If you’ve recently sold up and are packing and moving to a new home, it doesn’t matter whether you’re moving to another state, the other side of the state, or simply a few blocks away, finding professional movers will make your life much easier.

Finding local movers online shouldn’t be much of a problem, as their services are in such high demand. What will prove troublesome, however, is finding a moving company that you can trust. When you pack up your belongings and hand them over to the movers, you’re basically trusting them with your life’s possessions. Not only are they valuable financially, for many people, they will hold great sentimental value too.

This is why it’s so important to find a moving company you can trust. To help make your search for the best local movers you can find much easier, here are 5 qualities and traits to look for when choosing a moving company.

Experience …To begin with, one of the first things you should look for when choosing movers for your big move is experience. While every business, including moving companies, have to start somewhere, the more experience a moving company has the better. Not only does this mean they’ll have learned from their experience, it also means they’re doing something right. Experienced movers will have dealt with a variety of challenges and problems over the years, which means that, in the unlikely event of something going wrong, they’ll be far more likely to put it right.

Reliability …Reliability is another quality to look for in a moving company. The last thing you want is to have all your belongings neatly boxed up and ready to go, only to find that the movers don’t show up when they said they would. This would not only tick you off, but it would also likely cost you even more money, and waste even more of your time. Moving is stressful enough, without being let down by the movers at the last minute. When you search for local movers nearby, read reviews and try to find a company with a reputation for being reliable and punctual.

Customer Service …Another tell-tale sign of a professional moving company is one which offers great customer service. Naturally you’ll have questions about their processes and prices, and there may be special instructions you need to give them about your items, or your move in general. This is why efficient customer service is so important When you’re searching for a moving company, try to find one which offers friendly, professional, and efficient customer service. Find out how they can be reached, when they can be reached, whether they offer any aftercare, and basically what they will do if something does go wrong.

Credentials …No matter the distance you’re relocating to, if you’re using pro movers you need to ensure they possess the necessary paperwork and credentials. A professional moving company should have the right insurance in place. This not only helps protect you legally and financially in the event of something going wrong, it also helps to set your mind at ease so you can relax. As we keep saying, moving is stressful enough, without worrying about being left high and dry if the movers damage or lose one of your most treasured belongings.

Reputation …Finally, when searching for the right movers to handle your big move, try to find one with a stellar reputation. Read reviews and customer feedback and try to find a company renowned for its honesty, affordability, and professionalism. The best moving companies out there are the ones with a reputation for being honest, trustworthy, reliable, affordable, friendly, and professional. Reputable movers are becoming increasingly hard to come by, so when you do find one, hang onto them, as you never know when you might need them again.