Moving to a new house or apartment can be overwhelming, especially if it is a long-distance move. The good news is that you don’t have to move alone; you can hire a local moving company to help you. With so much to do and keep tracks of, outsourcing the tasks of packing and driving can be a massive relief. Here are 9 tips on how to find the right company for your moving needs:

1. Start by speaking to friends and family
Most of the time, friends and family can give you the best advice, based on relevant experience. If you ask them about various moving companies, some may be able to provide personal anecdotes, whether their own or from a third party, on the quality of various companies. Word of mouth and personal reviews can be a powerful tool for deciding which moving company to hire.

2. Use Google and other search engines
If friends and family don’t have any experiences to help with your decision, the internet is a great alternate place to start your search for moving companies. Thousands of sites will have information on every type of moving company out there. Additionally, online reviews, even if they are from strangers, can be immensely helpful in determining which moving company is the best.

3. Check out different companies in your area
Unless you hear and read only rave reviews for one company, it is important to research and compare different companies in your area before deciding on one. You also don’t have to limit yourself to local businesses only; you can research companies farther from where you live if they have better deals.

4. Find out if they offer a free estimate
Most moving companies will be able to give you a free estimate before you hire them. This is one of the most important questions to ask during your research, so you can evaluate if the price fits into your budget and if the company offers the best value out of all your options. Getting an estimate before you make a final decision allows you to be in control of your move and the costs associated with it. Please remember not to choose movers who request upfront payment, and never pay for a moving estimate.

5. Check what payment options are accepted
You should also evaluate which payment methods the company accepts. The best company will give you multiple payment options such as credit cards, cash, and PayPal. This way, you can pay them easily, without worrying about hidden fees.

6. Choose a moving company that’s licensed and insured
You will want to choose a moving company that’s licensed and insured to ensure that your goods are covered against loss or damage. This mainly applies to long distance moving companies.

7. Find out how they’ll care for your belongings
It is important to determine how the company you are considering will move your belongings. Do they provide extra storage units for major items? Can they help with taking furniture apart or preparing the home? You want all your items to arrive intact, so it is important to ensure that the company also cares about the safety of your belongings, and has procedures in place to prove it.

8. Look into their customer service record
When considering a moving company, ask them about their customer service record. You want to choose a company that offers top-notch customer service and has no history of problems. This should ensure they provide you with the same high-quality service when it comes time to move your items.

9. Check the company out on BBB
You should always check out the companies you are considering via the Better Business Bureau (BBB) before making your final choice. This is an excellent way to determine if the company you are thinking about hiring is reliable.