Whether you hire others to do it or do it yourself this will be the biggest expense and probably the biggest headache during the move.  How do you determine who to hire ?  How do you know which companies to talk to ?  Should you get more than one bid ?  What information should you give to these companies in order to get a reliable bid?  What hidden costs do you need to know about?  How far in advance do you need to solicit bids?  This week I will touch on the basic statistics and contact information , critical questions:

6 Things to Do When Deciding to Move:

1.  Go through your house room by room and put in 3 catagories:

      A.  Throw out

      B.  Give to charity, give away, garage sell

      C.  Move or carry to new place

2.  Answer the following questions:

      A.  How much stuff are you moving?

      B.  What is your moving budget?

      C.  How far are you moving?

      D.  Are there other considerations?

3.  Get estimates from movers:

      A.  This is VERY HELPFUL to understand costs, trade-offs and estimate the size of your move and it is FREE. (even if you move yourself)

      B.  I suggest you call 3 movers for estimates. Get estimates in writing and don't be afraid to negotiate with them. ( for a list of questions to ask movers , email me at conniespate@remax.net)

4.  What movers should I contact?

      A.  National moving companies with good records, also get recommendations from people you know , and also consider local movers they may work with you since you are local. ( for a list of national movers or a fax transmission for moving bids email me at conniespate@remax.net)

      B.  Get estimates and review carefully and make sure the movers include everything in the costs.  Hidden costs can add up quickly.

5.  Determine how much it would cost to move yourself:

     A.  Use the answers to the above crucial questions on how much stuff do you have ( rooms?)  , how far are you moving?

     B.  Research costs to move yourself:  such as truck rentals, packing materials, dollies, additional insurance, etc.

6.  Review your insurance and make sure you are covered.  Most moving companies provide min. insurance ( by the pound), many times this is not adequate to cover the costs of your goods.

     Review your home owners policy to see what is covered and what is not.

     Finally , understand what is and is not insured by the moving company or transport agent.  Bottom line make sure you are covered!!!!

Happy Research!!!!!!!!!!!!