Organize Your Move
If relocation is in your future, taking the time to organize your move can save you a lot of stress.  Moving is always a major undertaking, but it doesn't have to be an overwhelming one.  If carefully planned out, you can have a smooth move. 
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My husband and I moved 16 times in 24 years. We've moved across town, interstate, from coast to coast, and internationally.  As you can see, I've had more than my share of practice moving. In my experience, two factors play a key role in the success and smoothness of a move.  Those factors are knowledge and planning.   

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Moving Made Easy: A Step-by Step Guide to a Successful Move
This page will focus on building your knowledge base in preparation for a move. Click here to read more about planning for a move.

Gather Information
The first step to organize your move is to gather information. As part of your quest for knowledge, you should strive to make an informed decision about how best to conduct your move. There are three main options available for moving. These include:
  • Portable Storage Containers
  • Truck Rental
  • Full Service Moving Company
Each of these options offers advantages and disadvantages. The more you can learn about the options available, the easier it will be to make the best decision for your move.

Make an Informed Decision
Once you decide on a method for your move, you will need to choose a company to work with and sign a contract.
If you decide to hire a full service moving company, you will need to obtain written in-home estimates from all the companies you are considering. Do not accept a final estimate over the phone or internet. 
In order to provide you with an accurate estimate, your mover will need to see your stuff.  This includes everything that will go with you to your new location. Show the person preparing the estimate every area of your home to include the garage, shop, attic, basement, outdoor sheds, and so forth.  Also be sure the person providing the estimate makes a note of any over-sized, oddly shaped, or extremely delicate items which may add significantly to the weight of your shipment or require special packaging. ​

More to Read

Read more about each of the three main moving options by clicking on the image below.
Once you have chosen a moving company, you should receive information regarding your rights and responsibilities and the company’s arbitration policy.  This is true, to some extent, whether you are using a portable storage container, renting a moving truck or hiring a full-service moving company. Where applicable, you should also receive instructions as to what you need to do prior to moving day to prepare for the move. Read over this information carefully as you organize your move.  It is critical to the success of your moving experience.  ​

Recommended Reading
For more great information on how to organize your move check out these pages:​

Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Your knowledge gathering duties do not end with the arrival of your move date.  Ask questions about anything you don’t understand or are concerned about.  Some movers are excellent at keeping you informed as to the progress of your move, but others are much less so. Make sure you know what your movers are doing and why.  They are about to take everything you own and drive off with it.  You have a right to know.

Resources to Help You Organize Your Move
It's worth the time it takes to research all your options as you prepare to organize your move. Here are some resources to help you with your decision making process. Both of these sites allow you to compare prices for moving services in your area.
As you can see, information is really at the center of a successful move.  It gives you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions, and it’s central to the planning process.  Make the most of the information available to you as you organize your move.

I Can Help
I have lots of experience moving and helping others organize for a move. If you'd like help preparing for your next move, click here.

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