Attaining accurate moving Estimates:
To help you anticipate the cost of your move, movers will give you quotes according to a list of items that you'll provide. Help the movers calculate the cost of your move by listing every single item to be moved. Don't forget to go into the attic, basement, garage, closets and under beds. Reach a clear understanding about the amount of packing and
other services needed. Anything omitted from the estimate but later included in the shipment will add to the cost of your move. And remember when you are looking for movers and moving companies Long Distance Moving we will get you there.

Introduction to Moving

When you make a decision to move to a new home, there must be thousands of questions you want to have answers for. Whether this will be your first of fifth time moving, most of the tips in this guide will make it easier for you to have a stress-free moving experience.

The information in this guide has been gathered from moving industry veterans and many other important sources. Please, read it carefully, and have an easy move!

1. When to move

2. What to move

3. How to move

4. Preparing for the move

5. Moving day

6. What to do after the move


When to move

Question number one would be: “when is the best time for me to move?”

You should plan your move to take place at a time convenient for you and your family. However, due to a seasonal nature of the moving industry you should remember that during certain periods it will be harder to find a good mover, and the prices tend to be generally higher.

Those periods include:

1) The summer months – for many families with children summer is the most convenient time to move because the school term is up. In addition, summer weather is usually more suitable for moving.

2) Beginning and end of each month - first and last days of each month, regardless of season, are very busy days for the moving industry.

3) End of the year holiday season – during end of December things tend to be especially hectic.

During the “peak” periods the demand for moving services is higher, and so are the prices. In addition, it is more difficult for the moving companies to ensure the quality of service that you would expect, making your move even more stressful.

To learn more about different factors influencing the cost of your move read Moving Guide->Moving Cost-Financial Tips



What to move

Question number two would be “what should I move to a new place, and what to leave behind?”

General rule of thumb: an item that hasn’t been used in over year should be considered for selling, donating, recycling, or just thrown away. Consult your family members – maybe someone needs it.

Make sure you inspect your house from top to bottom and decide what is going and what is staying. If you plan to have a visit from a visual estimator make sure you know exactly what you want the moving company to move for you. Show all those items to the estimator.

You might have things that you don’t want to part with, but which will inevitably be stored in a storage, shed, or garage after the move. Those items should be packed very well in containers that are rodent, moisture and dust proof. To learn more about preparing your items for storing read Moving Guide->Moving Storage Tips.

Some items can’t be moved at all, or should be moved with a special care. Those items include hazardous materials, perishables, and personal and valuable items. To learn more about do-not-move items read Moving Guide->Do-not-move Items.



How to move

Next question will be “how am I going to move? Should I do it myself, or should I hire a moving company?”

There a three general ways to move:

1) Hire a full service moving company that will do everything for you;

2) Rent a truck and move yourself;

3) Hire a self moving company that will provide you with a truck and a driver, but you will have to load and unload by yourself.

Regardless of the option you choose, remember to reserve your moving services or truck well ahead to secure your moving date and time. Read more to learn how to:

Choose the right moving company: Moving Guide->How to Choose a Moving Company
Renting a truck: Moving Guide->Truck Rental Basics
Use the self moving services: Moving Guide->Self Moving Tips
Also, when exploring your moving options consider the following tips:

Hiring helpers – if you decide to move yourself you might want to use extra help to load or unload. There are companies that offer moving labor only. You can find such company in our Moving Labor section.

Small moves – if your shipment is really small and can fit in a small van your move is considered small move. Some companies (often called as “Man-with-a-Van”) offer inexpensive services for small moves. You can find such company in our Small Move section.

Insurance - If you are hiring a professional, it's a good idea to insure your belongings. Replacement of damaged belongings is bothersome, but possible with proper coverage. Find out if your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy covers your belongings in transit. To learn more about moving insurance read our Moving Guide->Moving Insurance Guide

New premises – It’s important to pay attention to the doorways and hallways in your new house. Some of your old furniture might not fit, and will have to be abandoned. Check the space for your laundry and kitchen appliances, such as refrigerator. And finally, check out where TV, phone and internet connections are located.

Auto moving – If you decide to use an auto transporting service to move your car, consult our Moving Guide->Auto Moving Tips.



Preparing for the move

Good planning and organization is a key for successful move. You should keep a special notebook with all the planning, tasks, and important move-related information.

Prepare your items for move. Packing all your belongings and preparing your furniture for the move is one of the most laborious parts of the moving process. To make it easier consult the following tips:

Get rid of the items you don’t want to move by having a garage sale. Allow yourself enough time to organize it. If you don’t want to deal with garage sales consider donating your unwanted items.

Keep a floor plan of the new house with you for reference while you pack and for moving day.

Keep tools for assembling beds and other furniture in easily accessible place, or tape them to the furniture itself.

Clean your belongings before moving them.