute with the company in the future- the organization can act as a go-between, or offer regulated rules that can help solve issues. 

What are the exact charges in my estimate?

If necessary, ask to look at a contract and a breakdown of everything that comprises the estimated cost. Many moving companies will assume you want it all unless you tell them otherwise, and an estimate may include such charges as packing boxes, breaking down beds, and unplugging appliances. Keep in mind that unless you read the estimate and specify that you don't want these things done, you'll be paying for them even if you did them yourself.

How long will the process take?

This question will need to be asked to a few different movers to get a good idea of what you should expect for your particular situation. If one company is giving you a time estimate that is dramatically different from the others, be suspicious. A three-bedroom house should take, on average, three hours to load into the truck and two hours to unload. A mover who estimates much longer than this may be trying to get more money out of you, while a mover with a very short time estimate is probably being untruthful. Go with your instincts.

What liability and protection do you offer?

Never choose a moving company that doesn't have adequate insurance. A reputable mover will have a decent insurance policy to cover any natural accidents that may occur. Whether or not you insure your belongings yourself, you should never be responsible for damage caused by a moving company. The company absolutely must have a policy in place to protect you.

The amount of protection they should have is up to you; do some cost comparisons among different companies. Read the fine print; some company's insurance policies will not protect items against damage if you packed the boxes yourself. Make sure to choose a company with a policy that makes you feel comfortable. 

Moving is a stressful enough experience; choosing a moving company can sometimes make it even worse. Make sure to do your homework, ask for referrals from family and friends, and don't be afraid to ask questions when you're choosing between companies. For example, if you are moving to Australia keep in mind that you may pay a little more for a reputable moving company with good insurance and a clean track record. Also keep in mind that your belongings- and your peace of mind- are worth it.