Moving? Know this before you choose a mover

Typically, the best time to move is from spring to the fall. If you can, try to move midweek because most people wait until the weekend due to work schedules. Most moving companies have low reservations during the week, so they can offer lower rates to entice you to do so. Likewise, avoid moving at the beginning or end of the month because they are also prime moving times.

When choosing a mover, your BBB offers these tips:

• Get recommendations from friends and family. If they’re pleased with their movers, most likely you will be too.

• Request estimates from several moving companies.

• Find out how long the moving company has been in business.

• Select a moving company at least six weeks in advance of your move.

• Find out if a moving company is a member of an association like American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) or Association of Movers, Inc.

• Remember, moving companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to give you a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.

• Make sure the mover is licensed, bonded and insured.

• Get everything in writing, including cost, move date, loss or damage policy and inventory of items to be moved.

• Read over the contract to make sure there are no hidden items.

• Keep valuables, medicine and important documents with you.

• Be sure you’re present when movers pack, pickup and deliver your items.

Remember, you may want to pack your own items if you’re using a moving company. Most movers won’t accept liability for items they didn’t pack. So, if you have expensive, fragile or irreplaceable items, leave packing to the pros. You may consider accepting full value protection from your mover.

If you have any questions regarding movers, you can always get help from your BBB, such as a list of BBB Accredited movers and business reviews on ones you’re considering. Also, be sure to click the trust button on business reviews of companies you trust and work with. For more information, visit www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301.