Dear Angie: I am moving from Denver to Florida and am looking for tips to make the move go easier. We plan to pack boxes ourselves to keep the costs down. What advice can you give on how to pack and how to find a good, affordable mover?

Angie says: You might be able to save some money by packing yourself, but before you decide how much to do on your own, call at least three moving companies to get estimates for what they charge for different levels of service, from packing all of your stuff and transporting it, to loading and transporting only. If you pack it yourself, the moving company's insurance might not cover any damage.

If you do decide to pack yourself, instead of using cardboard boxes that can often be flimsy, aren't always easily stackable and are usually only good for one use, you might look into using reusable boxes. Many moving companies are offering this more environmentally friendly option of stackable, durable plastic boxes. Some will deliver the boxes to you and pick them up.

I do recommend you transport high-priority items yourself. These typically include personal items you can't replace — such as family photos, personal documents or jewelry that holds sentimental value — or items that you might need access to at a moment's notice like your wallet, car keys or medications.

One way you can make the move easier — and save money — is by weeding out items you don't need. Have a yard sale or donate items you no longer use to a charitable organization.

When you're talking to moving companies, get in writing an in-home estimate, rather than a phone or online estimate. There are a variety of estimates, including a binding estimate, in which the mover agrees to provide certain services for a set price; a non-binding estimate, which is what the mover believes the cost will be based on the estimated weight, and a "guaranteed not-to-exceed" amount that you and the mover both agree to. Be sure to ask about things like moving heavy furniture, moving up and down stairs and moving on weekends. These often can carry hidden charges. Also, be sure your move is covered by insurance. Most companies will offer free limited coverage with additional insurance available to purchase.

If yours is an interstate move, there are certain federal regulations that your mover must follow, including providing you with a copy of "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" brochure.

Some companies offer an online tracking system so you can virtually watch your belongings as they move. Regardless of the distance involved, get phone numbers and back-up phone numbers in case you need to reach the drivers or vice versa. If the drivers can't get hold of you, they could charge you to store your items.

Once you're reunited with your belongings, don't sign off on the job until you're sure there's nothing missing or damaged. If you notice that a box is damaged, open it in the movers' presence to confirm the condition of the articles in the box. Never pay in full or give a mover a large deposit. Only pay upon delivery. Look for a moving company that carries the ProMover designation. Red flags include a company with an unmarked truck, dirty packaging materials and employees without uniforms.

And never hire on price alone, especially if that low bid is significantly lower than your other estimates. The move could take longer, or items may be damaged, leading to a higher cost in the end.

Angie's List collects about 65,000 consumer reviews each month covering more than 550 home and health services. Angie Hicks compiles the best advice from the most highly rated service pros on Angie's List to answer your questions. Ask Angie your question at askangieangieslist.com.