How to Find a House Moving Company

Ask friends for references and browse listings of moving companies in your area, then make a list of potential companies to hire. Never hire a moving company directly from an Internet website without verifying its reliability.

Visit the office of each moving company on your list in person. Ask to speak with a manager. Inquire about the company's rates. Find out if the company has full comprehensive insurance to cover your belongings or your house in case of damage or an accident.

Inspect each company's equipment when you visit its office. A good whole-house moving company should have modern equipment, such as house-raising jacks and sophisticated dollies. Companies that move belongings should have trucks in good condition and equipment like hand dollies, jacks and fork lifts for heavy objects.

Schedule appointments for each company to come to your house and provide you with an estimate. Leave estimates from previous moving companies in the open to encourage fair pricing and special offers.

Read each contract carefully so you know what services a company includes in its price. Are things like boxes or packing services extra? If you are having your entire house moved, check that the contract states who is responsible for clearing the land and cleaning up after the move. Inquire about discounts if you use the same company to move your belongings and your whole house.

When moving your whole house, ask the companies you are considering whether they have the ability to move the heating system, air conditioner and plumbing. A company should be able to move these features in tact so you can hook them up to utilities at the home's new site. Also ask whether the firm can move garages or other outbuildings you may wish to take.

Research each moving company on the Internet to find consumer reviews. A good website to try is movingscam.com, which allows consumers to post opinions and complaints about different moving companies.