Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, hiring a good moving company will help make your move easier and less stressful. While they may be more expensive than renting a truck and bribing friends with pizza, they’ll save you time, keep your possessions safe, and ensure that you don’t owe any of your friends money. However, with so many companies out there, how do you choose the right one for you? This article will take a look at some of the top moving companies to give you an idea of what to expect from each.

1. NYC Moves

With a stellar reputation on Yelp and a solid track record, NYC Moves is a highly recommended choice for local moves in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island. They specialize in full-service moving, including packing, loading, unloading, and storage, as well as disassembly/assembly of furniture. They’re also well-versed in NYC parking regulations and traffic patterns, so they can get your belongings into the truck and to your new home quickly and safely.

2. AVL Movers

Another top pick for long-distance moves, AVL puts their movers through a rigorous pre-hire process, which includes background checks and drug testing. They’re a fully-insured national moving company, and offer a variety of services, including full-service packing, precious item transport, and storage. Their sales team can guide you through the quoting process, and guarantee a price based on your specific moving needs.

3. International Van Lines

With an excellent nationwide reputation and a focus on personalized service, International Van Lines is a great choice for a national or international move. They’ll customize a moving package to suit your needs, and will provide you with an estimated delivery window based on the date you plan to move. They also offer a 30-day free storage option, as well as a number of other discounts for military veterans, seniors, and families.

4. Solomon & Sons

This company is the top choice for residential bloomington moving company in the northeastern United States, and is especially strong in New York City. They have a deep understanding of the area’s parking rules and traffic patterns, and are known for their efficient, friendly service. Their movers are also extensively trained, and participate in weekly programs to ensure they can deliver top-quality moves every time. Their competitive prices and attention to detail are what led them to win the 2016 Best of New York award. They offer both full-service and self-packing options, and will provide you with a quote via either a virtual or in-person walk-through. The company will then issue a Bill of Lading, which serves as both a receipt of goods and a contract of carriage. This document is crucial, and should clearly explain all pricing variables, from estimated costs to services provided, as well as terms of delivery and insurance. Ask your moving coordinator questions if anything is unclear, and always read your Bill of Lading carefully. You should also be wary of movers who charge hourly rates for additional services, as these can add up quickly.