Most people know someone who has a horror story about moving companies. If you follow these tips you won’t get caught.

1. You’ve chosen your mover so ask them to send you a copy of the contract in advance.
It’s boring but you really need to read the fine print. The person you booked the job with over the phone was concerned with getting your business. There may be differences between what he said on the phone and what’s on the contract. The crew that shows up probably will not care what the person on the phone said.

2. Additional charges to watch out for and ask about. Your moving company may claim these are industry standard but they are not. You won’t have room to negotiate once they show up and you sign the contract. Things to consider: are they charging for steps? Do they bill on the hour or half hour? Do they charge travel time for local moves? Are they going to demand payment before unloading the truck?

3. Book at least two weeks in advance. You’ll get cheaper rates and you’ll have the opportunity to take a look at the contract they sent you. As well, be less concerned with the cheapest quote and more concerned with the companies reputation.

4. Boxes. If you require over 50 boxes give yourself plenty of time to accumulate them from local businesses. If you’re reusing boxes check the bottoms for rot. Don’t fill any box over 50 pounds. Finally, have at least some of them stacked and ready to go by the door and don’t have them randomly scattered about the place. This will save you $50-$100 off the bill at least.

5. Was there anything that was difficult to get into your home? Let them know. Think through whether your pull out couch or armoire is going to present an obstacle to a timely move. If you have press board furniture like Ikea do not load up the drawers and then tape it shut. Take the shelves out of things. If something is very fragile consider taking it in your car.

6. Insurance. Contrary to their advertisement, most moving companies self insure. They will not pay full value for any damage. In fact normally the base insurance is 60 cents a pound which is negligible and there is usually a cap on the damages they will pay per item. Read the contract. Luckily your home insurance is a great resource. Call your insurance agent and ask what they would recommend.

7. If it’s a dusty environment then wipe down everything as much as possible. Try to avoid having the movers get a face full of dust or cat hair. They will look after your stuff better if they can see you’ve taken some effort.

8. Have the tools to take your furniture apart. We’re talking Allen keys, pliers and wrenches. It’s Murphy’s Law that you will need them if you don’t have them and the movers may not have a tool box.

9. If your job is going to take more than 3 hours then buy the movers something to eat. They will be padding their time if they leave. As well, discuss the route that will get them to the destination in the shortest time.

10. If they have a done a good job at the end, tip them appropriately. They will be grateful and it will add to your feeling good about how the day went.