FrontDoor.com

If you're a first-time mover without many belongings, rent a truck or trailer and ask your friends for help.

Like moving boxes, moving advice isn't one-size-fits-all -- in fact, moving advice varies based on your geographical location, personal experiences, and moving expectations.

There's a good chance you'll move several times in your life, and with each move, you'll find yourself in completely different circumstances.

To cater to your specific moving needs, Relocation.com's Karen Tooley is taking a look at people moving at different stages of their life and the issues that are specific to them: the first-time mover, combining two households, moving with kids, and empty-nest movers. In Tooley's 20-plus years in the relocation industry, she's covered the entire spectrum of the types of movers. Figure out what categorie(s) you fit under to determine what advice is most pertinent to your situation.

First-Time Mover: Information Overload

If you've never moved with moving companies, the amount of information you encounter can be overwhelming.

Stop, take a breath, and work through a checklist of things you need to get done. Here are some starters:

If you're moving across state lines, the price the long-distance moving company charges is most likely based on the weight of your shipment. Remember that every service you request comes at a cost, such as packing and unpacking services, bulky article transportation, and any third-party services that you may need.

Even if you don't have much stuff and live in a relatively small home or apartment, always have at least one reputable moving company perform an in-home survey of your needs to ensure that your moving quote is accurate. There are always unusual factors that can inflate the cost of a move; it's best to discover this beforehand. If it's a larger move, get at least 3 quotes.

Assuming you have decided on a budget for your expenses, the moving company representative will be able to offer alternative ways of staying within your budget. For example, pack your goods yourself, instead of having someone else do it. Toss some items from your shipment that adds extra weight or bulky article charges. You may decide that the cost to move certain items is higher than the sentimental value of those items.

After a physical survey of your goods by your mover, ask for an estimate in writing and a guaranteed price. Most moving companies are happy to give you a guarantee on the moving quote and will outline in their written estimate all of the services included. Be aware that any changes you make to those services or to the weight of your shipment may void your guaranteed pricing. Always discuss any changes with your moving company ahead of the move to avoid unwanted surprises.

Start planning early, especially since this is a new experience for you. Depending on the time of the year and your location, plan your move at least a month in advance. Most moving companies will try to accommodate your needs, but to ensure that your requested dates can be met, planning the earlier the better. Moving companies are very busy in the summer, and always busy toward the end of months, when leases come due.

More Resources for First-Time Movers:

• Moving Section
• Moving Guide
• Tips for First-Time Movers
• Relocation Truck Options
• Fast, Cheap Ways to Make Your House a Home