Is this your first experience with residential moving services? Whether you're moving into your first apartment as a new college grad or you just bought your first home, take a look at everything you need to know about choosing, hiring, and working with a residential moving company.

Do You Need To Hire A Moving Company?

While there's no rule requiring you to hire a mover, this type of service can help you through the process and make the entire experience easier for everyone involved. If you're not sure whether you need to hire a mover or not, consider:

• Your job. Are you starting your first post-grad job? Did you just invest a chunk of your savings into a new home? If you can't take time off from work or can't afford to, hiring a pro makes it possible to work while you move.

• Your to-move items. Do you need to move heavy furniture, bulky boxes of textbooks, and more than a few other items? These to-move picks are challenging to lift and transport by yourself. But a mover will do all the heavy lifting. 

• Your vehicle. Do you take the bus to and from your first after-graduation job? Do you have a small sedan? If you can't fit everything you need to move into your vehicle, it's time to hire a contractor.

Even though you will need to pay a mover, the price of service may not outweigh the money you'll save. Not only can you work the day of your move, but you also won't have to pay for a potentially pricey rental truck or rental equipment (such as dollies and moving quilts).

Which Company Should You Hire?

This is your first moving experience. This means you don't already have a contractor who you know and trust. If a family member or friend has had a positive experience with a local mover, you're in luck. But if you don't have a recommendation, you'll need to find a contractor on your own. Before you contact movers, think about:

• Your budget. How much money do you want to spend on a move? Set an upper limit that makes sense for your current financial situation.

• The type of move you need. Do you want a full-service move (a move that includes everything from packing and prep to transportation and unpacking) or a basic move? You may also need specialty services if you have large musical instruments or art.

• Your schedule. Do you need a mover with weekend or evening hours to fit into your new work schedule? Make sure the mover can meet your scheduling needs.

Along with these issues, ask the mover about the type of estimate they provide and what the service contract includes. The three types of estimates include binding, non-binding, and binding-not-exceed quotes. Your contract or agreement should clearly state which one the mover offers and the specific terms.  

Contact a residential moving company in your area to learn more.