How-to select the right moving company. Here are some important pointers:

Research various local moving companies in the Washington DC metro area through their websites. Learn about services offered.

Check with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.gov) to see their rating, and check if the local movers belong to any trade organizations, such as the American Moving & Storage Association. Note: Gulliver's Movers has an A+ rating with the BBB.

Contact friends, neighbors, colleagues and find out if they have had a good experience with a particular moving company. Word of mouth publicity is the best publicity for any company.

Check whether the mover is insured or bonded. Highly regarded moving companies, will offer insurance and other repair services for any damages. See more about our insurance policy and coverage in our FAQ pages.

Get a quick estimate on the mover's website, or call for an estimate. A good moving company will be happy to send a representative, to "cube" (overall size) of the items to be moved and supply a free estimate. Normally this service is offered to customers moving more than a one bedroom apartment worth of furniture and boxes.

Moving services expediting local business usually charge by the hour. Perimeters of the move will determine the length and cost of the move. The more organized matters are, the faster the move, and more expedient too.

Moving factors include: the floor presently resided on, the floor moving to, the presence of an elevator at either of the buildings, and the distance to the truck. For SFH, factors may include variables like stairs and exterior steps and parking.