Moving to a new state, city, or even down the street is stressful enough. Add to that the hard work of choosing a moving company you can trust enough to help you in this endeavor. Here are five strategies to help you choose the right team for your move.

1. Check the rules and regulations for local movers.

Rules and regulations in the moving industry vary considerably depending on the mover type. According to cheapmoversmiami.com, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees interstate movers, but that’s not always the case for local movers. Even though some must also follow federal standards, most local movers are subject to state laws.

Check out the company with your state’s moving association, the local consumer affairs agency, or the Better Business Bureau before hiring.

2. Choose a company that’s licensed, certified, and insured.

For a seamless experience, always choose a mover that’s licensed, certified, and insured.

Ensure your local mover has certification through the American Moving & Storage Association’s “ProMover” program. The program requires movers to go through a stricter background check as well as to follow the association’s standards.

Next, your moving company should be insured. Most companies will offer you two levels of protection:

• Full (Replacement) Value Protection: The mover has to repair or replace any item that is lost, damaged, or destroyed while in their possession.
• Alternative Level of Liability: This is a free option that offers limited protection. The mover will assume liability for 60 cents per pound per item.

Lastly, consider choosing a local mover that is in the FMCSA’s contacts database.

3. Trust online reviews.

There’s not much that escapes consumers in today’s digital era. Before choosing a local mover, check the company’s online reviews. It includes Google and any social media channels the company has.

Of course, it is hard for any company only to have positive reviews online, and if they do, that should already be a red flag. Instead, read through the negative reviews too and make sure that they have been answered professionally by the company.

If the moving company does not have an online presence or hasn’t been recommended to you by a friend or family, it might be a good idea to discard it.

4. Avoid hidden fees.

The average down payment shouldn’t exceed 20 percent of the estimated total cost. Large down payments or full payments in advance are generally indicative of a moving scam.

Other extra fees to be aware of include:

• moving to or from a higher floor apartment or two-story house
• moving to or from a narrow street where the van won’t fit
• additional packing costs if you have the movers pack your items

5. Ask the right questions.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and thoroughly understand the terms and conditions of your move. Essential questions to ask are the following:

• Are there any potential fees not being included?
• What are the insurance terms of the move?
• Ask about professional accreditation.
• Does the crew have a moving experience?

Asking the right questions can come a long way when choosing a local mover. Follow these five strategies, and work with a trustworthy company that meets all of your requirements, enjoy a less stressful moving process.