Should I trust movers with my equipment?

I agree with Onhwy61. I also let my movers move my (extremely well-packed in original packing) equipment, save for my turntable/arm/cartridge, which I brought myself principally because I had a new cartridge installed after the movers had taken everything. The key here was that while the move was 400 miles, I used a local, family-run company that was highly recommended, got to talk with the movers who were very nice and had them realize that this stuff was not to be handled roughly. No problems at all. I might have had second thoughts with a large chain company, but after talking with the people who were actually doing the moving I had no qualms.

I moved recently and watched the movers at work. They get a passing grade on the piano and furniture, but barely. No way would I let them touch small instruments or audio equipment. No freaking way.

Make a numbers list and mark each box. That includes software such as LPs and CDs as well. If lost insurance pays out very little.

Only if you purchase a special insurance rider from the moving company to cover those items, which must be scheduled into the rider. Very expensive, but it puts the moving company on notice that you are serious. I recently got an estimate for such a rider. For $100,000 of coverage, the premium for the rider was about $5,000. Rates vary somewhat depending on the insurance carrier and mover. Some movers cannot be covered, telling you something about using them in the first place.

I agree with the "don't do it" group. Unfortunately Rgs92, even on this subject there can be no consensus among audiophiles.