I was in the moving industry for 15 years and have personally moved over 8,000 families myself. Believe me when I tell you, I have seen it all and then some. As a professional mover for so long I can tell you that it does not matter wether you call the largest mover in the phone book or the smallest guy in the newspaper. What matters most is who shows up at your front door. There are only 2 kinds of movers: Guys who have a family to support and can make more money moving people than working at Wal-mart and guys who cant hold down a real job. THAT’S IT ! There really is no in-between. I have hired and fired over 200 of these employees. If the guys show up and look like they just woke up, got out of jail, are on drugs, drunk, or just look dishonest or stupid, Send them Packing !!! Don’t even let them pick up one piece of furniture. Once they have your stuff you have absolutely no recourse and will have to pay them whatever they demand in most cases. I would also highly recommend getting as many moving quotes as possible. Talking with people is just not enough. I have had hundreds of people mail me checks over $4,000 from just a conversation over the phone and out of state for that matter. They didn’t know me from Adam and are lucky I was a professional mover and not a professional criminal. I would use a credit card and not a check if it were me. At least you can reverse a credit card charge. Ask Questions. Lots of questions and get everything in writing.

I would suggest that everyone at least check with someone like http://www.5MovingQuotes.net before they finalize their long distance move. They will have Professional movers competing for your business and in the end you will get a reliable mover at the right price.