Professional movers - if you've used them what questions should we ask?

[lecach]

We'll be moving in the next few months as soon as our house is ready. Its about 5 miles from the current one. We've always used family and friends to move in the past. But they are all getting older and just cant do it anymore. And honestly - I dont want to myself. So we'll be getting professional movers. We'll pack everything ourselves. I've called a few movers and I just dont know what to ask. One said they would have an estimator come and they would let us know the estimate of the cost. They charge $125 an hour and they decide how many movers to send and what size truck. That worries me. What if they decide to send 2 movers instead of 4? That would end up taking more time and cost more money. What is the ideal contract we should look for? I would prefer getting one that has a set price - even if its more than an estimated price - just so we dont have to be watching the clock. Is that possible? Thanks for your help!

PS anyone in the Raleigh Durham NC area that has used a mover: I am open to recommendations.

 

[DisneyBaby!]

When we moved last winter (on the snowiest day in Chicago that day) we were thankfull that we had movers. We did not realize that ammount of junk we accumulated. We had a guy that did it on the side, but everybody in Chicago has a guy. We was a professional, used the company van, but he charged per person per hour, like $30 (3 man crew). I think the best way is by the hour, they might rush to get done in 6 hours what might normally take 8. Make sure they will wrap the furniture in pads for you and put it in the room you want. Unless the house is very small and you have small furniture, I would think they would sent at least 3. You would be SHOCKED to see what these guys can do. They pick up things themselves I need help with, and take 2 looks at an item, pick it up, twist it just so and it is out the door, while I would be smashing it against the wall saying there is no way I can get this out.