A lot of people think that finding great movers is as easy as doing a quick Google search. Although the Internet has made it easier than ever to find people to help with your move, it’s important to make sure you’re dealing with a reputable moving company. Ft. Lauderdale residents already know that reputation is everything, so why treat your movers any different? Once you’ve got a couple of companies on your short list, it’s time to start asking the hard questions and getting some answers. Read on for some tips on what to ask before making a final decision.

How Long Have You Been Doing This?
At the end of the day, experience goes a long way with a moving company. A company that has been in business for a while has probably dealt with every disaster imaginable and won’t panic when problems arise during the move. They know how to pack and move fragile items, and have done enough moves to know how to get things done quickly.

Are You Insured?
When you go to check out the license number of a moving company, which you should do, take an extra few minutes to verify that the company is insured. An uninsured mover is basically like letting a fifteen-year-old drive a semi-truck – not safe, in other words. Checking for insurance is also important because online it’s very easy for any random group of people to pose as professional movers when it’s just a side job for a bunch of college kids. You’ll also want to make sure that your personal items are covered during the move. If not, consider adding supplemental moving insurance.

What Do Rates Really Include?
Sometimes a flat isn’t a flat rate. Find out if the company incorporates fuel charges, and if the rates vary depending on the season or day of the week. It’s also good to do a price comparison between a few of different companies. If one is much higher than the others, you should try and find out why.

Also important: making sure the mover asks you questions. If he or she hasn’t asked you anything before giving you an estimate, it may be time to seek out a different team.