Long distance move - Trust moving company unpack

Trust is a big word. I would consider it more like risk management.
So many variables but to head off disaster, you or somebody you actually know and trust needs to be present to perform or supervise/monitor packing, loading, unloading, and set-up of your stereo system.  If you decide to have movers do some or all of that, I suggest calling ahead of time and asking for their crew with the most experience with that type of thing and then I would be ready to pay them for the extra service.  I like your idea of contacting a reputable local stereo shop to assist with set-up, if you need the help.  However, I would want to be there....who knows, you might learn something and have some fun.

DO NOT TRUST THE MOVERS!
Signed, One who knows...

You'd have to be insane to trust movers with your system .

Thanks all for your input. I will reach out to a local dealer for a tech to assist.

We are about 6-8 weeks from moving, once our house in Maryland goes to settlement, down to Asheville, NC.  One of the long-distant movers called me the other day and for a policy to cover our stuff while in transit, with my high end system, the cost is around $1000...for a plan that gives us nine months to file a claim.

The last time I headed down to Northern Virginia, on the Capital Beltway they were clearing an accident involving a FedEx and moving company tractor trailers, so I suspect "total losses" do happen!