• First and most importantly, ask only licensed professional movers for an estimate. (See how to choose a mover)
• Show the estimator everything that is to be move. If you have a few things in self storage or at your mom's house, make sure you tell the estimator about those too. Don't forget the attic, crawl spaces and garden shed. Point out the appliances you will be moving.
• Be specific about what you will pack, if anything. 
• Ask the estimator if a moving van will fit in your driveway. (You may need a shuttle or extra time may be required to perform your move)
• Ask him to include charges for stairs, long carries and elevators if they apply.
• Include any crating for glass or marble that you may need.
• Be clear about where your shipment will deliver to and what the access is like.
• Ask the estimator to describe and quote on valuation, basic, depreciated and full value protection. 

How your moving charges are determined

Interstate moves are charged by the weight of the shipment and the number of miles to your new home. The moving truck will be weighed on a truck scale before your furniture is loaded, this is known as the "tare weight", the truck will be weighed again after your shipment to determine the "gross weight". The difference between the two is the total weight of your shipment. The mileage from your home to your new home is determined by a standard "mileage guide". Your mover will calculate your charges according to his published rates for the amount of weight of your shipment and the number of miles it will move.

Additionally, there are charges for any packing or crating done by the mover. There are a host of other charges that may apply, but the most common are:

• long carry (the truck is more than 75 feet to your door)
• elevator
• stairs (more than 8 outside steps)
• piano
• special servicing of items (grandfather clock, washer, etc)
• bulky item (riding mower, boat, canoe)
• labor to disassemble or reassemble (pool tables, gyms, etc)
• self storage handling (if they pick up or deliver to one)
• waiting time ( if a delay in the delivery is caused by you)

If you are concerned on what the entire move may cost, keep in mind the less the mover has to do, the less it will cost. You can save by:

• discarding things you don't want ( less weight)
• don't move things that are cheaper to replace than move (bricks, firewood)
• pack as much as you can (save packing charges)
• disconnect your washer and ice maker (save servicing charges)
• providing good access (if you have to remove a planter or your mailbox so the truck can get in your driveway, you'll save expensive long carry or shuttle charges)

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