Choosing a moving company is an important decision for customers who are entrusting their money and possessions to someone else. The best mover will meet a customer’s needs and be transparent about its pricing and services.

The cost of a move is determined by the weight and size of the items being moved, as well as the distance from the origin to the destination. To reduce costs, customers should try to book a move at the beginning of a month, which is when prices are lowest. Also, the sales agent should be sure to tell customers of any upcoming discounts.

Other factors that affect the cost of a move include the service area, the number of boxes, specialty items and other details like deposit requirements. For example, local movers can be less expensive than national companies because they are familiar with logistical concerns that may only exist in a given city—for instance, getting permission to reserve parking in front of an apartment complex.

A full-service moving company will provide its customers with a contract called a “Bill of Lading.” The Bill of Lading should clearly state all aspects of the move, from the estimated price to services provided. It should also list insurance policies and other relevant information. For example, AVL puts its movers through a thorough screening process and trains them to handle the rigors of long-distance moves. Additionally, the Brooklyn-based moving company offers its customers a claims support line that is dedicated to handling local moves—instead of being redirected to a general customer service department.