If you have decided to hire a professional moving company for the very first time, there are some things you need to be aware of. Whether you are moving long distance or across town, you will want to ensure you obtain the best price available for services rendered. Additionally, it is best to obtain an in-home estimate, as this will provide a most accurate cost. The following is a list of 5 dos and don'ts you need to consider when hiring a moving company for your residential move:

1. DO Insist On Obtaining In-Home Estimates

Many moving companies will offer price estimates over the phone or online without a visual inspection of your goods to be moved. While this may save you time and be most convenient, obtaining online or telephone estimates may not offer the most accurate pricing of your final cost. For this reason, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment for an in-person estimate. Additionally, the estimates you receive should be in writing. During your in-home estimate, don't overlook every item you wish to be moved, even if you feel it is small and insignificant.

2. Check for a Physical Address So You May Pay Them a Visit

In your rush and need to hire movers, you may overlook this important detail. Does the moving company have a physical address or simply a phone number? If your movers have a physical address, most likely it will be listed in the yellow pages or on their business website.

Once you've obtained an address for a local moving company you are considering, check them out in person. When visiting the storage facility and office, take note of the moving vans and trucks. If you have a large load to haul, you'll want to choose a company with the large moving vans. Conversely, if you have a small load, a small moving truck may be adequate.

3. DO Recognize License Verification

If you have never utilized the services of a moving company, you might be inclined to overlook this crucial aspect. A license will offer verification that the company is lawfully permitted to maintain business within the country.

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) should have a record of the moving company's license. If your moving company is indeed licensed, they will be able to provide a unique verified DOT number. You may easily view this from the DOT database.

Upon looking up the company's DOT number, you may ascertain other important details about the company. For instance, records may indicate the results of an inspection for the past two years. You may also learn the size of the company's fleet and how many trailers are currently in use. You should also determine how long the company has been in business.

4.Negotiate Your Deposit

While it is not unheard of for a moving company to require a small upfront deposit to ensure a moving date during the peak season of summer, you probably won't be required to pay a large deposit during the off-season, such as winter or fall.

Also, if you do put down a reasonable deposit, ask if it is refundable if you need to cancel for some unforeseen reason.

5. DO Inquire About Additional Fees

Certain circumstances may raise the final cost of your move. For instance, some moving companies charge more for moving to multi-level homes or buildings, so if you live in a three-story house or townhouse, you could incur extra final fees.

Will the company be moving a large piano or heavy pool table? If so, you may be charged extra. Also, if your street is narrow or the moving truck cannot park close to the entrance of your home, you could be charged extra. The same may apply when moving items onto an elevator.

For more information, contact Big Sam Moving & Storage or a similar company.