Choosing the right mover can make or break your moving experience. You’ll want movers who take care of your belongings and handle them with professionalism. But, if you don’t do your homework, you may find yourself with a mover that mishandles or damages your items.

To avoid hiring rogue movers, follow these tips for finding reliable movers. Thoroughly vet the company with multiple questions and requests for references. For example, you should ask for a list of three customers from your area who have moved with the company within the past three months. You can then call those customers directly to ask about their experiences.

It’s also important to get everything in writing. Make sure the quote, extra fees and pickup and delivery dates are clearly defined in the contract you sign before the movers begin work. Also, be aware that some companies will require a non-binding estimate on the contract and then charge you up to 10% above the original estimate. Make sure the contract states that any overages must be paid within 30 days of your move.

Before signing a contract, check that the mover is licensed and insured. In most states, movers must be licensed to transport household goods and carry workers’ compensation insurance. In addition, long-distance movers should have a USDOT number. You can find this information by using your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles website or by searching the FMCSA database. You should also look for a mover that’s certified by the American Moving and Storage Association as a ProMover. This certification requires a background check and adherence to the association’s ethical standards.

Be wary of movers that offer low prices that seem too good to be true. They may be avoiding proper insurance and licensing requirements or they may not have the equipment and crew needed to safely move your items. A reputable NYC moving company will be transparent about their insurance policies and can provide a certificate of insurance upon request.

When interviewing movers, ask how they pack items. You’ll want movers who carefully wrap and pad items to protect them, especially for fragile or expensive items. Speciality items, such as art or a piano, may need to be custom packaged. You’ll also want to know if movers will disassemble furniture before they transport it, as this can prevent damage in transit.

In addition to a background check, you should also ask about the mover’s experience. A reputable company will have years of experience packing and moving items. A rogue mover may not have any experience and will pack items in an unprofessional way.

You’ll also want to inquire about the movers’ insurance policies and how they handle claims. You’ll want to know if they have workers’ compensation and liability coverage in case an employee is injured during the move. Also, if the movers are storing your items in their warehouse, you’ll want to make sure they have property damage coverage. Rogue movers often don’t have this coverage, which can leave you with costly legal fees.