Once you have gathered all the necessary packing materials, the next step is constructing a packing plan. Packing a couple of cartons a day six to eight weeks before the move date will make it less stressful and easier when it comes time to move. Try to focus on packing one room at a time and consider throwing out items you don't use. A good rule of thumb to follow: if you haven't used it in the past 12 months, toss it! It is also recommended to keep the weight of your boxes under 50 pounds. For example, heaver items such as books should be packed in smaller boxes to make them easier to carry.

Movingestimates.com is your one stop resource for packing and moving.

You will need a system to make sure everything gets to the right room when it arrives in your new apartment. If you are hiring packers, this may be taken care of for you. If you are packing yourself, you’ll need a packing plan.

Color-coding boxes can help you tell at a glance which box goes in which room.Make sure each box is clearly labeled. Label several sides of the box because you do not know how it will be stacked when moved.

Always pack a priority box that contains supplies to get you through the first days in your new apartment. You’ll need to be able to get to your bedding and toothbrush, for instance.

Moving is a very stressful and expensive experience, and if you don't take precautions it can quickly turn into a nightmare. So how do you find a moving company that you can trust with everything that you own and feel safe in your decision? While we always recommend moving yourself if possible, or using a you-pack/we-drive service like ABF U-Pack Moving®, we know that sometimes circumstances don't allow that to work out. If that's the situation that you're in, here is some helpful advice to get you on the right track.

The first thing that you should do is put down your keyboard and step away from your computer. While there are some reputable moving companies that have web sites, nearly all of the victims that contact us found their moving company on the Internet.

Some also suggest that you don't listen to a person in sales who is telling stories about other movers. Also, if you are moving to a different state you need the following documents, an "order for service," a written estimate for your total moving costs, and a table of measurements of all items being moved. In addition, on the day of the move begin by introducing yourself to the movers and vice versa. This is important because the movers will be in your home and they will need to know where everything is located. And, any particular instructions should be seen clearly, such as items not being moved by them-by putting them in a certain location with a large sign saying-These Items Stay."

It will be prudent to start your research with MovingScam.com which is a website that details moving scams to alert you. Check out their articles, and in particular, their message board where individuals will post on moving company problems and warnings. Make it a point to consult Better Business Bureau to ascertain the genuineness of the moving companies.

Make sure to get Moving Estimates before you hire any companies for your move!

Of course, it will be foolish to expect a company that does not have any unhappy customers. But the key is to know that if there were complaints, how soon the company took remedial steps to satisfy the customer. Read the report carefully, and if you intend using a company who had earlier customer complaints, ask them specifically about this case and how it was resolved.

If you are about to relocate, most likely you will want to find a reliable moving company. However, how exactly do you find and choose a quality and trusted moving company?

Hiring a moving company is a bit like hiring a contractor: there’s the handy man- a jack-of-all-trades that can help you with anything you need on your moving day, the college students who work on the weekends, the typical “out of your garage” moving operation, the small startup moving company, the small but reputable moving company, the firmly established regional moving companies and the huge moving companies with branches or franchises in every major city.

Start planning your move early. If you are able to, give movers at least 6-8 week notice before you need to be moved. The busiest time for the moving industry is from late May to early September (This is also the busiest time for the self storage industry!). They are also very busy at the end of each month. If you plan ahead and are able to be flexible with the mover, you can schedule the tie that you will need for your move.

Keep an eye out for “rogue moving companies”. These companies are scamming customers into paying large fees and have little to no insurance to cover the items that are being transported. The “rogue movers” will not have a street address or licensing information on their website, will only give over the phone or on-line quotes, ask for a large deposit in advance and they will actually show up with a rental company truck instead of a “real” moving truck. Do not do business with these companies! Look for reputable, well-known and well received moving companies. If you follow the tips shown above, your moving experience could be less stressful.

There are many moving scams in the relocation industry these days. While some
of them aren't as problematic as others, it's important that you know what they
are so that you can avoid them. Some moving scams involve movers giving you a
very low moving quote and then telling you they have to raise the price for one
reason or another only after then get all of your things loaded onto the truck.
Other moving scams involve companies that no one's ever heard of, where they
actually steal your things. Yet others involve workers who demand tips of a
certain amount or threaten to damage your things. All of these can be troubling
and problematic, but there are some ways you can avoid them. Employ the
following tips to do just that.


First, when seeking a good moving company, always gather free moving quotes
from companies that are operating in your area or the areas where you need them.
This will allow you to compare moving costs across the board. Be wary of any
quotes that are far lower than those of the other companies on your list. Once
you've compared the quotes, go back and choose your top three choices and get
binding moving quotes from those companies. They will send a representative to
your home, who will look at what you are moving, and then will offer you a
binding contract that will outline just what you will have to pay. Since it is a
legal contract, the company will not be able to raise the price at the other end
of the move.


Know what your rights are when you are moving. It is important to know what
your legal standing is when you are relocating to a new home. When you know what
your legal rights are, the movers that you are working with are less likely to
be able to push you around when it comes to tipping or how they are treating
you. Have phone numbers to the company, and any industry hotlines, on hand just
in case you need them. And don't forget to have insurance as well. Ultimately,
it will be the insurance policy that you purchase before the move that protects
you and your things when they arrive at your home damaged.


While choosing a good moving company can be difficult, if you follow the
advice we've outlined above, you should have no trouble at all. Ultimately,
knowledge will be the power that you have when you are dealing with movers, so
avoid moving scams by educating yourself ahead of time and making your move less
stressful in the long run.