Call local real estate agents for recommendations. They work closely with movers, packers and various moving-related companies and likely have a list of reputable movers.
Look in your phone book or online for moving companies in your area.
Contact moving companies and ask them how long they've been in business. Hire a company that has been around for at least 10 years and has positive reviews online and is spoken highly of.
Ask questions. Ask for the company's address, their website and for references from clients. Ask for their DOT (department of transportation) and MC (moving company) license numbers.
Go to SaferSys.org to verify that the company's DOT and MC license numbers are real and in good standing. While looking at the numbers, verify that the contact information matches the information the company gave you.
Request that the company come to do an in-home estimate. Moving companies that refuse to do this should be disregarded. It's only possible to get an accurate estimate if the movers have actually seen the items they'll be moving.