If the thought of having your friends and family move your belongings to your new apartment causes you to panic, hiring movers is the logical alternative. Hiring movers can be a simple task as long as you're organized.

When looking for movers, there is a variety sources available including online services. You should also ask your friends, coworkers and family members for recommendations (or warnings). Once you have a few suggestions, you should research them on consumer web sites like the Better Business Bureau, MovingScams.com and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's website. Be sure the companies you investigate are licensed and insured to legally move you.

Before you contact any movers, make a realistic assessment of how much you will need to have moved to your apartment. Consider how much furniture will be moved from your old apartment to your new apartment. The antique bed that took forever to assemble may be difficult to reassemble in your new apartment. Also, if you collect anything from books to limited edition action figures which could increase the number of boxes that need to be moved.

Once you've investigated the companies, contact the moving companies by phone or online for estimates. Make sure you mention any conditions that could affect the move including stairs, parking problems and delivery time restrictions. After you've compared the estimates, you need to make a decision. You should be wary of estimates that are much lower than they others and review them to see what differences exist. Also, compare any estimates that are much higher to see what is adding to the additional costs. Some questions to consider when selecting a mover include:

• When will the movers arrive? Will the drivers notify you before they arrive?
• If you're packing yourself, are certain types of packing materials and boxes acceptable?
• How should you pay?
• When should you pay?
• Will movers disassemble items in the apartment and reassemble them in the new apartment?
• Are there extra charges for stairs that you may not know about when booking movers?
• Is the estimate binding or nonbinding?
• What does the mover's liability insurance cover? How much will additional insurance cost?

Once you've selected a mover be sure to confirm the move dates and details. On moving day, get a written copy of the mover's inventory list, provide detailed directions to your new apartment and a contact number that can be used during the move. While hiring movers can seem complicated and expensive, consider the time you (and your friends and family) will save by hiring professionals. And you won't have to end a friendship over a broken ceramic Yoda.