If you plan to use a professional mover, starting looking for one six to eight weeks in advance. Here are some tips to help you select a reliable mover and save money at the same time.

1.      Get three written estimates. Call three companies and have their agents come to your home to prepare an estimate. Get enough detail from each company about what is included to be sure you’re comparing like services. For example, do they charge extra for bulky items, elevators, or flights of stairs? How do their coverages for loss and damage compare? This will also protect you from discovering on moving day that services you thought were included actually cost extra.

2.      Ask three questions. As you call around to movers, your first three questions should be: Do you send an agent out to do a free estimate? Are you licensed and bonded? Do you pay worker’s compensation? Ask for a photocopy of the license and bonding paperwork.

3.      Understand the terms of the estimates. Most moving companies will offer either a binding estimate (fixed price) or an estimate with a cap, which means you might pay less than that amount but won’t pay more. Get the estimate in writing and think twice before agreeing to a nonbinding or hourly estimate without a cap.

4.      Don’t pay for more mover than you need. If your move is local or within your state, don’t feel you must pay for higher-priced national movers to get quality service. Some movers specialize in smaller loads and local destinations and can charge less because they avoid interstate commerce charges.

5.      Check credentials. Interstate movers are regulated by the Federal Highway Administration. Call FHWA at 202-358-7106 to find out if your mover is registered and insured (see the “Resources” section for alternate phone numbers). Local movers may or may not be regulated by your state. Check the government pages in your local phone book for an agency to call.

6.      Get professional help. Before you sign anything, look for the words “agent labor only.” This means that the company uses only trained movers and doesn’t entrust your belongings to casual laborers they don’t know.

7.      Time your move for savings. Summer is the busiest time for movers, while November through April tends to be very slow. Also, Saturdays and the end of the month are generally the busiest times in any season. If your schedule permits, you may save 10 to 15 percent by taking advantage of the slow season. Don’t be afraid to bargain.

8.      Pack yourself and save. You can trim moving costs considerably by doing the packing yourself. On local moves, packing charges can make up as much as half the fee. The company, however, will not be liable for anything its workers did not pack.

9.      Investigate insurance options. Most movers offer very limited liability coverage unless you opt to pay more. Before you do this, check with your insurance company. Your homeowner’s or renter’s policy may protect your goods during a move.

10. Cheapest may not be best. A low price may be a sign that the mover will be cutting corners with shoddy equipment or slipshod practices. Beware of nonbinding estimates that look good up front, but turn into head-slappers at your destination.

11. Handle with care. No matter how reliable the mover, or how much insurance you’ve purchased, it’s best to handle irreplaceable items (heirlooms, treasured jewelry, important documents) on your own.