Before you call any movers and ask them to come out and give you an estimate, you need to know what you want the movers to do. If you don't it will be very difficult to compare estimates and make a good decision.

This question requires some thought. To help you out, we’re going to provide you a checklist of questions and some food for thought. You’ll also be able to weigh your options and decide what services you really need. Here we go:

1. What can you handle yourself?
You should let the movers pack and carry all the large and heavy items, such as pianos, dressers, grandfather clocks, that could do physical harm to you should be left to the movers. Go to each room and make a list and be sure to be specific, e.g. headboard, footboard, queen size bed in master bedroom.

You should definitely move your jewelry, framed artwork and other valuable items yourself. If these items are too large then make sure you tell the mover that you want certain items crated or boxed. Be specific here, because these types of services should be detailed in your estimate and boxing and crating add to the cost of the move.

If this is a short local move, consider not using a professional at all. You’ll save lots of money and have much more control. Just recruit some friends or hire some local day laborer and rent a rent a truck, truck trailer or moving pod. This will require you to divide the work amongst yourselves and also to rent the proper equipment such plenty of furniture pads, a hand truck, boxes, and plastic wrap. We'll talk about these separately under moving yourself.

2. Who will pack?
If you want to save money and reduce the risk of things being damaged then consider packing yourself. You should leave large fragile items such as mirrors or glass to the movers. Packing yourself will save money, if you have the time. You’ll want to check on any insurance that you take out on the items you pack to see if these are insurable.

Remember though that having a mover do the packing not only saves you time, it also gives you a better basis for filing an insurance claim if there is damage. Remember though that the packing service can make up almost 50 percent of the mover’s price, so weigh the pros and cons.

3. When is the best time to move?
The months of May through September are the busiest times for movers and renting moving trucks, moving trailers and pods. Also, weekends and the end of each month are the busiest times. If you have little or no flexibility, you may end of paying a lot more money to get the mover or equipment you want

Most moves will take longer than you are planning. Many folks get caught up in sorting through their furnishings and before you know it time flies and the moving date has arrived. So give yourself plenty of lead time. Remember that a short deadline will cause you and your family to work frantically. The end result will be a miserable experience.

4. What should I move?
Start a detailed list and identify what items are not going to be a part f your new life. Especially identify heavy items like pianos, organs, and large furniture pieces that may require piano movers and other specialists. Don't forget the garage, storage shed, and basement. Anything that you can sell or give away means that you’ll save money on your move and eliminate clutter in your life.

Don't be afraid to trash stuff either. If you are reluctant just think of whether you want to pay someone to move the stuff. If you have a lot of time consider auctioning items on EBAY or CraigsList. If that’s not possible, have a yard sale, or donate items to the local chapter of the Salvation Army, Good Will Industries or your house of worship. These are charitable deductions on your tax return. Don’t forget your friends and neighbors either.


5. Where do I get boxes?
For the average home, your mover can provide you with boxes for about $300. Check the Home Depot, Lowes and Costco too. I have seen moving boxes there.

Of course there’s the local super market, but the boxes available there may vary quite a bite. Nevertheless, check them out and some of the photocopy outlets and ask for their empty boxes.

Used boxes are another option. If someone has recently moved in your neighborhood, you might be able to do your new neighbor and yourself a favor by taking those used boxes off their hands. Some movers provide used boxes for free. Ask to see what the company’s policy is.

If you are going to move yourself and want new boxes, then check with local and national companies. They give you a full refund on any boxes that you don't use.

6. Do I need insurance?
Yes, you will need insurance. This is a complicated subject and we cover it fully. See Do you need insurance when you move?

7. Will you need storage?
If your new home won’t be ready by the time you must leave your existing home, you're going to probably need to plan to have your furniture stored. We generally don’t advise this, but if you have to, you have to.

Make sure you find out where your goods will be stored and if possible have a relative or friend check out the storage facility. Make sure it is climate controlled. Also get proof of insurance from the mover for the goods being stored. Your goods should be insured against fire, theft and other risks.

Remember, the insurance that you took out earlier only covers your furnishings in transit.

Be certain that you can meet your driver on the day that your furniture will be delivered. If you don’t, your driver may unload your furnishings in a temporary storage facility, to get at another customer’s furnishings on the truck. Try to avoid this. All that extra unloading and loading, generally means more damage to your belongings.

8. What if I have special items?
Any item that is very heavy or has an unusual shape is generally viewed as a “special item.” Grand pianos, grandfather clocks, and Roman columns fall into this category. You’ll pay extra for these items and you should. You may need piano movers or others specializing in moving large pieces.

Don't forget the art work. If it is valuable and large, you should have it crated. Most art galleries should be able to do this adequately.

If the mover doesn't take them into account and tries to move them, they could seriously get damaged or do damaged to your existing home or new one.

9. Are there any things that I have to be aware of?
Yes. Movers take everything into consideration in a move and charge extra if they have to render special services. Here are things they consider and in each case you pay extra for it:

a. The distance from the truck to your front door and the number of steps outside your front door. Distances greater than 75 feet to your front door or more than steps means more work and effort for the mover,

b. You have an elevator and the mover must wait to use it,

c. The moving van can’t get down your street and the mover has to ferry your goods with a smaller truck from the van to your front door. This is common in the city and in towns with very narrow streets.

d. If you want the van to make several stops to pick up or drop off furnishings, and

e. Traffic congestion in the pickup and drop off areas.

You can do much more on Millennial Living. Upload your photos, find a contractor, and share your expertise if you are an expert. Learn more.