Whether this is your first time moving or you are a pro at moving you will benefit greatly from the advice and tips at VanLines.com’s moving guide. The information has been gathered from professionals who have been in the business for many years.

The moving industry has”peak” seasons. The "peak" season for movers is during the warmer months. Also, the beginning and the end of the month and during the end of year holidays. During those periods of time the demand for moving equipment, vans, and personnel is heavy.

• Your move should take place at a time that is convenient for you and your family. If you have children you will most likely want to move when the school term has ended. Unfortunately this may fall in to the peak season and your costs will probably be higher.
If your move can be rescheduled to a time when the van line agents are less busy you may be able to reduce your moving costs.
For younger children moving to a new school in the middle of the school term will probably not create any problems. Older children and teenagers will be in the middle of academic courses and this may not be a good time to uproot them. Older children will also have developed stronger ties to their friends and may be upset if moved mid term.

• Contact the van line agents that you selected for written estimates. A relocation consultant will come to your home and do a visual inventory of the contents that you are planning to move. He will then prepare a written estimate for your review. It is important for you to know that there is more than one type of estimate. The two most common types of estimates are binding and non binding estimates. See more detailed information in the estimates section of this guide.

• Decide what items you want to move and what will be discarded. Inspect your home from attic to basement before the relocation consultant arrives. Show the consultant everything that you will be moving.

• Be certain that the mover has marked all items that are “moving” and “not moving” on the survey sheet. The mover will prepare an estimate that will include transportation charges and the charges of additional services that you may have requested. Keep in mind that if you decide to take more items or take fewer items the total cost of your move will change. Inform the mover of any changes with your shipment. Effective communication is a determining factor for a successful move.

• If you decide to do your own packing or partial packing, remember that the moving company is not liable for damage to boxes packed by the customer. However, if there is obvious exterior damage on the packing of your goods, make a note on the inventory sheet of your shipment. The driver has the right to refuse to accept cartons that may be improperly packed. If the driver has to re-pack cartons that the customer has packed, additional charges will apply.

• If you decide to do your own packing, get packing supplies and start collecting strong boxes suitable for moving. Complete all packing by moving day.

• If your company is relocating you, find out what portion of your moving expenses will be paid by your company.

• Obtain a written appraisal of antiques to verify their value. Do not retouch, wax or oil wood furniture before moving. Some products may soften the wood, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads.