No matter if you're moving a few miles or across state lines, you may want to hire a professional mover to help with the load. Here are some tips to help you choose a mover.

• Out of state moves usually require a personal estimate of your belongings in your home.
• Local moves usually only require a telephone estimate. However, make sure your mover follows up with that estimate in writing prior to moving day.
• Make sure your mover has adequate insurance to cover your household goods should anything unfortunate happen during the haul.
• Professional movers can pack, as well as haul your belongings. Most moving companies will not cover the contents of a box if their movers did not pack it. While having the movers pack your things may save you time and insure all your belongings, it could cost more.
• Ask up front if there are any other extra costs such as having to go up or down stairs or an elevator or if the moving truck will be parked more than 75 feet from door. Heavy-duty dollies, as well as having the movers take the legs off of furniture and doors off hinges may also cost extra.
• Who ever packs your boxes should properly label each one with not only its contents, but to which room it will be going once it reaches your next home.
• Professional movers can not move oil based paints, propane, gas, or any other solvents by federal law.