You probably know very little about the moving industry, aside from seeing the occasional moving van heading down the interstate. And often, what you do know might involve tales of unscrupulous and conniving movers. Learn the facts to be an informed, savvy consumer who knows how to spot a moving scam.

• All moving companies are not created equal. Learn the facts about the four types of moving companies: van lines, van line agents, independent or "full service" carriers and moving brokers.
• Looking for a budget moving option? Find out about renting a moving truck for a do-it-yourself move.
• Find out the difference in pricing between an intrastate or local move and a interstate move.
• Contact your insurance agent to ask about coverage while you're in transit. Then, research moving protection options to determine if you need extra coverage. Get high-value items appraised.
• Learn how to avoid Internet moving scams.
• Decide what type of mover you want to use based on the amount of money in your moving budget.
• If you decide to hire a moving company, ask friends, family and local businesses for recommendations. Do some research to answer questions like these:
  • Does the company have a local presence?
  • Does the company have a state license?
  • Are there many unresolved complaints against the company at the Better Business Bureau?
  • Does the mover carry proper insurance?
• At least two months before you move, schedule an in-home estimate with at least three movers. This in-home survey is the only way you will get an accurate assessment of what it will cost you to move. During the estimate, ask questions like these:
  • How long has your company been around?
  • How long have you been giving moving estimates?
  • How will you handle my valuables?
• Before you choose an estimate, make sure each is based on the quantity of things moved, as well as any physical constraints (stairs, etc.) movers will have to deal with. Beware of an estimate that is much higher or lower than others you receive.
• Know exactly what you're paying for. Make sure your mover knows everything you're planning to take with you to avoid hidden moving costs.

At least 2 months before you move:

• Make travel arrangements for you and your family. Plan to arrive well before your movers' scheduled arrival. Flying with a pet? Make sure your flight is Fido-friendly.
• Got enough people to drive your cars to your new home? It not, you'll need a car mover.
• Do you need storage? Start researching storage units and mobile storage now.

Call your service companies and organize important papers at least a month before you relocate. Changing your address before you skip town can prevent major hassles like past-due bills, service lapses, and even identity theft.

• Make a list of all your service providers and organizations and tell them your new address.
• Create a folder for moving-related receipts. This will come in handy for next year's tax return -- many moving expenses are tax deductible.
• Check the requirements for a new driver's license and complete auto registration at your new motor vehicle location.
• Organize important documents, like your will, passport, deeds and financial statements. Carry them with you when you move, and make copies to pack with your other goods.
• Notify old and new schools and arrange for the transfer of school records and begin the process of registering in new schools
• Open a new banking account. Don't close your old one until you move. If you bank online, be sure to update your address for statement delivery.

Before you move, you're forced to look through everything buried in your house. If some of your belongings haven't been seen since you took them off the last moving truck, it's the perfect time to ditch old stuff. Here's how to do it:

• Reevaluate all your stuff, no matter how much it cost or who gave it to you. Don't forget to:
  • Remember where and why you're moving, and pack accordingly.
  • Leave behind notorious clutter items: unread books, unfinished projects, etc.
• If you're combining two households, eliminate duplicate furniture, appliances and cookware.
• Tell your friends and family you're paring down possessions. You'll feel better, and it'll be easier giving up that expensive couch, if you know your best friend will make good use of it.
• Have a yard sale -- you can get rid of things you don't use and avoid paying to move them; and you'll make some extra cash that you can spend on new things in your next home.
• Consider donating unsold items to charity. You were willing to sell them, so why not help out a good cause instead?

After you've weeded out the clutter, it's time to start packing up your belongings.

• Before you start packing, create a written, digital photo or video inventory of your stuff. You can compare against the moving company's list to ensure you don't lose anything in the move. This will help you figure out how many boxes you'll need.
• Make a packing plan, and assign everyone a task, including the kids.
• Next, you'll need to find packing supplies.
• You can use many things you already have on hand: fill your suitcases and plastic bins, then line with old towels,sheets, scarves and pillows as packing material.
  • Buy budget-friendly recycled cardboard boxes, or pick up new ones.
  • You'll also need tape, markers, a box cutter and other packing supplies.
  • Want an eco-friendly move? Read up on our green moving tips.
• Now start packing! Here are some tips to get you started:
  • Pack what you use least often first.
  • Concentrate on one room at a time -- focus on small tasks rather than the entire project.
  • Write the contents of each box on the outside, and include the room it will go in the new house. Also, where applicable mark the boxes "Fragile," "Do not load," or "Load last"
• Collect valuable items such as jewelry or heirlooms and keep them separate from the rest of your packed belongings so you don't risk losing them.
• Wait until the week of the move to pack these items:
  • Back up your computer files on a disk or flash memory drive. You should plan to take these files with you in the car or whatever mode of transportation you will be using to get to your new home. Exposure to extreme temperatures can damage your software and files.
  • Get together all keys, alarm codes and garage door openers and place them in a folder so that you can be prepared to hand them over to the new owner or real estate agent.
• Begin cleaning any rooms in your house that have been emptied, such as closets, basements or attics, and check to make sure you did not leave anything unpacked.

Planning your new home and learning about your new community before you move will ease the transition for you and your family.

• Research your new community and schools so you know as much as possible before you move. If you have children, put together a folder for each child that includes brochures about the new city such as theaters, libraries, parks and sports teams. Be sure to include information on activities they enjoy.
• Start planning where things will go in your new home. Are you taking appliances? If so, draw up a plan for how to handle them.
• Make an unpacking plan for the new home -- who does what and diagram where the furniture goes. The movers will not rearrange your furniture for you, so think this through.

Two weeks before you move, all of your arrangements should be made.

• Check with your mover to confirm all the details of the move are set. Find out if you'll owe money after the move and find out what form of payment they accept.
• Confirm closing/move-in dates with your real estate agent; confirm dates with your storage people.
• Discuss contingency plan for the movers running late. Where will you sleep?
• Moving plants? Check on their special moving needs.
• Arrange for professional cleaning of the your old and new home.
• Arrange childcare and pet care for the day of your move, or think about a "safe" room they can be during the move itself so they're out of the way.
• Is your pet ready to relocate? Confirm transportation plans, and make sure someone can watch your pet during the move.
• Notify the police in your town if your home will be uninhabited for a long period of time.
• Double check that your utilities are set to be connected in your new home.