Moving into a new home can be a complicated process. Make your move a lot easier by planning ahead. If your move includes a moving company, one of your first decisions should be to pick which one is right for you. This will give you plenty of notice to make your reservations and see that your move happens when you want it to. Moving-company reputations and rates can span a considerable range. Doing some research and comparing the moving companies available to you can cut costs considerably and give you the best chance of preserving the condition of your furniture and household items. This is How to Compare Moving Companies:

Step1
Flip through your phone book and identify at least three moving companies from which to collect quotes.

Step2
Call each company and request a written estimate. This should always include scheduling an appointment for a moving company representative to come to your home and physically see what you will be moving. You will be charged according to the total weight of your items, so be prepared to show the moving company representative all large or heavy pieces of furniture. You will also need to estimate how many large, medium and small boxes you will have. Take into consideration the especially heavy boxes, such as book boxes, and the bulky boxes, such as the upright clothing boxes with hanging rods.

Step3
Show each moving company representative the same items and give each the same numbers for small, medium, large, heavy and bulky boxes.

Step4
Ask questions. You should have a list of questions you ask each of the moving company representatives. Your list should include questions concerning additional charges should the actual total weight of your load exceed the estimated weight, additional charges for stairs or long walking distances between your doorstep and the moving van and any additional charges for special-needs items such as pianos. Make a point to ask about insurance availability and terms. Also ask about company liability for lost or damaged items and any policy dealing with the right of the company to shift either your chosen moving date or delivery date, or both, for any reason.

Step5
Review the written estimates given to you by the moving companies. Place them all out in front of you and compare them. Make special note of the total weight each estimator has calculated. In most cases, you will be expected to pay for the actual weight of your move regardless of what the estimate says. This is absolutely true for interstate moves that are governed by federal interstate tariffs. Keeping this in mind, it is in your best interest to call each moving company and request a revised estimate based on the heaviest weight of all your moving-company estimates.

Step6
Compare the conditions and stipulations that have gone into calculating each of your moving-company estimates. It is not unusual for the bottom-line total estimated cost of your move to be all over the place between your different estimates. This is because each moving company representative is given significant discretion by their moving company to grant discounts. How much of a discount they give you depends on the individual. All other elements of your estimates being equal, the discount will likely be the determining factor in which moving company will charge the least and therefore which company you will choose to move with.

Tips & Warnings:
The basic cost of your move will be based on the total weight of all the items you are moving. Typically, all your furniture, boxes and other items are loaded onto a truck, and the truck is then weighed. The weight of the truck itself is subtracted from the total weight, and the resulting number is the weight amount you will be charged for.
References: eHow.com, ArSharing.com