Make sure you use edge protectors to protect your stuff when you move. Do not trust the company to pack stuff for you and care about if it reaches the right place in unbroken states. Only through using cardboard edge protectors to ensure that the binding straps do not dig in or allow items to bounce against one another can you be sure that everything arrives in the same condition it left you in. No matter how much the moving company tries to sell you their custom packaging solutions make sure you know how your stuff is being treated.
As you can tell, moving usually is not the safest thing to attempt with a lot of stuff. Just trying to move a two bedroom condo into a house can cost thousands of dollars and this is without edge protectors to protect your stuff. For a little bit more, cardboard edge protectors and custom packaging solutions can go a long way to ensure that you items arrive in the same state in which they were packed , and while the temptation might be to do without, risking the priceless nature of your stuff might not be overly wise.
Instead of risking your antiques, your newly bought headboard or other items, you could place them for sale (which would defeat the reason for buying them in the first place) or you could haul them yourself. But unless you are comfortable driving a large truck that might not be practical. When you do finally reach the conclusion you need professional help to move, you might be best to pay more for a brand you can trust, because chance are they DO care about how your stuff arrives. Trying to go too cheaply could expose you to scams, and those can be very expensive.
Personal experience aside, the best tip is to research the company very carefully. You will want to talk to family and friends who have moved to find out who they used and how the experience was. Check Better Business Bureau for complaints and such, but do not take the lack of them as an overly good sign. Not everyone with a bad experience will file a complaint there. Once you have researched and chosen a company or three, ask them for quotes and references. This is an important step, as most solid performers will gladly give you contact information to past customers so you can select the correct carrier.
No matter what you decide, your estimate by the company should not bind you to selecting them. The contract should also clearly state that they cannot charge more then the contract states. All too often a company will low ball the amount to get your business and then spring on you additional charges after they have your stuff loaded on the truck- and tell you that you cannot get your stuff back until the higher rate is paid in full. Make sure you have legal recourse for such situations before you need it.

