This is the time of year when many consumers choose a moving company, which means you might be competing against your neighbors to book the best movers.
Bottom line: Don't trust just anybody or your valuables could end up being held hostage.
May is National Moving Month and unfortunately, it's nearly as easy to find a bad company as a good one.
Annually, more than 37 million Americans move to a different home, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And each year the Better Business Bureau and the American Moving & Storage Association receive serious complaints from consumers who fall victim to moving companies that are dishonest, unlicensed or both.
The BBB received more than 8,400 complaints against movers in 2009. Complaints to the BBB about movers are primarily about damaged or lost goods and final prices in excess of original estimates. In a common worst-case scenario, the moving company will essentially hold the customer's belongings hostage and require thousands of dollars to unload the truck.
The BBB and AMSA recommend following these rules to protect yourself and your belongings:
Research the company thoroughly. State regulations vary, but all interstate movers must, at minimum, be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and are assigned a motor carrier number you can verify at www.protectyourmove.gov.
Check the company's rating with your BBB, which maintains more than 17,000 reliability reports on movers across North America. Having at least a satisfactory BBB rating is one of seven screenings that AMSA relies on when authorizing its interstate mover members to display the ProMover logo, the sign of a professional mover which has pledged to abide by the organization's Code of Ethics.
Get at least three in-home estimates. Legitimate movers won't offer you a firm estimate online or over the phone. Keep in mind that the lowest estimate can sometimes be an unrealistic low-ball offer which could cost you more in the end.
Know your rights. Research your rights as a consumer with the state. Enlist the help of BBB or local law enforcement if the moving company fails to live up to its promises.
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It’s a weekly chore this time of year, but mowing doesn’t have to mean a dull up-and-back. David Mellor, director of grounds for the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, recently told the Wall Street Journal’s Developments blog (which is usually about the real estate business) how big leaguers create art in their summer lawns. In addition to writing a couple of books on the subject, Mellor has created swirls, stars, circles, baseballs and his team’s iconic socks in Fenway fescue. Here are three of his top tips for striping: 
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Get advice and information on how to choose a mover and plan your move:
AMSA: www.moving.org
U.S. Department of Transportation: www.protectyourmove.gov
Research a mover: easternnc.bbb.org/
