• The more you plan for the move, the smoother it will go.
• Planning well in advance provides the opportunity to find a good company. It will also give you time to obtain multiple estimates, which will tell you how much the move will likely cost.
• Ask friends and family for recommendations. You should ask questions like: Were the movers on time? Were they professional? Did they have enough people and the right equipment for the job? Did they damage anything? If you would like more in depth information, contact your local Better Business Bureau and Chamber of Commerce for performance records on movers.
• Take an objective look at your household goods, and decide how much time and energy you want to put towards your move. Knowing these important facts will help you get a cost estimate and decide what company is best for you.

• Weight: In long distance moves, the more weight, the more cost.
• Distance: The number of miles you're traveling between the origin and destination address. Some carriers only serve certain states.
• Time: One factor is moving during peak times, such as the summer or holidays. This means that you'll pay more for your move. Local moves, which are within 100 miles of your destination, are charged by an hourly rate. Household goods, planning, and efficiency of the moving company will all factor into the final cost.

When hiring a professional moving company, the final cost factor is deciding between a "self-service" and a "full-service" move. In a self-service move, the moving company transports your belongings from the old house to the new, but you have to pack and unpack your boxes at both ends. In a full-service move, the moving company will pack and unpack your boxes, as well as transport all of your household goods. People who hire professional movers usually choose full-service. While a self-service move will save you money, long distance moves with lots of heavy, valuable items are best left to the professionals.

It may not pay to move some things. Consider the value of a donation to Goodwill or the Salvation Army against the cost of moving something near the end of its life expectancy.

Debi's preferred movers is McCollisters

Pack, Load and Drive
You can do it all yourself, and if so here are some things you need to consider:

• Do you have the physical strength?
• Do you have access to moving vehicles?
• Will you have friends and family assist you?
• Are they capable of moving your heavy or precious belongings?
• Insurance - What happens if someone or something gets hurt or damaged?
• Are you prepared to make the long drive to the destination?
• Have you calculated the cost of travel: gas, tolls, meals, lodging, possible medical expenses, and uninsured damaged goods?