Finding the best movers when you need them isn't as simple as calling up the first mover in the book. You need to be able to trust the movers with your fragile belongings and furniture. Knowing where to go to get movers with the skills to move everything efficiently is the first place to start.

The first thing to consider when choosing movers is their safety record, both with items and employees. Review other users' comments about the moving company before trusting them with your things and your safety. Don't put yourself at risk by hiring people that could damage your things or, worse, harm you. Ask for the paperwork to ensure they are bonded and insured against accidental breakage or harm.

The next thing to consider is the contract with your movers. Every moving company has a contract that you sign to allow them to move your things and pay their costs. Read that carefully to find the hidden costs. Imagine forgetting to read the fine print before your move and getting hit with major fees. Only after you arrive and check your bank did you find out that the company took out more money than they quoted you before the move. Initiating a dispute will not help since you failed to review the contract and note all the fees involved.

Before moving, consider obtaining containers that lock for your valuables. While most moving companies have coverage for lost or damaged goods, some valuables aren't replaceable with a dollar amount. If you get a lock box and place a padlock on it, you take a step closer to protecting those things from accidents that inevitably happen on the road. Protecting your valuable items is even more important on long trips.

Consider adding coverage for your moves to your homeowner's policy, if available. Call your insurance company to see how much coverage is available and what coverage you can obtain for your next move. Look into individualized insurance policy add-ons to protect your most valuable assets. Like gap insurance, it can be a real lifesaver for issues that happen with moving.

Many people overlook an aspect of moving safety that affects their belongings and personal safety, posting details to social media accounts. Avoid posting details of your move on social media and update family members privately, as they might prefer you keep them informed of your location. Avoid posting assets online; it accomplishes nothing but letting criminals know what you have and where you are.

Keeping an active inventory of your belongings can help determine if anything is missing upon arrival. It will also help with the organization of your new home. Several options include numbering boxes, listing contents on your paper or electronic list, or labeling rooms and numbering those boxes.

Don't forget to label everything well. Create a system for different rooms, like a different color of duct tape per room. Make your unpacking easier and safer with those tips whenever you have to move. Read your fine print, ask about safety, do not post to social media along the way, and label and catalog your inventory for a smooth move.