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Stress Reduction Tips For Moving Long Distance

Moving is the most stressful period on one's life, behind divorce and death. If the move is long distance or international, this event is even more stressful. Tips on how to make this move successful are often welcomed with open arms. With so many decisions to make, you probably need some pointers to get you off in the right direction.

Ocean hoppers and bi-coastal dwellers understand first-hand how tough it can be to make a well-organized move. From these experiences, many people can learn to make a successful move less the horrors. A few tips are listed below:

Get three quotes or more from moving companies that you've well researched. Then, consider which contract is worth signing. A licensed mover doesn't guarantee that the moving company has a great reputation. Look for a mover that has the means to move your belongings cross-country or understands your destination's custom regulations.

Every moving company's contract is different. Hence, guarantees and insurance coverage vary. Look to see if insurance will replace or pay for lost or damaged goods. Also, carefully read what the contract says about arrival dates. Some contracts allow a grace period of one or two days beyond the designated date before the mover will reimburse you for inconveniences.

Online moving directories are abundant. Check out Getamover.com, Mover.com, or 123movers.com. For international movers, check out Allied, British Association of Removers, or FIDI.
Let the mover's packing pros do the packing or make sure you carefully follow the mover's self-packing instructions. Many long distance movers will not be liable for your belongings unless they pack those items themselves. If you consider the cost to replace these items versus your savings if you pack it yourself, it makes sense to let the packers do your valuables and breakables. Moving companies send out a moving manager to review the company's procedures and take a general inventory of your belongings. From the manager's estimation of your belongings' weight and how much boxing the packers will do for you, a quote is derived. If you don't plan to move certain stuff like a big backyard playset or a riding lawn mower, let the manager during the initial meeting. Most managers will offer tips on how to cut costs if you pack certain belongings yourself. However, many of these items should be packed in the company's sturdy boxes and containers. Don't try to pack items that the mover clearly refuses to move like chemical cleaner or don't comply with international regulations.

Some items worth packing yourself include:
- Books (in small boxes)
- Lamp shades
- Hanging clothes (in boxes with hanging bars)
Make a backup plan in case your mover doesn't arrive on time. Also, pack your personals and important papers a few days before the move. You want to use your moving day to supervise the packers and movers. During the move, take advantage of the company's tracking system to call in or log on to find out your belonging's whereabouts. While the movers are unpacking, go over your inventory list carefully and check off each box as it's unloaded.

It's okay during this time to schedule a little R&R during the transition period. Consider yourself lucky if Murphy's Law doesn't strike and hope that you encounter only minor mishaps.

Gerry Danza is the website of U B Moving, a premier resource for moving information on the Internet. For more info go take at look at his archive of articles: http://www.ubmoving.com/archive/