Beware Of Movers Who Take You For a Ride

Be sure to get a written estimate from at least three movers, the National Endowment for Financial Education recommends. There are binding estimates, in which your final bill cannot go higher than what you're quoted, and nonbinding estimates. A nonbinding estimate is not a contract but an approximation of the cost of the move, with the final costs based on the actual weight of your shipment and other services provided.

And for goodness' sake, don't get an estimate over the phone. Get a company representative to come to your home to view your belongings.

When the representative arrives, the financial education endowment says you should discuss what services will be provided, the mover's responsibility for any damages or losses that may occur, and how the business will work with you to settle a dispute.

For interstate moves, the company should provide you with the booklet "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" produced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You can download a copy of it at the agency's Web site, http://www.protectyourmove.gov. This Web site is another must before you hire a mover. You'll find details of the regulations that govern interstate movers, a list of registered and insured movers and information on how to file a complaint with the agency. You can also find contact information for issues if you're moving within the same state. Such moves are not covered by federal regulations.

If you're one of the millions planning to pack up and relocate soon, especially from one state to another, please use caution in selecting a mover or you might end up curbside with your belongings being held hostage.

· On the air: Michelle Singletary discusses personal finance Tuesdays on NPR's "Day to Day" program and online athttp://www.npr.org.

· By mail: Readers can write to her at The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.

· By e-mail:singletarym@washpost.com.

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