Moving is an expensive and stressful experience for most people. Nobody really likes to go through the process, but sometimes, it's necessary.

Finding a moving company you can trust will help to relieve your stress. There are several things you should look for before hiring a moving company. Here's a short list of the most important things.

Reputation Speaks Volumes

Any moving company worth using will have a great reputation online and offline. You can easily check out their online reputation by reading customer reviews. Of course, there may be a few poor reviews here and there, as nobody is perfect. However, you want to see the positive reviews outweighing the negative reviews.

Experience Plays a Factor

Another thing to look for when hiring a moving company is their experience. They don't need to be huge or even nationwide. However, they do need to be experienced. The last thing you want to do is hire some new moving company and find out they don't have a clue what they are doing.

It takes more than just a few guys with muscles to move your things. Experienced movers know how to lead their team and they know how to get your things from one place to another without damage. Check their website for an about page and find out how long they have been in business before hiring.

Proper Licensing

Every moving company should have the proper licensing for their business. If you run across a moving company without the right licensing, don't hire them. This could cause more issues than it's worth.

Check the Better Business Bureau

There are a few reasons why you always want to check the BBB before you hire a moving company. First, this will be the place you will find any serious complaints and discover if the company is a repeat offender. Second, a moving company with a high rating on the BBB is always a good sign. Finally, you will be able to search for any other business names they have used to see if they are avoiding a bad rating by switching names.

Get References

It may seem like a hassle, but any moving company worth hiring will be able to provide you with references. You can call the references and verify the company is a good choice by asking specific questions.

Watch out for the Large Deposit

When you hire a moving company, they may ask for a deposit up front. This isn't a good sign, in most cases. Reputable movers won't ask for any type of cash up front or large deposit before moving. They will ask you to pay upon delivery.

If you pay a moving company in advance, you lose control over the situation. You may never see your things again, they may not show up on time or at all or you may become a victim of some other type of scam. It's best to use a credit card, if you feel it’s okay to pay a deposit. This will give you at least some level of protection from fraud.

Whenever you need to hire a moving company, it's important to find the right choice for your specific needs. Don't take this process lightly, as there are many fly-by-night companies and scammers out there ready to take your money. Make sure you hire a reputable moving company with plenty of experience.